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Champion Tandem Packraft
The MRS Barracuda R2 is a canoe-shaped tandem touring packraft built for speed, distance, and adventure racing. Its dynamic, streamlined hull and extended waterline make it remarkably faster and longer-tracking on flat water than standard compact tandems. Utilizing a 210D nylon hull to keep trail weight exceptionally low — weighing just over 13 pounds fully equipped — it allows two paddlers to synchronize strokes and cover massive mileage efficiently. It is the perfect long-distance touring machine for pairs who need both generous cargo capacity and a fast paddling pace.
A detachable stern fin further improves stability and tracking. The R2 has won the Nordic Islands Adventure Race overall (paddled by the Swedish Hamilton Adventure Team) as the fastest packraft in the field.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Barracuda R2 | Material |
| Body | 10.4 lb (4700 g) | 210D Nylon, 0.35 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 | 0.8 lb (348.5 g) | Rod Support Backrest 2 (RSB2) |
| Rear backrest | 8.0 oz (228 g) | Rod Support Backrest 2 (RSB2) |
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D |
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | |
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve |
| Total weight | 12.9 lb (5840 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 386 lb (175 kg) | |
| Recommended capacity | 507 lb (230 kg) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Item | Barracuda R2 |
| 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
Either the RSB2 or the Inflatable Backrest will be shipped with the packraft, depending on the configuration.
0.8 lb (348.5 g)
8.0 oz (228 g)
0.7 lb (303 g)
4.2 oz (120 g)
0.7 lb (322 g)
0.6 lb (250 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.
- 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 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.
Backrest Connectors
Barracuda R2 only.
Rear Backrest Connector
RSB2
Inflatable Backrest
Front Backrest Connector
RSB2
Inflatable Backrest
FAQ
What is the Barracuda R2 best for?
The Barracuda R2 is best for long-distance tandem flat-water touring and adventure racing. Its long, streamlined hull tracks fast and straight, and the 507 lb (230 kg) capacity leaves room for multi-day gear on lakes, calm rivers, and protected coastal water.
How does the Barracuda R2 compare to the Adventure X2?
The Barracuda R2 is longer and narrower with a streamlined canoe-style hull — faster on flat water and longer-tracking, with generous interior storage. The Adventure X2 is more compact with wider tubes — easier to maneuver in tight water and ~20% lighter to pack, well suited to family flotillas and casual paddling. Pick the R2 for pace and distance; pick the Adventure X2 for compact-pack convenience.
How does the Barracuda R2 compare to the Surveyor X2 and the Viking EVO X2?
The Surveyor X2 is the Ultra-Light tandem — thinner-coated 210D fabric, lighter to carry, less durable. The Viking EVO X2 (dedicated whitewater design with redesigned high-drainage floor) and the Barracuda R2 Pro Self-bailer (longer race-pace hull) are MRS's two whitewater self-bailing tandems — for paddling Class II-IV whitewater. The Barracuda R2 sits as the flat-water touring tandem with standard fabric and a streamlined hull.
What weight can the Barracuda R2 carry?
Recommended combined paddler weight is 386 lb (175 kg); recommended total capacity (paddlers plus gear) is 507 lb (230 kg) — among the higher tandem capacities in the MRS lineup after the Fin Whale.
What's the difference between the Barracuda R2 and the Barracuda R2 Pro?
The Barracuda R2 Pro uses 420D Pro-fabric hull (0.4 mm TPU) for higher durability — geared toward race teams and demanding adventurers. The standard R2 uses 210D Nylon (0.35 mm TPU) — lighter to pack and lower cost, with the same hull shape.
Is ISS (Internal Storage) available?
Yes — ISS is available as an option. ISS adds a TiZip airtight zipper that lets paddlers store gear inside the hull tubes for trips where on-water access isn't needed. See the Internal Storage System section above for instructions.
In Use
