Great review! Looking for a packraft for long distance bikerafting solos and the occasional tandem outing. Struggling to decide between the Aplacka GNU, the Expedition, or something else. I don't see many photos or videos of people using the GNU alone. Do you think the the GNU is harder to manouver solo than the Expedition? I am a 5' 7'' male. Are there Alpacka models other than these two sufficiently large to accommodate a bike and camping gear and for the occasional tandem outing? Thanks!
Thanks for the video! There's not a lot of info detailing the multi person packrafts. In an earlier comment you mentioned you have the Explorer 42 as well. For flatwater paddling (especially without the Double Duck now as an option), which do you prefer (Gnu vs Explorer)?
Hi. For flatwater paddling, 2 people in the Gnu using individual kayak paddles like long oars, is the fastest. With 1 person, it is a toss-up, but I would lean towards the Explorer 42 because of the tighter fit sitting inside. That being said for pure power and speed on flat water the row frame in the Gnu is also very fast but takes up space inside.
Thanks. I'm considering the EX42 also. But liked the flexibility of the center tube for some speed on flat water. I'll be doing some low level whitewater, but it's more for taking it to hard to reach places with the family. I also like the idea of the vectran material, but they don't have that for the EX42. I've got a weak back, so sitting comfortably for long stents is a must! How's do the two boats compare to paddling solo? Is the 42 that much slower on flat water than the Gnu?
I've sorta been pronouncing the g in gnu to make it sound closer to canoe. I thought that might have been Alpacka's intention. I think I may have just ordered the last Fjord Explorer from the clearance bin. It's sort of a shorter gnu without the centre tube. I already have a Llama and wanted a second boat for taking family on outings and the FE should be a bit faster when out by myself.
Hi Jon, I am really appreciative of your videos, they are helping me figure out how to use my own Gnu. I was wondering what the dimensions of the inflated Gravity grip are? it looks 12x12x17, am I close?
I mainly paddle up to class 2 or maybe 3. For that level, the Gnu is great. I have had to learn better 2 person paddling techniques for whitewater with the Gnu because I mainly paddled solo before. We have hit larger rapids than we expected with the Gnu and because of the nose, 2 heavy people, and having gear in the cargo zipper, it went right through. The EX 42 has a more turned up nose on the boat which could be beneficial, but I do not have a lot of experience with that boat and 2 people. There are also videos out there of 2 people using the Gnu in a whitewater course. If it were me personally I would call or email Alpacka raft and ask what they think. They know a lot about what each boat was designed to do. Hope that helps and thanks for watching the video!
Jon Dykes thanks for the reply! I actually just ordered the explorer, mostly because it's a good deal cheaper than the gnu and it's a little lighter. We don't really plan on hitting anything harder than class 2 on a regular basis. I emailed the folks at alpacka, and the biggest difference between the two in whitewater performance was the lack of a spray deck option for the explorer 42.
Hi +BEN10TO10. Thanks for watching it. I have a 210cm and a 240 cm aqua-bound paddle and prefer the longer 240cm normally. It is easier to paddle with and clear the sides of the packraft. The 210 still works. That is the length that Kristy uses all the time.
Hey Dougie. Thanks for checking out the video. The Alpacka packrafts handle jagged rocks better than you would expect from an inflatable boat. I have accidentally bounced off some barnacles, thorns, fairly sharp rocks, sharp wood, and have drug them over a log jams and been ok. I normally am about a 6 out of 10 careful with the boat and consider myself pretty hard on it. Obviously don't do it on purpose, but if your mindful it does really well. These people used them to go from Seattle to Alaska and are a great testament of the strength of these boats. www.groundtruthtrekking.org/Journeys/WildCoast.html
Thanks Jon, I'm thinking if that is the case the standard should work fine for my wife and I. Now just to save the money and get one. I'm afraid it may be next summer...
How does the Explorer 42 seat fit into the Gnu? I'm trying to decide those two boats, and was leaning towards the EX42 since it had the seat with a nice backrest as I've got a weak back. Does the seat have to go in the very back? Or if paddling solo, can you move it forward some for better boat balance? THANKS for the video!
Hi Luke. As the boat came, there is no way to attach the backrest of the EX 42 seat to a mid way point in the Gnu. You could always make something if you were crafty. The way that I have used the back rest has been up against the back of the inner boat. If I paddle the Gnu solo, I use the gravity grip, which is a bench style seat and has no back rest. For rowdier solo whitewater, I have put my large dry pack down in the back of the Gnu and used that to put the back rest of the EX 42 seat against. It worked well enough. The seat kept sliding down a little, but not horrible. If I were you I would lean toward the EX 42. I have that boat too and it is large enough my my 6'6" frame and gear, and also has a very nice back rest. Very comfortable boat. Hope that helps. Thanks for checking out the video!
How does the gnu handle solo paddling in the more open configurations? is it sluggish and hard to maneuver? Also when fishing, it is hard to maneuver if one person is fishing/not paddeling and only one person has a paddle and is steering etc? Thanks.
Hey Greg. Solo paddling the Gnu is best in a river where there is current. I have had no problem on a 5-day river trip using the Gnu as a solo boat. It does well when solo paddling on a lake, but I find there is more wag to the boat and it is not as good as with 2 people. The oar frame works great for 1 person paddling on a lake , but just kayak style paddling my 1 person alpacka packraft does a little better. But I still solo paddle it in calm warm days on the lake for more space. It is easy to maneuver if one person is only fishing and the other is only paddling. This is how we normally use the boat on rivers. The paddler has full control with the balanced weight in the boat and does not hit the angler in front with the paddles. Often times we will have both people fishing and when one hooks a fish the other person grabs the paddle and steers the boat. Hope that helps.
Hi Darien. Alpacka sent me the row frame to test out. But there is one on their website. www.alpackaraft.com/product/row-frame-fjord-explorer/ I would call/email to double check the sizing.
That was an extremely well made video, thank you. A pleasure to watch. Sub and cheers from Finland.
Thank you +Ali Leiniö! I try to keep it interesting.
Fantastic video, it has sold me on the Gnu, now to convince my wife!
Hahaha thanks Kent. That is always the hard part!
You really need to get this on the Alpackaraft website. I think they would make more sales though I think you should get a commission as well!
Did you succeed in convincing her?
Great review! Looking for a packraft for long distance bikerafting solos and the occasional tandem outing. Struggling to decide between the Aplacka GNU, the Expedition, or something else. I don't see many photos or videos of people using the GNU alone.
Do you think the the GNU is harder to manouver solo than the Expedition? I am a 5' 7'' male.
Are there Alpacka models other than these two sufficiently large to accommodate a bike and camping gear and for the occasional tandem outing?
Thanks!
Thanks for the video! There's not a lot of info detailing the multi person packrafts. In an earlier comment you mentioned you have the Explorer 42 as well. For flatwater paddling (especially without the Double Duck now as an option), which do you prefer (Gnu vs Explorer)?
Hi. For flatwater paddling, 2 people in the Gnu using individual kayak paddles like long oars, is the fastest. With 1 person, it is a toss-up, but I would lean towards the Explorer 42 because of the tighter fit sitting inside. That being said for pure power and speed on flat water the row frame in the Gnu is also very fast but takes up space inside.
Awesome video, thanks so much!
Very nice video.Thanks a lot !!!!!
Nicely done!
Thanks. I'm considering the EX42 also. But liked the flexibility of the center tube for some speed on flat water. I'll be doing some low level whitewater, but it's more for taking it to hard to reach places with the family. I also like the idea of the vectran material, but they don't have that for the EX42. I've got a weak back, so sitting comfortably for long stents is a must! How's do the two boats compare to paddling solo? Is the 42 that much slower on flat water than the Gnu?
Hi Luke, I just got my Ex42 and thinking about the gravity grip for this boat, front person, do you think it would work?
I've sorta been pronouncing the g in gnu to make it sound closer to canoe. I thought that might have been Alpacka's intention.
I think I may have just ordered the last Fjord Explorer from the clearance bin. It's sort of a shorter gnu without the centre tube. I already have a Llama and wanted a second boat for taking family on outings and the FE should be a bit faster when out by myself.
Hi Jon, I am really appreciative of your videos, they are helping me figure out how to use my own Gnu. I was wondering what the dimensions of the inflated Gravity grip are? it looks 12x12x17, am I close?
Its close to that, but Alpacka would know best. Thanks!
www.alpackaraft.com/product/gravity-grip/
Thanks. Really helpful!
how do you like it for whitewater compared to the explorer 42? Thanks!
I mainly paddle up to class 2 or maybe 3. For that level, the Gnu is great. I have had to learn better 2 person paddling techniques for whitewater with the Gnu because I mainly paddled solo before. We have hit larger rapids than we expected with the Gnu and because of the nose, 2 heavy people, and having gear in the cargo zipper, it went right through.
The EX 42 has a more turned up nose on the boat which could be beneficial, but I do not have a lot of experience with that boat and 2 people.
There are also videos out there of 2 people using the Gnu in a whitewater course. If it were me personally I would call or email Alpacka raft and ask what they think. They know a lot about what each boat was designed to do. Hope that helps and thanks for watching the video!
Jon Dykes thanks for the reply! I actually just ordered the explorer, mostly because it's a good deal cheaper than the gnu and it's a little lighter. We don't really plan on hitting anything harder than class 2 on a regular basis. I emailed the folks at alpacka, and the biggest difference between the two in whitewater performance was the lack of a spray deck option for the explorer 42.
Hmmm good point from the team at Alpacka. I don't think you could go wrong with either model. I hope you have a lot of fun with your new boat!
Interesting video, what length of paddles do you use. Mine are 215cm and I wonder if they are a little short.
Hi +BEN10TO10. Thanks for watching it. I have a 210cm and a 240 cm aqua-bound paddle and prefer the longer 240cm normally. It is easier to paddle with and clear the sides of the packraft. The 210 still works. That is the length that Kristy uses all the time.
Nice film, would this handle sharp/jagged rocks? Thanks.
Hey Dougie. Thanks for checking out the video. The Alpacka packrafts handle jagged rocks better than you would expect from an inflatable boat. I have accidentally bounced off some barnacles, thorns, fairly sharp rocks, sharp wood, and have drug them over a log jams and been ok. I normally am about a 6 out of 10 careful with the boat and consider myself pretty hard on it. Obviously don't do it on purpose, but if your mindful it does really well. These people used them to go from Seattle to Alaska and are a great testament of the strength of these boats. www.groundtruthtrekking.org/Journeys/WildCoast.html
Thanks for the swift reply Jon, I'll be sure to check them out, all the best from Scotland.
Jon does your Gnu have the normal Alpacka fabric or the Vectran?
Hi Kent. I do not have the vectran, just the standard. That being said, I have not had to do any patches on my Gnu yet.
Thanks Jon, I'm thinking if that is the case the standard should work fine for my wife and I. Now just to save the money and get one. I'm afraid it may be next summer...
How does the Explorer 42 seat fit into the Gnu? I'm trying to decide those two boats, and was leaning towards the EX42 since it had the seat with a nice backrest as I've got a weak back. Does the seat have to go in the very back? Or if paddling solo, can you move it forward some for better boat balance? THANKS for the video!
Hi Luke. As the boat came, there is no way to attach the backrest of the EX 42 seat to a mid way point in the Gnu. You could always make something if you were crafty. The way that I have used the back rest has been up against the back of the inner boat. If I paddle the Gnu solo, I use the gravity grip, which is a bench style seat and has no back rest. For rowdier solo whitewater, I have put my large dry pack down in the back of the Gnu and used that to put the back rest of the EX 42 seat against. It worked well enough. The seat kept sliding down a little, but not horrible. If I were you I would lean toward the EX 42. I have that boat too and it is large enough my my 6'6" frame and gear, and also has a very nice back rest. Very comfortable boat. Hope that helps. Thanks for checking out the video!
How does the gnu handle solo paddling in the more open configurations? is it sluggish and hard to maneuver? Also when fishing, it is hard to maneuver if one person is fishing/not paddeling and only one person has a paddle and is steering etc? Thanks.
Hey Greg. Solo paddling the Gnu is best in a river where there is current. I have had no problem on a 5-day river trip using the Gnu as a solo boat. It does well when solo paddling on a lake, but I find there is more wag to the boat and it is not as good as with 2 people. The oar frame works great for 1 person paddling on a lake , but just kayak style paddling my 1 person alpacka packraft does a little better. But I still solo paddle it in calm warm days on the lake for more space.
It is easy to maneuver if one person is only fishing and the other is only paddling. This is how we normally use the boat on rivers. The paddler has full control with the balanced weight in the boat and does not hit the angler in front with the paddles. Often times we will have both people fishing and when one hooks a fish the other person grabs the paddle and steers the boat. Hope that helps.
Oh man, super helpful. Thanks so much your getting back to me. Also thanks for your time! Greg.
Where did you get the rowing frame?
Hi Darien. Alpacka sent me the row frame to test out. But there is one on their website. www.alpackaraft.com/product/row-frame-fjord-explorer/
I would call/email to double check the sizing.
I am having a harder time deciding what Alpacka to get than a car
Any idea where to get a gravity grip these days?
Good question. Not too sure. I would check with Alpacka first and then check the various packrafting Facebook groups.
Hmmmm. I wish it wasn't over 10 pounds for bikepacking. I do like the extra space though. Maybe the Explorer 42 would be close.
How tall are you both?
Hi Danny. I am 6'6" and my wife is about 5'7".
Con un palito...pincha y estas nadando en medio del rio.
Si pinchas....mueres...no tiene reserva de flotacion....y es bien caro!!
Nice work!
Thank you Stonnie Dennis!
Where u can buy those oars?
They were from Alpacka, but I don’t believe they carry them anymore.