Packraft Comparison

Packrafts vary by their size and function. This page provides basic guidelines on choosing the right packraft for your next water adventure.

    • What's the right packraft size?

      • Number of paddlers. Going solo, or bringing a friend.
      • Total carried weight (including cargo). All our packrafts are designed around "recommended load capacity" for the best rafting experience, as well as certain safety margins. Packrafts come with "Max load capacity" too, which is the total load weight you should never exceed.
      • MRS' product line covers a wide range of sizes, from superlight solo packraft to larger family style packraft.

  • Where can you use your packraft?

    • Still Water. Usually flat, calm water surfaces, without much wind. Very little water shall be splashed into the raft. Spray decks are not necessary. This is the easiest and safest place to start packrafting.
    • White Water. More dynamic water conditions. Waves, whirlpools, eddies, rocks and rapids are expected. Spray decks are required. White water packrafting requires advanced skills and experience.

 

  • What are the spray deck(skirt) types?

    • C-type. It is the traditional removable spraydeck that allows easy in and out of the packraft. Water may get in around the edges under extreme white water conditions.
    • D-type. This removable dual-use spraydeck could be easily closed or opened by using two waterproof zippers. Most water will be blocked outside when the spray skirt is closed.
    • W-type. A W-type spray skirt is non-removable, fully sealed, and completely waterproof.
    • Self Bailer The bottom of the packraft features drainage holes.
    • None. Open design without any covers.

 

  • What is an Internal Storage System (ISS)?

    • Internal Storage System (ISS) is an airtight zipper on the packraft. It allows access into the hull tube chamber of the packraft and provides extra storage space.
    • All MRS Packrafts' ISS features top-of-the-line TIZIP zippers, and includes internal storage bags. We recommend using silicone grease to protect the zipper system.

Superlight Packraft

These are the superlight solo packrafts best for fast paced still-water adventures. To save weight, they have an open design and don't come with spraydecks.

Packraft Advised | Max Load Outer Size Inner Size Pack Size Pack Weight Spray Deck ISS
Tulo 154lb
194lb
88"x32" 47"x12" 24"x16"x5" 5.1 lb None None
Ponto 225lb
304lb
100"x36" 53"x13" 24"x16"x5" 6.4 lb None None

 

Still Water Packraft

The Nomad S1 is our single-paddler still water packraft. With its streamlined shape, it is faster than our superlight packrafts (Tulo/Ponto). Based on customers' feedback, we now provide an optional upgrade with a D-type spray skirt, allowing you to paddle through light whitewater.

Packraft Advised | Max Load Outer Size Inner Size Pack Size Pack Weight Spray Deck ISS
Nomad S1 187lb
260lb
114"x33" 67"x12" 24"x16"x6" 7.9 lb None Optional
Nomad S1 w/ Deck 187lb
260lb
114"x33" 67"x12" 24"x16"x6" 9.9 lb D-type Optional

 

Lightweight White Water Packraft

Our lightweight packrafts are suitable for solo backpack adventures.

Packraft Advised | Max Load Outer Size Inner Size Pack Size Pack Weight Spray Deck ISS
Microraft XS 159lb
225lb
93"x33" 49"x12" 24"x16"x5" 6.8 lb C-type None
Microraft S 183lb
249lb
98"x33" 52"x12" 24"x16"x5" 7.3 lb C-type None
Microraft L 216lb
300lb
102"x35" 53"x13" 24"x16"x5" 7.7 lb C-type Optional
Alligator 2S 207lb
289lb
100"x34" 52"x13" 24"x16"x6" 7 lb W-type Optional
Alligator 2S Pro 207lb
289lb
100"x34" 52"x13" 24"x16"x6" 8.4 lb W-type Yes
    

Midweight White Water Packraft

Large load capacity, plenty of space and solid water protection. These are all-arounders for a single paddler under any condition.

Packraft Advised | Max Load Outer Size Inner Size Pack Size Pack Weight Spray Deck ISS
Microraft XL 238lb
319lb
116"x35" 70"x13" 24"x16"x6" 9.3 lb C-type Optional
Viking 225lb
297lb
106"x36" 54"x13" 24"x16"x6" 9.7 lb None - Self Bailer Optional
Alligator 2S XXL 247lb
339lb
106"x36" 54"x13" 24"x16"x6" 8.4 lb W-type Optional
Alligator 2S Pro XXL 247lb
339lb
106"x36" 54"x13" 24"x16"x6" 9.5 lb W-type Yes

 

Tandem Packraft

These packrafts are designed for two paddlers with superior loading capacity.

Packraft Advised | Max Load Outer Size Inner Size Pack Size Pack Weight Spray Deck ISS
Adventure X2 330lb
414lb
120"x38" 69"x13" 24"x16"x5" 9.7 lb Optional C-type Optional
Adventure X2 w/ Deck 330lb
414lb
120"x38" 69"x13" 24"x16"x5" 11.7 lb Optional C-type Optional
Barracuda R2 518lb
725lb
140"x38" 85"x14" 24"x16"x6" 11.2 lb None Optional
Barracuda R2 Pro 518lb
725lb
140"x38" 85"x14" 24"x16"x6" 13.2 lb D-type Yes