MRS Microraft Packraft Review.

The MRS Microraft has been supplied by Paqualife who are the U.K’s distributor for their products.

MRS Packrafts

MRS packrafts are based in Longquanyi, Chengdu city, Sichuan Province, China.

Please don’t think that there packrafts are like some of these cheap Chinese packrafts, they are not.

MRS have a dedicated factory specifically for building only their packrafts.

MRS was founded in 2007 and since then have been building packrafts for many different uses.

MRS MICRORAFT.

The Microraft comes in four different sizes: XS, S, L and extra long. The MRS Microraft that I have trialed is the Large.

The MRS Microraft is a compact, it packs up fairly small and is perfect for hiking, fishing or day paddling.

I took the MRS Microraft recently on a 2 week expedition in the Glaskogens National Park in Sweden and it performed exceptionally well.

Features of the MRS Microraft.

Cruiser Deck: The cruiser deck is not 100% waterproof but it will keep water for engrossing into the raft from rain, paddle drips and splashes if you are navigating white water.

The Cruiser is zipped onto the raft 2/3rds leaving the left and side attached by velcro.

By your left hip there is a webbing handle which will release the velcro allowing ingress and egress from the packraft.

The cruiser deck can be unzipped from the back and down the right side.

It then can be rolled up and stored at the from by two velcro straps or it can be completely removed.

The cruiser deck has an inflatable pouch on the front which when inflated will stop water pooling on the deck and allow it to run off the raft.

The skirt of the cruiser deck is pulled up OVER the PFD (NOT UNDER IT) and is adjusted by an elastic drawstring.

Skeg: A removable skeg is supplied with the packraft which adds great tracking keeping the packraft in a straight line.

I’d recommend installing the skeg whilst the packraft is deflated and if you wet the skeg it makes it easier to slide in. Remember to use the retaining string in case it get pulled out.

Internal Storage System: An optional extra is having the TiZip installed. The Tizip gives you the opportunity to store your gear inside.

There is a welded loop inside each tube for attaching the 70l dry bags to. This stops them from sliding around inside the raft when portaging.

The dry bags supplied, I would really recommend these as they are long and designed to fit in each tube.

Thigh Straps: I haven’t tested these but a three point thigh strap is also available.

Specifications.

Available in Green, Yellow, Red and Blue with the option for a custom colour.

Material: The tubes are made from single coated 210D TPU and the floor is made from 840D TPU. The cruiser deck is made from 70D nylon and the seat is made from 210D laminated Nylon

Weight: The large model weighs 3.4kg

Not the lightest packraft but a really well built packraft for an expedition when you don’t know what the weather will throw at you.

Weight Capacity: 190kg

Packed size; 40 x 20cm

Price: The packraft retails in the UK at just over £1000

There are cheaper packrafts on the market but please don’t be drawn into false economy.

It is easy to purchase a packraft for under £500 but will it last? Trust me! I’ve been there.

It’s better to spend more money at the beginning than getting totally hooked on the sport of packrafting and realise that the your packraft is not suited for your needs.

All in all the Microraft is a really versatile packraft.

Whether your paddling grade 2 white water, taking a trip down your local river, a multi-day hiking trip with portages or long expedition.

The MRS Microraft on a Norfolk Chalk Stream.

The Microraft and any of the other MRS packrafts are available in the UK from Paqualife All packrafts are made to order and have a 4 week lead time on them.

Why buy a packraft from Paqualife?

Well, the answer is simple, paqualife are the U.K’s distributor for MRS packrafts. Purchasing of a distributor save hassle with import tax, saves on delivery and you also have a contact in your own country should anything go wrong.

If your packraft is in stock than it can be with you within 5 working days.

With any new equipment that you haven’t used before I’d really recommend getting some instruction. One thing thing I can’t recommend enough is the Packraft Paddlers course by Tirio.

So If you’re new to the sport of packrafting or want to develop your skills then get yourself booked on a course to develop your skills and knowledge.

For U.S. interest please see the MRS distributors MICRORAFTNG or for Canadian sales visit Camping Hiking Adventure