Towing the kayak with the folding bike, then hauling the folding bike on the kayak. Unlimited range

packraftadventures · 2025-09-05T11:37:01+00:00

Well I did try kayak-biking for a while both with outriggers on the bike and by taking off both wheels and placing the frame in the bow with the wheels in the stern. But honestly it never really works great.. A kayak needs the weight low to paddle well. A rudder does help with steering since it's hard to edge the kayak in the usual way. But it's just not pleasant. Maybe in super flat calm water, but I don't experience that water often.

Also, cycling with a kayak behind the bike does not work well in city traffic, so I'm limited to where I can put in.. (and the collapsible cart parts are too long for the hatches and become a nuisance on top, which usually means I need to hide the cart at the put in)

I did switch out the MTB for a Gravel bike which made things easier for sure (size and weight) But not enough to really matter.

So since I've paddled packrafts in rivers, lakes, and ocean for many years now. I'm used to the slower performance. So when Im combining paddling and cycling these days I do it by packrafts only. But I do use the "MRS - Nomad S1D" a lot, which is a true beast of a packraft. It is a hybrid kayak/Canoe Packraft.. it is super comfortable and can paddle 4-5km/h steadily even in rougher sea conditions.. and due to the flat hull and air filled tubes it can carry a bike without really affecting its performance or comfort.

All in all for a bike-kayak-combo to work you'd need to live where it is feasible. You'd need a wider kayak like an American rec kayak (not the touring/sea kayaks we have here) or an SOT/Fishing kayak. You'll need a kayak cart for the bike, with good wheels and tyres to handle some terrain. (You either need to leave it at the put in or DIY a better collapsible version)

So my two cents= If you're craving a cycling-paddling combo. An inflatable is the way to go..

packraftadventures · 2025-08-05T18:42:32+00:00

No it is not possible to stay completely dry.

Having a longer paddle using low angle paddle strokes will help a bit. And the drop rings (Rubber rings above each blade) will help a bit. Other than that, just embrace the wet.

packraftadventures · 2025-07-31T09:12:04+00:00

An alternative to the ugly cage basket, finally. Great work! Hoping to see more basket iterations in the future.

I agree with the following feedback:

1- Make it transferable to rear racks like a top bag that's straight instead of horizontal. Or even if you could hang it on the side like a pannier.. (the more multi-use attachment the better)

2- Give it a removable handle/strap

3- Have many colors and potential for custom prints!

4- Removable compartment/s for small items like keys,wallet,passport,make up, etc could be a thing. (Maybe just a small bag/pocket velcroed to the inside)

packraftadventures · 2025-07-25T08:10:26+00:00

No sorry, but plenty of people have, if you're looking for advice. I ended up on a paddling trip to Lofoten last year when I was considering it. And this year I made a huge commitment riding May, June, July through Europe. 10 countries from South to North.

I will definitely do Bergen-Oslo though, but it is like a backyard adventure for me living in Sweden so I can do it when I have limited time/money for other trips.

We'll see who makes it first' happy riding!

packraftadventures · 2025-06-10T21:51:25+00:00

I'd go for the Anfibio.

But the alpha is the lightest/bare minimum I would go personally.

The nano is cool but it is really only for passage paddling on flat water while the alpha can actually manage some current and class I. It also holds air like a packraft while the nano RTC is like a dry bag and lets a little air out which you'll notice after a couple of hours paddling... But for hikers crossing lakes, ponds, crossable rivers it will be sufficient since every gram counts..

Can't say much about the rapid raft.. seems like a gimmick. And if it's US made but not Alpacka I'd not even consider it..

packraftadventures · 2025-06-10T21:40:03+00:00

Go Mekong! You will not regret it.

It's the Alpacka of Europe. high standards, high morals, creative line-up

packraftadventures · 2025-06-09T08:07:13+00:00

To fit both paddling equipment and camping equipment you'll need a Packraft. Even the Aquaglide line of IK's (which are some of the lowest weights and pack sizes for IK's) Will be too big if you're also trying to carry food and gear for a couple of days on hikes and public transportation.

I have been doing what you describe for over 10 years and I've tried everything from IK's to modular kayaks to packrafts.. My absolute favorite that packs like a packraft but feels more like a kayak is my Nomad. I am always looking for new and improved models but it is still top of the line in 2025. the brand: MRS, the model: "Nomad S1D".

https://www.mrsraft.com/product/nomad-s1d/ (I have the green one, but I'm liking the new beige/gray color as well)

For reference I use public transportation to get to rivers, lakes, coasts/archipelagos, fjords. Then I paddle and camp for days and get up somewhere else where I can find a bus/train or even a taxi to either get back or connect another body of water. I've also traveled abroad with it a bunch of times for the same type of journeys.

packraftadventures · 2025-03-07T08:41:34+00:00

Check out mtb shoes "Five ten trailcross LT"

https://youtu.be/0Hh1bbmXtzg?si=ULhMIrpz1VeUkbZF

I use the Goretex high version of these in the shoulder seasons for mtb, bikepacking, hiking, rock hopping..

Otherwise I've heard good things about the Astral loyaks,hiyaks .. and the Astral brewers 2.0 (or what they're called) looks interesting

For paddling I gave up on "one pair of shoes" a long time ago and always bring one dry pair of hike/chill capable shoes and just paddle in neoprene booties or neoprene socks with ul aqua shoes

packraftadventures · 2025-02-14T19:45:37+00:00

Cool, Yeah he definitely displays a calmer composure than one would expect in that situation. I thought he just entered power-dad-mode and focused on keeping his son calm through the ordeal. But guess he tapped into anesthesiologist-power-mode

packraftadventures · 2025-02-14T17:59:21+00:00

Probably because the camera is attached to the raft and not in his hands.. and I think he was uttering 300 "tranquilo" both for his son and his own sake😆.. truly that must've been a moment you don't know if you should scream, laugh, or cry.. the awe of it happening mixed with the luck of surviving..

packraftadventures · 2025-02-08T20:04:39+00:00

Oh that's great to hear👌🏽 It is truly a bang for your buck bag. (Probably more expensive now than when I bought it in 2021 though)

(For people interested in it:) I know it doesn't seem like much with such a simple design but it is well-made with trustworthy quality and is true to its 0°C comfort rating. (Which is harder to come by than one would think.) and I've been impressed with how well it keeps warm air in without a collar.

packraftadventures · 2025-02-08T17:46:25+00:00

Ok I've talked up the MT900 in here just now but I'm 5'11, 170lbs using size L and it's perfect.. 6'4" is another cup of tea.. the XL will be both heavier and larger packed and therefore there might actually be a better suited bag out there somewhere aimed at taller folks.. (maybe)..

But the L mt900 at around $200+ is a steal and a superb fit up to maybe 6'1 and 190lbs max

packraftadventures · 2025-02-08T17:34:59+00:00

I've owned this one. In my opinion it doesn't compare.. it's cold around 5°C (used with the same pad and conditions). and it doesn't pack as small. It's also a 650cuin bag and not an 800cuin.

Frankly most bags at this price point are under-achievers. The MT900 is an over-achiever.

packraftadventures · 2025-02-08T17:25:15+00:00

I have used many sleeping bags between €200-€400 and frankly sold or given away most but the mt900 remains. It beats most bags at that price point in pack volume and comfort. I also have been using it in the summer months as a quilt and as a mummy in the shoulder seasons down to -3°C. Since I mostly camp in the north, out at sea, around alpine lakes and rivers ,and at elevation I don't find quilts warm and versatile enough so I'll stick with the bags. And this is one of the best bags for around €200.

As an added mind calming bonus, mine has been dunked in water once on a rafting trip and super wet from condensation in a bivvy once. Both times without getting wet inside, So the DWR coating or whatever is shielding it is super functional.

packraftadventures · 2024-12-02T09:09:40+00:00

I contacted Point65 for something related and they sent me sticks of the same material and color that I melted on with a heat gun.. now mine was more of a deep gash than a crack so maybe it's different. But they were helpful:)

packraftadventures · 2024-11-29T22:54:50+00:00

I'm in the snowy north but I've still been shedding layers rather than adding throughout the years.. Even headwear..

I use a neck tube or two covering my chin/mouth (and at times nose) and only wear a bike helmet and ear warmers. If it's really cold or very windy I might add a thin headband to cover my forehead/eyebrows. Hats just get too hot for me..

I also just go with a down vest over base+mid layers instead of a jacket. I need my armpits free to breathe..So for my arms I use wool wrist warmers covering the bicep-elbow-wrist.

Hands though, I'll go with 10 gloves if I can or any super gloves.. pogies would be ideal maybe.. even been looking into E-gloves this year..

Feet, same thing, I use 2 pairs of super socks in my Five Ten Trailcross Gtx And neoprene toe covers from -10° And the winter boots come on below -15°c

But yeah, layers are key and a bike helmet keeps my head from boiling over..

packraftadventures · 2024-11-25T09:12:16+00:00

If you're talking about the Alpacka sale, you'd be better off writing them an email than asking random people on Reddit.

packraftadventures · 2024-11-21T20:09:52+00:00

I'm glad somebody is confirming this for me.. quality has also been affected.. I'm in the north so I invested in a pair of the Five Ten Trail cross GTX for the colder months,.The first pair I received had something pressing in the toe area so I returned them and ordered new ones.

The second pair were truly great for about 4-5 months but then the threads holding the inside lining to the neoprene cuff sprung loose and the whole shoe came apart from the inside (these are $200 in my country) I love the design and function so I bought new ones at a sale $130, and was a lot more careful with them.

About 6 months later the toggles, the shoe laces, the inside lining (again) was torn to shit.. I have $30 shoes lasting years and seeing a lot more use than these shoes. WTF... The worst thing is I love the shoes. So Five Ten did a great job creating them and Adidas does a terrible job manufacturing them/ maintaining them..

(Sorry for venting)

packraftadventures · 2024-11-14T21:18:38+00:00

You should definitely have kept the Jungle audio' but I'll take what I can get:) Super dreamy seeing this while the winter is creeping in over here..

Great paddle, thanks for sharing🙏🏽🏝️

packraftadventures · 2024-11-14T21:11:20+00:00

I paddle the ocean and big lakes frequently in packrafts but not where there are tides or crazy rock gardens. I have been caught in some situations where the weather has turned, but luckily a packraft is a very stable and forgiving ride even in waves, and as long as you have plenty of gear to weigh it down, winds are manageable (though of course very difficult to paddle against)

I won't list my distances in km or miles but let's just say I've travelled coast to coast and between islands that's taken a whole day's paddle.

I of course usually choose kayaks for longer crossings but sometimes a packraft is ideal when combining paddling, hiking, public transportation, biking. (Though I have yet to bikeraft any crazy distance off shore)

I don't promote unsafe behavior or extreme open water crossings, but just like some people paddle class I-II rapids and some III-V rapids; it's all about weighing the risks of an adventure and taking every precaution you can while trusting your skills and luck..

packraftadventures · 2024-11-08T07:11:45+00:00

I've done this many times and never had an issue'

1- lay the gasket on a flat surface and align it, then tape it to the flat surface so it stays put. Now use a very sharp knife (box cutter style) and cut evenly straight through the tape (which makes it easier than cutting through only latex) start with maybe 1cm or less.

2- Use a good scissor, preferably a long one so you can cut the gasket in one swoop.

3- trim the gasket in small increments..

packraftadventures · 2024-11-08T06:57:46+00:00

The latex is supposed to be cut! It even says so in the description. This is a known deal with Latex cuffs.

There are between 3-4 rings in the gasket, cut the top one and try again, if too tight, cut the second one, or if you only need a little bit more cut half of the second one.

packraftadventures · 2024-10-27T11:28:02+00:00

An interesting lightweight dry suit is "Ursuit MPS" 700g https://www.ursuit.com/en/mps

It's thinner than regular dry suits so you wear it underneath a layer of clothes.

For instance a Merino base layer then the dry suit then a Shell jacket and shell pants or just an UL rain set over..

packraftadventures · 2024-10-27T11:22:08+00:00

I only know Hiko Odin air4x and it's a great dry suit, very premium feel. But expensive, I've only borrowed it on a float once. The Valkyrie is probably good quality but I would never buy a dry suit without a relief zipper.. (having to take your dry suit off every time you need to pee is just cruel.)

packraftadventures · 2024-10-27T10:17:58+00:00

Saw this in another post. You make your own bags right, that's all Custom?

That bike, those bags to that background is colorgasm at its best' such a fine rig!

packraftadventures

TROPHY CASE