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Whitewater Packrafts: Our Top 4 Picks

Hey paddlers, Tom from AQ Outdoors here with a quick overview of our four best whitewater pack rafts. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re chasing serious whitewater performance, we’ve got something in the lineup for you.

Let’s break them down.

NRS Neutron Pack Raft: Simple, Durable, Affordable

We’ll start with our most simple boat: the NRS Neutron Pack Raft.

This pack raft is available in two sizes, features thigh straps, a high seating area, and delivers great durability—all at the lowest price point of our whitewater lineup.

It’s a solid no-frills option that gets you on the water without draining your gear budget. Think: rugged, reliable, and ready for anything.

Alpacka Gnarwhal: The Beginner’s Best Friend

Next up in the Alpacka family, we’ve got the Gnarwhal. This one is kind of our entry-level whitewater boat, and it’s an awesome choice for beginners or intermediate paddlers.

What makes it shine? For starters, it comes with internal storage and a self-bailing floor. It’s forgiving, stable, and a great place to get started if you’re new to whitewater or still building confidence in moving water.

Alpacka Mage: Performance Meets Versatility

If you’re looking to step up your game, the new Mage is a pack raft you’ll want to check out.

This one offers incredible speed while still keeping that familiar expedition and pack raft shape. It’s a great blend of stability and performance, perfect for paddlers who want to go faster without sacrificing control or comfort.

Alpacka Valkyrie: Whitewater Pack Raft Royalty

Finally, let’s talk about the big one—the Valkyrie from Alpacka.

This boat is in a league of its own. It’s the whitewater pack raft for whitewater kayakers, plain and simple. The Valkyrie paddles like a creek boat, which means aggressive handling and high responsiveness.

But here’s the kicker: it’s also lightweight, with excellent stability and ample storage capabilities. So you get the best of both worlds—performance and packability—without compromise.

Come Check Them Out

Whether you're getting started or going all-in, there's a whitewater pack raft here for you. To learn more about these boats, drop by one of our stores.

We’d be stoked to help you find the perfect boat for your next whitewater mission.