Packraft
MRS packrafts have become our number one best-selling item, and it’s easy to see why. They are fantastic on so many levels: quality of material, lightweight, easy to assemble and pack up, great warranty and FUN! Our family loves spending time exploring mountain lakes and canals near our home around the Rocky Mountains. While we have not personally gone through any rapids yet, lots of our customers have, and they love MRS packrafts for whitewater.
If you aren’t familiar with packrafting, one of the newer sports in North America, it can seem like these boats are too good to be true! They fit into a backpack (no more carrying around a big bulky canoe or kayak, thank you) and are surprisingly easy to inflate with the screw-on airbag where you “catch” air and compress it into the boat. After about ten scoops of air from the airbag, the vessel is 90% inflated. A few more puffs from your mouth or an optional (not-included) pump, and your raft is buoyant and ready to go. Another surprising feature is how sturdy these inflatable boats actually are. When people first see them, they think that they are going to rip easily, but they are actually very strong. And in the improbable event of damage to the material, MRS offers a three-year warranty. Our good friend had his stuck in an underwater cave for months, and even after that crazy adventure, he was able to use his MRS packraft.
Material
The material is hand-made from high-quality urethane-coated nylon, (not PVC or hypalon like other cheaper boats on the market). This material is light, abrasion-resistant, UV tolerant, non-ageing and maintains flexibility at low temperatures. It has been specially treated to make a smooth, scratch-resistant surface. This creates a supple material for easy packing and folding. It is also very easy to repair in the unlikely event that the packraft should need a patch.
MRS fully supports sustainable development and is deeply involved in the research and development of TPU coated fabric. The TPU fabric in the MRS packrafts are all Swiss Bluesign®-certified, meaning that they are environmental-friendly and manufactured in a safe workspace.
Distinctive Features
The biggest selling feature of the Barracuda R2 Pro is its storage space. With most packrafts, your backpack has to be tied across the bow as there isn't much internal room. But the Barracuda R2 Pro has a very spacious hull, enough leg room for two people, and an internal storage system (ISS), where the stern of the boat can be accessed with a water-resistant zipper and the side tubes can be stuffed with more storage. This actually proves to be an advantage in handling the boat and does not affect bouyancy. However, once you open the zip, the craft deflates, so you will want to be strategic about what you store in the side tubes. Using a drybag will make it easy to access your gear from the side tube.
The Barracuda R2 Pro comes with a completely removable spray deck. Removing it saves you 1.5 kg. It also has an extra-protected floor, which makes it suitable for harsh environments, although this makes it slightly heavier than the Barracuda R2. It is one of the most robust models of packraft that we carry, and it is great for whitewater. Another advantage of this kayak is that it can fit two people - perfect for a day out with your friend or significant other. The seats can be configured for kneeling (canoe style) or sitting, and the sraydeck can be completely closed for both seating positions! However, you will want to adjust your paddle depending on your seating choice, and if you are kneeling, you might want to use knee pads. R2 means two choices: race or recreation, with two people. This boat gives you maximum flexibility as it can function as a canoe or a kayak; it is stable but also agile and controllable; it handles white water or open water. It is easy to turn and not likely to flip.
This packraft is suitable for water hiking, adventure racing, white water kayaking, wilderness tours or long-distance trips. Its versatility makes it feasible to pack with you on a flight, or carry with you in your backpack.
The difference between the Barracuda R2 Pro and the Barracuda R2, is that this one has a spray deck and ISS (internal storage system). There is an option to order the Barracuda R2 Pro with a fixed or removable spray deck. There is also an option to order a self-bailer floor. This option includes the ISS (Internal Storage System zipper) but does not include a spraydeck.
We think you'll agree; this is a beauty!
Details:
- Weight: 5.95 kg (13.1 lbs)
- Capacity (Person): 2
- Inner Length: 217 cm (85.4 inches)
- Outer Length: 356 cm (140 inches)
- Inner Width: 35 cm (13.8 inches)
- Outer Width: 97 cm (38.1 inches)
- Tube diameter: 31 cm (12.2 inches)
- Pack size: 50 x 60 x 30 cm (19.6 x 23.6 x 11.8 inches)
- Recommended capacity: 230 kg (507 lbs)
- Maximum capacity: 230 kg (507 lbs)
- Speed: 6 (out of 6)
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Whitewater: Yes (6 out of 6)
- Seat cushion & backrest: 2
- Spraydeck: yes
- Grab loops: 8
- Thigh straps: no
- Repair material: 20 grams (0.7 ounce)
- Inflation bag: 130 grams (4.5 ounces)
- Pack strap/bag: 25 grams (0.8 ounce)
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Includes: 2 seats, 2 backrests (quick release backrest for the front), inflation bag, repair patches, straps, D type spray skirt, skeg, user's manual
- Colors: Black with blue, yellow, or green stripe
MRS offers a three-year warranty.
Your friends will wonder where you got this fun, sturdy, affordable, inflatable boat! Order yours today!
Please note that these products may ship in 2-3 weeks from the time you place your order, depending on how many we have in stock.
We offer FREE SHIPPING to all packraft orders in Canada. Discount automatically applied at checkout.