I see the Alpacka website has a new boat. The Gnu. 2 person R2 kind of boat, but the interesting thing is that it comes in 2 different fabric choices: regular or Vectran.
The latter is 15% lighter and +$300 on that 8.75 lbs/ $1250 Gnu in regular fabric. Its kevlar based and doesn't stretch.
So, my quick math says there could be a 2.7 lbs. Scout or a 4.2 lbs Yukon yak out there if you asked the fine folks in Mancos nicely.
Downsides? price, eh. lack of stretch could mean its better for class II or less. Abrasion resistance? but they do state " considerably stronger tear strength" Black color only. echoes of silny vs. cuben
