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