When two gentleman who grew up in the wilds get together, the results are a wonderful conversation on experiences in the backcountry and the proper use of equipment. When both of these gentlemen are small business owners you gain great insight into what drives their passion to make high quality gear. Meet Thor Tingey, Founder and CEO of Alpacka Rafts, a family owned company in Manco Colorado.
About Alpacka Rafts
Today, every Alpacka Raft packraft is manufactured by hand in our Mancos, Colo., factory by skilled craftsmen and women that are dedicated to their craft. The current models are the product of years of experiments, re-design, and great feedback from the boating community.
Sheri remains our head designer. Thor rejoined the company in 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer, handling our day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and design assistance. And Thor’s wife, Sarah is the Chief Operating Officer, doing everything from planning outreach events, to partnering with nonprofits, to giving Sheri’s latest creation a whirl on the water. On any given day, up to 50% of our shop staff may be dogs.
We continue to build tiny, little boats for those who demand something unreasonable from them. Our designs and innovation have refined and defined the sport, and with the help of adventurers all over the world, pushed packrafting further than we ever thought possible.