JAWS packraft rental: French excellence on the water
JAWS is a French packraft brand founded in 2020 near the Alps. The brand is known for robust boats built for real water: from calm lakes to technical rivers with rapids. At Rent a Packraft, you can rent three JAWS models with delivery within 24 hours to your door in the Netherlands and Belgium.
On the JAWS rental page, you can instantly find availability by model and pre-register. In this article, we explain which model fits which trip and what makes JAWS so special.
The story behind JAWS: from Canadian river to French excellence
JAWS began with a simple idea on a river in Canada. Founder Eric Colcombet picked up a packraft for the first time in 2015 and immediately saw the potential: a light, compact craft that combines boating and hiking. Five years later, he founded JAWS in Saint-Clair-de-la-Tour, Isere, with Mathieu Forichon. Since then, the brand has followed a clear path: small production line, high quality, focused on the high-end.
Founder Eric Colcombet takes his first packraft trip on the Saguenay River in Canada. The idea for a French, alpine-focused packraft brand is born.
JAWS is officially founded in Saint-Clair-de-la-Tour, Isere, France. The first prototypes are designed specifically for alpine rivers, with additional focus on sturdy welded structures.
JAWS deliberately chooses a small, controlled assortment through selected distributors. Guides and landlords are discovering the brand.
Launch of the JAWS GAIA 4.0: the world’s first 3-in-1 packraft. Open mode, autovide or full deck with spray deck. A gamechanger for versatile sailing.
JAWS ICARE 4.x wins “Product of the Year 2026” (inflatable category) at The Paddle Sport Show. JAWS announces new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the French Alps.
Goal: 100% production in Isere. Full in-house R&D, hydrodynamic testing, high-frequency welding and after-sales under one roof Au pied des Alpes.
Three JAWS models: which one fits your trip?
JAWS deliberately has a limited range of products. Each model has its own purpose and target audience. At Rent a Packraft, we rent out the three models most suitable for rental. In doubt? Check out the JAWS rental page for an instant overview with prices and availability.
JAWS Argos Solo: stable and solid for calm water
Suitable for: lakes, canals, rivers up to Class 2. Beginners and families.
The Argos Solo is made of PVC PE 600/800 fabric, which makes it particularly robust. It weighs 5.2 kg, has a load capacity of 155 kg and fits rolled up into a pack size of 40 x 22 cm. No car door, no complicated parts. Just get in and enjoy. Ideal for those who want to try packrafting for the first time.
Rental price: from 22.25 euros per day | Pre-register Argos Solo
JAWS GAIA: the world's first 3-in-1 packraft
Suitable for: lake, sea, rivers up to Class 3. Versatile users and day campers.
The GAIA is JAWS’ flagship boat. Three modes in one boat:
- Open mode: easy boarding, ideal for calm water
- Car door mode: water drains by itself through 16 drainage holes, useful on the river
- Full deck mode: with lockable deck and spray deck for rougher water and expeditions
Specs GAIA 4.0: 4.2 kg, 260 x 94 cm, 165 kg load capacity, TPU 210/840. GAIA 4.x: 4.5 kg, 185 kg load capacity, TPU 420/840.
Rental price: from 27 euros per day | Pre-register GAIA
JAWS Minotaure: professional packraft for the river
Suitable for: rivers up to Class 3+. Experienced packrafters and whitewater enthusiasts.
The Minotaure is the river specialist. Built with a sealable self-bailer: water coming in, you seal or drain. Specs: 4.4 kg, 260 x 94 cm, load capacity 185 kg, TPU 420/840 (the sturdiest material in the JAWS line), double volume air chamber. Explicitly developed together with whitewater professionals and guides.
Rental price: from 30 euros per day | Pre-register Minotaure
Here's how to rent a JAWS packraft from Rent a Packraft
Renting is through pre-registration. It works like this:
- Go to the JAWS rental page
- Create a free account through the Packraft Club app or our website
- Choose your model and check availability
- Reserve for your date. We deliver the next day at home in NL or BE
As a member, you pay no deposit. Competitors charge 100 to 250 euros deposit. At Rent a Packraft they don’t. Free cancellation up to 14 days before your rental date.
Our experience with JAWS
We tested the JAWS packrafts extensively on different waters: from calm lakes to flowing rivers. What immediately stands out is the quality of the material – sturdy, reliable and clearly made for intensive use.
A big plus is that the packraft has two air chambers. This is quite unique and simply gives extra security on the water. Should something happen, you stay afloat.
In practice, the packraft feels stable and forgiving, making it ideal for beginners, but also fine for those who go more often. No fragile feeling, just confidence that it works.
JAWS packraft rentals from 22.25 per day
Argos Solo, GAIA or Minotaure. Includes paddle and backpack. Delivery within 24 hours in NL and BE.
No deposit as a member
Free registration. Access to 21+ exclusive itineraries. Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about JAWS packrafts rentals
Which JAWS model is most popular for rental?
The JAWS GAIA is the most requested model at Rent a Packraft. Its 3-in-1 function (open, auto-vehicle or full deck) makes it suitable for lake, canal and river. Rental price from 27 euros per day.
What is the difference between the JAWS Argos, GAIA and Minotaure?
The Argos Solo (22.25/day) is ideal for calm water and beginners. The GAIA (27/day) is the versatile all-rounder with 3 configurations up to Class 3. The Minotaure (30/day) is the river specialist for Class 3+ with sealable self-bailer for experienced packrafters.
Does Rent a Packraft also supply JAWS packrafts in Belgium?
Yes. Rent a Packraft delivers all JAWS models within 24 hours to your home in both the Netherlands and Belgium. As a member you pay no deposit. Pre-register for free via the Packraft Club app.
