AlpackaRaft Rendezvous — Complete Guide to the Fishing-Optimized Two-Person Packraft

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The most fishing-specific packraft in the AlpackaRaft lineup.

That’s the Rendezvous.

“We want to get on the water together — lakes, calm rivers.” “I want to drift fish backcountry rivers.” “I want to cast standing up from a packraft.” — The Rendezvous is the only current AlpackaRaft model designed around these specific requirements.

What Is the Rendezvous?

The Rendezvous is AlpackaRaft’s flatwater and fishing-optimized two-person packraft.

Its most distinctive feature is a seating system that no other packraft uses: instead of a removable seat, the Rendezvous has a hull-integrated central thwart. This thwart serves as the forward paddler’s seat while simultaneously reinforcing hull rigidity — and, critically, it allows both paddlers to stand.

Optimized for Canadian canoe-style two-person paddling, the Rendezvous offers the highest flatwater fishing comfort of any AlpackaRaft model for long hours on lakes and calm rivers.

Specs

Load Capacity

The Thwart System — The Rendezvous’s Defining Feature

The most innovative aspect of the Rendezvous is its hull-integrated central thwart.

What Is a Thwart?

A thwart is the crossbar used in Canadian canoes — a structural member that spans the hull to maintain lateral rigidity. In traditional canoes, paddlers sit on or straddle the thwart. The Rendezvous brings this design into the inflatable packraft format.

Three Things the Thwart Makes Possible

① No removable parts Conventional two-person packrafts require a separate passenger seat to be carried, installed, and managed. The Rendezvous’s thwart is built into the hull — there’s nothing extra to bring, nothing to set up. Inflate the boat and it’s ready.

② Improved hull rigidity The thwart reinforces the hull laterally, reducing flex under the weight of two paddlers. This translates directly to paddling efficiency and tracking stability.

③ Standing is possible This is the Rendezvous’s most significant fishing advantage. The forward paddler can stand on the thwart. The rear paddler can stand as well. Standing casting dramatically improves the fishing experience — higher sightlines, more natural casting form, better backcast clearance, and easier casting over obstacles.

Paddling Styles

The Rendezvous is optimized for Canadian canoe-style two-person paddling.

Standard Two-Person Style

• Rear paddler: Sits at the stern, handles steering
• Forward paddler: Sits on the central thwart, provides forward power

Single-blade canoe paddles are appropriate for this configuration on flatwater.

Fishing Style (One Paddler + One Angler)

The rear paddler operates the boat with a double-blade kayak paddle while the forward occupant focuses entirely on fishing. This creates a clean division of roles — angler up front, operator in the rear — that mirrors the setup of a traditional drift boat.

Recommended paddle: The Aqua Bound Shred Apart 240cm — co-developed with AlpackaRaft — converts between single-blade and double-blade configurations, covering both styles the Rendezvous supports.

Use Cases

Flatwater Fishing

This is where the Rendezvous excels.

For fly fishing and drift fishing on lakes and calm rivers, the Rendezvous provides the best fishing comfort in the AlpackaRaft lineup. The thwart allows the forward angler to stand for casting — something no other packraft offers. The rear paddler handles positioning while the angler works from an elevated, natural casting position.

Flatwater Touring

Two adults paddling together on calm water is a natural fit for the Rendezvous. The Canadian canoe-style seating is comfortable for extended hours. The 4.5kg kit weight keeps the approach manageable.

Note: The Rendezvous is not suited for whitewater or heavy current. It’s an open deck boat designed for calm water conditions.

Solo Fishing

The Rendezvous works solo as well. Seated at the stern with a double-blade paddle, the forward thwart space is available for gear storage. Operating the boat while fishing solo requires practice, but is entirely workable for experienced paddlers.

Model Comparison

Rendezvous vs Forager

The Rendezvous is fishing and flatwater-first, with no compromise. The Forager covers a wider range of uses but isn’t fishing-specific in its design.

“Fishing and flatwater trips are the main purpose” → Rendezvous “Broader use — family, hunting, whitewater as well” → Forager

Cargo Fly System

The Rendezvous includes a Cargo Fly — a TIZIP airtight zipper at the stern that allows gear storage inside the hull tube.

For fishing use, this is directly practical: food, water, rain gear, and other supplies for long days on the water go inside the tube, keeping the deck clear. Fewer items on deck means less interference with casting and a cleaner working space for the angler.

The optional Inner Dry Bag (sold separately) adds organized weight distribution, enhanced waterproofing, and supplemental buoyancy in the event of a puncture.

Who It’s Right For

• Two-person fishing trips on lakes and calm rivers
• Fly fishing and drift fishing with standing cast capability
• Two adults wanting comfortable flatwater touring
• Anglers who want a lightweight, packable boat (4.5kg) for approach hiking
• Anyone who wants the best fishing platform in the packraft category

Who Should Look Elsewhere

• Whitewater or heavy current → Forager
• Multiple children or pets → Forager
• Hunting and large game transport → Forager
• Solo touring as the primary use → Caribou or Expedition

Product Link

→ AlpackaRaft Rendezvous 210d Open Deck with Cargo Fly — Packraft Hokkaido Web Shop

Related Articles

• Forager vs Rendezvous — Choosing Between AlpackaRaft’s Multi-Person Models
• AlpackaRaft Forager — Complete Guide
• Packraft River Gear List — 13 Essentials