This or That | Packraft Edition

Wetsuit or Drysuit?

Oh, dry suit for sure.

Definitely dry suit. Our least favorite thing in the world? Pulling on a wet wetsuit on a cold morning. If you’ve been there, you know the feeling.

That’s not to say wetsuits don’t have their place. If you’re constantly in and out of the water, a wetsuit can be a solid option. But with packrafting, the goal is usually to stay in the boat, not swimming alongside it which makes a dry suit the preferred choice nine times out of ten.

Self Bailing Floor or not?

Here’s where paddlers tend to split camps.

One side swears by the self-bailer. They’re lighter, cooler in warm weather, and just plain simple. No skirts to fuss with, no added bulk, and self-rescue is easier.

The other camp? Firmly on team deck boat with a skirt. If you’re paddling icy meltwater on a cloudy day, that skirt is worth its weight in gold. And for folks who tend to stay upright more often (we see you, Garrett), the extra warmth and protection go a long way.

At the end of the day, it comes down to climate, paddling style, and personal preference.

alpacka mage or alpacka valkyrie?

Chosing between Alpacka’s Valkyrie and Mage, it’s really about matching the boat to the trip.

If you’re pushing the higher limits of whitewater class IV and beyond the Valkyrie is where it’s at. Its performance in technical, demanding water is top-notch.

But if your trips are more Class III–IV, warmer weather, and gear conscious, the Mage shines. It comes in a self-bailing option, is significantly lighter (think four to five pounds), and packs down smaller. For many paddlers, that weight and size savings make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s dry suit vs. wet suit, zipper vs. no zipper, or Valkyrie vs. Mage, the “right” answer really depends on your paddling style and where you like to explore.

The good news? There’s no shortage of great gear out there. The even better news? Debating about it around the campfire might be almost as fun as paddling itself.