Description
We get it. Whether its packs, shoes, or sleeping bags, if you are big and tall, finding high performance outdoor gear is hard. So we’re making it easy with the Mule, a spacious and super stable backcountry packraft that will comfortably carry a 250+ pound paddler and 100 pounds of gear without feeling bogged down.
The Mule is built with our 11.7-inch diameter Cargo Hull, which features our center panel stern and late rise bow to maximize stability, buoyancy, leg room, and cargo capacity. You can build your Mule with Open, Removeable Whitewater Deck, and Self Bailing configurations, plus you can add our innovative Cargo Fly zipper internal storage system with or without internal dry bags. You can also get additional factory installed grab loops, strap plates, D-Rings, and handles.
Please contact us if you need a more specific whitewater Mule and we can work with you on a custom build that includes a standard whitewater deck and our patented 4-point thigh strap system.
Open: The Open configuration is our simplest, lightest, and most economical build configuration. It’s perfect for anything where you don’t need the extra protection and performance of a spray deck or self bailer.
Whitewater Deck: The Whitewater Deck is not available as a standard option on the Mule due to its larger size and intended uses. However, it is available as a custom order option by contacting us at workshop@alpackaraft.com.
Removable WW Deck: The Removable WW Deck functions like a breakdown kayak style deck and features a large cockpit, one-piece pex coaming, and an ultralight secure fitting spray skirt, plus a water-resistant perimeter zipper to convert to an open boat for more relaxing days. The Removable WW Deck maximizes versatility for the broadest range of paddling conditions. It is drier than the Cruiser Deck, but not as dry as the standard Whitewater Deck in waves, splashes, and whitewater.
Self Bailer: The Self Bailer configuration is ideal for warmer climates, frequent entry and exit, and anyone that prefers a self-bailing style setup. Our self bailing design features a lightweight 3/4 length 7-inch thick seat in the rear that is protected by a sleeve and a heavy-duty baffled foot brace in the front that keeps your feet up and out of the water.
Cargo Fly Zipper: The Cargo Fly is the ultimate packraft gear storage solution, which features an airtight zipper installed in the stern of the boat to allow you to load your gear inside the tubes. The system provides drier and more secure gear storage and improved paddling performance due to a lower center of gravity. The Cargo Fly is perfect for expeditions, whitewater performance, and keeping your gear dry in any conditions. Internal dry bags are an optional upgrade on all Mule models with a Cargo Fly. The dry bags clip in place along each side of the tubes with a side release buckle and allow for better organization and weight balance than placing the contents of your pack loose inside the Cargo Fly. They also act as additional balanced air chambers to make it easier to get to shore in the event of a puncture.
Hull:: Proprietary 210-denier high count nylon, single side laminated with pigmented polyurethane film (Made in USA)
Floor: Proprietary 840-denier ballistics nylon, laminated on both sides with polyurethane film (Made in USA).
Seat: 200-denier oxford nylon, with single side polyurethane laminate (Made in USA).
Accessories: All grab loops and similar attachments are manufactured in house in Mancos, Colorado out of scrap floor materials and USA made webbing. Small parts and fasteners are Made in USA, when available, and sourced from industry leaders like Duraflex, YKK, and ITW-Nexus.
The Mule is sized to comfortably fit the biggest people (over 6’2” and up to 280 lbs), plus plenty of cargo for a multi-week trip. However, smaller paddlers may prefer the Mule to the Explorer 42 for carrying heavy loads or paddling with a child or dog due to the Mule’s shorter length.
Sizing Chart
|
| Boater Height |
6’2″-6’8″ | 188-203cm |
| Exterior Length |
100in | 254cm |
| Exterior Width |
38in | 97cm |
| Interior Length |
52in | 132cm |
| Interior Width |
15.5in | 39cm |
| Max Capacity* |
500lb | 227kg |
*Max Capacity is the maximum total weight (paddlers and cargo) that the boat can reasonably carry in flatwater under ideal conditions. Actual capacity for any given trip will vary widely based on the paddler’s skill and water conditions. Please review our weight carrying capacity guide for further details.
Specifications
|
| Build Option |
Weight* |
Packed Size** |
| Open (OP) |
7.0lb | 3.18kg |
18x7in | 46x18cm |
| Open (OP) | Cargo Fly (CF) |
7.3lb | 3.29kg |
18x7in | 46x18cm |
| Removable Whitewater Deck (WR) |
8.8lb | 4.00kg |
18×8.5in | 46x22cm |
| WR | CF |
9.1lb | 4.11kg |
18×8.5in | 46x22cm |
| Self Bailer (SB) |
8.0lb | 3.63kg |
18x8in | 46x20cm |
| SB | CF |
8.3lb | 3.74kg |
18x8in | 46x20cm |
*Weight includes all components except inflation bag, repair kit, and internal dry bags for Cargo Fly.
**Packed size is a reference measurement based on folding each lengthwise edge of the boat to the center and rolling from the bow. There are many other methods of rolling and folding the boats that will result in a different packed size that may be more or less efficient for packing depending on the situation.
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