Alpacka Expedition Packraft

AQOutdoors Verified independent store

→

Alpacka Expedition Packraft – The Ultimate Do-Everything Backcountry Packraft The new Alpacka Expedition takes Alpacka Raft's quintessential wilderness packraft and gives it a majo r performance upgrade. With a completely updated Mage-derived hull, the new Expedition is longer, narrower, faster, and more capable in whitewater while retaining the lightweight, packable character that has made the Expedition a favourite for ambitious backcountry trips. This is Alpacka's one-boat-quiver: light enough for wilderness traverses, efficient enough for long river miles, stable enough for developing paddlers, and now considerably more capable when the river gets technical. From multi-week expeditions and remote Canadian river trips to weekend adventures and laps on your local whitewater run, the 2026 Expedition is built for paddlers who don't want their packraft to dictate where the adventure ends. What's New for the 2026 Alpacka Expedition? The big story for 2026 is the hull. Alpacka redesigned the Expedition around a shape derived from the Mage whitewater packraft. Compared with the previous Expedition, the new hull is longer and narrower with increased rocker. On the water, those changes translate into a boat that is faster, tracks better, and handles whitewater significantly better than the 2025 Expedition. Importantly, Alpacka hasn't turned the Expedition into an expert-only whitewater boat—the hull retains a flat floor and approachable primary stability that keeps it manageable for beginner and intermediate packrafters. Mage-Derived Hull – Faster, Narrower & More Capable The Expedition borrows its fundamental hull concept from the performance-oriented Mage but pairs it with a flat floor and simpler wilderness-focused outfitting. The narrower profile and additional length improve forward efficiency and tracking, while increased rocker helps the Expedition turn quickly, climb over features, and handle more technical river environments. The result is a packraft that performs across an unusually broad range of conditions, from flatwater crossings and shallow lightwater to genuine whitewater. A True Wilderness One-Boat Quiver The Expedition's strength isn't that it's the absolute best Alpacka at one specific thing. It's how many different adventures it can handle well. Use it for a multi-week wilderness traverse where every gram matters. Load it for a remote river trip. Paddle shallow technical rivers requiring quick turns and tight eddy catches. Or leave the backpack at home and spend the afternoon running your local whitewater section. If your trips routinely combine hiking, flatwater, moving water, whitewater, and multi-day gear, the Expedition is one of the most versatile packrafts Alpacka makes. 3-Point Thigh Straps & Whitewater Footbrace – Now Standard The 2026 Expedition comes properly outfitted for moving water right out of the box. Alpacka's patented 3-point thigh straps and whitewater footbrace are standard equipment. The thigh straps give you much greater connection to the boat, allowing you to edge, brace, turn, and control the Expedition through technical water. Combined with the footbrace and adjustable backband, they create a much more connected paddling position than a basic recreational packraft setup. Multiple ladder-plate positions for both the thigh straps and backband allow the outfitting to be adjusted to suit different paddler sizes and preferences. Whitewater Deck for Cold Canadian Rivers For 2026, the Expedition is offered exclusively with Alpacka's Whitewater Deck. A rim sleeve and one-piece PEX coaming pole create a cockpit rim compatible with an Alpacka spray skirt. For paddling in Alberta, British Columbia, the Yukon, Alaska, and other cold-water environments, the deck is a major advantage. It provides Alpacka's driest and warmest packraft configuration while still allowing the paddler to use a conventional removable spray skirt. Important: the spray skirt is sold separately. Cargo Fly Internal Storage – Standard Equipment Alpacka's Cargo Fly comes standard on the Expedition. The airtight zipper in the stern gives you access to the inside of the packraft tubes, allowing camping equipment and other cargo to be stored inside the boat instead of piled onto the bow. Moving gear into the tubes lowers the centre of gravity and keeps the bow clear, improving paddling performance while providing secure and protected storage for multi-day trips. Optional Alpacka internal dry bags can be clipped into each side of the tubes to organize equipment and balance the load. The inflated bags can also provide additional independent air volume inside the boat. Lace-In Seat & Foam Backband The Expedition uses a standard lace-in seat rather than the more elaborate whitewater seating found in the Mage. Combined with the foam backband, it strikes an excellent balance between paddling performance, comfort, low weight, and packability. This simpler outfitting is one of the reasons the Expedition remains such a strong wilderness boat. You get the connection needed for serious river paddling without carrying unnecessary weight and bulk through every kilometre of the approach. 210D Hull & 840D Floor The Expedition uses Alpacka's proprietary TPU-coated 210-denier nylon hull paired with a substantially heavier 840-denier nylon floor. This combination concentrates durability where the boat sees the greatest abrasion while keeping the tubes light enough for serious backcountry travel. Like Alpacka's other premium packrafts, the Expedition is handmade in the USA. How Much Gear Can the Expedition Carry? Alpacka recommends thinking about cargo capacity based on the type of paddling you're doing rather than simply asking how much weight will physically fit in the boat. Maximum whitewater performance: approximately 20–40 lb of cargo General-purpose trips: up to approximately 60 lb of cargo Extended trips on larger rivers: up to approximately 100 lb of cargo The Expedition's four sizes accommodate most paddlers up to approximately 230 lb. Larger paddlers or anyone regularly carrying especially heavy loads should also consider the higher-volume Alpacka Gnarwhal. How Much Whitewater Can the Expedition Handle? With its standard 3-point thigh straps and updated hull, Alpacka recommends the Expedition for paddling up to Class IV whitewater. Its combination of stability and improved hull performance makes it particularly capable on technical lightwater and moderate whitewater. Expert paddlers may take it onto more continuous Class IV runs, but if whitewater performance is your primary objective rather than overall backcountry versatility, Alpacka recommends moving toward a dedicated whitewater platform such as the Mage or Valkyrie. 2026 Alpacka Expedition Key Features New for 2026: Longer, narrower Mage-derived hull with increased rocker Best For: Backcountry traverses, multi-day river trips, lightwater, whitewater, and wilderness expeditions Whitewater Capability: Recommended up to Class IV Floor Design: Flat floor for excellent primary stability and versatility Hull: Proprietary TPU-coated 210D nylon Floor: 840D nylon Deck: Whitewater Deck with one-piece PEX coaming pole Thigh Straps: Patented 3-point thigh straps – standard Footbrace: Whitewater footbrace – standard Seat: Standard lace-in seat Back Support: Foam backband Storage: Cargo Fly internal storage – standard Attachment Points: 4 bow grab loops, 4 stern grab loops, offset D-rings and ankle loops Sizes: Small, Medium, Large & X-Large Packed Size: Approx. 9 × 22 in / 23 × 56 cm Manufacturing: Handmade in the USA Spray Skirt: Sold separately 2026 Alpacka Expedition Sizing Guide The 2026 Expedition is designed for a true-to-size fit with enough knee bend to engage the thigh straps while keeping your legs relatively extended for efficient downriver paddling. Size Paddler Height Interior Length Exterior Length Small Under 5'7" / 170 cm 43" / 109 cm 94.75" / 240 cm Medium 5'6"–5'11" / 168–180 cm 46" / 116 cm 97.25" / 247 cm Large 5'9"–6'2" / 175–188 cm 49" / 124 cm 100.75" / 256 cm X-Large 6'1"–6'6" / 186–198 cm 52" / 132 cm 104" / 264 cm AQ Outdoors Fit Tip: If you fall between two sizes, choosing the smaller Expedition will generally create more positive thigh-strap engagement and a tighter whitewater fit. Choose based on your paddling goals as well as height—we can help you determine the best size if you're unsure. 2026 Expedition Weight by Size Size Base Weight Kitted Weight Complete Weight Small 6.26 lb 8.20 lb 8.90 lb Medium 6.48 lb 8.40 lb 9.10 lb Large 6.66 lb 8.62 lb 9.28 lb X-Large 6.90 lb 8.84 lb 9.62 lb Expedition vs Gnarwhal vs Mage Choose the Expedition if you want the most versatile decked option. It's lighter and more packable than the Mage, has excellent primary stability, and transitions exceptionally well between backpacking, lightwater, multi-day trips, and whitewater. Choose the Gnarwhal if you prefer a self-bailing packraft, regularly paddle warmer conditions, want a more forgiving beginner/intermediate whitewater platform, or need additional capacity. Choose the Mage if whitewater performance takes priority over maximum backcountry versatility. The Mage provides better edging, secondary stability, and outright whitewater performance, while the Expedition remains lighter, simpler, and more packable. What About Bikerafting? Here's one important change for existing Expedition fans: Alpacka no longer recommends the 2026 Expedition for bikerafting. The redesigned hull improves paddling performance but provides less support for large loads carried on the bow than the previous Expedition. If carrying a bike or another awkward load is a major part of your adventures, the Alpacka Caribou and its late-rise bow are the better choice. Available Through AQ Outdoors Calgary & Edmonton Shop the 2026 Alpacka Expedition Packraft through AQ Outdoors in Calgary and Edmonton. Our experienced paddlers can help you choose the correct Expedition size, compare it with the Gnarwhal and Mage, and build a complete packrafting setup for Alberta, British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies, and remote wilderness trips across Canada. /* =========================== AQ Outdoors — FAQ Accordion =========================== */ :root { --brand: #0f766e; --brand-ink: #0b524d; --text: #101828; --subtle: #667085; --bg: #ffffff; --border: #e5e7eb; --radius: 14px; --shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(16,24,40,.06), 0 2px 6px rgba(16,24,40,.06); --speed: .28s; } .product-faq { margin: 2rem 0; padding: 0; } .product-faq h2 { font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 1.1rem + 1vw, 1.9rem); line-height: 1.2; margin: 0 0 1rem; color: var(--text); } .faq { background: var(--bg); border: 1px solid var(--border); border-radius: var(--radius); box-shadow: var(--shadow); margin: 0 0 .9rem; padding: 0; overflow: clip; } .faq > summary { list-style: none; cursor: pointer; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; align-items: center; gap: .75rem; padding: 1rem 1.1rem 1rem 1.2rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text); position: relative; outline: none; transition: background var(--speed), color var(--speed); } .faq > summary:focus-visible { box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px color-mix(in srgb, var(--brand) 30%, transparent); border-radius: calc(var(--radius) - 2px); } .faq > summary:hover { background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--brand) 8%, #fff); } .faq > summary::after { content: ""; width: 12px; height: 12px; border-right: 2px solid var(--subtle); border-bottom: 2px solid var(--subtle); transform: rotate(-45deg); transition: transform var(--speed), border-color var(--speed); margin-right: .25rem; } .faq[open] > summary::after { transform: rotate(45deg); border-color: var(--brand); } .faq[open] > summary { border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border); color: var(--brand-ink); } .faq .answer { padding: .9rem 1.2rem 1.15rem; color: var(--subtle); line-height:1.6; animation:faqSlide var(--speed) ease both; } @keyframes faqSlide { from { opacity:0; transform:translateY(-2px); } to { opacity:1; transform:translateY(0); } } @media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce) { .faq, .faq > summary, .faq .answer { transition:none !important; animation:none !important; } } @media (max-width:520px) { .faq > summary { padding:.9rem .95rem; } .faq .answer { padding:.75rem .95rem 1rem; } } 2026 Alpacka Expedition Packraft – Frequently Asked Questions What's new on the 2026 Alpacka Expedition? The biggest change is an entirely updated Mage-derived hull. The 2026 Expedition is longer and narrower with increased rocker, making it faster, better tracking, and considerably more capable in whitewater than the previous Expedition. It also comes standard with a lace-in seat, backband, 3-point thigh straps, whitewater footbrace, Whitewater Deck, stern rail grab loops, and Cargo Fly. Is the 2026 Expedition good for whitewater? Yes. Alpacka recommends the Expedition for up to Class IV whitewater. The updated hull, standard 3-point thigh straps, footbrace, and backband give it considerably more whitewater capability than a basic adventure packraft. For continuous or highly technical Class IV where maximum whitewater performance is the priority, consider the Mage or Valkyrie. Is the Alpacka Expedition good for beginners? Yes. Despite its improved whitewater performance, Alpacka designed the new Expedition to remain manageable for beginner and intermediate paddlers. Its flat floor provides good primary stability while leaving plenty of performance available as your skills progress. Does the 2026 Expedition include thigh straps? Yes. Alpacka's patented 3-point thigh straps are standard equipment for 2026, along with a whitewater footbrace, foam backband, and lace-in seat. Does the Expedition include a spray skirt? No. The Expedition comes standard with the Whitewater Deck and PEX cockpit rim pole, but the compatible spray skirt is sold separately. Does the Expedition have a Cargo Fly? Yes. The Cargo Fly zipper comes standard and provides access to the interior of the tubes for storing camping equipment and other cargo. Optional internal dry bags can be added for better organization and weight distribution. What size Alpacka Expedition should I buy? Alpacka recommends Small for paddlers under 5'7", Medium for approximately 5'6"–5'11", Large for 5'9"–6'2", and X-Large for 6'1"–6'6". If you're between sizes, the smaller option generally provides more positive thigh-strap engagement. Your paddling style and body proportions should also be considered when choosing a size. What's the difference between the Expedition and Gnarwhal? The Expedition is the better choice for versatile backcountry travel, colder climates, and paddlers who prefer a Whitewater Deck and spray skirt. The Gnarwhal is available as a self bailer and offers a forgiving whitewater platform that's particularly good for beginner and intermediate whitewater paddlers or warmer conditions. What's the difference between the Expedition and Mage? The Expedition uses a Mage-derived hull but retains a flat floor and simpler lace-in seat. This makes it lighter, more packable, and more stable initially, but it gives up some edging, speed, secondary stability, and outright whitewater performance compared with the Mage. Choose the Expedition for versatility and the Mage when whitewater performance is the priority. Can I use the 2026 Expedition for bikerafting? Alpacka does not recommend the redesigned 2026 Expedition for bikerafting. The new hull improves paddling performance but provides less support for heavy or awkward bow loads than the previous model. The Alpacka Caribou is the better choice for carrying a bicycle. How much gear can I carry in the Expedition? Alpacka recommends approximately 20–40 lb for maximum whitewater performance, up to 60 lb for general-purpose use, and up to 100 lb for extended trips on larger rivers. How you distribute that weight is also important, which is where the standard Cargo Fly becomes particularly useful. Where can I buy the 2026 Alpacka Expedition in Canada? Shop the 2026 Alpacka Expedition Packraft through AQ Outdoors in Calgary and Edmonton. Our paddlers can help with Expedition sizing, outfitting, paddles, spray skirts, dry suits, PFDs, and comparisons with other Alpacka packrafts. Show more