Packrafters rejoice! Packraft maker and pioneer Alpacka Raft has partnered with longtime paddlesports apparel and accessories brand Immersion Research (IR) to introduce the new Immersion Research Sixmile Skirt, named after the Class IV-V waterway in its founding state of Alaska. The new spray skirt combines a kayak-proven neoprene tunnel, neoprene casing, and high tension full bungee with a packraft-compatible hybrid nylon and neoprene deck to meet the growing demands of packrafting capabilities.
“Innovation is at the core of everything we do, and the spray skirt is one of the most critical components of a whitewater setup,” says Thor Tingey, CEO and co-founder of Alpacka Raft. “We’re also big believers in collaboration, especially when we can team up with another industry leader with shared values. Immersion Research has spent decades perfecting spray skirt technology for kayakers, and together we’ve developed a skirt that offers the best combination of functionality, durability, and ease of use for serious packrafters.”
The collaboration brought together two companies with a shared goal: to create the most innovative spray skirt ever built for packrafting. Drawing on Alpacka’s deep understanding of packraft design and IR’s expertise in skirt construction and fit, the teams developed a unique skirt that allows a kayak-style casing and bungee to fit on Alpacka’s breakdown and packable cockpit and rim design.
The Sixmile Skirt aims to bridge the gap in packraft innovation and paddler progression by providing the driest, properly fitting spray skirt for those seeking to explore more whitewater paddling opportunities. The new benchmark in performance and safety for the advancing Class III-IV+ paddler, while being an ideal investment for those beginning their progression into Class II-III whitewater.
The Sixmile Skirt is made with a sized neoprene tunnel, a heavy-duty nylon deck with stretchy neoprene corners to fit over the paddler’s knees, and a full neoprene casing and bungee to fit over the packraft’s deck rim. The high-tension bungee provides greater implosion resistance when running harder whitewater, while the specialized neoprene casing provides an easy experience when putting the sprayskirt onto and off of the rim of the packraft. Additionally, silicone grips on the underside and 1.5mm neoprene corner panels help keep the skirt in place and accommodate a variety of paddler sizes.
“A reliable sprayskirt isn’t just about keeping you dry—it’s a key piece of safety gear,” says John Weld, co-founder and president of Immersion Research. “We’ve spent years fine-tuning our bungee skirts to provide the best possible fit and retention, and by bringing that technology to packrafting with Alpacka, we’ve created a skirt that offers a superior seal while remaining easy to use in the field. The Sixmile Skirt is a game-changer for paddlers pushing the limits of whitewater packrafting.”
Designed for high-performance packrafting, the Sixmile Skirt is recommended for Alpacka’s Mage and Valkyrie models, where maximum water resistance and retention are essential for running technical whitewater. For paddlers seeking a lightweight alternative, Alpacka continues to offer the Ultralight Skirt, which is best suited for models like the Refuge, Caribou, Mule, and Expedition.
The Sixmile Skirt is now available at www.alpackaraft.com. Visit immersionresearch.com for more quality dry wear and paddling gear for your next packrafting adventure.
About Alpacka Raft
Founded in 2000 by mother-and-son team Sheri and Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft makes the world’s best packrafts. With packrafts designed and handmade by a talented group of makers in its Mancos, Colorado facility, Alpacka Raft packrafts have been used and trusted on expeditions by some of the world’s most well-known adventurers. Alpacka Raft is committed to building a diverse community of boaters and is proud to provide high-quality, living-wage manufacturing jobs in a rural, mountain-town economy. For more information, visit alpackaraft.com
About Immersion Research
IR started in 1997 on a home sewing machine in our basement, and before too long we were running a small sewing factory in a renovated high school. Since then, we’ve grown a lot, and we now work in great factories all over the world. Now a time-trusted industry leader in paddlesports, producing the highest quality technical outerwear and gear for paddlers, by paddlers. We’ve never forgotten where we came from, nor have we lost our passion for making great gear on our own. We continue to produce small batches of experimental gear, completely in-house in Hood River, Oregon.