Edit February 2015: Due to our opening for other manufactures, Alpacka choose to withdraw from our cooperation and service, unless we support the brand solely. As we want to represent the Packrafting as a theme, this is no option. So we no longer work together.
I love the humble setting, so un-American ;) |

The purpose for seeing Alpacka in real live
simply was to get to know the crew, the people behind the tubes. In order to drive the packrafting road partly together we wanted to
exchange ideas and learn on the workflow and workmanship. Many things needed to
be covered in decent talks and practises impossible over the phone. This was to
alter into a collaborating relation. Reflections on change of status beyond this blog are to come in a following post. As a European outpost we want to share
our impressions and give a short outlook.
We feel being intermediates.
![]() |
Alpacka farm |
Workshop impressions
Main hall for assembling the boats. |
Despite the complex nature of building a boat,
Alpacka very much resembles the cottage style of manufacturing. The factory contains of multiple buildings (e.g. for cutting, glueing and assembling), yet
isn’t anything close to fully automated. It is a small farm, a handful people
with lots of resourcefulness. Top quality comes from attention to detail, not
mass. Anyways, machinery and workmanship is very different from those in the
classic cottages of the backpacking world.
You need a certain stock of people. A single sewing machine and some
tape isn’t enough. Material and composition is demanding. One reason Alpacka
got stuck between the outdoor industry and cottage world. Neither of them
wanted to take on the challenge obviously. It is an unfriendly market for
producers.
Trainings and practise
Marc on Taping machine |
This for
sure was worth enough the trip. Marc might be able to build a boat himself out
of limited material in a simple construction (MYOB, all my respect), but proper
workmanship goes beyond ;) First,
witnessing the regular construction helped understanding the boats in order to
evaluate issues. Seeing the complete workflow from design, cutting, sewing,
glueing, welding and finish gave a good comprehension. Second, both
(Sheri of Alpacka and ourselves) wanted us to be able to fulfil basic
services. Two major
things had to be learned:
- retrofitting spray decks: putting decks on used boats, respectively exchanging old by current spray decks
- repairs and modification: such as main and secondary valve replacements
Valve replacement |
![]() |
Retrofitting a spraydeck |
New products
A packraft or a packyak? The Orca! Note: braces not fitted. |
You gear
guys spotted this section to read the first, right ;)? Well, we can assure,
there is things in the pipeline. Yet, the traditional, well proven line will
remain. Not so much of a surprise, we
have seen the new white water boat (prototype name the Orca). This will come
for sure. Question is, if this still resembles a packraft? It is going to be
below 4 kg and will be very much packable, so yes, taking such criteria it
is. However, its intentional design is
not for classic packrafting as combination of hiking and boating, rather be a
white water travel boat. It is not meant to take a pack for example. Uhh,
kayaking folks don’t hike anyway ;) If you have seen Wayatt's great video with it in Costa Rica , you know what I mean. It has its
heritage in the packrafting evolution nevertheless. Hard facts are:
- it contains a massive frame of
coaming
- with strong thigh braces
- made of special material (no
stretch)
- for maximum tube pressure (pump
required)
- has extra slide protection on
the bottom
Other than that, there is the long awaited
drysuits. We have seen them, even worn, but can’t share any pictures before
they go into contract. There will be a super light, add on version (~500g) for
taking along and boating only as well as a semi dry, heavy duty one (>1kg),
where you can skip rain gear, respectively go hiking with. They will come in
the typical price range for drysuits. The fact I like the most is the
innovative opening/sizing combination. One fits nearly all. Truly adaptive.
Development talks
Sheri scissorhands
While developing
a new seat configuration together, we got a special insight on the design
process at Alpacka. Sheri Tingey is the mind behind it. Forget computerized
patterns and paper drawing, but imagine cutting a hedge, more so like a sculptor.
It is an incredible trial and error process out of fabric, scissor, tape and
imaginations. “I ve been doing patterns all my live to know the effects on a
two dimensional change into the figure”. We are especially proud at least to
have given the impulse for it.
Socialising & Tour
Socialising & Tour
Scramble in Paria |
Finally, there is to say a big thank you to Alpacka for hosting us and share their knowledge. We are overwhelmed by the impressions and results. It is a privilege to have this relation. More pictures from our visit you will find below and in the German short version of the post.
Repair services in Europe would be a big improvement, although I think would rarely be used. It's also cool that you've talked about geographical diffecences between US and Europe with the Alpacka crew. My Yak feels a little bit overkill here in southern Finland.
AntwortenLöschenThank you so much for this insight. Lovely.
AntwortenLöschenAwesome work boys. Good to see a fledgling relationship with the 'mother ship' being developed. Customer service has always been outstanding with Alpacka but having a European hub will help things run even smoother, quicker and hopefully a little cheaper (although living in Norway means the tax man will always be lying in wait...).
AntwortenLöschenThe new drysuit in particular will be welcomed. It's been a long time in development. Any clue as to expected availability?
Joe, I feel a bit sorry for you! Norway not being in the EU is a real bummer. At least you have Christan over there. In case of an issue, we can sure work something out. As for the drysuits, I don't wanna lay out of the window to much, but feel comfortable saying this season. The prototypes are ready, but as said they need to go into production on a contract.
LöschenInteresting read, thanks for sharing! Also nice to see the faces behind Alpacka Raft. :-)
AntwortenLöschenWeight of the orca?
AntwortenLöschenThanks