I’ve always been drawn to rivers, and subsequently spending time on them. The Kokopelli XPD lightweight packraft was the perfect fit to get me on the water and into places I might not otherwise be able to raft. My fascination began as a child, watching the river’s current pass and wondering what lay beneath the surface. I loved to fish and always wanted a boat to help me access new water. Over the past 30 years, that interest has grown into a passion for backcountry hunting and fishing adventures.
Along the way, I kept running into situations where I needed a lightweight but durable vessel—whether it was crossing streams too deep to wade, reaching areas of an alpine lake beyond casting distance, or navigating down a river more efficiently than my boots could carry me.
When I first learned about packrafts about a decade ago, I was immediately intrigued. However, I hesitated to purchase one because of the cost. So, when I had the chance to test this revamped Kokopelli XPD packraft, I jumped at the opportunity.
How It Was Tested – Kokopelli Packraft Reviews
Idaho is an ideal testing ground for the Kokopelli XPD packraft, with an abundance of streams, rivers, and lakes. I was able to use the XPD on a day trip to a local reservoir, navigate some mellow whitewater on a nearby river, and backpack into an alpine lake.
I also had a couple of overnight trips planned on the John Day and Main Salmon Rivers, but unfortunately, production of the updated XPD was delayed and the packraft didn’t arrive in time for those trips,
What’s in the Box? Kokopelli XPD Packraft Review
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The Kokopelli XPD packraft arrives as a complete package that is ideal for the entry-level packrafter to get started. Here’s what’s included:
- XPD packraft
- 4-piece Alpine Lake Paddle
- Delta Series Roll-Top Dry Backpack
- 4.5-inch removable fin
- Nano Barrel Pump
- Inflatable Seat
- Repair Kit
- Compression strap kit (for rolled storage)
Kokopelli XPD packraft Specs
The Kokopelli XPD packraft is described as being known for its rugged durability, functionally simplistic construction, and versatility to serve paddlers and sportsmen of all types. Design and material changes from the original Kokopelli XPD resulted in a savings of 3.8 pounds without significant compromises. Nice! Let’s take a look at some of the basic specifications before diving into performance details.
| Element | Measurement |
| Weight – Boat | 10.8 lb |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lb |
| Outer Dimensions | 84” (L) x 38” (W) |
| Inner Dimensions | 47” (L) x 17” (W) |
| Packed Size (rolled) | 19” x 8” |
| Chambers | 1 |
| Inflated Pressure | 1-3 PSI |
Construction & Design – Kokopelli XPD Packraft
The Kokopelli XPD packraft is constructed with 500D reinforced PVC sidewalls and a 1000D reinforced PVC floor. The use of different material thicknesses provides durability where it’s needed most while reducing weight in less critical areas.
A commercial-grade Leafield D7 valve provides reliable inflation and deflation. A removable polymer tracking fin is included for use on flat water or in areas where obstructions are unlikely. The boat also features six one-inch stainless steel D-rings, which are useful for securing packs or other gear.
The included Alpine Lake paddle features an impact-resistant nylon composite blade paired with a fiberglass shaft. The paddle breaks down into four pieces and connects using a stainless steel button system, making it easy to assemble while still providing a secure fit.
My Experience and Impressions – Kokopelli XPD Packraft Review
I would categorize the Kokopelli XPD packraft as a mid-weight offering in the Kokopelli packraft lineup. On one end of the spectrum is the Hornet Lite, which is made of TPU + nylon and comes in at 5.2 pounds. At the opposite end is the Kokopelli Recon, which is made of 1000D reinforced PVC and comes in at 18 pounds. As previously discussed, the XPD falls between those in terms of durability (500D and 1000D reinforced PVC) and weight (10.8 pounds).
I found this combination to provide a great entry point into the packraft market. It was light enough to carry in a backpack for an overnight adventure while still being durable enough to withstand scraping over rocks in low-water conditions on our local river—with both me and a dog onboard. The ideal model for you will ultimately depend on your use case. Do you prioritize weight, durability, or specific features?
The XPD is a multi-function, utilitarian design that can serve almost any purpose, but it may not excel in any single area. It is rated to handle Class II whitewater, which consists of gentle rapids with channels that can be navigated with ease and waves unlikely to flip the boat. If bigger whitewater is your goal, you may want to consider models like the Nirvana or the Recon. Those models feature either a self-bailing floor or a spray skirt to deflect water, whereas open “bucket boat” designs like the XPD will take on water in splashy sections. While that water likely won’t sink the boat, it will make it sluggish and your gear will get wet.
Another scenario where other models may be a better fit is multi-night river trips. Kokopelli offers a feature called the TiZip, which is a waterproof zipper that provides access to the interior of the main tube. This allows you to store gear inside the raft, freeing up cockpit space and reducing the chance of losing gear.
The updated Kokopelli XPD packraft was originally listed with a TiZip option, but it is no longer shown on their website. It’s unclear whether it was ever fully implemented or removed due to overlap with other models. If you plan on doing multi-day trips, I think the TiZip is a no-brainer—but you’ll need to look at other models that offer it.
Setup of the Kokopelli XPD packraft is straightforward. You simply remove it from the dry bag, take off the compression straps, unroll it, attach the pump, and inflate it until firm (1–3 PSI). When I received my kit, the nano barrel pump came with the wrong nozzle for the valve. I reached out to Kokopelli, and although they didn’t have the correct nozzle available at the time (this has since been fixed), they sent a temporary tubing solution that worked. They also provided a pump bag, which I found to be ineffective, but I appreciated the effort. Kokopelli recommended their Feather Pump (around $50) as a lightweight electric option, which may be worth considering.
On one trip where I backpacked into an alpine lake and didn’t want to carry the barrel pump, I inflated the Kokopelli XPD by mouth. While this technically works and saves weight, I wouldn’t recommend it—it takes a long time and requires a lot of effort.
The XPD includes a 4.5-inch removable fin designed to improve tracking in flatwater conditions. While it’s a useful feature in theory, I found the attachment system (which appears to require an Allen key that isn’t included) to be less intuitive than expected.
The included Alpine Lake paddle is well-suited for calm water and light river use. It performed well in those environments. Kokopelli does offer upgraded paddles from Werner for more demanding conditions, but that’s outside the primary use case of the XPD packraft.
With a little practice, I found the boat to be both stable and maneuverable. I was able to pick lines, avoid obstacles, and lean into turns without feeling like I was going to flip. At 6’1”, I was able to extend my legs comfortably in the cockpit, although I found the most stability with my knees slightly bent and angled outward against the sides.
Since the Kokopelli XPD does not have a TiZip compartment, all gear has to be stored in the cockpit, either between or over your legs. That becomes challenging with heavier loads or longer trips. The inflatable seat is reasonably comfortable and keeps you off the floor, but the attachment strap doesn’t have much forgiveness—and mine broke early in use.
Since the time of this review, Kokopelli has since fixed this strap issue and an updated strap is on the way.
What I Liked – Kokopelli XPD Packraft Review
The Kokopelli XPD packraft checked a lot of boxes for me, especially as someone looking for a versatile, entry-level packraft that can handle a variety of situations without overcomplicating things. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot to like about how this boat is designed and performs in real-world use.
- Great balance of weight and durability
At 10.8 pounds, it’s not ultralight, but it strikes a really good balance. I never felt like I was sacrificing durability to save weight, and it held up well scraping over rocks and navigating shallow sections. - True entry-level package
Everything you need to get on the water is included. Paddle, pump, dry bag, repair kit—it’s all there. For someone getting into packrafting, that’s a huge advantage. - Stable and forgiving on the water
Once I got comfortable in the boat, I found it to be very stable. It inspired confidence when maneuvering around obstacles or making turns, which is important if you’re newer to packrafting. - Versatile use cases
I was able to use this on lakes, mellow rivers, and even pack it into the backcountry. It’s not specialized for one thing, but it can do a lot of things well enough. - Compact and packable
It rolls down nicely and fits well into a pack for overnight trips. While not the lightest option, it’s definitely manageable for backpack-style adventures.
What I Didn’t Like – Kokopelli XPD Review
While the XPD does a lot of things well, there are a few areas where it falls short depending on how you plan to use it. None of these are deal breakers, but they are worth considering.
- No TiZip storage option
This was probably the biggest limitation for me. Having all your gear in the cockpit gets crowded quickly, especially on longer trips. Internal storage would make a big difference. - Pump and setup hiccups
The wrong pump nozzle out of the box was frustrating, and while Kokopelli made it right, it wasn’t ideal. The pump bag also didn’t perform very well in my experience. - Fin attachment isn’t very intuitive
The removable fin is a nice feature, but the installation process could be better. It’s not something I found myself wanting to deal with often. - Open “bucket boat” design
In moving water, the boat will take on water. It’s manageable, but it does affect performance and means your gear is more exposed. - Seat durability
The inflatable seat itself is comfortable, but the attachment strap failed early on. That’s something I’d like to see improved.
Conclusion – Kokopelli XPD Inflatable Packraft Review
The Kokopelli XPD packraft is a solid option for the hunter or fisherman looking to get into the packraft game. It’s built with durable, abrasion-resistant materials that are less prone to puncture than some of the lighter-weight alternatives. It’s also light enough to pack in for short to moderate distances, although there are lighter options better suited for trips with significant trail time.
I found the XPD to be most at home on lakes and mellow rivers, where whitewater is minimal and features like a spray skirt or self-bailing floor aren’t necessary. That’s really where this boat shines.
Personally, I think a model like the Kokopelli Rogue R-Deck might check more boxes for me with its lighter weight, removable spray skirt, and TiZip—but it also comes at a higher price point.
The XPD is an attractive, all-in-one package that includes everything you need to get started. At the end of the day, it comes down to what features matter most to you, and hopefully the strengths and weaknesses outlined above help you make that decision.
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