Streamlined Ultra-Light Packraft
The MRS Surveyor is engineered to deliver maximum glide and tracking speed in an ultra-lightweight package. By combining an elongated, streamlined hull with centered seating, the Surveyor cuts through flatwater with incredible efficiency. It is the definitive choice for hikers who need to cover long distances on water but still need the boat to disappear inside their backpack.
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 | Surveyor (Open) White | Surveyor (Open) Olive | Surveyor + Spraydeck White | Surveyor + Spraydeck Olive | Material |
| Body | 4.3 lb (1950 g) | 5.0 lb (2290 g) | 5.2 lb (2380 g) | 6.0 lb (2720 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 | |||
| 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) | ||||
| Tizip airtight zipper (internal storage) | 3.1 oz (88 g) | ISS models only | |||
| Ultra-light spraydeck | — | — | 0.7 lb (333 g) | 0.7 lb (333 g) | |
| Valve | — | Standard Boston valve | |||
| Total weight | 5.2 lb (2380 g) | 5.8 lb (2620 g) | 6.4 lb (2890 g) | 6.9 lb (3140 g) | |
| Recommended paddler weight | 287 lb (130 kg) | ||||
| Recommended capacity | 408 lb (185 kg) | ||||
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Dimensions
| Packraft | Surveyor |
| Length (outer) | 106 in (268 cm) |
| Length (inner) | 61 in (155 cm) |
| Width (outer) | 37 in (93 cm) |
| Width (inner) | 15 in (37 cm) |
| Water line (length) | 99 in (251 cm) |
| Water line (width) | 35 in (89 cm) |
| Tube | 11 in (28 cm) |
| Seat height | 5 in (12 cm) |
Measurements may vary slightly with temperature and material variation; this is normal.
Surveyor (Open)
Surveyor + Spraydeck
Accessories
6.7 oz (190 g)
5.4 oz (152 g)
0.5 lb (242 g)
0.7 lb (333 g)
Surveyor + Spraydeck only
3.0 oz (86 g)
4.8 oz (135 g)
Features
- Streamlined hull, centered seats, balanced center of gravity layout.
- The seat back is supported so the packraft floor does not sag.
- Optional Tizip airtight zippers can be added to expand internal storage.
- The floor material covers the bottom of the packraft, which is protective, and the bottom is glued, which is less harmful to the ultra-thin coating than the hot pressing process.
- The temperature of the white hull is less affected by the sun, avoiding repeated air replenishment.
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.
Ultralight Spraydeck
The Surveyor is also available with a removable ultralight spraydeck, making it well-suited for autumn and winter paddling. In keeping with the original lightweight design, the spraydeck is lighter and easier to stow than traditional designs, and the centered seating position keeps paddling comfortable.
Lighter and easier to store: Compared to the type C spraydeck used on classic packraft models, the type L spraydeck designed for the Surveyor drops the zipper and large-area Velcro attachments. A point-fixing method keeps the spraydeck light and easy to stow.
Three States of the Spraydeck
Open
When not in use, the spraydeck can be rolled up to the bow, leaving the cockpit fully open.
Semi-open
Attach only the front portion of the deck skirt. This stops paddle splash from entering the cabin while planing, and still allows ventilation and heat dissipation.
Fully enclosed
Attach the deck skirt at both front and back for all-round waterproofing and added warmth — best for fall and winter paddling.
Water-filled footrest



Function:
Water stored inside the footrest adds weight to the lower bow, minimizing yaw and pitching during paddling. With less drag than a bow-mounted skeg, it delivers smoother and more efficient forward motion.
Water-filling procedure:
1. Submerge the footrest in the water to scoop water inside. If the water level is low, use the paddle to assist.
2. Use the markings inside the footrest to estimate the desired water volume.
3. Fold and seal the end of the footrest.
4. Lay the footrest flat with the base of the hose at a relatively higher point.
Open the hose valve to release air. When the water level in the transparent hose exceeds approximately one-third of the hose height, close the valve.
5. Fold the end portion again and secure it tightly.
6. Place the footrest at the very front of the hull, pressing it firmly in place to serve as both ballast and a foot support.
Important Notes:
The tail end of the water-filled footrest must be folded at least four times to ensure a proper seal.
Air should be released through the upper hose as completely as possible. If air is not removed, the water inside the footrest may slosh, which can significantly reduce stability.
Excess air inside the footrest may also increase the risk of ballast water leakage.
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 Surveyor best for?
The Surveyor is best for fast flat-water touring and lightweight water crossings. At 5.2 lb (2.4 kg) with an open deck or optional ultralight spraydeck, it covers weekend trips, hike-in lake access, and shore-launched fly fishing while staying easy to carry.
Is the Surveyor suitable for whitewater?
No. The Surveyor is part of the Ultra-Light series, built from thinner 210D coated fabric optimized for low pack weight and flat-water touring. For whitewater use, see MRS's standard-fabric models such as the Mini-Shark or Alligator.
What's the difference between the Surveyor (Open) and the Surveyor + Spraydeck?
The Surveyor + Spraydeck adds a removable ultralight type-L spraydeck (333 g / 0.7 lb) that drops the zipper and large Velcro attachments used on classic spraydecks, making it lighter and easier to stow. It opens in three states — fully open, semi-open, or fully enclosed — well-suited for autumn and winter paddling.
What weight can the Surveyor carry?
Recommended paddler weight is 287 lb (130 kg); recommended total capacity (paddler plus gear) is 408 lb (185 kg).
Is the Surveyor good for fly fishing or bikepacking?
Yes — the Surveyor is designed for ultra-light touring and day-trip use cases where pack weight and streamlined paddling matter, including shore-launched fly-fishing outings, hike-in 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 it compare to the Minnow and the Nitrogen?
The Minnow is lighter (3.0 lb hull) but shorter and built around minimum pack weight. The Nitrogen sits in the same ultra-light cohort. The Surveyor is longer, faster on flat water, and trades a few hundred grams for streamlined touring performance.
How small does the Surveyor pack down?
It rolls down small enough to fit inside a backpack or be strapped to the outside, which is exactly what it is designed for — hiking into alpine lakes and high-mountain fishing where every pound counts. Despite its light weight, it is a full-size, fully capable packraft rather than a recreational inflatable.
Can the spraydeck be removed on the deck version?
No — the spraydeck on the Surveyor + Spraydeck cannot be completely taken off, but it rolls up out of the way so you can paddle open-cockpit in calm conditions and close it up when the weather turns. The skeg/fin, by contrast, is removable. If you want a permanently open boat, choose the open-deck Surveyor instead.
How does the Surveyor hold up in shallow, rocky water?
It resists rock contact to a degree, but the Ultra-Light 210D hull is thinner than MRS’s standard-fabric boats, so it’s happiest in lakes and deeper water rather than repeated rock-bumping in low flows. There’s no need to pre-reinforce the floor — just take care when the water level is shallow (true of any packraft) and patch it if damage ever occurs. For frequent shallow or rocky paddling, a standard-fabric whitewater boat such as the Mini-Shark or Alligator is the sturdier choice.
Is the green Surveyor more durable than the white?
Yes — the Olive (Stealth Olive) hull has a slightly thicker TPU coating than the High-Reflectivity White, giving it modestly better scratch and abrasion resistance. Both share the same 210D base fabric and stay exceptionally light and easy to fold.
Can I order the Surveyor with a thicker floor?
No — all Surveyor models use Ultra-Light 210D construction. If you need a thicker floor, choose the Ponto or Microraft.