Kokopelli Nirvana Packraft Review

Anybody have perspective on the self-bail vs. spray-deck models? I’m new to packrafting, but considering the self-bail.

-Adam in Beautiful British Columbia

Also, what is “Luke’s Way” of packing?

I don’t have any experience with the KokoNirv.  I did review all models last summer to purchase the Alpacka Denali Llama (larer) with spray deck and zipper storage and deluxe seat which  doubles as padded floor, I added thigh straps. I know these two are not direct size competitive models but I ‘think’ the main difference in design of ‘this size range’ from Alpacka is the 4″ upturn in the bow and extension of the zipper storage stern.  The yellow pic looks to lay flat in the water but may have a little upturn seen in the beach pic. The Alpacka zip storage ‘comes with’ water tight zippered interior inflatable tubes whi h attach inside the main tubes from the zipstorae.. In that sense there is a double chamber but I’m sure the KokoNirv double is full length.  I’ve been in numerous conditions with water breaking over my head to tipping in class 4 and reentry and I have never experienced a need  for a self bailing feature. The Alpacka maneuvers full of water. I will have to try the square fold.

Cost of the Alpacka is a premium and I know that feeling of geez, I really don’t want to pay that much more. I reduced my cost on the drysuit by $300-$400 but then I spent that on emergency air under $400 for 15-20 breaths.  This is an expensive adventure sport when you consider travel as well.  Money in the amount of what I believe is hundreds on directly sized models would be my last concern.  Go with whatever you really want for good reason and when it comes to the primary pieces of equip. raft, pfd, helmet and emergency breath, decide on the safe side of caution.  I operate in any life risk adventure by eliminating single points of failure and ‘the ONE’ I would never raft whitewater without is emergency breath hands free. I hope to develop connection with folks I can raft with so I don’t have to run solo which would allow me to push limits. I live in Chicago and drive to N WI or the UP of MI for whitewater.  I’ll be at APA Roundup in Jackson Hole and can be available on short notice to pack up and drive or fly to join in with other (s) for new (to me) whitewater or combining hike, camp and whitewater adventure. I lived in WY 4 years and I love the west.

Kind Regards to all,

Doug

Greetings,

My buddy just got the Nirvana XL Self-bailer, and we had it out in Class III this weekend. My boat is the Vectren Alpacka Gnu for comparison.

Some positives on the XL Nirvana:

1.) Killer rocker for whitewater

2.)Comes with great thigh straps and attachment points

3.) Self-bailing design is awesome. Drains well through holes in the bow and stern that are often out of the water with a smaller load. [gave me a lot of ideas to modify my Gnu!]

4.) the drain holes can be easily covered with Tyvec tape for flatwater, dirty water, etc.

5.) great seat

6.) nice balance in the middle

7.) can hold two for day-trips, even in whitewater!

Not so good:

1.) the two chambers on a cargo zipper boat. The cargo capacity is probably 1/3 of my alpacka gnu, which is of comparable dimensions and has two drybag internal chambers. What is worse, all the weight is in the rear making it seem like you would back-ender with it fully loaded, ruining the boat’s good handling.

2.) because of the killer front rocker, it would not be good in a stiff headwind

3.) the yellow hull is goofy translucent, showing your whole kit on the inside

A great boat with some caveats…

Cheers from Osaka,

john