Packraft info

The weight of MRS packrafts generally ranges from about 2.2–5.5 kg, depending on the model. The weights we provide include the packraft itself along with the seats and backrests, the spray deck and any related accessories (such as skirts and attachment arches), the packing strap, and the included fin.

Detailed weight information can be found in this table. The weight scale is relatively light, which makes the packraft a convenient and easily transportable piece of expedition gear.

Yes, MRS packrafts are very durable and are designed to withstand demanding conditions such as whitewater rafting, repeated folding and rolling, and varying weather conditions. Our own years of experience, as well as partnerships with various professionals, demonstrate that MRS packrafts are reliable and durable tools for whitewater rafting and paddling in challenging conditions. Should damage occur, repairs are always possible.

The load capacity of a packraft varies according to its size. Descriptions of the packrafts specify their load capacities, and you can also compare these capacities in this table.

As a general rule, packrafts are designed to carry not only a person but also additional load such as hiking gear or even a mountain bike.

We provide three load capacity values for all MRS packrafts:

• Calculated advised capacity: The manufacturer’s recommended load that indicates the capacity for easy paddling.
• Calculated maximum capacity: The manufacturer’s recommended maximum load for the given packraft.
• Tested maximum capacity: This indicates the load under which the packraft continues to function even in challenging conditions, but may sit deeper in the water. Naturally, a packraft with a heavy load is harder to paddle, the travel speed decreases, and agility suffers in challenging conditions.

MRS packrafts come with a lightweight and handy inflation bag for the main inflation process. The inflation is then finalized by blowing air into it. Instead of the inflation bag, you can also use a rechargeable camping pump. In any case, the inflation of the packraft is divided into two stages, and the entire process takes less than five minutes after some practice:

Stage 1: The valve on the MRS packraft has a main valve and a check valve beneath the cap.

• Open the main valve and screw the nozzle of the inflation bag into the threads. Before attaching the nozzle, you can rotate it counterclockwise while holding the bag, making it easier to screw into the valve.
• Take a gulp of air into the bag, roll it slightly closed, and then squeeze the air into the packraft. The number of bagfuls needed varies depending on the model and the user’s technique, but the packraft quickly reaches a point where no more air can be added with the bag.
• Keep the bag airtight and rotate it a few turns counterclockwise so that when unscrewing the nozzle, it will easily rotate counterclockwise and come off the valve.
• After the nozzle comes off, quickly put the valve cap back in place and screw it on tightly. This step requires practice to minimize the amount of air that escapes during the change.

Stage 2: After closing the main valve, another check valve can be found beneath the top cap.

• Blow strongly into the valve until no wrinkles are visible on the side of the packraft and it feels sufficiently taut.
• Place the packraft in the shoreline water while you prepare for departure. If the water is cold, the air inside the packraft will contract a bit, and just before paddling, you may need to add a few more puffs of air.

The ISS System (Internal Storage System) is an extremely convenient additional feature in MRS packrafts. It provides the option to store luggage inside the packraft in waterproof bags while paddling. The system uses TiZip® Superseal zippers and dry bags, in which you can pack your belongings and snap them into loops found inside the packraft. This frees up space on top of the packraft and also stabilizes the packraft’s paddling characteristics by lowering the center of gravity. It is particularly useful for longer trips as you can store items such as tents and sleeping bags inside. Depending on the destination and the amount of gear you have, the ISS can be a valuable addition for facilitating travel on water.

However, you must take good care of the zipper. It’s important to avoid getting the zipper dirty with sand and debris and to remember to lubricate it periodically with the included lubricant. Also, you should avoid bending the zipper: roll up your packraft in such a way that the zipper remains on the outside, or fold the package taking the zipper into account.

Yes, you can bring a dog on an MRS-packraft. The packraft can accommodate both a smaller terrier and a tens-of-kilos Alaskan Malamute.

The material of the packraft is highly resistant to wear and tear, including dog claws.

Of course, it’s a good idea to consider the size of the dog when choosing a packraft. For larger dogs, we recommend the Adventure X2 or Barracuda R2 models due to their larger pontoons and carrying capacity. For example, a Dachshund or a Sheltie would do just fine in a Microraft L or Extra Long packrafts.

MRS packrafts are excellently suited for fishing and also for hunting in various bodies of water. With a packraft, it’s possible to reach difficult-to-access places like narrow rivers or secluded bays in lakes. Fishing is made easier through the use of an attachable fin and MRS anchor. There’s also a separate fishing seat for a higher casting position.

If a hook happens to get caught in the side of the packraft, there’s no need to worry. MRS packrafts are made of strong, urethane-coated ripstop nylon material that can withstand impacts and is not easily torn. If an accident does happen, minor damage caused by hooks can be easily repaired with a quick repair kit, which we always recommend taking along on trips.

It is advisable to be careful with hooks and keep them away from the surface of the packraft, but minor repairs will not affect the functioning of the packraft in any way.

We understand that price can be an important factor in decision-making. However, it’s important to note that MRS packrafts are known for their high quality, long-term design, and precise finishing, not to mention excellent durability.

There are also cheaper packrafts available on the market, but the differences in quality compared to MRS packrafts are usually immediately visible, or become apparent after a test paddle. Inferior material has a significantly shorter lifespan; for instance, low-quality TPU will become brittle under UV light over time, whereas higher-quality UV-coated TPU is virtually ageless. Cheaper material is generally also much less abrasion-resistant, making it more susceptible to scratches and hits from sharp rocks.

MRS packrafts navigate steadily and easily in all water conditions. On flat water, the bow of MRS packrafts doesn’t rise into the air; instead, the raft is committed to the water surface, always offering the best possible features. All MRS packrafts are suitable for rapids and are not easily overturned.

Due to the poorer balance of cheaper packrafts, they tend to pitch up surprisingly easily, making their glide uneven and paddling slow. Several other cheaper packraft brands may not be designed for rapids at all. These features become evident quickly during test use.

Despite speculations appearing on the internet, it’s worth remembering that MRS manufactures only MRS-branded packrafts at their factory. Every MRS packraft is handmade, from start to finish, at MRS’s own factory in Chengdu.

We are always ready to hear more about your needs and discuss how we can offer the best possible experience in packrafting. At Melomo, we are committed to offering our customers the best possible service and quality, and MRS grants a 3-year warranty on their packrafts.