Click Here for Current Production Lead Times. Up to 1 week Lead Time on Accessories.

Lightwater Packrafts

Lightwater is perfect for packrafting! Its the exciting splashy Class I-II whitewater that gets you laughing without the fear factor of Class III and harder rapids. Often overlooked by other paddlesports, lightwater is incredibly popular with packrafters because the boats are so light, nimble, stable and forgiving. Our lightwater collection is our favorite packrafts and accessories for your next lightwater adventure.

Two paddlers paddling splashy lightwater in the Caribou.

Caribou

One of our most versatile packrafts, the Caribou is ideal for lightwater and flatwater adventures. The perfect combination of minimum pack weight and a stable comfortable ride on the water. We recommend 210d standard fabric in Self-Bailing or Removable Deck builds for lightwater focused trips.

From $950.00

Shop Now

Mule

The big brother to the Caribou, the Mule is a great lightwater boat for larger paddlers or for carrying extra cargo. We recommend the Self-Bailing or Removable Deck builds for lightwater. Smaller paddlers should consider a better fitting or more nimble boat in lightwater like the Caribou, Expedition or Gnarwhal.

From $1,200.00

Shop Now

Ranger

The most comfortable and spacious lightwater packraft in our lineup, the Ranger is our favorite solo packraft for fly-in, car-to-car, or trips with short backpacking sections. It has tons of room for all of your gear, your dog and a kiddo with maximum comfort and easy paddling for a multi-week adventure.

$2,000.00

Shop Now

Expedition

The Expedition excels on shallow splashy rivers that require super quick turns and tight eddy catches. With the optional thigh straps, its ideal for the paddler that wants a super versatile cold water packraft for lightwater and whitewater adventures. If you are paddling warm water or prefer a self bailer, consider the Gnarwhal.

From $1,500.00

Shop Now

Gnarwhal

Like the Expedition, the Gnarwhal is ideal for lightwater and moderate whitewater focused adventures. It's the highest performance model in our lightwater collection and ideal for the beginner to experienced paddler that wants the most forgiving and easy handling boat. The Self-Bailing build with 3-point thigh straps provides maximum control with minimum fuss for warmer water trips.

From $1,450.00

Shop Now

Additional Lightwater Products

Lightwater Paddles

Lightwater PFDs

Lightwater Paddling Suits

The term lightwater was coined by Jule Harle of the Alaska Packraft School. While we are sensitive to creating new categories, we decided to move forward with lightwater because of its popularity for packrafting even though it is overlooked by other paddlesports. Since most paddling equipment is either focused on flatwater or Class III and harder whitewater, the lightwater category will help packrafters identify the best equipment and techniques for this use.

If you see yourself focusing on a mix of lightwater and flatwater, consider the Caribou, Mule, or Ranger. If you enjoy lightwater paddling but want the ability to develop into more whitewater paddling, the Expedition and Gnarwhal are excellent choices.

In a nutshell, that’s what lightwater is all about. Feel free to call us with any questions—we’re thrilled about the possibilities in the lightwater category and excited to help you find the perfect packraft to excel in these adventures.

Lightwater packrafts Caribou and Expedition
Person kayaking