Flatwater

The Mule is one of our favorite flatwater river trip packrafts. The larger size makes it extra-comfy for long days on the water, whether you are putting down miles or relaxing. The larger hull design is ideal for transporting larger cargo loads and more camp comforts. We recommend the Expedition or Tango if you are needing a faster packraft or better performance in headwinds. 

Lightwater

The Mule is a great lightwater boat, especially if you are a big and tall paddler. We recommend the Removable Deck or Self Bailing build options for lightwater. Smaller paddlers will enjoy the extra space on flatwater, but may prefer a better fitting or more nimble boat in lightwater like the Caribou, Expedition or Gnarwhal. 

Hunting

The Mule is our most backpack friendly hunting focused packraft. It won’t break your back on a 20-plus mile hike in and yet it will still comfortably carry caribou or elk sized game animals for the float out. This makes it ideal for sheep, goat, and deer/caribou hunters. Hunters needing extra cargo capacity should look at a Ranger or Forager, while hunters needing to cut every ounce possible should consider the Caribou. 

Dogs

Dogs love packrafting! The extra space in the front of the Mule is perfect for bringing along your four legged best friend, especially for average sized paddlers. Larger paddlers or larger dogs should consider the Ranger. 

Mule vs. Caribou vs. Ranger

The Mule has more leg room and cargo capacity than the Caribou, but at a more backpack friendly weight and bulk than the Ranger. We prefer the Caribou when weight and pack size are more important and the Ranger when you can afford the luxury of extra space, but the Mule is our choice for versatility. Check out the Recommended Uses for more specific situations. 

Open

The Open configuration is our simplest, lightest, and most economical build configuration. It’s perfect for anything where you don’t need the extra protection and performance of a spray deck or self bailer.

Removable Deck

The Removable Deck functions like a breakdown kayak style deck and features a large cockpit, one-piece PEX skirt rim (spray skirt sold separately), plus a water-resistant perimeter zipper to convert to an open boat for more relaxing days.

Self Bailer

The Self Bailer configuration is ideal for warmer climates, frequent entry and exit, hunting, fishing, dogs, and anyone that prefers a self-bailing style setup. Our self bailing design features a lightweight 3/4 length 7-inch thick seat in the rear that is protected by a sleeve and a heavy-duty baffled foot brace in the front that keeps your feet up and out of the water.

Cargo Fly Zipper

The Cargo Fly is the ultimate packraft gear storage solution. It features an airtight zipper installed in the stern of the boat to allow you to load your gear inside the tubes. The system provides drier and more secure gear storage and improved paddling performance due to a lower center of gravity. The Cargo Fly is perfect for expeditions, whitewater performance, and keeping your gear dry in any conditions.

Internal Dry Bags may be purchased separately and are designed to work with the Cargo Fly system. The bags clip in place along each side of the tubes with a side release buckle and allow for better organization and weight balance than placing the contents of your pack loose inside the Cargo Fly. They also act as additional balanced air chambers to make it easier to get to shore in the event of a puncture.