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Agile Whitewater Packraft
The MRS Alligator 2S series is a high-performance, fully sealed solo packraft built strictly for aggressive Class III–IV whitewater. Featuring a non-removable, fully sealed W-type spray skirt and a highly responsive rockered hull, it delivers exceptional maneuverability and carving control in a highly packable footprint. The adjustable 3-point thigh strap system locks you into the cockpit, allowing for precise edging, bracing, and rolling in heavy rapids.
Customize your armor level based on your river environment: choose the Lightweight version for an ultra-packable, 7-pound trail setup, or upgrade to the Pro version for expedition-grade, maximum-denier fabrics engineered to withstand relentless abrasion against rocks, wood, and shallow riverbeds. Each version is offered in Wide or XXL size, and a TiZip internal storage system (ISS) is available as an option for protected in-hull gear storage.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Alligator (Lightweight) Wide | Alligator (Lightweight) XXL | Alligator (Pro) Wide | Alligator (Pro) XXL | Material |
| Body (hull + deck) | 7.4 lb (3350 g) | 8.4 lb (3820 g) | 7.8 lb (3550 g) | 8.9 lb (4050 g) | 210D Nylon, 0.35 mm TPU coating (Lightweight) / 420D Nylon, 0.4 mm TPU coating (Pro) |
| Floor | — | 840D Nylon, 0.6 mm TPU coating | |||
| Seat | 0.6 lb (263 g) | 210D Nylon | |||
| Backrest | 0.6 lb (263 g) | EVA foam backrest | |||
| Thigh straps | 1.3 lb (573 g) | Quick-lock 5P thigh straps | |||
| SpraySkirt | 0.9 lb (405 g) | ||||
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D | |||
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | ||||
| Coaming frame | 5.7 oz (161 g) | ||||
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve | |||
| Total weight | 11.2 lb (5100 g) | 12.4 lb (5630 g) | 11.7 lb (5300 g) | 12.9 lb (5860 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 227 lb (103 kg) | 247 lb (112 kg) | 227 lb (103 kg) | 247 lb (112 kg) | |
| Recommended capacity | 317 lb (144 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | 317 lb (144 kg) | 340 lb (154 kg) | |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Item | Wide | XXL |
| Length (outer) | 102 in (260 cm) | 106 in (269 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 52 in (132.5 cm) | 54 in (136 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 36 in (92 cm) | 36 in (92 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 15 in (37 cm) | 14 in (35 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 90 in (228 cm) | 94 in (238 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 31 in (80 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) |
| Tube | 11 in (27.5 cm) | 11 in (28.5 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Wide size
XXL size
Accessories
0.6 lb (263 g)
0.6 lb (263 g)
0.9 lb (405 g)
1.3 lb (573 g)
5.7 oz (161 g)
3.0 oz (86 g)
4.8 oz (135 g)
Care & Maintenance
- Heat Expansion: Air expands rapidly under heat. Never leave a fully inflated packraft sitting on shore in direct sunlight. Always release the valve on the packraft, seats, and backrests when out of the water to prevent pressure blowouts and seam stress.
- Freshwater Rinse: Always rinse the hull thoroughly with clean freshwater after paddling in saltwater, silty rivers, or sandy environments.
- Floor Crevice Cleaning: Sand and gravel can get trapped between the inflatable floor and the outer tubes. Deflate the boat slightly and flush these crevices with water to prevent the grit from acting like sandpaper against the TPU.
- ISS (TiZip) Care: Keep the zipper teeth meticulously clean. Before every trip, clear away sand with a soft brush and apply the included silicone lubricant to the zipper dock to maintain an airtight seal. Always ensure the zipper is fully closed before inflation. See our TiZip maintenance guide for full care instructions.
- Complete Drying: Never pack a wet raft away for long-term storage. Wipe it down with a towel and let it air dry completely in the shade to prevent mold, mildew, and polyurethane degradation. This is especially critical to prevent the TiZip from leaking.
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Store the deflated boat loosely rolled in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources, extreme freezing temperatures, and harsh chemicals.
Performance Tips
- Cold Water Tempering: Air is highly sensitive to temperature. When transferring an inflated packraft from land into cold water, the internal air will condense and soften the tubes — this is normal, not a leak. Let the boat sit in the water for two minutes, then top off the pressure with a pump until the chambers feel firm again.
- Weight Distribution: To maximize hull speed and reduce side-to-side "yaw", distribute weight evenly. Heavy gear should be placed forward, as it helps lock the raft into a straight line.
- Skeg Installation: Always insert the tracking fin before fully inflating the boat. Using a skeg drastically improves forward paddling efficiency and reduces yaw. Choose the small skeg for whitewater maneuverability, or the large skeg for optimal straight-line tracking on open lakes and long river stretches.
- Seat: To enhance comfort, the seat cushion’s air pressure can be reduced — this lowers the seat height and lets it conform better to the body, also improving backrest support.
- Thigh Straps: Aggressively tension the thigh straps and adjust the backband before hitting rapids. A locked-in, tight fit is required for precise control.
Warranty
- 3-Year Guarantee: Every MRS packraft includes a 3-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.
- Zipper Coverage: ISS (TiZip) zippers are warranted separately for 1 year.
- US-Based Support: All inspections, claims, and support are handled directly from our California facility for fast, hassle-free service.
Internal Storage System (ISS Models)
Available on Alligator ISS models only.
Instructions for Use
1. Distribute weight evenly between the two storage bags. Because the bags cannot be accessed until the packraft is deflated, only store items that you will not need on the water.
2. Place your gear in the storage bag, fold the top closed, tighten as much as possible, and then insert the buckle at the top opening.
3. Open the TIZIP zipper and slide the storage bag into the packraft tube.
4. Once the storage bag is inside the tube, unfasten the top buckle, pass the strap through the two tie-downs, and re-fasten the buckle.
Tie-down fixings inside the tubes secure the storage bags in place, so they will not slide back and forth as the packraft moves.
New to packrafting? Our How-To & Care Guide covers inflation and the valve system, paddle sizing, field repairs, care & maintenance, and more.
FAQ
What is the Alligator 2S best for?
The Alligator 2S is best for sustained, technical Class III–IV whitewater on rivers and creeks. Its fully sealed W-type spraydeck keeps the paddler dry through big water, making it a strong choice for guides, instructors, and multi-day expedition whitewater.
What's the difference between the Lightweight and the Pro?
The Lightweight uses a 210D Nylon hull with 0.35 mm TPU coating — lighter to pack, well suited to general Class III–IV whitewater. The Pro uses a 420D Nylon hull with 0.4 mm TPU coating — more durable and ready for guides, instructors, expedition racers, and demanding adventurers running sustained heavy water. Both share the same 840D floor, sealed W-type spraydeck, Quick-lock 5P thigh straps, dimensions, and accessories.
What's the difference between Wide and XXL sizes?
XXL adds about 4 in (9 cm) of outer length and 2 in (6 cm) of inner length over Wide, with a slightly higher recommended paddler weight (247 lb / 112 kg vs 227 lb / 103 kg). Choose Wide for paddlers up to ~6 ft / 184 cm; choose XXL for taller paddlers or heavier loads.
What weight can the Alligator carry?
Recommended paddler weight is 227 lb (103 kg) on Wide, 247 lb (112 kg) on XXL. Recommended total capacity (paddler plus gear) is 317 lb (144 kg) on Wide and 340 lb (154 kg) on XXL.
Is the Alligator self-bailing, and can it be converted?
No — the Alligator is a sealed, decked whitewater boat, not a self-bailer. Its fixed W-type spray skirt keeps water out rather than draining it; the floor has no bail holes, so any water that ships over the skirt has to be emptied on shore. MRS does not sell a self-bailing conversion kit for it. If you prefer a floor that drains as fast as water comes in — simpler and wetter, with no deck to manage — choose a dedicated self-bailer such as the Viking Self-Bailer or Viking EVO. The sealed-deck Alligator keeps the paddler drier in cold water and big waves, which is why guides and instructors often prefer it.
Can I use my own spray skirt or a drysuit-belt skirt?
No — the Alligator’s spray skirt and deck are a single matched system sized precisely to seal out water, so third-party kayak skirts will not fit the coaming opening. The shoulder straps that hold the skirt up are not detachable. If you paddle a drysuit with a waistband, wear the MRS skirt with its shoulder straps as designed rather than tucking it under the suit’s belt.