NEW Alpacka Raft Models for 2024 – Rendezvous, Tango, and Refuge

Alpacka Raft is navigating the New Year like a Class III current by offering 3 new models of packrafts for us with varying price points, feature sets, and capabilities. The 3 new models we are going to take a look at here today are the Rendezvous, Refuge, and Tango. With pricing from $1,325 – $1,900 there should be a little bit for everyone whether they want to adventure alone, or bring along a friend plus the kitchen sink. Let’s run through everything that these new packrafts are about.

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Mancos, Colorado – February, 2024 – Alpacka Raft, the packrafting industry leader, today announced three new models for 2024. The Colorado-based brand is releasing two new tandem packrafts, the Tango and the Rendezvous, and is updating the Refuge, one of the company’s most innovative models.
“As packrafting continues to grow in popularity, we want to make sure that we are making packrafts that fit the diverse needs of a wide variety of paddlers,” said Thor Tingey, CEO of Alpacka Raft. “This year, we are continuing to push the limits of the sport with performance improvements to the Refuge and the Valkyrie. And, we are also developing products for more casual users, with new tandem models like the Tango and the Rendezvous, which are perfect for family trips, fishing, and exploring new landscapes with a partner.”

Alpacka Raft – Tango

The Tango is a full-sized, two-person kayak style packraft for speed and comfort on lakes, coastal areas, and rivers up to class II. This aggressive and capable packraft can conquer a multitude of different bodies of water. With an MSRP of $1,900 for the Alpacka Raft Tango, you might need a buddy to go “dutch” with you on this one, but you won’t be disappointed in its performance. All of the specs and features can be read below as presented by Alpacka Raft:

Fabric: 210d Nylon
Exterior Length: 145″
Exterior Width: 36.5″
Interior Length: 88″
Interior Width: 14″
Weight with Cargo Fly: 12.9 Lb
Packed Size: 21″ x 9.5″
Max Capacity: 600 Lb

The Tango is a two-person, kayak-style packraft ideal for serene lakes, meandering rivers up to class II, and gentle coastal areas. Its 13.1-inch cargo hull and inflatable floor are designed for stability and comfort, making it an excellent option for longer days. The Tango features a built-in cargo fly, inflatable backrest support for both paddlers, and ample leg room for kayak-style paddling, allowing for comfort and adaptability during all-day excursions. This model features a low-profile hull and is the brand’s fastest tandem packraft. The tandem design is ideal for couples and families looking to explore the backcountry together. The extra speed also makes it an ideal adventure racing packraft. Available in an eye-catching Banana Split color, the packraft weighs 12.9lb and sells for $1,900.

Alpacka Raft – Rendezvous

Deemed Alpacka Raft’s “most comfortable two-person model,” this pack raft gives you generous room for all of your prospective gear your might take along on a multi-day excursion or allow for enough room that 2 people can comfortably enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The MSRP for the Alpacka Raft “Rendezvous” model is set at $1,700 making it more expensive than most, but still understandable for a 2-person raft. All of the nitty-gritty specs can be read below as presented by Alpacka Raft:

Fabric: 210d Nylon
Exterior Length: 132″
Exterior Width: 40″
Interior Length: 74.5″
Interior Width: 14.5″
Weight with Cargo Fly: 10 Lb
Packed Size: 20″ x 9″
Max Capacity: 800 Lb

The Rendezvous is an innovative packraft-style canoe that uses a unique design, integrating a central thwart instead of traditional seats to help make the packraft fast and stable when paddling or fishing on flat water. This packraft is Alpacka’s most comfortable two-person model, and the new construction helps to cut down on weight and bulk, making it easy to pack and carry. The one-size, two-person Rendezvous replaces the brand’s previous Oryx model and comes equipped with a cargo fly zipper for hauling gear inside the tubes. With a weight of 10.0lb and a price tag of $1,700, the Rendezvous is perfect for long days on lakes and rivers and is the best fishing packraft in the lineup.

Alpacka Raft – Refuge

The Alpacka Raft “Refuge” model is meant to be an old school throwback for those who want a more simplistic approach to their packraft for adventures that occur year-round. The Alpacka Raft Refuge has an MSRP of $1,325 making it affordable enough for most adventure-seeking outdoors types. The rest of the specifications for their Medium and Large variants can be read below as well as some words from Alpacka Raft:

Paddler Sit Length: 38″ – 42″ | 41″ – 45″
Exterior Length: 87″ | 89.5″
Exterior Width: 34.5″
Interior Length: 46.5″ | 49.5″
Interior Width: 15″
Weight: 6.7 Lb | 6.8 Lb
Packed Size: 15″ x 7″ | 15″ x 8″
Max Capacity: 250 Lb | 275 LB

The Refuge is Alpacka Raft’s ode to backcountry enthusiasts and wilderness travelers. The 2024 Refuge is the third iteration of the packraft, and this new model optimizes the best features of the prior versions. The new version weighs in at a mere 6.5lb and offers a blend of agility and durability that allows it to excel in all types of conditions. The fabrics pair the brand’s lightweight 210d nylon hull with a full-strength 840d floor for maximum abrasion resistance in shallow backcountry rivers. A whitewater deck keeps paddlers dry, while the Cargo Fly internal storage system allows users to pack gear inside the tubes. Alpacka also added a lightweight 2-point thigh strap system, giving paddlers control of the packraft when navigating smaller backcountry whitewater. The new Refuge is priced at $1,325 and is available in medium and large sizes.

Adam Scepaniak