The Company that Created an Industry: Alpacka Raft

The Company that Created an Industry: Alpacka Raft

Author: BLISTER September 19, 2025 Duration: 1:03:48

We see new brands pop up all the time, but what happens when your idea is so novel that it essentially births an entire sport and industry? That was the case when Thor Tingey and his mom, Sheri, started Alpacka Raft.

So today, Thor and Luke Koppa discuss the unique challenges and advantages this scenario presented; how and why Thor and Sheri were able to craft these ultralight rafts themselves; the ways in which the packrafting industry has evolved and grown over the years; Alpacka’s manufacturing operation in the United States and how that’s changed with the recent shakeups to worldwide trade; and a whole lot more. This is an origin story unlike most in the outdoor gear world, and Thor does a great job telling it.

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Alpacka Raft

TOPICS & TIMES:

Thor’s Unique Upbringing (3:33)

When & Why Did Packrafts First Come About? (6:02)

Making a Better Packraft (13:39)

From Homemade to Commercial Products (17:34)

Who Are Pack Rafts For? (21:20)

Whitewater Demand & Evolution (33:39)

Notable Advancements Over the Years (35:43)

Making Gear for a New Sport: Pros & Cons (37:08)

Alpacka’s U.S. Manufacturing Today (41:03)

Predictions: Future of Packrafting (54:36)

Info for Packraft-Curious People (57:03)

Evolution of Packrafting Gear vs. Mtn Biking, Skiing, & Surfing (58:22)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
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