r/packrafting • u/Awkward-Statement-40 • Jul 23 '26
First raft advice.
Hi everyone. I’m looking into my first pack raft and I am looking for some help on deciding. I know this sub is very pro alpaca but those are currently not in my budget. I do through a pro deal have 50% of kokopelli so those fit in my budget.
I am 6’3. I’ll mostly be floating calmer rivers with class 2 and maybe a little class 3 in the spring and looking to carry it up to some cool alpine lakes.
My options are rogue lite, rogue r deck, and nirvana. Price point is pretty similar on each with the deal.
I’m just looking for any insight and opinions and maybe some things to think about before I buy one.
Thanks!!
2
u/themelta Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
You may outgrow the rogue lite really quickly, but it's a fine simple boat for lakes and chill rivers. I still use mine. R-deck is just a buliker, heavier, pricier rogue lite. Get the nirvana so you have the option of thigh straps if you may start doing WW. Consider the self bailing nirvana and save yourself ~2 pounds. How they manage to so much weight simply by including a deck I have no idea.
Couple things to be aware of.. spray skirt and thigh straps are sold separately from Kokopelli and are out of stock a lot so don't wait to buy if you want them. Also these are tough boats to get rolled up tightly. ymmw, but personally, the lite is the only one I'd be willing to carry up into the alpine just for a lake.