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.

Cruiser Deck: The new Cruiser Deck is ideal for paddling easy waters in temperate and cool climates. The Cruiser Deck functions as a splash guard and will keep you drier and warmer than an open boat in splashy water, wind, and rain, but is not as dry as the whitewater decks. The deck features a Velcro closure along the left side which easily comes apart in the event of a wet-exit. When not in use, the deck rolls away to the right and is secured with a low-profile slot and toggle system but is not removeable.

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. Roll top 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.

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.

*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.

*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.