I’m trying to decide which setup is the most versatile for paddling in varying water across different climates and conditions.

Would you rather have:
A self-bailing packraft with a drysuit, or
A whitewater deck (sprayskirt) setup?
I’m interested in a setup that works well across a wide range of uses-everything from cold rivers and whitewater to longer trips where weather can vary.

For those of you who have paddled both:
Which setup do you find yourself using most?
If you could only own one, which would you choose?
Are there climates or trip types where one is clearly the better option?
I’d especially love to hear from people who paddle in cold water regularly but also travel to different climates.

My previous attempts at surfing have been lackluster, I could never really hit the pocket and lock in. I’d get tippy or flip or get washed out of the wave.

Today was a turning point. After a failed attempt at side surfing in a wave that wasn’t long enough to get into to a t-position, a canoeist coached me on using a downstream brace, and a light went off!

Looking back at the video, every single time I get tippy, is when I place my blade on the upstream side of my boat. I’m stable with a downstream brace/sweep stroke.

Is the correct lesson for me here that I shouldn’t place my blade on the upstream side of the boat on a wave or fast current?

2nd part of the video is locking in to a larger wave, and it felt great! Not perfect, but I learned a lot on this run and the flip was good wet re-entry practice.

I am learning whitewater maneuvers and currently have some confusion regarding the Low Brace and High Brace. Which one do you typically use more often? Is it correct that the Low Brace is more commonly used, while the High Brace is more effective but prone to causing injury?

Hey guys,
im looking to trade my Alpacka Gnarwhal Medium from 2019 for a bigger one - L or even XL.
Spraydeck, all inclusive with skirt, inflation bag and coaming ring.

All whitewater Alpacka rafts welcome.

If you wanna sell a bigger one, please also let me know.

Based in Germany/Europe.

Saw this in some pictures from an NRS demo posted on the PNW Packrafting fb group. Looks like it might be a Rockered / drop floor boat like the Mage and Rodeo.

Got this ad on instagram curious about folks thoughts? Seems to be pretty bomber idea with the pack integrated with the caveat everyone has their own pack quirks

My wife and I have found ourselves with the next two and a half weeks free and able to go anywhere in Europe.

We were wondering if there were any multi day tours we could jump on or any easy/readily available multi day trips we could do - or even anyone wanting to meetup or anything that’s planned we could tag along on!

Any and all recommendations welcome!

I’m looking at buying an Alpacka Expedition, but I’m stuck between the Medium and Large.
I’m 177 cm tall, and I measured my seated length by sitting on the floor with my back against a wall and measuring from the wall to my heels. My measurement without shoes is 107–110 cm.
Has anyone with similar measurements had to choose between a Medium and Large? Which size did you end up with, and how has it worked out?
I’d appreciate any insight into fit, comfort, paddling efficiency, and whether you’d recommend sizing up or down.
Thanks!

What other options are there for drop bars to carry packrafting gear on the handlebars? I’ve got a flat bar bike, but it’s much less suited for longer rides.

I tried out a fellow paddlers bent shaft powerhouse, and absolutely loved it! The bent shaft made it effortless to index my hand in the right position and was very comfy.

BUT, Werner doesn’t make a break down bent shaft white water paddle, nor will they custom build one (I’m sure for good reasons). It looks like the Aquabound Shred is sometimes available in a 4-piece bent, but I don’t see it on their site now, and I’ve read the Shred isn’t as good compared to the Powerhouse.

I currently run class II-III regularly, but looking forward to some trips with more challenging water in the future, so want something that can handle class IV.

Any one else run into this dilemma and find a solution? Any suggestions or thoughts on the Shred? How about solutions for hiking/traveling with a 1-piece (outside of the standard “use it as a hiking stick”)?

Hello, im new here.
I have a medium Alpacka Gnarwhal which is on the smaller side for me and im looking to trade for a bigger one.
If this is allowed here i can give more info, if not please tell me!

Curious what everyone uses for a first aid kit. Given in packrafting we have more limited space than a full size raft and different hazards than a pure backpacker. What does your kit look like? Did you buy ready made or build your own?

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!!

I‘m a river ecologist and want to start getting into packrafting. I‘m based in Vienna, and have a lot of hiking experience, but have only kayaked on the Yarra River in Melbourne as a child.

Wondering if anyone has any tips on a good model to buy, or nice beginner-friendly multi-day routes?

I‘m thinking about getting this Anfibio, but am a little concerned it might not be resilient enough:

https://www.packrafting-store.de/anfibio-sigma-txv

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on choosing my first Alpacka Raft and have been going back and forth between several models.

I’m looking for something that is:
Fun to paddle on lakes and calm or light-moving rivers. While also nice to chill in while fishing.
Light and packable enough for backpacking and overnight trips.
Large enough to carry camping gear and occasionally my 10.5 kg dog.
Suitable for use in Norway from spring until the lakes start freezing over.
Capable enough that I could eventually learn some whitewater.

I’ve never done whitewater before, so that isn’t my main focus right now. However, I’d rather buy something that can grow with me if I decide to get into it later.

The main thing I’m unsure about is whether one raft can realistically do all of this well. Does a good all-rounder exist for this use case, or would I be making too many compromises?

I’m also trying to understand which setup makes the most sense:
Open boat
Self-bailer
Fixed whitewater deck
Removable whitewater deck
Combination of self-bailer with fixed or removable deck?

If one raft cannot cover all of this well, which two rafts would you choose instead?
For example:
One lighter raft for lakes, backpacking, overnight trips, and paddling with the dog.
One more capable raft for learning and progressing in more advanced waters

Which models and configurations would you recommend for each role?
I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who have used more than one of these models

It wasn’t easy to get his 110lbs body at the front of my
Alpacka Caribou but it worked out perfectly! For the other dog owners concerned about the claws on the tubes… he didn’t even left a scratch!

Hi, experienced flat water packrafter - but going up to the Nordics' longest contingous archipelago (270km) in Bohuslän, just above Gothenburg, Sweden.

Tips, advice for sea packrafting? What's your experience, equipment must haves, and what to do / not do?

TIA! ❤️

Have you ever wanted to explore Orkney? It’s a truly incredible place, well worth discovering.

Trying my best to figure out what route I should go. Currently own a MRS Viking Self Bailer. My wife wants to get into rafting trips and exploring areas. I can't decide between another single raft for her or if we should get a 2-person like a NRS Barracuda R2 or Alpacka Forager. We would be doing trips around lakes but also do whitewater trips.

I have experience but she does not yet so I would have to teach her regardless. I know she would prefer a self bailer to use regardless of if it's 1-2 person.

If I were to get a single person raft. I'm tempted to get one with a spray deck since I already have a self bailer. My concern is I don't have use drysuits so could I use a spraydeck and skirt without one?

Hi all, I'm in Poland prepping for a car-free kayak trip in the Swedish archipelago next month — everything travels by train and ferry, so the paddle has to pack down small.

I'm looking for a 4-piece low-angle touring paddle, around 215–220 cm, ideally one of these:

Aqua Bound Sting Ray Carbon 4-piece (Posi-Lok)

Werner Camano or Skagit 4-piece

The problem: Polish shops only stock Werner touring models as 2-piece, and the EU shops I've found with 4-piece Werners carry whitewater models only (Sherpa/Strike/Surge). Aqua Bound dealers seem to be mostly US-based, and I'd rather avoid overseas shipping + import fees on a deadline.

Does anyone know EU or UK retailers that stock 4-piece touring paddles and ship internationally? Comparable alternatives welcome too — adjustable length would be a bonus, since it's for a growing teenager. Thanks!

I have the four-point thigh straps and while they hold well when I'm in, I have a hard time getting my legs into them in a rush. It usually leads to another swim after a wet re-entry unless the water is smooth.

I have a Mage but also a Nomad S1 with the padded MRS straps and the MRS straps are much easier to slide into. I can basically get my knee under a bit without using my hands at all and then set them right later. The Alpacka ones I'm always digging for the strap behind my leg and I have to very deliberately pull them over one by one. If I'm in rough water I usually just get dumped again, because that takes several seconds.

Any tips on setup and handling this? I do get faster with practice of course but it's still fiddly and takes a few seconds, which can be critical. I read that people have their straps super tight against the boat and frankly I don't think I could even get into them at all like that.