You are soon to have another tool in your adventure arsenal thanks to the latest announcement from Alpacka Raft following hot on the heels of the recent Kokopelli Packraft Kickstarter campaign. Alpacka Raft claims that their new Caribou is the lightest full size packraft out there — perfect for those crazy backpacking or bikepacking adventures you have planned this summer.
Alpacka says that the new front-end loading Caribou is the lightest and most packable full-size packraft on the market. A completely redone bow design at the front of the boat means the boat is built to carry bikes, full-sized packs, big game, and other heavy loads, while keeping the boat balanced on and off water.
The packraft is made from 210 denier polyurethane coated nylon with a 840 denier polyurethane coated nylon floor. The Caribou weighs in at only four pounds and 12 ounces — a full pound lighter than a similar style in the original Alpacka packraft range.
Handmade in Mancos, Colorado, the Caribou uses a single valve that provides both high pressure one-way inflation as well as quick and easy deflation via a twist of the valve core. You get a full size seat in the packraft, with a handle on the bow for dragging your boat, as well as four bow strap plates, two stern grab loops, and a floor loop for securely attaching all your bike parts.
If you need extra storage space, the Caribou comes in a Cargo Fly version offering internal storage in the tubes of the packraft. You can also add on a bike strap kit for $31 if you know you plan to use the packraft on bikepacking adventures.
The Alpacka Raft Caribou packraft retails for $795 ($945 with the Cargo Fly) and is available now. The packraft comes with an inflation bag, seat stuff sack, and repair kit.
So now only one question remains. Who is coming with me on a Caribou packraft bikepacking adventure?
I stick with the rogue-lite having kevlar bottom years ahead of the competition