As these things do, Kokopelli was born from a garage, started by a couple of childhood friends driven to push the limits of a new tool – the packraft - used for outdoor adventure to explore further, and make and connect new pathways for backcountry exploration. Our passion lies in exploring the rivers and waters we love by building the highest quality gear you can rely on. And for the past thirteen years, we have led the way in packrafting innovation, creating award-winning designs like the first ever self-bailing packraft, and using cutting-edge materials.

Our culture has been about building a welcoming brand where all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome. We checked our egos at the door. Community, Thoughtfulness, Growing and Driven are the values we seek to practice each day when we come to work, and we believe these values help us embody the spirit of adventure, exploration, and maintain a desire to wander.

Community is a core value of ours at Kokopelli. It’s where ideas grow, experiences are shared, and people find meaning through connection. Making the outdoors more accessible, whether it be through our packrafts or the people who paddle them, is always what we’ve been after.

Kokopelli was founded in the Southwestern U.S. where there are many references to the symbolic dancing flute player. Often associated with Native American traditions, the Kokopelli figure may have deeper, and more varied origins. Some scholars suggest Kokopelli emerged from the of Aztec pochtecas — traders who traveled long distances with heavy sacks slung over their backs, spreading goods, news, and culture as they went. This "hump" is thought to be the root of the familiar silhouette we recognize today.

Kokopelli wasn’t just a trader, but a carrier of stories, news, and prosperity — a multilingual, flute-playing traveler whose presence was announced through music and movement. Often accompanied by an apprentice, Kokopelli played a vital role in linking distant communities through exchange, communication, and experience. More than a figure, Kokopelli stands as a connector, a guide, and a lasting symbol of shared adventure.

Our company creates gear that encourages and embodies that same spirit: linking landscapes and people, sparking discovery, and helping folks get closer to the natural world. Our goal isn’t just making great packrafts — it’s enabling transformative outdoor experiences.  

Kelley founded Kokopelli in 2012 out of his garage with two of his best friends. He grew up in Colorado spending time on long desert river trips with his family where he fell in love with rivers and camping. He also enjoys skiing, hiking and drinking beers with new friends.

Favorite Packraft: Twain

Zach started his career as a raft guide right out of high school. During college he saw a post looking for help with a new start up company that was making rafts out of a garage. He jumped on the opportunity and has been with Kokopelli since almost the very beginning. If you are in Colorado you will probably see Zach out on the Poudre River chasing high spring flows in his kayak.

Favorite Packraft - The Rodeo

Kyle aka Raj is another Coloardo Native. He joined the team in 2022 and hit the ground running. Raj loves surfing, mountain biking and hitting huge cliffs on his skis.

Favorite Packraft - Twain Lite

Tristan started packrafting in 2016 when his girlfriend bought him a Kokopelli for Christmas. He instantly fell in love and went off the deep end with it. He became one of our ambasadors and kept bothering us until we gave him a job here. When he isn't out packrafting he's out rock climbing, snowboarding, canyoneering, or taking anything he can get his hands on down the river.

Favorite Packraft - Nirvana Self Bailing

Mr. Ohio moved to Boulder a few years ago. He worked for a few other outdoor brands until he found us in 2022. When Erik isn't out hiking to alpine lakes to paddle you'll find him trail running up the Flat Irons trying to set a new PR.

Favorite Packraft - Hornet Lite

Nate has a love for everything outdoors and keeps the beats smooth when he's ripping the sticks. Master in the art of sales, ping pong breaks, and long winded emails. You can find Hani, his lovable mutt, aside him on all hikes and conference calls.