Ships from Pack Raft Australia

• Handmade in Colorado, USA

• Approx. Kitted Weight (medium size):

  • 210D Self Bailer WITH TiZip - ~3.5kg

  • 420D Self Bailer WITH TIZip - ~3.9kg

• Size:

  • Small

  • Medium

  • Large

  • X-Large

    • Notes: Small/Medium have a 10.6in tube diameter, Large/X-Large have a 11.7in tube diameter

• Available Configurations:

  • Self bailer

• Valve: Temper Assist Valve (TAV) for inflation and deflation

• Seating & Rigging:

  • 3/4 Length Self Bailing Seat, Self Bailing Footrest, Foam Backband, Patented 3-point Thigh Straps

• Materials:

  • Proprietary TPU Coated 210d or 420d nylon hull and 840d nylon floor (Made in USA)

• Attachments: 4 bow grab loops, 2 stern grab loops, offset D-Rings, ankle loops, 3 position thigh strap ladder plates, 3 position backband ladder plate

• Includes: Alpacka Raft packraft, 3/4 Self Bailer floor + Foot pillow, Inflation Bag, Stuff Sack, Cargo Fly Kit, and Basic Repair Kit

Description

The Gnarwhal is Alpacka Raft’s beginner/intermediate focused whitewater packraft. It’s perfect for Lightwater and Class III whitewater adventures.  The hull design is incredibly stable, forgiving and easy to paddle when things start to get wild and you need that extra bit of help to make it through the rapid upright. And when you fall out, the self-bailer means you don’t need to go to shore to reset. 

What's New in 2025

When Alpacka Raft first introduced the Gnarwhal in 2017, the goal was a packraft that could not only handle harder whitewater but could also make whitewater more approachable for the average paddler who didn’t have years of kayaking experience. And Alpacka succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. The Gnarwhal is one of our most successful models of all time, beloved by everyone from novices to pros.  

Over the years, more advanced paddlers have moved on to the latest designs like the Wolverine, Valkryie and the Mage. This allows Alpacka to really focus the Gnarwhal on the beginner to intermediate paddler who wants the most forgiving, easy to paddle, and approachable to learn whitewater packraft.   

Starting with the hull, Alpacka have used the large volume 2024 Gnarwhal hull for the large and extra large sizes, which provide the most support and stability for larger paddlers. The small and medium sizes are based on the medium volume 2024 Wolverine hull, which is easier to maneuver for smaller paddlers.  

Alpacka chose a self bailing configuration because that is the easiest to learn to paddle in. It has fewer parts to keep track of and no skirt to put on and take off.  When you swim you can just self rescue and keep moving without going to shore to drain and reset.  

The 3-point thigh straps are also new for 2025. They are lightweight, incredibly comfortable, easy to fit, and provide plenty of support for up to Class III/IV whitewater. 

Finally, Alpacka have redone the sizing to be the same across all sized boats. Alpacka are using a true to size fit similar to your other outdoor gear and clothing. The goal is enough knee bend to positively engage your thigh straps, but with more relaxed position for better downriver performance. 2025 Gnarwhal sizing is generally about two inches longer than 2024 and earlier sizing.

Kitted Weights

210D v 420D fabrics:

Small = 3.4kg / 3.8kg

Medium = 3.5kg / 3.7kg

Large = 3.6kg / 3.9kg

X-Large = 3.8kg / 4.3kg

*Due to the handmade nature of our packrafts and natural variances in weights between different colors and production runs in our fabrics, all weights are estimated and will vary from boat to boat.

*Kitted weight includes the packraft, seating and rigging (thigh straps/backband).