Description

This is the Packraft we’ve been waiting for. Years of development went into the Valkeryie the design was tweaked, reviewed and improved countless times and input came back from paddlers like Nouria Newman, Tyler Bradt and obviously Alpacka’s very own Jeffry Creamer. No less than 3 versions were released to the general public too. But there’s no escaping the fact it’s 7kg. It doesn’t carry gear well and it’s not a packraft in the traditional versatile backcountry raft perspective.

The Mage is EVERYTHING they’ve learned from the valkeryie, made into an “Everyman Packraft”. Only 3.6-4.0kg so barely heavier than the stalwart gnarwhal and only a fraction more money too. But what you get is a boat that is not only capable in whitewater, but excels in it.

The Mage holds an edge like a dream with next to no effort. There’s secondary stability for days with the new “Semi-drop” fully inflatable floor offering the same hull shape as the valkeryie but less aggressive. The added rigidity this affords helps with carving and boofing too. The additional length means this thing is fast and more importantly, it holds speed far more like a kayak making it far more efficient. Set your angle, put on the power and watch it drive. The extra rocker in the bow decreases the drag which helps that speed too. It also makes tackling big holes, drops and buffer waves far more controlled and stops you from getting bullied as you hit them.

Seriously, I could wax lyrical about this all day. This is the raft for proper grade 3-4 paddlers or those aspiring to be. There will be a bit of a learning curve initially but within a day you’ll feel more comfortable and you’ll be on your way to become a better paddler. The Mage doesn’t “punish” mistakes like the valkeryie, but it does give you feed back. Constructive criticism you could say. Helping you become a better paddler every time you sit in it.

The Mage is an amazing boat for intermediate paddlers. If you’re struggling with grade skills like controlling your angles into and out of eddies, creating cross current momentum or managing drops, this isn’t might be a frustrating raft to paddle at first. We might suggest looking at the Gnarwhal. Better yet come and do some instruction with us. Use the promo code: MAGE at checkout on any of our training products to get a 10% discount.

Available in lightweight 210 Denier material (ideal for NZ conditions) or 420d for those who aren’t restricted by pack space or weight.

NB. Back orders will have a lead time typically of 6 weeks. This can vary depending on time of year and how busy both the manufacturers and customs are. This is normal and no cause for concern.