Bikerafting
In bikerafting you combine a bike and a packraft: for paddling, the bike is strapped across the bow.
Basics
What is a packraft, what do load capacity, packed size or hike & float mean? The most important terms for getting started.
19 terms in this topic
All terms
Boat weight and complete weight
Boat weight means the hull only, complete weight means the ready-to-paddle boat with seat, backrest, mat and spray deck.
Boat labelling
On German federal waterways even a packraft must carry a clearly visible name, with the owner's name and contact details inside.
Federal waterway (Bundeswasserstraße)
Federal waterways in Germany are rivers, canals and coastal waters with shipping, managed by the federal government. Special rules apply here, including for packrafts.
Solo and tandem boats
A solo boat is built for one person, a tandem for two. Many tandems can also be paddled alone.
Put-in and take-out
The put-in is where you launch the boat and start, the take-out is where you get out at the end.
History of packrafting
From the Halkett boat in the 19th century through Alaska's wilderness races to modern TPU boats: a short history of packrafting.
Hike & float
Hike & float means hiking and paddling on one trip, with the packraft carried in your backpack between the water sections.
Dogs in a packraft
Dogs can ride along in a packraft. According to the Packrafting Store their claws don't damage the boat fabric, but some preparation is needed.
Packed size
The packed size is the volume a packraft can be rolled down to after use.
Packraft
A packraft is a small, very light inflatable boat that packs down small enough to fit in or on a backpack.
Packrafting
Packrafting is paddling with a boat that you carry on foot, by bike or in your luggage to wherever you want to start.
Packsailing (sailing a packraft)
With a small sail, a packraft can be pushed along comfortably with a tailwind. This is called packsailing.
Gauge and water level
The gauge is the measured water level of a river. It decides whether a section is runnable, too shallow or dangerously high.
Lining
Lining means guiding the boat on a rope from the bank through a section you don't want to paddle.
Ultralight packraft
Ultralight packrafts weigh about one kilo or less and are designed for calm water and long hikes.
Where am I allowed to paddle?
In Germany, paddling on public waters is generally allowed, but there are important exceptions and special rules.
Flat water and slow-moving water
Slow-moving water means flowing water without any notable whitewater, flat water means still water such as lakes.
Load capacity
Load capacity states how much weight (paddler plus luggage) a packraft can carry while still paddling and steering well.