Packrafts, also known as backpack boats, are very light and stable inflatable boats. Their small pack size and low weight make them practical companions on bicycle or backpacking trips, for example.
How do you find the best packraft and what should you look out for when buying one?
We present a reviewed overview of the most popular models 2024 and show you what to look out for when making your choice in the Checklist. The right packraft can be found quickly thanks to these tips.
Contents:
The best packrafts 2024 reviewed
1. best lightweight packraft
This packraft measures 193 x 114 x 30 cm and weighs just 1.25 kilograms. It can be folded to a pack size of 11.4 x 22.9 cm. It comes with a bag and patch set and is made of ripstop polyester.
- Maneuverable
- Very light
- Blasesac also serves as a storage bag
- Little space
- Not very stable against tipping
Why we like it: The Packraft is impressively lightweight and can be inflated in a short time. It can be easily packed and safely transported in the supplied dry bag
Recommended for: Especially suitable for beginners who want to test the hobby before spending a lot of money on a packraft.
2. Best High Performance Packraft
- Narrow tubes
- With white water deck
- With bladder bag
- Only up to 85 kg
- Heels get wet
Why we like it: The Alpacka Raft Wolverine is characterized by its narrow tubes and raised bow rocker. These features make it particularly sporty and agile. In addition to a foot cushion and leg straps for a secure hold, a whitewater deck in the form of a spraydeck can also be attached.
Recommended for: Particularly suitable for sporty whitewater tours. The packraft is suitable for experienced paddlers.
3. Best Allrounder Packraft
- Long hull
- 3 sizes
- Foot support cushion
- Up to 85 kg
- Less maneuverable
Why we like it: This all-rounder packraft is particularly suitable for multi-day tours. It is very similar to the Wolverine, but is slightly longer and therefore faster on calm waters. The luggage can be stowed away airtight.
Recommended for: The Packraft is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Even though it can be used as a whitewater packraft, its strength lies on calm water.
4. best packraft for beginners
- Forgiving of errors
- For multi-day tours
- Optional white water deck
- Up to 85 kg
- Luggage zipper must also be selected
Why we like it: It is very stable and can be ordered with or without an airtight luggage compartment. This packraft also performs very well on multi-day tours thanks to the additional attachment loops for larger rucksacks.
Recommended for: This is the ideal entry-level model for multi-day tours.
5. best packraft tours by bike
- Long, wide torso
- Low dead weight
- Suitable for tall people
- Not for white water
- Not very maneuverable
Why we like it: The Alpackaraft Caribou is ideal for bikerafting as it is particularly voluminous and stable. Tall paddlers or paddlers with a dog or small child also choose this raft, as the seating area offers sufficient space.
Recommended for: For bikers, tall people and outings with children or dogs.
6. best packraft tours for two
- 2 persons
- High seating position
- 363 kg payload
- Associated paddle must be purchased separately
- Not very maneuverable
Why we like it: This 2-person packraft can carry up to 363 kg. It allows you to sit upright, like in a canoe. A paddle has been specially developed for the Oryx model that can be used as a long double paddle or as two single, shorter paddles.
Recommended for: Particularly suitable for people with long legs and couples who want to paddle together.
More articles you might find interesting:
- 2-seater kayak
- Fishing kayak
- Inflatable canoes
- Carbon paddle
- Double paddle
- Drybags
- one person kayak
- Folding kayak
- Wooden paddle
- Kayak
- Kayak helmet
- Kayak trolley
- Canadian
- Canoe paddle
- Canoe
- Paddle pants
- Paddle shoes
- impact vest
- Inflatable boat
- Swim vests for kayaks
- Sea kayak
- Paddle
- Touring kayak
- Hiking kayak
- Waterproof headphones
- Whitewater kayaks
- Whitewater paddle
Packraft Checklist: These features are important in the test
- Area of use: crystal-clear lake or rapids? Packraft designs differ depending on the area of application:
- Calm waters: ideal for beginners. Packrafts for calm waters usually have rounded edges and an open boat design. This makes them more reminiscent of rowing boats. The maximum load capacity is higher and the price and weight are significantly lower than for whitewater models.
- White water and rapids: Ideal for advanced paddlers. Packrafts for white water are much more robust and look like kayaks. The construction is more complex and the accessories more versatile (e.g. with integrated spray covers). The design and accessories have a corresponding impact on the weight. The payload is also lower.
- Weight: The lighter the packraft (and accessories), the more comfortable it is to carry:
- For backpackers who want to paddle in flat and calm waters, packrafts from 1 to 1.5 kg are recommended.
- Packrafts for white water start at 2.5 kg.
- The complete equipment including accessories should not weigh more than 5.5 kg.
- Load capacity: When buying, pay attention to how much weight a packraft can carry. Good packrafts can carry at least 90 kg, up to several hundred kg. If the packing load is exceeded, it is no longer guaranteed that the inflatable boat will stay completely afloat.
- Pack size: Most packrafts can be rolled up very small and can be easily transported in a rucksack. Avoid packrafts that are heavy, coarse and bulky when packed.
- Material: Waterproof and UV-resistant material is a must. Treated nylon, so-called TPU (also known as polyurethane plastics), is best suited. Packrafts made of PVC are cheaper. However, these are not quite as strong, flexible and tear-resistant as inflatable boats made of TPU.
Bestsellers: The most popular packrafts on Amazon
![Bachgold® Profi Outdoor Wasserfilter Flasche [650ml] mit 1500L Filterkapazität I...](https://www.beyondsurfing.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRGNVVHSm5Xbmt4UkV3dWFuQm58MTcyNjY2NDQzMA=)
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
Content
- 1 Which packraft is best?
- 2 What is packrafting?
- 3 How safe are packrafts?
- 4 Where can you ride packrafts?
- 5 How expensive is a packraft?
- 6 Where can you buy Packrafts?
- 7 Which paddles for packrafts?
- 8 Are packrafts suitable for whitewater rafting?
- 9 What alternatives are there to packrafts?
- 10 Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on packrafts?
Which packraft is best?
What is packrafting?
Packrafts are inflatable kayaks where the focus is on particularly low weight and a very small pack size. Nevertheless, Packrafts are robust and even suitable for white water.
How safe are packrafts?
Where can you ride packrafts?
Important: Observe navigation bans and waters on which navigation rules apply. Violation of navigation regulations results in heavy fines.
How expensive is a packraft?
Where can you buy Packrafts?
Which paddles for packrafts?
Tip: As packrafts are wider than classic touring kayaks, it is better to use a slightly longer paddle for packrafting (about 10 cm longer).
Are packrafts suitable for whitewater rafting?
What alternatives are there to packrafts?
Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on packrafts?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
Add comment