Kokopelli Nirvana Packraft Review

Full disclosure I bought the prototype at a discount at the APA Packraft Roundup. At that point there was no plan to review it. Since then I’ve talked with Kokopelli about this improvements but I have no official role with them. I did buy a new raft at a dealer rate.

Hopefully I can try out the updated version this weekend.

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

Adam hopefully Ben will chime in at some point, he has one of the new self bailers so he knows a lot more then I do. I looked at a XL version of the self bailer and paddled an early prototype a bit at the roundup but that prototype was pretty different from what was actually produced.

An advantage for a self bailer would be quicker entry and exit. If you tip a decked raft in a rapid you’ll have to empty the water out at some point. I could imagine that being useful in continuous whitewater. Since I’m often solo on my trips I don’t like to run long stretches of whitewater in any boat. For now I think the decked boat will work fine for any rapid I’m willing to run.

I don’t think you’d want to paddled a SB without a drysut but then again a dry suit is smart in BC no matter what kind of raft you have.

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

“Luke’s Way” is folded similar to Roman Dial’s way (he has a video of it on YouTube). Basically fold the sides in up to the edge of the floor. Then fold it from one end to the other. Then fold that over onto itself three times. The idea is to end up with sort of a box shaped bundle which fits in the bottom of a pack a lot better then a rolled up cylinder. Alpacka lists their rarfts rolled up which is not the most space efficient in my opinion. I didn’t have a Feathercraft available to compare so I listed the rolled volumes of all three as given by the manufacturer and then the size of the Alpacka and Nirvana folded.

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

I forgot to mention the obvious, if you whitewater with folks that are prepared to save themselves with no single point of failure we can do the same for you. Whitewater with adventurers that are fully equipped and know what it takes to assist, or save the life of others.

My desire for the sport is for 1 of 2 partners or 1 in a group carries emergency emergency air.  Don’t be caught helpless to save yourself to an adventure partner.

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

I like the two chamber design even if it limits storage a bit. I’d have to disassemble my pack to fit in the tubs so what I’ll probably do is put most of my stuff in the tubes but keep a few things in the pack on the front. Even that will be a big improvement in handling and visibility.