How to Pack a Packraft With a Bicycle

Bikerafting, or bike pack rafting, merges bikepacking and packrafting into one adventure. Cyclists carry a lightweight, sub-kilo packraft and paddle gear on their bike, allowing them to cross rivers, lakes, or even deep water during their journey. According to a 2023 survey by Adventure Cycling Association, 18% of adventure cyclists explored bikerafting routes last year, drawn to its versatility and access to remote terrains.

This activity appeals to those craving a bike adventure quiver that spans cycling terrain and water. It’s ideal for accessing areas where traditional bikepacking routes end at a body of water. For instance, a circular bike ride might include a paddle across flat water to complete the loop. Bikerafting also opens new possibilities, like BIKE TO BOAT hunting trips or Kokopelli bikepacking trails, where rivers and trails intertwine.

Curious about how to start? Packing the gear correctly ensures a bike balanced for riding and a smooth transition to paddle mode. Let’s dive into the essentials.

At a Glance

Choosing the Right Gear for Bikerafting

A successful bikerafting setup begins with selecting the right equipment. Each piece must be lightweight, durable, and easy to pack. Here’s what’s needed:

Packraft: Opt for the lightest option, like a Celtic custom packraft or Colorado-based Alpacka Raft models (e.g., Alpacka Mule or Alpacka Yak). These sub-kilo packrafts are ideal for bikepacking.
Bicycle: Fat bikes or mountain bikes handle rugged trails best. Ensure the bike is ready with a repair kit for quick fixes.
Paddle: A breakdown paddle or lightweight kayak paddle saves space. Attach it with a paddle leash for safety.
Straps: Compression straps, ski straps, or additional straps secure the packraft and gear on bike.
Clothing: Paddling-specific clothing, like a layer of clothing for cold water, and protective clothing, like a kayaking helmet, keep adventurers safe.
Camping Gear: A camping kit, including a camping pillow, supports overnight trips.

For budget-conscious adventurers, cheaper packrafts or a cheaper option for accessories can work, but prioritize quality for safety. A guide to bikepacking suggests testing gear on a couple of packraft overnighters before a big trip.

How to Pack a Packraft on Your Bicycle

Packing a packraft and bicycle requires strategy to keep the bike balanced and ready for both bike mode and paddle mode. Follow these steps for an efficient setup:

Deflate and Roll the Packraft: Fully deflate the packraft and roll it tightly to minimize bulk. Store it in a waterproof bag for protection.
Secure to the Frame: Use compression straps to attach the rolled packraft to the bike’s frame, ideally near the rear wheel or under the seat. This keeps the center of gravity low.
Distribute Gear Evenly: Place heavier gear on bike, like the camping kit, in panniers or a frame bag. Lighter items, like the paddle, can be strapped to the handlebars with ski straps.
Test the Balance: Take a short bike ride to ensure the bike feels stable. Adjust straps if needed to avoid wobbling.
Keep Essentials Accessible: Store the repair kit and paddling-specific clothing in easy-to-reach spots for quick transitions.

A How-To Bikeraft Video Series by Huw Oliver recommends practicing this setup at home. It saves extra time on the trail and prevents issues like loose gear or an unbalanced bike.

Transitioning from Bike to Boat

Switching from bike to boat is where bikerafting shines. The key is efficiency to maintain adventure momentum. Here’s how to do it:

Find a Safe Spot: Choose calm water or flat water for launching. Avoid deep water unless confident in whitewater kayaking skills.
Unpack the Packraft: Remove the packraft and inflate it using a manual or electric pump. Attach the paddle leash and prepare the lightweight kayak paddle.
Secure the Bike: Place the bike onboard the packraft, using couple of straps to tie it down. Ensure bike wheels are off the raft’s floor to avoid punctures.
Dress for Paddling: Add a layer of clothing for cold feet or wear kayaking gear for safety, especially in rivers vs. lakes with stronger currents.
Launch and Paddle: Push off gently and paddle, keeping the bike stable. For adventurous paddles, practice in calm water first.

This BOAT TO BIKE transition, as described in Bikepacking Scotland guides, feels seamless with practice. It’s a thrill to glide across alpine lakes with a bike in tow.

Planning a Bikerafting Route

A well-planned bikepacking route enhances the experience. Consider these factors:

Terrain: Mix cycling terrain with water crossings. Kokopelli bikepacking trails or Packraft Europe routes offer ideal blends.
Access Issues: Check for restricted areas or private land. A dozen bikeraft experts recommend contacting local authorities.
Duration: Plan for extra time to account for transitions and potential delays, like cold water slowing paddling.
Safety: Carry a repair kit and know basic whitewater kayaking techniques for rivers vs. lakes.

For inspiration, Lizzy Scully’s How-To Guide suggests starting with a bikepacking trail near home. A couple times practicing the route builds confidence for longer bikepacking trips.

Tips for a Successful Bikerafting Adventure

Bikerafting is a thrilling but demanding activity. These tips ensure a smooth journey:

Practice Transitions: Spend time switching between bike and boat to reduce setup time.
Pack Light: Choose the lightest option for gear to ease bike storage and paddling.
Stay Safe: Wear a kayaking helmet and protective clothing. Check weather conditions to avoid cold water risks.
Learn from Experts: Resources like Bikepacking Advice for beginners or the How-To Bikeraft Video Series offer valuable insights.
Enjoy the Journey: Whether it’s a bike in laps round a lake or a full bikepacking race, savor the connection between bike and water.

A 2024 study in Outdoor Recreation Journal notes that 72% of bikerafters felt more connected to nature through multi-modal adventures. Bikerafting delivers this connection.

Overcoming Bikerafting Challenges

Every adventure has obstacles. Here’s how to tackle common ones:

Bike Weight: The bulk of bikes can unbalance a raft. Secure bike wheels tightly and test paddle stability.
Cold Feet: Wear insulated booties or paddling socks for cold water crossings.
Gear Damage: Carry a repair kit for quick fixes to packrafts or bikes.
Access Issues: Research local regulations to avoid restricted areas, especially in Bikepacking Scotland or Packraft Europe.

With preparation, these challenges become part of the adventure by pedal and paddle.

Call to Action

Ready to try bikerafting? Start small with a local trail and water crossing. Share your experience in the comments below or explore more bikepacking tips on Adventure Cycling Association or Bikepacking.com. Share this guide with friends to inspire their own adventures!

FAQs

1. What is bikerafting different from bikepacking?

Bikerafting combines cycling with packrafting, allowing water crossings, while bikepacking Differ focuses solely on land-based bike packing.

2. What’s the lightest packraft for bikerafting?

A sub-kilo packraft, like the Alpacka Mule, is the lightest option for carrying on a bicycle.

3. Can I use a regular bike for bikerafting?

Fat bikes or mountain bikes work best, but any bike for riding can work with proper gear straps.

4. How long does it take to transition from bike to boat?

With practice, the BOAT TO BIKE transition takes 10-15 minutes, depending on gear setup.

5. Where can I store gear on bike during bikerafting?

Use compression straps to secure gear on bike on the frame, handlebars, keeping the bike balanced.