The sun is high in the sky as I crest the final hill after four miles of hiking through pristine wilderness, surrounded by changing leaves and occasional wildflowers. My hiking partners are dots in the distance, practically running up the trail as they aim to summit one of Colorado’s finest 14ers, Mt. Sneffels. I have a different objective, and unlike them in lightweight running vests, I’m carrying a whole backpacking pack. Below the mountain are 3 of the most iconic lakes in Colorado, and on my back is my trusty packraft.
Welcome to the world of packrafting. A packraft is exactly what it sounds like: a lightweight, compact, inflatable kayak that can be carried to remote locations. Enthusiasts take these boats by foot or by bike to remote bodies of water that are otherwise inaccessible, and from there (and depending on the raft) they pack their overnight gear into the interior of the boat and take off on the water for rapids and casual floating until it’s time to hike or bike again.
Summer of 2023 is likely to be one of the best years for water sports, with record snowfall across much of the west leading to record river levels. I’ve shepherded in the rafting season with two of the most versatile boats available: Kokopelli’s Rogue R-Deck and Alpacka Rafts Refuge RTS. Either of these boats could take your summer to the next level, so read on to figure out which one is your style.
Alpacka Refuge RTS Vs. Kokopelli Rogue R-Deck: What We Think
While I made an effort to select two boats that were similar in their design, function and cost, what I discovered while testing was that these two boats actually felt very different in practice. The Alpacka Raft is the more well-rounded boat choice for the type of outdoor adventures I like to have. It’s well suited for carrying to alpine lakes, and since it can handle harder white water, it gives me more options for single day and overnight river trips. However, when it comes to multi-day or weeklong adventures, the bells and whistles that make the Kokopelli a little cumbersome for hiking become essentials that I’m sure I’d be hard-pressed to live without. Both boats are incredibly versatile and if you’re wading into rafting and not entirely sure what you want to do, these boats will rise to the challenge on most occasions.
Both rafts are ultralight, but the Alpacka is easier to pack
The Rogue is unfortunately difficult to compact and pack. Kokpelli claims that the Rogue R-Deck can pack down to the size of a “large roll of paper towels” but despite my best efforts, I wasn’t able to successfully get it that small. It’s absolutely possible that I would figure out a system after more extended use, but in the short term, the raft and its accessories took up an entire 60 liter pack, without much space for other gear. It’s also a heavier raft, so if a couple pounds are make or break for your adventure, this raft might not be for you.
The Alpacka, on the other hand, is undeniably ultra-light, once you factor in a paddle and PFD it’s absolutely possible to have the whole kit weight in under 10 pounds. Plus, the boat comes with its own storage bag, which ensures it compacts consistently and you don’t lose any of the components. I would describe the size of the rolled up boat as akin to an ultralight 2 person tent or standard camp chair, leaving plenty of space for the rest of your hiking or camping gear in the pack.
The Kokopelli comes with plenty of bells and whistles, but the Alpacka is more well-rounded
The Kokopelli raft is incredibly spacious and has some bells and whistles that make for a really comfortable on water experience. My favorite feature is the zippered pocket on the seat back, which is a great functional choice to store items you might want to access quickly on the water such as sunscreen, glasses, or even your phone (though the pocket is not waterproof). The spray deck is also removable, which is a nice touch.
The boat handles great despite its size, and I was able to fully relax into the experience and navigate through technical sections without too much effort. When it comes to being durable, not for one second did I worry about the Rogue, the material feels ultra-tough, and Kokpelli also includes a patch kit to take on the go.
The Alpacka Refuge is smaller than expected, but handles well
Easily my favorite part of riding in the Refuge is how incredibly maneuverable it is. Navigating technical sections of river, lapping your friends, pulling over to explore a side canyon, and setting up for the most choice path through whitewater is easy and FUN in this raft. Plus, the raft can handle class 3 whitewater with ease, opening up the world of river options. The proprietary material is impressively durable for how thin and light it is, and despite taking it down a river with a high number of sticks and debris, I had no problems (if I did, Alpacka Raft includes in the bag a patch kit).
When it comes to size, however, the Refuge hits a snag. I was testing the Medium, and at 5’6” I identify as being pretty much a medium person, but the raft feels pretty snug. It wasn’t possible to store as much in the boat with me as I normally would, such as sunscreen, water, and snacks, and the internal storage is limited as well. Thankfully, the Refuge also comes in a large size with an extra few inches of legroom (and almost no extra weight) which would likely solve my only issue with it. If you’re significantly taller than me (or have really long legs), a longer boat might be better suited to your comfort.
Whichever boat you choose, don’t forget to pick up a packable paddle (one that is very light and can split into 4 parts, the Aquabound Whiskey is the top of the line choice), a personal flotation device, a basic safety kit and a few dry bags to ensure all your other gear stays dry to your destination. Happy Packrafting!
