MRS Surveyor Packraft review.

MRS Surveyor Packraft review: Navigating the Waters of Innovation

The MRS Surveyor Packraft, a really cost effective packraft. In the realm of outdoor adventure, where the boundaries between land and water blur, packrafts have emerged as versatile companions for explorers seeking to traverse diverse terrains or just walk down to the river and paddle back home.

The MRS Surveyor Packraft enters this arena with promises of durability, performance, and it doesn’t break the bank! It is really cost effective!

At first glance, the MRS Surveyor stands out with its distinctive design. Crafted from a robust and lightweight 210 tpu, the MRS Surveyor has the durability of all the other MRS Packrafts without compromising on portability.

The durable single sided 210 tpu contributes to the packraft’s overall toughness although one thing to remember is that this packraft only has a 210 double sided tpu on the floor.

The whole idea of the MRS Surveyor is to have a really lightweight packraft that is light and small to carry but paddles like a more heavier packraft.

The Surveyor is the top of the ultra-light range, similar in paddling style to the legendary MRS Nomad, with a streamlined hull, but designed in all aspects to reduce weight.

Paddling efficiency is assisted through a central seating position whilst the lightweight backrest remains comfortable, supportive and breathable.

You won’t find another packraft in this weight class that achieves the same level of comfort and performance. It is a game changer!

The MRS Surveyor is lightweight at 2.3kg (for the white version) and 2.65kg for the olive version but don’t let this put your off, it can still carry a load of 185kg and doesn’t Yaw very much at all, in fact it paddles very similar to the MRS Nomad.

The Surveyor is the only model from the light range which has the option of TiZIP which allows storage of your gear inside the tubes. Some people loathe or love Tizips, i’m in the middle.

I love the fact that you can store you gear within the tubes but with TiZips it’s not if they fail it’s when they fail! Don’t let me put you off them, I have packrafts with Ti-Zips, I just make sure they are dry when put away, clean and lubricated to try and extend the life as much as possible.

What does the MRS Surveyor Packraft come with.

Out of the box, there’s the packraft, skeg, inflation bag, seat, lightweight backrest and strap.

Inflating and tempering the MRS Surveyor

The inflation bag that comes with all MRS packrafts is well made and like all of my packrafting gear I like most items to have more than one use.

The inflation bag gives me something to sit on and also wrap my rucksack in it for mounting on the stern.

Although this doesn’t keep the rucksack completely dry if I took a swim or paddling in white water, it stops the spaces and rain from getting the rucksack wet, I’d recommend dry bags to put your rucksack in.

Inflating the Surveyor takes about 3 full bags and a top off with your lungs. The other option is to use an inflation pump like the Flextail Gear Max Boat Pump.

Tempering your packraft.

If inflate your packraft to the correct pressure (1.6psi) with air from your lungs you are putting pressure in at around 36.6c and if you’re filling with a pump you’re bringing it to pressure with the temperature of what ever the air temperature is.

Once the packraft goes into the water the pressure will reduce due to the air cooling from the water temperature meaning you will need to temper your packraft.
Just allow the packraft 5 minutes in the water and then re-inflate with either your lungs or your pump (if your pump will inflate to 1.6psi).

I really do recommend the Flextail Max Boat Pump for packrafting as you can set the pressure, it will inflate about 20 times before recharging and inflating with a pump means you won’t have to temper as much.

It also deflates and can be used for multiple things! Don’t forget the 15% discount code: VILDMARK15

How much does the MRS Surveyor cost?

While the Mrs Surveyor excels in many aspects, it is essential to consider its price point. As a premium packraft, it is on the lower end of the price spectrum at £699, therefore it massively opens the doors to adventure to those that have always been put off by the price of Packrafts.

Purchasing a packraft is and investment, and when you look at what this investment can do for you you’ll see it is a worthwhile investment.

Whether its kept in the caravan / campervan, used on micro adventures or used on a multi-way expedition through the Lake District or Norway lake hoping.

Packrafting really does open the doors to adventure. Have a look at this article about what I get out of packrafting.

Even thought the MRS Surveyor is possibly one of the cheapest high end Packrafts it doesn’t loose any of the MRS quality. It’s lightweight, packs up small paddles well and can take 2 weeks worth of gear and food.

The MRS Surveyor retails at £699 from Paqualife (don’t forget the 5% discount code) so it’s a really cost effective packraft to buy.

The MRS Surveyor comes in two colours: White and Olive. The white will reflect the sun more limiting pressure changes within the packraft a bit and the olive blends in to your surroundings more. One down point with the white is it will really show up the dirt and mud.

Specifications of the MRS Surveyor Packraft.

What I like about the MRS Surveyor Packraft.

Firstly MRS have taken on board some criticism I had on how the seats where attached to the packraft. Originally they where attached by a daisy chain of cordage which was a real hassle removing and re-inserting for cleaning ect. Now this has been replaced with velcro, making it easier to remove and replace.

A new method of attaching the skeg: No more fiddling with cold hands trying to feed the retaining string through a tiny little hole. This has been replaced with an easier method of attaching the skeg, NO MORE STRING!

How does the MRS Surveyor Packraft Paddle?

First thing I noticed was that the packraft doesn’t Yaw much at all, there is only a slight side to side motion on paddle strokes.

There is a near centrally seated paddle position, it’s stable, it’s quick and in fact probably one of the nicest packrafts (apart from the NOMAD) to paddle!

Comfort.

The seat is really lightweight but that doesn’t impede the comfort of the seat. Weighing 190g the design of the seat also show how everything has been designed to keep the weight of this lightweight packraft to a minimum.

The backrest: as there is a centrally seated paddling position you have some space between you and the stern of the packraft. This is great for stowing your water bottle or fishing net and therefore you cannot rest you back on the stern of the packraft.

Due to this there is a really lightweight backrest that is fully adjustable in 6 places which will keep you comfy if you’re in the saddle for a long period of time.

In conclusion, the MRS Surveyor Packraft stands as a testament to innovation in the world of packrafting. It’s lightweight design makes it a standout as a choice for outdoor enthusiasts and really does open up opportunities.

While the price may be a consideration for some, the investment in the MRS Surveyor pays off with a reliable, durable, and performance-driven packraft that opens up new possibilities for water-based adventures.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice looking to explore the waters, the Mrs Surveyor is a compelling option that delivers on its promises. Have look at the MRS Surveyor on the paqualife website.

The MRS Surveyor is a perfect packraft to take on your rooftent camping adventures. If you want some more information to turn your car into a camper then have a look at the post.

A packraft is a great piece of gear to have on your campervan, caravan or in the boot of your car.

Check out the post on the Tentbox Cargo, the roof tent I’ve been using for my adventures for over a year

MRS packrafts are available in the UK from Paqualife.co.uk If items are in stock they will be dispatched within 3 working days, however, most of the MRS Pacrrafts are made to order which allows you to customise your choice. They will deliver outside the UK but contact prior to ordering for an accurate courier quote.

For U.S. interest in the MRS Surveyor please visit the MRS distributors in the U.S. Microrafting or for purchases in Canada see Hiking Camping Adventure