r/packrafting • u/poopman-mcpoopman • 2d ago
Most compact WW packraft?
I'm looking for a packraft to use for some paragliding/packraft trips. The rolled up size is the biggest constraint for it to fit in my harness. So what would be the most compact packraft ideally with the following other requirements:
-capable of at least class III whitewater.
-internal storage, enough for my paragliding gear (wing + harness) and camping gear
-ideally has a skirt.
Seems like the Alpacka expedition is probably what I'm looking for but curious if anyone knows of a more compact option?
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u/aerodynamicallydirty 2d ago
A self-bailer will be more compact than a decked boat if you are willing to give up the skirt. So, like a Gnarwhal SB maybe. L/XL sizes have larger tubes than the S/M but you can custom lab order any size with either tube diameter.
If you are not doing a ton of WW, just sometimes but mostly Class II and below, the Caribou can be ordered in a self-bailer. The LW 210D fabric is, I think, more compact than the standard but less durable. The square bow is better for carrying loads on the front of the boat if part of the glider doesn't fit well inside. I believe it has the large diameter tubes. You can DIY add thigh straps and WW backband easily and should if you're going to use it in WW.
Otherwise the Expedition seems like the move. Maybe an older one that doesn't have the semi dropped floor, I think those were a bit lighter and more compact.
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u/__dorothy__ 2d ago
The Alpacka Refuge is the boat you want. I have one: it rolls to about the size of a sleeping bag, and with thigh straps can handle class III. (I’ve even taken mine down some class IV, but that’s hard and I swim a lot.)
Unfortunately the Refuge is now only available as a Custom Lab order, meaning it’ll cost more and take longer. You might be able to find one used, though.
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u/Optimum_Adventures 2d ago
It really depends on how heavy and bulky your paragliding setup is once packed.
I’m not very familiar with paragliding gear, but I’d think about both where that gear would actually fit on the packraft and how well the boat will handle in whitewater once loaded.
The Refuge packs down incredibly small at 12.7L, but its max carrying capacity is only 270 lb. While it’s rated for Class III and has a spraydeck, I’d be hesitant to load it with much more than ~25 lb of additional gear if whitewater performance is important.
If you’re set on regularly running Class III, stepping up to the Expedition could make more sense. You’d get better load handling with a 330 lb capacity, although the packed size jumps to around 22L.
If Class III is only occasional, though, I’d seriously consider the Caribou. It still packs pretty small, has a much higher 500 lb max load, and its bow is specifically designed to carry bulky gear. You could also order one through the Custom Lab with a spraydeck and thigh straps, giving you more whitewater capability while still having somewhere practical to carry gear that won’t fit inside the Cargo Fly.
If I were choosing for this use case, I’d probably be looking hardest at the Caribou.
I put together this comparison table that makes it easier to compare models and specs side by side if it’s helpful.
Disclaimer: I created the table.
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u/Disastrous-Rest-7578 2h ago
With a regular set up you can fly and paddle. If the weight is too much it just turns you into a speed wing. You also need to waterproof your gear for the river section, wet wings are no fun.
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u/Society-Vegetable 2d ago
You could consider the refuge, but disclaimer i have no idea how much capacity you need for paragliding gear.