9,525 waves surfed | 3 Sunburns | 1,7M+ Readers

The 6 best packrafts 2024?

by Tim

packrafts_teaser
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about us

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:

  1. Top picks: The best packrafts 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important in the test
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular packrafts on Amazon
  4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about Packrafts

The best packrafts 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.
Kayaks and canoes are much bulkier and heavier and therefore unsuitable for traveling light. The following packrafts have proven themselves in terms of stability, safety, carrying comfort, water resistance, material and customer opinions.

1. best lightweight packraft

Light
Klymit LiteWater Dinghy 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.

    What we like:

    • Maneuverable
    • Very light
    • Blasesac also serves as a storage bag
    What we don’t like:

    • 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

    High Performance
    What we like:

    • Narrow tubes
    • With white water deck
    • With bladder bag
    What we don’t like:

    • 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

    All-rounder
    What we like:

    • Long hull
    • 3 sizes
    • Foot support cushion
    What we don’t like:

    • 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

    For beginners
    What we like:

    • Forgiving of errors
    • For multi-day tours
    • Optional white water deck
    What we don’t like:

    • 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

    Bikerafting
    What we like:

    • Long, wide torso
    • Low dead weight
    • Suitable for tall people
    What we don’t like:

    • 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
    What we like:

    • 2 persons
    • High seating position
    • 363 kg payload
    What we don’t like:

    • 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.

    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

    What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

    (**Last update 2024-12-09)

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

    Which packraft is best?

    Which packraft is best depends on what it is to be used for. The Alpacka Oryx is ideal for a family outing as it offers space for up to two adults and two children. The Alpackaraft Caribou is suitable for bikerafting, while the Klymit boat is an inexpensive model for beginners.

    What is packrafting?

    Packraftig is trekking with a combination of hiking or cycling and paddling. Packrafting therefore completely dispenses with motorized assistance during transfer.

    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?

    Packrafts are very safe. Their handling characteristics are somewhat more stable than a classic touring kayak. The inflatable hull of a packraft can of course be damaged somewhat more easily than hard-shell kayaks.

    Where can you ride packrafts?

    Everywhere where other canoes, kayaks or inflatable boats are permitted. To plan a tour, contact the German Canoe Association or the local tourist information office.

    Important: Observe navigation bans and waters on which navigation rules apply. Violation of navigation regulations results in heavy fines.

    How expensive is a packraft?

    Good packrafts for one person are available from around 500 $. Packrafts for two people cost around 1000 $ and more.

    Where can you buy Packrafts?

    Packrafts are best purchased from a specialist retailer (e.g. denk-outdoor or Sport Schröer) or locally in a specialist sports store. Most specialist retailers also sell their products online on Amazon.

    Which paddles for packrafts?

    Packrafts are driven with a double paddle. To save space when transporting the paddle while cycling or hiking, it should be divisible and lightweight. Four-piece paddles (e.g. from Advanced Elements) are particularly space-saving.

    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?

    Packrafts are also suitable for navigating easy whitewater passages (WW I-II), where heavy ground contact can be ruled out. Packrafts are unsuitable for heavy white water (WW IV and heavier).

    What alternatives are there to packrafts?

    In addition to packrafts, inflatable kayaks or rubber dinghies can also be used. These are similarly easy to transport, but often have a slightly larger pack size.

    Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on packrafts?

    So far, neither Consumer Reports nor Öko Test have published any tests on packrafts. However, our bestseller list contains the models that are currently most popular with buyers.

    Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

    *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.

    Quellen & hilfreiche Webseiten

    Tim

    Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?

    Add comment