For what it is worth, I have had experience with a similar inflatable "pool toy" within Grand Canyon. We needed something light because we had to backpack them down to Thunder River and Tapeats Caves, both of which contained significant streams.

We used them satisfactorily in both caves. They definitely kept us out of the water and much warmer. We probably paddled each craft about a mile in total, dragging them on and off rocks and sandbars within the caves, over a total of four days. We did experience leaks, which were easily repaired. I would use them again, unless I could find something just as light, but sturdier.

Nothing is sillier than backpacking an inflatable raft through the Arizona desert......