The Colorado-based manufacturer of lightweight and packable inflatable packrafts, Kokopelli, has returned its full Kevlar X-Series Packrafts. Available again with a re-launch of the Nirvana Self-Bailing X and Rogue-Lite X.
Designed as packrafts, the X-Series boats offer the best of both worlds, being stronger than their TPU constructed packrafts and lighter than the PVC ones while adding the DuPont Kevlar used for the flooring into the sidewalls for increased durability, rigidity and strength.
Kokopelli has also included Leafield D7 valves, used on most commercial whitewater rafts, and an automatic pressure relief valve to ensure proper PSI remains ideal regardless of the water conditions.
Consumers can add TiZip storage, allowing inner pontoon access to keep essential gear dry for multi-day trips. The Rogue-Lite X compresses down to the size of a paper towel roll, while the Nirvana Self-Bailing X can roll into the size of a sleeping bag with a class I-IV rating on rivers.
“The X-series boats truly elevate packrafts to a whole new level. Never before has there been such a perfect mix of durability, packability and performance in a lightweight package,” said Kokopelli General
Manager Jeff Popp. With these boats, you get similar durability to a hard-shell kayak at a fraction of the weight. The added ability to pack it and take it places you’d never be able to take a kayak is icing on the cake.”
The D7 valves on these boats also include a lifetime warranty, while the TiZip zipper includes a one-year warranty.
“As a whitewater kayaker, this is the closest performance to a traditional hard shell I’ve ever experienced, and I can put it in my backpack,” said Zach Patterson of Kokopelli.
For more product information, go here.
The beauty of these things is you can get them into and out of places impossible with any other type of small boat. It’s s a new skillset for most, but a great way of getting out of some remote areas efficiently.
Agreed. The wife and I always rented/borrowed hardshell stuff but bought some cheapo inflatables as a test to see how we liked the theory. 100% can agree that the utility of a compact inflatable can get you to places you wouldn’t normally go/get to and come with you on trips you wouldn’t normally bother with bringing your own rigs if you aren’t a hardcore rafter/kayak person.