Self-draining, high-volume packraft with a robust and progressive design. The drain opening is located under the paddler's heels and is equipped with flow flaps to further reduce the drag of the boat during the ride.
Application and features
The Viking EVO shows its strengths above all in white water. As a self-bailer (explanation below*), it enables very capsize-proof and forgiving handling, especially in rough water.
Due to the improved bilge of the hull, the starting resistance of the Viking EVO is very low and therefore outperforms comparable self-bailing packraft types. As a result, it has very fast and power-efficient starting and stopping characteristics, especially in white water (the design of the boat floor is patented). The classic curved hull, familiar from the MRS Alligator SB, also ensures optimum acceleration of the packraft in the waves. This means it also has plenty of play potential for surfing in the roll. The excellent running characteristics and the good buoyancy also offer the possibility of whitewater packrafting.

Paddlers with responsibilities such as guides and tour leaders can react quickly and provide assistance thanks to the free entry and exit. Bicycles also have sufficient space on the bow, although white water with a bike is something for ambitious adventurers and experts.
The Viking EVO is therefore a universal packraft for demanding use, but can of course also be paddled moderately.
 
*Excursus on self-bailing
In a self-bailing raft, water that enters from above flows out again automatically through the bottom. The open construction therefore does not require a spraydeck in white water. You enjoy maximum freedom when paddling. This makes frequent exits and entries much easier, which is a great advantage, especially when portaging around (tree) obstacles or visiting difficult spots. Re-entry after capsizing is also extremely easy. However, a self-bailer is generally considered to be quite capsize-proof (especially in balancing water), as the weight of the water in the boat has a stabilizing effect. In principle, the paddler sits slightly above the waterline of the boat (so that water runs off in the boat). The raised seating position provides a good overview. However, it also means that a small amount of water always remains in the boat, depending on the load. Water sports clothing, ideally a dry suit, is advisable. In direct comparison, a self-bailer is somewhat less responsive than comparable closed packrafts.
 
Shape and construction
The geometry of the Viking Evo is based on the hull of the Alligator 2S Pro XXL. This means that the dimensions are generously designed to achieve a higher volume and the necessary buoyancy and stability required for a self-bailer. The relatively long waterline ensures good speed and acceleration. Maintenance and inflation of the floor seat is made easier with a TiZip zipper. The Viking Evo is part of the MRS StreamlineSL range.
 
Fitting
The adjustable 5P thigh straps make the large boat adaptable for every paddler. The open construction (without hatch/skirt) and the combination of floor mat, seat, backrest and, in particular, the individually adjustable footrest allow relatively free positioning, regardless of body size. The adjustable footrest provides firm support for the legs and is positioned lower than the seat, making the sitting position very comfortable.
The backband provides good support for the lumbar region. Due to the higher center of gravity of a self-bailer, the use of the thigh straps is recommended. You sit high and centered, but controlled and stable, which enables deep and powerful paddle strokes.
 
Special features and equipment
The self-bailing construction of the Viking Evo consists of a drainage opening on the underside of the packraft, which is fitted with shielding plates to reduce resistance during the ride. The drainage opening is positioned so that the water drains away from the paddler's heels. The new design improves reaction time and makes the packraft very agile.
 
The Viking Evo has a pre-installed mount for a (removable) whitewater fin for directional stability and increased speed. The fin is designed and positioned in such a way that grounding is avoided or tolerated even in white water.

A fin in whitewater?
Yes, because propulsion with a double paddle always causes the boat to turn along its longitudinal axis, meaning that only part of the energy is converted into propulsion (around 60% in the case of a packraft). A forward stroke is therefore always a mixture of turning (the pivoting typical of a packraft) and propulsion. The effect can be minimized by holding the paddle at a steep angle, but in white water, supporting bow strokes are often necessary, which cause increased turning, making the efficiency of the paddle strokes even lower. This is where the fin or skeg comes into play, which reduces the turning of the boat, giving you more propulsion and a higher speed in white water. The directional stability provides support for new routes and maneuvers (e.g. for rope ferries or surfing).
 
The ultra-light and non-slip 5-point thigh straps and the unique freely adjustable footrest are included in the scope of delivery.