The Expedition’s adaptable performance allows for seamless transitions between backcountry traverses, traditional multi-day river trips, weekend getaways, and whitewater laps with friends. No other packraft offers a greater range of potential adventures.
The Expedition features a mid-volume hull with a center panel stern and moderately rockered bow, which optimizes tracking, speed, and performance across the broadest range of river conditions from flatwater to lightwater to whitewater. A backband and lace-in seat perfectly balance comfort, performance, and packability. Keep the build as light as possible, or add the optional patented 3-point thigh straps and whitewater footbrace for better performance in lightwater and whitewater.
The Expedition is only available in a Whitewater Deck. The spray skirt does come standard. We recommend the Gnarwhal for similar uses and performance in a Self Bailer.
Zipper maintenance required for this raft!
While the internal storage/cargo fly is a game changer, lack of maintenance can cause major problems. Rather than eliminate this option from all our products, we elected to create a very strict secondary rental agreement for rafts with internal storage/cargo fly. There is a minimum $50 cleaning fee if the agreement is not followed. Please review and e-sign the agreement prior to checking out. Only one of these agreements needs to be signed per order regardless of the number of internal storage rafts rented under a single order (unlike the basic rental agreement/waiver that is required for each person using rental equipment rented from us). We will follow-up with you if we are missing any needed waivers.
Shipping
Shipping is auto calculated at check out for the 1st raft, however, shipping for 2nd, 3rd and 4th identical rafts must be added on in the product add-ons section (if you are getting several different types of rafts shipping should auto-calculate at checkout accurately without add-ons). Round trip shipping is $40/1 raft, $50/2 rafts, $60/ 3 rafts and $70/4 rafts for rafts shipped in Montana. Rafts shipped outside of Montana start at $50/1 raft and go up from there depending on the shipping time and number of rafts. Please contact us directly (phone or email) to book groups of 5 or more rafts. If shipping is incorrect at checkout, your card will be refunded/charged accordingly. Please see shipping rate chart in FAQ for more info.
Our booking system doesn’t work perfectly, so if the days you want are unavailable, it doesn’t hurt to call or email us to double check that it isn’t an error on our website! 406-272-6468 backcountrypackrafts@gmail.com
The chart below shows our recommended size based on your sit length and the Gnarwhal’s fit profile. To determine your sit length, sit against a wall with your legs flat (wearing your preferred paddling shoes) and measure the distance from the wall to your heels. The Gnarwhal is 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. You can size up or down for a more performance or relaxed fit.
Paddler Sizing Chart*
*The Expedition is designed for a true to size fit with enough knee bend to engage the thigh straps, but keep your legs more extended for better downriver performance. If you are in between sizes, the smaller size will generally provide more positive thigh strap engagement.
Dimensions*
*Due to the handmade nature of our packrafts, dimensions are averages and will vary slightly from boat to boat.
Weights*
**Base weight is the boat only. Kitted weight includes the seating and rigging (excluding thigh straps and WW footbrace ~10oz). Complete weight is everything in the stuff sack at shipping.
Weight Capacity
With multiple sizes, the Expedition will fit most paddlers up to 230lbs. Larger paddlers should consider the Gnarwhal. Cargo weight recommendations are 20-40lbs for maximum whitewater performance, up to 60lbs for general purpose, and up to 100lbs for extended trips on larger rivers.
Total units available for 2025 season: 1 small, 3 medium, 3 large, 1 XL
Colors may vary from pictures.