Mancos, Colo. (Jan. 6, 2025) — Alpacka Raft, the packrafting industry leader, today announced its new 2025 models and updates to its current packrafts. The lineup is headlined by the all-new Mage—a packable whitewater packraft engineered for the intermediate and advanced whitewater packrafter navigating Class III to IV water. The 2025 lineup also brings exciting updates to four of Alpacka’s celebrated models, all designed to elevate the paddling experience for seasoned experts and ambitious beginners.
The Mage is a next-generation whitewater packraft, combining evolutionary improvements to the whitewater-style hull and performance features from the unparalleled Valkyrie V3. The result is the fastest, smoothest, and most responsive traditional whitewater packraft Alpacka Raft has ever made.
“Our mission is to explore what’s possible in packrafting,” said Thor Tingey, CEO and Co-founder of Alpacka Raft. “The Mage represents the pinnacle of our passion and ingenuity. It’s light, lightning-fast, and handles large whitewater incredibly well. We are already inspired by what paddlers are doing with it, and we can’t wait to see where they take it next.”
Weighing less than the Valkyrie V3, yet offering increased cargo capacity for extended trips, the Mage is built for paddlers seeking versatility without compromising performance. The low-volume center panel stern hull is longer and narrower than other whitewater packraft models, which increases the waterline for maximum speed and tracking.
A subtle increase in bow and stern rocker keeps the Mage high and dry when launching off drops and punching through features without sacrificing the increased speed. The one-piece dropped floor is paired with a full-length inflatable pad, allowing for a speed similar to the Valkyrie while boosting edging, secondary stability, and efficiency.
Available in both a whitewater deck and self-bailing configuration, the Mage caters to a variety of paddling environments. The self-bailing draining holes include mesh-backed venturi flaps to increase speed and keep paddlers dry, especially while surfing. The new model comes equipped with a lace-in whitewater seat, Alpacka’s patented 4-point thigh straps, a backband, and a whitewater foot brace for the best fit and control available.
Alpacka has also updated the Caribou, Expedition, Refuge, and Gnarwhal designs while retiring the longest-running packraft model, the Classic. Additionally, the Mage has replaced Alpacka’s Wolverine model.
“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.”
The Colorado-based company has also implemented a new sizing system for all of its packrafts. Instead of using sit length, sizes will now align with standard height-based and general size categories. This simplified approach makes selecting the appropriate packraft more intuitive, as sizes will correspond to familiar clothing size ranges, such as small, medium, and large.
All models in the 2025 Alpacka Raft collection were just launched and are at alpackaraft.com
