Best Packrafts of 2023

While interest in all paddlesports has grown in recent years and even more so during the pandemic, packrafts have seen some of the highest levels of new interest. So what's drawing all of this newfound interest? Well, first off, packrafts themselves are not a new concept and your fellow paddlers have been discussing their packraft experiences and questions on the message boards for years.

But packrafts represent and attract another breed of paddler and adventurer. Those that travel light, rugged, and want to push the prototypical limits to where they can paddle and how they can get there. Often combined as a multi-sport adventure with backpacking, biking, or hiking, these are the craft of choice for the adventurous paddlers.


Much of the explosion in interest of the packrafting category has been for the solo adventurer. The solo packraft lends itself to the minimalist adventurer seeking out lightweight, nimble excursions and especially for those harder-to-reach paddling spots. So while that's what the below list will reflect, it is worth noting that there are just as many tandem packrafts to consider. All of those can be found and compared in the Packrafts Gear Guide.

Fortunately, the paddling community has been testing, paddling, and reviewing packrafts and other craft long before you had ever heard of or thought to purchase one. By leveraging the reviews and experience that's been shared by thousands of your fellow paddlers, you can help narrow down the various types of craft and whether a packraft, folding kayak, or inflatable kayak makes the most sense for you.

When a 17-year-old paddleboarder was swept out to sea, his survival depended on his cell phone and the voice on the other end of the line.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Packraft

Fortunately, your fellow paddlers have tested and debated the pros and cons of switching from hard shell kayak to a pack raft. There are plenty of other threads on the message boards about packrafting and other vessel types to consider. They'll also highlight other factors like overall weight, packed dimensions, transporting your packraft, storing your packraft, and more. While all packrafts are lightweight, they easily range from 4-20 pounds with each option lending itself towards particular adventures.

Below we'll lay out the best solo packrafts to choose from in 2021. Rather than publishing a single opinion, we've compiled this list using packraft reviews and experiences from thousands of paddlers just like you. So use this list as a starting point. Get some ideas, read some reviews, look through the entire Packraft Gear Guide, maybe browse the message boards, talk to your local paddlesports retailer or paddling groups, and get out and try it before you buy it!

And, of course, when you're done, be sure to help the next paddler in their search by submitting a review!

Your Review Matters

This list was based primarily on reviews from paddlers just like you. If you have paddled a packraft and have experience to share, be sure to submit a review to inform others and have a voice in how this list is made.


Best Solo Packrafts of 2021

7' 6"
Length
37"
Width (in)
18
Weight (lb)
$900
MSRP

The Kokopelli Recon is not your traditional packraft. Engineered from the toughest and most bomber material, the Recon is perfect for road-to-river whitewater and after work laps. With the exact same shape as the Nirvana series packrafts, the Recon is self-bailing and weighs in at 18.0 lb (8.2 kg) constructed of a heavier duty PVC. Featuring 210 Diamond-Ripstop Nylon full length inflatable floor, a Leafield D7 valve, and thigh-strap attachment points, the Recon is built for whitewater performance.

IN THE BOX: 1 Packraft, 1 Inflatable Floor with Integrated Seat, 1 Backband, 1 Compression Straps (Set of 2), 1 Foot Pump with Pressure Guage, 1 Patch Kit

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Recon Reviews

5 out of 5 stars
(2 Consumer Reviews)

Kokopelli's Recon is, like…

Kokopelli's Recon is, like any other packraft, purpose-built. Not for off-the-line racing, nor for the kids to beat up, this is a phenomenally constructed lightweight raft th… read full review

A quality build. Seems…

A quality build. Seems really durable. On the water it's stable. Would definitely run class III with confidence. The kids jump in and have fun on class I - II. Also fou… read full review

Oryx

Our take on the classic open canoe, the Oryx provides all day seating comfort and easy paddling for two. Perfect for traversing lakes and flatwater river systems like the Boundary Waters and the Yukon.

  • Structure: Inflatable

Oryx Reviews

5 out of 5 stars
(1 Consumer Reviews)

I love this packraft! It's…

I love this packraft! It's an amazing tandem boat and perfect for pretty much any trip. I generally use it for fishing trips and longer river trips. The cargo fly is super he… read full review

PackLite Kayak

7' 10"
Length
35"
Width (in)
4
Weight (lb)
$329.99
MSRP

Weighing in at 4 pounds, the PackLite™ Kayak is designed to be an extremely compact and lightweight recreational inflatable kayak equipped with several unique features to make it the perfect ultra-light kayak for paddling in the most remote locations. It has 3 chambers for optimum safety, packs down to 11”x11”x5”, and features easy to use Twistlok™ and military style valves for easy inflation. When out on the water, the mesh carry bag doubles as an on-deck gear bag for securing smaller items. Paddling a remote alpine lake or stream has never been this easy!

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner

PackLite Kayak Reviews

(0 Consumer Reviews)

No one has submitted a review yet for the PackLite Kayak. Please help out the community and share your experience!

Rogue-Lite

7'
Length
37"
Width (in)
6
Weight (lb)
$742
MSRP

The Rogue series packrafts won a ‘Gear of the Year’ selection by Men’s Journal magazine for 2019. The Rogue-lite is one of the lightest packrafts in Kokopelli's fleet weighing in at 5.2 pounds. Kokopelli has designed the Rogue-lite packraft to be functional while reducing weight and maximizing compactness. This packraft is ideal for backcountry river crossings, high alpine lake fishing and wide calm rivers. The Rogue-lite packraft can be rolled up into the size of a roll of paper towels make it ideal from bike-packing and backpacking alike. The Rogue-lite is a single chambered packraft and includes an inflatable seat cushion.

IN THE BOX: 1 Packraft, 1 Inflatable Seat, 1 Compression Straps (Set of 2), 1 Inflation Bag, 1 Inflation Tube, 1 Emergency Patch Kit

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit Inside
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced

Rogue-Lite Reviews

5 out of 5 stars
(2 Consumer Reviews)

I've had my Rogue-lite for…

I've had my Rogue-lite for three years and I love it. I use it in the sea (both Atlantic and Mediterranean) and it has proved to be a very stable and seaworthy boat. And a lo… read full review

Fantastic experience with…

Fantastic experience with Rogue-Lite! Very light and and easy to carry and with exemplary behavior on the water. Easy to maneuver even for a beginner and very stable. It live… read full review

Tributary Spud

7' 2"
Length
35.5"
Width (in)
21
Weight (lb)
$419
MSRP

The Tributary Spud is designed for ages Youth+. It’s small enough for younger paddlers to handle and won’t break the bank, which makes it an easy choice when you’re introducing kids to whitewater sports. The Spud doesn’t stop at kids though. It’s a wild, playful boat for smaller adults as well.

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Tributary Spud Reviews

4 out of 5 stars
(1 Consumer Reviews)

Overall, I am especially…

Overall, I am especially please with the ease of inflation (less than 15 minutes with a good hand pump), weight, and performance in class 1 and class 2+ rapids. I do not find… read full review

The Classic

The gold standard by which everything else is measured, the Classic delivers adventure driven fun from your backyard to the backcountry. All of the quality materials and workmanship that we’ve built our reputation on, with minimalist features to take us back to our roots and budget friendly pricing to boot.

  • Structure: Inflatable

The Classic Reviews

5 out of 5 stars
(2 Consumer Reviews)

Since 2019, I have purchased…

Since 2019, I have purchased and used three Alpacka Classics. One is a stripped down model that I use for paddling on lakes. The other two have spray-skirts and thigh straps.… read full review

They call it the Classic now,…

They call it the Classic now, but when Alpacka were the only game in town it was known as the Yak – their mid-sized packraft. I started back in 2010 with the bigger Denali Ll… read full review

Moki-Lite

10'
Length
30"
Width (in)
17
Weight (lb)
$699
MSRP

The innovative and minimalist Moki-Lite only weighs 25lbs (11.3kg). It’s perfect for adventure paddlers seeking a high-performance durable inflatable kayak. The Moki features a high pressure rigid drop-stitch floor, user friendly push-push valves, and 9” removable tracking fin. It’s ideal for flat open waters, touring, and ocean paddling.

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • Includes:
  • 1x Moki-Lite
  • 1x Nano Barrel Pump
  • 1x EVA Seat
  • 1x Drop-Stitch Floor
  • 1x Repair Kit with Glue
  • 1x Removable Fin
  • 1x Animas River Bag - XL

Moki-Lite Reviews

3 out of 5 stars
(2 Consumer Reviews)

My Moki Lite is wonderful.…

My Moki Lite is wonderful. The kayak is easy to inflate. She tracks very well especially with the skeg. The Moki is very stable and I do not feel like I would tip over into t… read full review

PackFish7™

7'
Length
39"
Width (in)
22
Weight (lb)
$379
MSRP

The Sea Eagle PackFish7™ packraft weighs just 22 lbs. It goes anywhere, sets up in under 5 minutes, and is the perfect backpack boat for hiking into the most remote locations. It's as simple as that. We call it the "Grab & Go BackPack Fishing Boat!"

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Smaller Adult/Child, Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

PackFish7™ Reviews

(0 Consumer Reviews)

No one has submitted a review yet for the PackFish7™. Please help out the community and share your experience!

Caribou – The Bikeraft

Combining light and durable tubes with a full strength 840d Ballistic Nylon Floor and our innovative Late Rise Bow, the Caribou is the ultimate backcountry front end loader. At just 4lbs 12oz (5lbs with a Cargo Fly), the Caribou is also the lightest full sized packraft on the market. It’s the perfect packraft for bikerafting and big ultralight backcountry adventures.

  • Structure: Inflatable

Caribou – The Bikeraft Reviews

(0 Consumer Reviews)

No one has submitted a review yet for the Caribou – The Bikeraft. Please help out the community and share your experience!

Acadia Rover

6' 10"
Length
35"
Width (in)
6
Weight (lb)
$295
MSRP

The Acadia Rover is the lightest packraft from EverEarth. The Acadia Rover is developed as a functional product and is super light weight with a high loading capacity. EverEarth combines pump, storage and seat as a 3 in 1 accessory, and uses TPU material for packraft. This packraft is ideal for lakes, fishing and wide calm rivers.

IN THE BOX: 1 Packraft, 1 3 in 1 accessory (seat, pump and storage bag), 1 Straps for carry purpose, 1 Emergency Patch Kit

  • Structure: Inflatable
  • Cockpit Type: Sit on Top / Open Cockpit
  • Seating Configuration: Solo
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
  • Ideal Paddler Size: Average Adult
  • Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Additional Attributes

  • ECO friendly
  • Lightweight
  • Functional
  • Durable

Acadia Rover Reviews

(0 Consumer Reviews)

No one has submitted a review yet for the Acadia Rover. Please help out the community and share your experience!

Related Articles

I am sure by this point in your paddling adventures, you have heard the term dirtbag. Dirtbags are often…

If you've paddled, owned, or rented a canoe, you've experienced the importance of having a good,…

Whether for a loved one or yourself, the holidays are a perfect time to get ready for next year's…

If you're doing some Christmas List reconnaissance for your favorite paddler or looking for a few extra…