In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Thor Tingey, CEO and co-founder of Alpacka Raft, one of the most iconic brands in the world of packrafting. Alpacka Raft started after Thor completed a massive traverse through Alaska’s Brooks Range using boats that were never really built for that kind of adventure. The idea worked… but the gear didn’t. So Thor went to his mom, Sheri Tingey, who had a background in outdoor clothing design and kayaking, and asked her to build something better. That moment helped spark what would become Alpacka Raft and the modern version of packrafting we know today. We also dive into: • The early Alaska trips that started everything • Why packrafting was so limited before Alpacka • How Sheri Tingey helped design the modern packraft • The challenge of building rafts in the early days • Why Alpacka keeps manufacturing in Mancos, Colorado • How packrafts changed backcountry travel • The difference between whitewater, flatwater, and expedition boats • Why slow growth can be a smarter business strategy • The realities of running an outdoor brand through hard seasons • What happens when private equity enters the outdoor industry This episode is packed with adventure stories, business wisdom, product design insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at the brand that helped make packrafting what it is today. If you’ve ever looked at a lake, river, or remote wilderness route and thought, “I wish I had a boat right now…” this one is for you. 🚣♂️ Connect with Alpacka Raft Website: https://alpackaraft.com Our Story: https://alpackaraft.com/our-story Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpacka_raft Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpackaraftllc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlpackaRaft
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