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Ultimate Adventure Race Packraft
The MRS Barracuda R2 Pro is a championship-caliber tandem packraft built for adventure racing and aggressive whitewater touring. Unlike standard flatwater tandems, the Pro version is fortified with heavy-duty fabrics and features a highly responsive self-bailing floor, allowing you and your partner to synchronize paddle strokes and carve through heavy rapids without ever stopping to dump water.
The R2 Pro ships in two whitewater configurations to choose from when ordering: the sealed spraydeck (removable-deck package) or the self-bailing floor. 2026 update: both the inflatable and rod-support backrests now ship together with the removable-deck package.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Removable deck | Self-bailer | Material |
| Body (hull + deck) | 12.3 lb (5590 g) | — | 420D Nylon, 0.4 mm TPU coating |
| Floor | — | — | 840D Nylon, 0.6 mm TPU coating |
| Front seat | 0.7 lb (322 g) | — | 210D Nylon |
| Rear seat | 0.6 lb (250 g) | — | 210D Nylon |
| Front backrest | 0.7 lb (303 g) | 0.7 lb (303 g) | Inflatable Backrest |
| Rear backrest | 4.3 oz (123 g) | 4.3 oz (123 g) | Inflatable Backrest |
| SpraySkirt | 0.9 lb (405 g) × 2 | — | |
| Coaming frame | 5.7 oz (161 g) × 2 | — | |
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D |
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | 0.9 oz (25 g) | |
| Valve | — | — | Standard Boston valve |
| Total weight | 18.5 lb (8390 g) | 11.7 lb (5310 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 386 lb (175 kg) | 386 lb (175 kg) | |
| Recommended capacity | 507 lb (230 kg) | 507 lb (230 kg) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Item | Barracuda R2 Pro |
| Length (outer) | 141 in (358 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 85 in (216 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 40 in (101 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 15 in (37.5 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 132 in (336 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 35 in (90 cm) |
| Tube | 12 in (31.5 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Accessories
0.8 lb (348.5 g)
0.5 lb (228 g)
0.7 lb (303 g)
4.2 oz (120 g)
0.7 lb (322 g)
0.6 lb (250 g)
0.9 lb (405 g) × 2
5.7 oz (161 g) × 2
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. Rinse the self-bailing floor and drainage holes after use in silty or muddy water to keep them clear.
- 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.
- Drainage: When entering calm water from rapids, some water will naturally sit in the floor. Keep your weight centered to allow the drain holes to function efficiently. Applies to the self-bailing floor configuration only.
- Comfort & Insulation: If you are paddling in cold water, we highly recommend wearing neoprene socks or paddling booties to retain body heat. Applies to the self-bailing floor configuration only.
- Coordinate: Coordinate paddle cadence between the two paddlers — tandem touring is a communication exercise as much as a paddling one.
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 Barracuda R2 Pro 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 Barracuda R2 Pro best for?
The Barracuda R2 Pro is best for adventure racing and Class II–III tandem whitewater. Its tough Pro-tier hull and switchable self-bailing or removable deck let a two-paddler team run mixed flat-water and whitewater legs while carrying expedition gear (507 lb / 230 kg capacity).
What is a self-bailing packraft?
A self-bailing packraft has a thick, inflatable floor and drain holes in the hull floor. When water splashes in from rapids or waves, it drains straight out through the bottom — keeping the boat from swamping so it stays buoyant and maneuverable in heavy whitewater.
What’s the difference between a self-bailer and a regular packraft, and how do I choose?
The difference is water management. A self-bailer lets water in and drains it back out continuously through holes in the floor; it uses a thick inflatable floor to lift you above those holes, which adds a little weight but allows very fast entry, exit, and self-rescue. A regular packraft — open or spray-decked — is built to keep water out with a lighter single-layer floor; if an open one swamps, you flip and dump it by hand.
For whitewater, choose a self-bailer for technical, shallow rivers with frequent scouting and portaging, where the open top lets you hop in and out without a restrictive skirt. Choose a spray deck for high-volume, cold rivers where staying dry matters most — it seals in body heat and sheds water, though it takes practice to exit quickly if you flip.
Do you get wet in a self-bailing packraft?
Yes. Because a self-bailer drains through open holes, there is always a little water on the floor and your lower body will get wet. In cold conditions, wear thermal protection such as a drysuit or wetsuit.
Are self-bailing packrafts slower on flat water?
Slightly. Two things slow a self-bailer on flat water: the drain holes and the inflatable-floor shape add hydrodynamic drag, and the small amount of water that always sits on the floor adds weight the boat has to carry. On lakes or slow rivers, a regular closed-floor packraft tracks and glides a bit faster.
For a long flat stretch where self-bailing isn’t needed, you can temporarily turn a self-bailer into a sealed-floor boat by taping the drain holes shut from the underside of the hull. This keeps water out and removes the drag-and-weight penalty for faster cruising; peel the tape off to restore self-bailing before the next whitewater section.
What's the difference between the Barracuda R2 and the Barracuda R2 Pro?
Same canoe-style 358 cm hull shape, two different fabric tiers. The Barracuda R2 uses 210D Nylon (0.35 mm TPU) — lighter to pack and lower cost. The R2 Pro uses 420D Nylon (0.4 mm TPU) — more durable for race teams, demanding expeditions, and rough handling. Both share dimensions, capacity ratings, and accessories.
How does the R2 Pro compare to the Viking EVO X2?
Both are MRS's two whitewater self-bailing tandems — no other manufacturer publishes a whitewater self-bailing tandem in this category. The R2 Pro is the adventure-race tandem with a longer (358 cm), sleeker hull optimized for tracking and pace; it ships in two whitewater configurations — sealed spraydeck or self-bailing floor. The Viking EVO X2 is the dedicated whitewater self-bailing tandem with the redesigned high-drainage floor + shielding plates, purpose-built for sustained Class II-IV whitewater. Pick the R2 Pro for race/expedition pace on mixed water; pick the EVO X2 for dedicated whitewater training.
How do I specify the removable-deck or self-bailing version, and can I switch later?
You choose the water-management configuration when you order — the default standard build is the removable-deck (sealed spraydeck) package, and most paddlers pick it for its versatility. The two builds are not interchangeable after the fact: a self-bailer needs drainage holes cut into the floor, so converting a decked boat means permanently opening the hull, and re-sealing those holes to undo it is difficult. Decide which configuration matches your water before ordering rather than planning to convert later.
Can I add thigh straps to the Barracuda R2 Pro for rougher whitewater?
Yes — the R2 Pro works with the Pro Thigh Straps, which lock the front and rear paddlers in for control through technical sections (plan on one set per seat). The standard boat does not ship with the strap mounts pre-installed; the mounts come in the thigh-strap package and are glued onto the hull, a job you can do yourself. If you are ordering a made-to-order color, ask us to have the factory bond the mounts on before it ships so they are ready out of the box.