Minimalist Packraft
The MRS Ponto and Tulo models are classic, highly accessible open packrafts designed for recreational paddlers, anglers, and campers. Designed with wider tubes for maximum primary stability, these boats provide a stable, easy-to-enter platform for relaxing on still water or floating down mild, lazy rivers.
Ponto is the larger of the two (6.5 lb / 2.95 kg hull) with generous buoyancy and internal storage; Tulo is the smaller, lighter model (5.0 lb / 2.25 kg) for paddlers who want to minimize carry weight.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Ponto | Tulo | Material |
| Body | 6.5 lb (2950 g) | 5.0 lb (2250 g) | 210D Nylon, 0.35 mm TPU coating |
| Floor | — | 420D Nylon, 0.5 mm TPU coating | |
| Seat | 9.3 oz (263 g) | 6.3 oz (179 g) | 210D |
| Backrest | 4.2 oz (120 g) | Inflatable Backrest | |
| Inflation bag | 4.8 oz (135 g) | Silicone-coated CORDURA® 30D | |
| Tie strap | 0.9 oz (25 g) | ||
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve | |
| Total weight | 7.8 lb (3520 g) | 5.8 lb (2640 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 225 lb (102 kg) | 154 lb (70 kg) | |
| Recommended capacity | 304 lb (138 kg) | 194 lb (88 kg) | |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Item | Ponto | Tulo |
| Length (outer) | 98 in (250 cm) | 87 in (222 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 52 in (132 cm) | 46 in (117 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 36 in (90.5 cm) | 32 in (81 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 14 in (34.5 cm) | 12 in (31 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 94 in (238 cm) | 85 in (216 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 31 in (78 cm) | 28 in (72 cm) |
| Tube | 11 in (28 cm) | 10 in (25 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Ponto
Tulo
Accessories
Ponto
Either the RSB2 or the Inflatable Backrest will be shipped with the packraft, depending on the configuration.
9.3 oz (263 g)
8.0 oz (228 g)
4.2 oz (120 g)
0.5 lb (241.6 g)
3.0 oz (86 g)
4.8 oz (135 g)
Tulo
6.3 oz (179 g)
4.2 oz (120 g)
0.5 lb (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.
- 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.
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 Ponto 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 And Footrest Connectors
Ponto only.
Backrest Connector
Either the RSB2 or the Inflatable Backrest will be shipped with the packraft, depending on the configuration.
RSB2
Inflatable Backrest
Adjustable footrest Connector
The adjustable footrest is sold separately and is not included with the Ponto or Tulo.
Adjustable footrest
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.
New to packrafting? Our How-To & Care Guide covers inflation and the valve system, paddle sizing, field repairs, care & maintenance, and more.
FAQ
What are the Ponto and Tulo best for?
The Ponto and Tulo are best for casual flat-water touring and calm-lake day trips. Built on the proven Microraft platform without a spraydeck, they are an approachable, value-focused choice for first-time packrafters, packraft fishing, and wildlife outings on protected water.
What’s the difference between the Ponto and the Tulo?
Ponto is the larger boat (98 in / 250 cm length, 6.5 lb / 2.95 kg hull) with more cabin space and a higher recommended capacity (304 lb / 138 kg). Tulo is the smaller, lighter model (87 in / 222 cm length, 5.0 lb / 2.25 kg hull) for paddlers who want the smallest packed footprint and a 194 lb (88 kg) capacity.
How do the Ponto and Tulo compare to the Microraft and the Nomad S1?
The spraydeck-equipped Microraft is the same hull platform with a closed deck (C-deck or E-deck) for splash-prone water. The touring-focused Nomad S1 has a longer waterline for faster flatwater paddling. The Ponto and Tulo are the entry-level recreational option — simpler, more accessible, more stable open-deck boats for calm flatwater use.
Is the Ponto or Tulo suitable for whitewater?
No. Both are open-deck flat-water boats. For whitewater use, see MRS’s dedicated whitewater models such as the Mini-Shark or Alligator 2S Pro.
What does the Ponto include?
The Ponto ships with a seat, either the Rod Support Backrest 2 (RSB2) or the Inflatable Backrest depending on configuration, an inflation bag, a tie strap, a skeg, and a water-filled footrest. The adjustable footrest is sold separately — not included.
What does the Tulo include?
The Tulo ships with a seat, the Inflatable Backrest (no RSB2 option on Tulo), an inflation bag, a tie strap, a skeg, and a water-filled footrest. The adjustable footrest is sold separately — not included. ISS (Internal Storage) is not available on the Tulo.
Is ISS (Internal Storage) available?
Yes — ISS is available on Ponto only (not on Tulo). Ponto ISS models add 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.
Which size fits my height and weight?
Match the boat to your total body-plus-gear weight and the cabin length. The Tulo is the smallest packraft in the MRS line — recommended for paddlers up to about 154 lb (70 kg) and a 194 lb (88 kg) capacity, so it is best suited to lighter or smaller paddlers at lakes. Taller or heavier paddlers should size up to the Ponto, which is recommended to about 225 lb (102 kg) with a 304 lb (138 kg) capacity. If you are over roughly 6 ft or carrying a lot of gear, the Ponto’s longer cabin (52 in / 132 cm inner length vs the Tulo’s 46 in / 117 cm) will be far more comfortable.
What’s the difference between the recommended paddler weight and the capacity?
The recommended paddler weight is the load the boat is designed around, where it performs and tracks best. The capacity is the maximum it can safely carry. Going over the recommended figure won’t sink the boat, but it sits lower and maneuverability suffers — so for a heavier paddler the larger Ponto is the better choice even when a Tulo’s capacity looks adequate on paper.
Can the Tulo or Ponto be converted to self-bailing?
No. Neither boat has floor drain holes, so it cannot be made self-bailing, and the inflatable self-bailing floor used on MRS whitewater models will not fit the smaller hulls. For hands-free drainage in moving water, choose a dedicated self-bailer such as the Viking Self-Bailer.
Is the Ponto suitable for bikerafting?
Yes, occasionally. The Ponto can carry a bike — place it across the bow to balance the load — though for regular bikerafting with comfortable leg room a longer hull such as the Microraft is the more comfortable choice. Even though the standard-fabric 210D hull is more durable than the Ultra-Light series, keep the boat away from sharp edges on your gear — chainrings, derailleur teeth, and bike pedals are the most common culprits. A simple cloth or foam wrap between the boat and any sharp metal goes a long way.