Bikerafting

Bikerafting (carrying a packraft on a bicycle and then carrying the bicycle on the packraft) opens up new route possibilities and it’s also convenient for river runs because it eliminates the need for a long walk or vehicle shuttle.

All the DIY Packraft models except the Ultralight are suitable for bikerafting, but the Atlin is specifically designed for carrying large loads on the bow:

I haven’t tried bikerafting with a 2-Person packraft, but I wouldn’t recommend it for two people (there isn’t really enough room for two bikes), and it’s unnecessarily large for one person.

When planning for bikerafting, also consider the following:

• You should pad areas where angular parts of the bike will rub against the packraft, and where parts of the bike will rub against each other.
• Messing around with one long rope and a bunch of knots will waste a lot of time, so you’ll want a secure quick-release attachment method that works the same way every time (e.g. Velcro straps, webbing clips, line-locks, etc.).
• The bike will make the packraft top-heavy, so if you can store other gear inside the tubes by installing an airtight zipper, the packraft will feel more stable.
• Arrange your bike so it doesn’t interfere with your paddle stroke – this is easily overlooked as you’re packing, but becomes immediately apparent once you start paddling. Choosing a longer packraft makes this easier, as does stacking the bike’s wheels on top of its frame.
• Always be aware of the possibility of gear entrapment and drowning in case of a capsize. Mount a paddling knife on your PFD and eliminate entrapment hazards such as loose ropes, backpack straps, etc.

When it comes to securing the packraft, paddle, and PFD to a bicycle, most people use some combination of a rear rack and/or handlebar mount.