Alpacka Raft has launched the all new Mage, a packable whitewater packraft designed for intermediate to advanced whitewater along with updates to four other Alpacka lineups in their 2025 updates.
Colorado-based Alpacka Raft was founded in 2000 by Sheri and Thor Tingey, a mother and son team, and the rafts are designed and handmade in Mancos, Colorado.
“The Mage represents the pinnacle of our passion and ingenuity. It’s light, lightning-fast, and handles large whitewater incredibly well,” shared Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft CEO and co-founder. “We are already inspired by what paddlers are doing with it, and we can’t wait to see where they take it next.”
The new Alpacka Raft Mage cuts weight while retaining speed and volume
The Mage sports a whitewater-style hull and the best of the performance features from the Valkyrie V3, culminating in the most responsive, fastest and smoothest traditional whitewater packraft from Alpacka Raft yet, according to a press release.
Despite having increased cargo capacity compared to the Valkyrie, the Mage weighs less than the Valkyrie at 10.7 lbs with the self-bailer, or 11.75 lbs with the whitewater deck compared to the Valkyrie at 13.9 lbs. A narrow and longer hull on the new Mage makes for a longer waterline, increasing speed and improving tracking.
Additionally, the Mage sports a slight increase in bow and stern rocker and a one-piece dropped floor with a full-length inflatable pad. Paddlers can expect this to boost edging, secondary stability and efficiency compared to the Valkyrie without sacrificing speed, according to Alpacka. The Paddling Mag teams look forward to field testing the Mage in Spring 2025.
The Mage is available both in a whitewater deck and self-bailing configuration. Pricing starts at $1,600.
Other changes for Alpacka Raft in 2025
In addition to introducing the new Mage whitewater pack rafting design, Alpacka Raft has also updated the Caribou, Expedition, Refuge, and Gnarwhal designs. The Wolverine model has been replaced. Meanwhile, the long-longest-running Alpacka Raft packraft, the Classic, has been retired.
“Our packraft lineup includes a model for every paddler type. We are continuing to move forward and push the limits on design while providing options for everyone,” said Tingey. “From mellow river runs and fishing trips to demanding backcountry outings and challenging whitewater, and everything in-between, our lineup delivers something special for everyone who wants to use a packraft to access locations they otherwise couldn’t.”
