Thread: Koaro Packraft

Anyone have or had one of the above?
Are they rugged enough and capable of what they claim to be?
ie can you wear boots in them. Do you have to be careful around gravel etc.
Will they fit a large pack in them and remain stable.

Looking on their site I may have missed it, but do they come with a takedown paddle or do you have to source those separately?

Any info would be appreciated.


Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

I have one. I have not been out hunting in it yet (not till April) but have taken some turns around the bay in it. Yes they are well made. Packraft enthusiasts I know compare them quality-wise to Alpackas. No one is disappointed in them. The one I have seems rugged and well made.
I think in the instructions he says you should not get gravel into the boat off your boots and drag it across gravel bars. I dont think its a good idea long term in any of the packraft type boats.

They are very stable. I am used to a canoe and compared to that they are very stable. You are low down in them. I think you would have trouble turning one over on purpose with a pack in it.

I have the long size standard model - its enough to fit me in with no spare leg room, a full big pack in the front (and leaning back away from you), and you can slide a rifle down the side. Thats it. IT's like being in a space capsule. If you have a smaller pack or a dry bag, you could tie it over the front end thwartships, and have more legroom or space for something else in the front end.

It doesn't come with paddles - just the boat, a blow up seat, and the bag you use for blowing it up. Two piece paddles can be bought on Trademe for $30 though. Very common.

I am not sure where my 14 point antlers are going to go if I shoot one. I will willingly attack that problem if I come across it.

Good info CH. Appreciate it.
I have a heap of places it would come in handy.
Just don't put the 14 point rack in upside down and you should be right

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Carlsen Highway

I am not sure where my 14 point antlers are going to go if I shoot one. I will willingly attack that problem if I come across it.

Easy, just strap them to your head!

Ill build a goddamn raft if I get a fourteen pointer

@R93 I have a koaro and an alpaca packraft.
The nz made koaro is a very good build
You want it to be a pretty snug fit inside if you are going to take on any really rough water.
The spray skirt on the koaro is a great set up and considerably better than my older model alpacka
The airtight zip and internal storage is bloody awesome if you are doing a big trip and want to get gear way inside and keep the center of gravity low.

Don't buy a $30 paddle.
Get a reasonably good one because they are a very important part of the system if you ever go off smooth water !!!


I have gotten to know the guy ( Sam ) who builds them well. Have helped him with building a small unit he lives in at Karamea.
Could maybe get a demo one sent to you to try
Or you could try either of mine as I will be in the coast at Whataroa in about 2 weeks time, Ikamatua maybe early April and Ikamatua again for easter with my family and Karangarua in early May.
If you wanted to get up to Ikamatua any time I am there we can do the upper grey together and you will see whats what very quickly.

You forgot to ask if it would fit sideways on your Zimmer frame....


On the plus side, you won't need a pump - you all ready have enough hot air to blow it up.

Originally Posted by Beaker

You forgot to ask if it would fit sideways on your Zimmer frame....


On the plus side, you won't need a pump - you all ready have enough hot air to blow it up.

Cool. I should get one cheaper then.
I am looking at getting one that fits my zimmer frame Could work as an airbag as well.

Come on a Thar hunt with me one day. We will see who needs a zimmer frame ya bloody towney

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk