A packraft earns its place when the walk in matters as much as the paddle out. But even if its just about the paddle, knowing how to choose packrafts starts with being honest about the trip: are you crossing calm alpine lakes, floating a remote river after a bushwalk, or running moving water where a mistake has consequences? These boats all pack down small, but they are not all built for the same job.
A cheap, light craft can look tempting on a product page. But is it made for the purpose you have in mind? Calm water boats are cheaper and generally lighter than whitewater packrafts. In practice, the right packraft is the one that carries your load, suits your skill level and lets you focus on the country around you rather than worrying about the boat beneath you.
Start with the trip, not the boat
The best first question is not, “Which packraft is the lightest?” It is, “Where will I actually paddle it?” Packrafts are brilliant because they connect sections of an adventure that would otherwise require a car shuffle, a long detour or a different craft altogether. That versatility also means the category is broad.
For gentle rivers, sheltered bays and lake crossings, a simple open packraft can be ideal. They are straightforward to inflate, easy to enter and generally offer the best value. If you are hiking in with a small overnight load, low weight and compact packed size will matter more than advanced whitewater features.
For moving water, assess the river honestly. A narrow, rocky creek or a river with regular rapids asks more of the hull, seating position and paddler than a flat-water float. Whitewater-specific packrafts are usually fitted with a spray deck, thigh braces and a more supportive seat. They offer better control, but require proper paddle skills and a commitment to safety training. A spray deck is not a licence to take unnecessary risks.
Expedition use adds another layer. Multi-day trips often mean food, shelter, repair gear and dry clothing, so internal storage becomes valuable. A packraft with a waterproof internal zipper lets you stow bulky gear inside the tubes, improving space and keeping the deck clear. It is a serious feature for serious trips, not something every weekend paddler needs.
How to choose packrafts by design
Once the intended water is clear, compare the details that change how a packraft handles. Product weights can be close, but the on-water feel can be completely different. Choosing a style of Packraft | Styles and Differences. You should also look at the cost to durability aspect of the craft with many brands now being made in China to high standards. Lattitude Packrafts easily last 10 years with proper storage and handling. The cost / Benefit equation with this brand works well.
Open boat or spray deck
An open packraft is fast to set up and easy to get in and out of. It suits recreational paddling, fishing access, creek floats and adventures where you expect warm conditions and mostly benign water. You will get wet in rain, wind chop and rapids, so dress for immersion rather than hoping to stay dry.
A decked model sheds water and gives the paddler more connection with the boat. It is the better option for colder conditions and whitewater, particularly if you have the skills to use it well. The trade-off is extra weight, a more involved entry and exit process, and a higher price. A removable deck can make sense for paddlers who genuinely use one boat across different trip types, but it is still worth choosing for your most demanding realistic use, not an imaginary expedition five years away.
Hull shape and volume
Longer packrafts generally track better on flat water and have more room for taller paddlers or gear. Shorter boats turn more easily and can feel more playful in tight creeks. A broad, high-volume bow helps the raft ride over waves and carry loads, while a lower-profile boat may be lighter and less affected by wind.
Do not ignore cockpit size. You need enough space to sit comfortably in your paddling clothing, move your legs when required and get out quickly. A boat that is too large can feel loose and inefficient; one that is too tight becomes uncomfortable and harder to control. Check the manufacturer’s paddler weight guidance, but treat it as a starting point rather than the whole answer. Your height, leg length and the gear you carry matter just as much.
Seat, backrest and thigh braces
Packrafts have come a long way from basic inflatable tubes with a floor. A supportive inflatable seat raises your paddling position for a more effective stroke, while a backrest reduces fatigue on longer days. This matters even on calm water. If you are sitting too low or slumping after an hour, every kilometre feels longer.
Thigh braces are for control in whitewater. They help keep you connected to the raft when edging, bracing and manoeuvring, but they must be correctly adjusted and used only by paddlers who understand wet exits and rescue procedures. Comfort features are not fluff - they influence efficiency, control and how much you enjoy using the boat.
Weight is only one part of packability
It is easy to fixate on the number on the scales. For a long bushwalk, every gram counts, and an ultralight packraft can be a brilliant choice. But the lightest option may use thinner fabric, have fewer attachment points and be less suited to rough shorelines or repeated loaded use.
Look at packed dimensions as well as total weight. A raft that fits neatly inside a hiking pack may be more useful than one that is technically lighter but awkwardly bulky. Factor in the full system: paddle, PFD, inflation bag, repair kit, dry bags, helmet for whitewater and suitable clothing. The raft is only one item in the load.
Durability is about matching material to use. Lightweight fabrics are sensible for careful lake crossings and fast-and-light missions. Heavier-duty materials offer more confidence around abrasive rock, gravel bars and frequent launching, though no inflatable boat is immune to damage. You should still choose landing spots carefully and carry the repair kit supplied or recommended for the craft.
Plan for cargo before you run out of space
A day pack, fishing gear or overnight kit changes the way a small boat performs. Gear piled on the bow can catch wind, block your view and make the raft less responsive. If you expect to carry more than a minimal load, choose a packraft with enough volume and secure attachment points for the job.
Internal storage gives the cleanest setup for multi-day travel. Gear must be packed in dry bags before it goes inside the tubes, because the interior of the raft is not automatically a dry compartment. It also takes longer to pack and unpack, so it is best for equipment you will not need during the day.
External lashing works for quick-access items, but keep it low, balanced and properly secured. Avoid dangling straps and overloaded decks. On moving water, loose gear creates a problem quickly.
The safety kit is part of the purchase
A packraft is compact, but the safety requirements are not optional. The right PFD is essential, and it must fit properly while allowing a full paddling stroke. For whitewater, add an appropriate helmet and dress for the water temperature. In southern Australia and alpine areas, cold water can turn a manageable swim into a serious incident.
Your kit should also include a reliable paddle, pump or inflation bag, repair materials, a means of communication protected from water, and dry insulation. For remote trips, carry navigation tools and make a conservative plan. Weather, wind and river levels can change faster than expected, particularly in exposed or catchment-fed locations.
If you are new to moving water, lessons are money well spent. Learning forward strokes, bracing, reading current, self-rescue and group rescue in a controlled setting builds judgement that no gear purchase can replace.
Try before you commit
If possible, inflate the raft, sit in it and inspect how the system works. Check the valves, seat adjustment, deck entry, cargo storage and attachment points. Ask how long setup takes in real conditions, not just on a showroom floor. A quality packraft should feel simple enough that you will use it, but capable enough that it will not hold back the trips you have planned.
At Canoes Plus, we actually paddle, so the conversation can start with your route and experience rather than a hard sell on the most expensive model. That is the advantage of buying from a specialist: you can compare the options properly and leave with gear that makes sense.
Choose the boat for the water you will paddle most often, then build your skills and kit around it. The best packraft trips are rarely about getting the smallest package possible. They are about reaching the water with enough confidence, comfort and capability to enjoy the way home. Canoes Plus have Lattitude Packrafts to Demo. Their long held belief is that you need to try the gear to make sure it suits your needs.