The *New* alpacka Raft Mage - launching 2025
Please note this is a non-technical look at the Mage, where I compare how it feels compared to the Wolverine and the Gnarwhal. On January 21 (updated date) we’re publishing Episode #11 of, A Beginner’s Guide to Packrafting, featuring one of Alpacka Raft’s designers, Dustin Partridge. In it, Dustin offers a more technical description of the Mage versus the Valkyrie. For specs and Alpacka’s video, visit their website. I put this quick video and podcast together to answer your questions. And, yes, if you are a Class II to IV boater or an whitewater packrafter aspiring to run Class III and the occasional Class IV and who also wants to do backcountry adventures, get the Mage. ~Lizzy
This is just a first, mostly non-technical Look at my favorite new boat
Correction: The backband configuration is different on the Wolverine compared to the Mage. There are only three points of contact on the Mage versus four on the Wolverine. Thus, there are fewer moving parts. As well, the Mage has a piece of webbing instead of the bungees found on the Wolverine. I like the Mage configuration much better. I always found the bungees annoying to deal with, especially when using the Sockdolager Equipment Seat Bag, which is now a standard feature on my boats. It appears that Alpacka is using this new configuration on all their whitewater boats. It’s a small, but noticeable improvement.
This is not an official episode of A Beginner’s Guide to Packrafting. Nor is this a comprehensive review of Alpacka’s new boat, the Mage. But because so many of our clients are asking us about this fantastic new boat, I’m giving y’all a quick overview of it and my first impressions and how it compares to my Wolverine.
I also chat about the rigging a bit, the boat’s superb edging capabilities, and I’m answering some other random questions I always get, such as why I use self bailers versus decked boats and what’s the point of the foot pillow.
For a more technical perspective on this boat, I’ve included some links and quotes below from Packrafting Queenstown and Paddling Life Magazine. I believe they are launching the Mage in the new year.
Here you go!
“Coming in at just 8 lbs., it’s more geared toward the intermediate paddler that knows how to edge or wants to learn and is interested in paddling up to Class III-IV whitewater. While we only put it through Class I-II paces on the Colorado, we charged eddy lines, punched holes and ferried onto small waves to see how it handled. The result: a resounding thumbs-up on all counts, proving it a master of all and more than capable on nearly any river feature we found.”
Paddling Life Magazine, “Testing Alpacka’s New Mage Packraft.”
“Here’s why the Mage is a game-changer:
🔥 Fast, fun, and ultra-packable – perfect for your next adventure.
💪 Triangular control – snug thigh braces + lumbar backbrace for epic maneuverability.
🎒 Cargo fly – bombproof zippers for stashing gear inside the hull.
Designed for experienced paddlers ready to take it up a notch, or check out the Gnarwhal if you’re just starting out. Handmade with love in the USA by @alpackaraft! 🇺🇸🛶
Ready to level up your paddling game?” Packrafting Queenstown, Instagram
