Your sit length, not your height, determines your boat size. Follow these steps to determine your sit length.
- Place the starting end of a tape measure against a wall and pull out at least 48-inches of tape.
- Sit against the wall on top of or right next to the tape measure and extend your legs out flat without pointing your toes. We recommend wearing your preferred paddling shoes for this step.
- Have a friend measure the tape length to the bottom of your heels. Use a cardboard box if you don’t have an assistant. The distance from the wall to your heels is your sit length.
Sizing charts are shown in the images of each product.
Step 2) Choose Your Boat Size
Our recommended size is based on your sit length and the boat’s fit profile. If your sit length is in between our recommended sizes, we recommend the following:
- Classic: The classic is sized for a relaxed fit, meaning that a typical paddler in the recommended size can fully extend their legs and not touch the bow unless they point their toes when sitting in the boat. We recommend sizing down if you are in between sizes unless you want a lot of extra foot room.
- Expedition: The Expedition is sized for a performance fit, meaning that a typical paddler in the recommended size can press their feet against the bow when straightening their legs which provides better control than a relaxed fit and more all-day comfort than the whitewater fit. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing down to achieve a whitewater fit (especially if you are thinking about adding thigh straps) and sizing up if you want more leg room for longer days on easier water.
- Whitewater Series: The Wolverine and Gnarwhal are sized for a whitewater fit, meaning that a typical paddler in the recommended size will be able to deeply bend their knees for maximum engagement in the thigh straps for the most secure high-performance fit. If you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing down for the highest performance fit and sizing up for a better all-day paddling fit.
Packraft build options explained
Not sure which build to pick? Here's what each option on our Alpacka listings means.
Open
The simplest, lightest and most affordable build. Great for calm water and warm days when you don't need protection from waves or spray.
Self Bailer
An inflatable floor with drain holes, so water runs straight out. Ideal for warm conditions, frequent in-and-out (fishing, hunting, dogs) and learning whitewater. If you swim, you just climb back in. There's no skirt and no stopping to empty the boat.
Whitewater Deck
A kayak-style cockpit with a rim for a spray skirt. It's the driest and warmest build and the best performer in cold water and harder whitewater. Spray skirts are sold separately on most models, so check the note at the top of each listing.
Removable Deck
The same idea as the whitewater deck, but it zips off, so you can switch between a decked boat and an open boat depending on the day.
Cargo Fly
An airtight zipper in the stern lets you pack gear inside the tubes. Your kit stays drier and more secure, and the lower centre of gravity makes the boat more stable. Internal dry bags are sold separately. They keep things organized and act as extra air chambers if you puncture.
Fabric
Hull fabric is listed in denier (d). 210d is lighter and packs smaller. 420d is tougher and better for heavy use, rocky rivers and hunting. Some models also come in lightweight or standard 210d: lightweight saves weight, and standard holds up better to everyday wear.
How weights are listed
Alpacka quotes three weights: base (boat only), kitted (boat with seat and rigging, ready to paddle) and complete (everything in the stuff sack). Our listings use the ready-to-paddle weight wherever Alpacka publishes it. Every boat is handmade, so weights vary slightly from boat to boat.
