Ultra-Light Flat-Water Packraft
The MRS Minnow is an ultra-lightweight, highly packable boat designed for long-distance trekkers who want the comfort of a dedicated seat without the weight penalty of a traditional packraft. Starting at a hull weight of just 3.3 lbs, it features a highly foldable 210D floor and a centered seating position to perfectly balance your body weight and gear.
Color & Material Options:
- High-Reflectivity White: Minimizes trail weight with a thinner TPU coating and reflects sunlight to reduce internal heat buildup.
- Stealth Olive: A nature-blending color featuring a slightly thicker TPU coating for enhanced scratch resistance, while remaining exceptionally light and easy to fold.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Minnow (White) | Minnow (Olive) | Material |
| Body | 3.3 lb (1510 g) | 3.9 lb (1760 g) | 210D Nylon, 0.07 mm TPU coating (White) / 0.10 mm TPU coating (Olive) |
| Floor | — | 210D Nylon, 0.28 mm TPU coating (high-weave reinforced) | |
| Seat (removable) | 6.7 oz (190 g) | 70D Nylon (light gray) | |
| Backrest (removable) | 5.4 oz (152 g) | Ultra-light breathable mesh | |
| Fin | 3.0 oz (86 g) | ||
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D | |
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | ||
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve | |
| Total weight | 4.2 lb (1900 g) | 4.7 lb (2150 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 220 lb (100 kg) | ||
| Recommended capacity | 298 lb (135 kg) | ||
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Item | Minnow |
| Length (outer) | 80 in (203 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 52 in (132 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 33 in (85 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 15 in (37 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 77 in (195 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 33 in (83 cm) |
| Tube | 9 in (24 cm) |
| Seat height | 3 in (8 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Accessories
6.7 oz (190 g)
5.4 oz (152 g)
8.5 oz (241.6 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coloring: White fabric is more prone to UV-induced yellowing than darker colors. Gradual yellowing may happen over long-term use.
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.
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.
Water-filled footrest
Function:
Water held inside the footrest adds weight to the bow, reducing yaw and pitching while paddling. Because it produces less drag than a bow-mounted skeg, it delivers smoother and more efficient forward motion.
Water-filling procedure:
1. Submerge the footrest to scoop water inside. If the water level is low, use a paddle to help.
2. Use the markings inside the footrest to gauge the desired water volume.
3. Fold and seal the open end of the footrest.
4. Lay the footrest flat with the base of the hose slightly raised.
Open the hose valve to release air. When the water in the transparent hose rises above roughly one-third of its height, close the valve.
5. Fold the end over again and secure it tightly.
6. Place the footrest at the very front of the hull and press it firmly into position. It serves as both ballast and a foot support.
Important Notes:
Fold the tail end of the footrest at least four times to ensure a proper seal.
Release as much air as possible through the upper hose. Trapped air will let the water slosh, which can significantly reduce stability.
Excess air also increases the risk of ballast water leaking out.
FAQ
What is the Minnow best for?
The Minnow is best for long-distance trekking and calm flat-water paddling. At 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) it packs small enough to carry to remote lakes and ponds, making it well suited to hike-in day trips and gear-light fly fishing.
Is the Minnow suitable for whitewater?
No. The Minnow is part of the MRS Ultra-Light series, which uses thinner coated fabric (0.07–0.10 mm coating on a 210D base) designed for flat water. The thin coating is more vulnerable to tearing on rocks or in swift current. For whitewater, look at the MRS Whitewater series (Alligator, Viking, Mini Shark).
What weight can the Minnow carry?
The recommended paddler weight is 220 lb (100 kg) and the recommended total capacity (paddler plus gear) is 298 lb (135 kg). Staying within these limits keeps the boat trimmed correctly and reduces stress on the lightweight fabric.
What’s included with the Minnow?
The Minnow ships ready-to-paddle with a removable seat, removable backrest, fin, inflation bag, and tie strap. This is one differentiator from the lightest model in the line — the Nitrogen ships barebones (no seat or backrest).
Is the Minnow good for bikepacking or fly fishing?
Yes — the Minnow is designed for the situations where pack weight matters most, including shore-launched fly-fishing day trips, hike-in alpine lake access, and lightweight bikepacking water crossings. Because the hull uses ultra-thin 210D coated fabric, keep the boat away from sharp edges on your gear — chainrings, derailleur teeth, and bike pedals on the bikepacking side, hook points, lure trebles, and fish-cleaning blades on the fly-fishing side. A simple cloth or foam wrap between the boat and any sharp metal goes a long way.
How does the Minnow compare to the Nitrogen and the Surveyor?
Within the MRS Ultra-Light series, the Minnow pairs naturally with the boat-only Nitrogen (lighter still, no seat or backrest) and the longer-hulled Surveyor (more interior space and faster glide). The Minnow is the most compact ready-to-paddle option in the Ultra-Light series.
I’m a taller paddler — will I fit in the Minnow?
The Minnow is the most compact boat in the line, with a 52 in (132 cm) inner body length, so taller paddlers and those carrying a large pack onboard often find it tight on legroom. If you are around 6 ft or want more room to stretch out and stow gear, the longer-hulled Surveyor is the better-fitting Ultra-Light choice.