In recent years, Raf Cramatte has built his life around the idea that travel is freedom. Originally from France, Raf has become a full-time traveler, moving between life on the water and on the road, splitting his time between sailing journeys, van or RV travel, and off-grid exploration with his Montague Paratrooper Pro. Wherever he goes, having rugged and portable gear is a must.
That’s where his Montague Paratrooper Pro comes in. Designed for performance without compromise, the full-size folding mountain bike fits perfectly into Raf’s adventurous lifestyle. It packs down easily for life aboard a boat or inside a camper, yet unfolds in seconds to a rugged, trail-ready ride to explore the wilderness.
Raf has customized his Paratrooper Pro for maximum cargo capacity while bikepacking. Building on the ample hauling capacity of the built-in RackStand, Raf added fork packs, frame bags, a handlebar roll, extra water bottle mounts, a pump, and a number of dry bags to keep his gear safe from foul weather.
What makes a setup like this possible is the Montague foundation it’s built on. Unlike typical folding bikes with small wheels and limited accessory options, the Montague Paratrooper is a full-size mountain bike with standard components and real cargo capability. That means it can support the same racks, bags, and accessories as a traditional touring bike, while still folding down for life on the move. If you’re looking for adventure, it’s the difference between a bike that travels with you, and one that actually expands where you can go.
Raf has documented a series of solo sailing trips through the Ionian Islands of Greece, including passages between Ithaca and Meganisi, where he anchors in small harbors and explores the islands on foot and by bike. He’s also spent extended stretches living aboard a 7.9-meter sailboat, often staying in ports without shore power or water. Prior to his current stint sailing, he traveled in a decked out camper van across Europe, hitting campsites in France, moving through the Swiss Alps, and taking in the Mediteranean coast.
For Raf, the Paratrooper isn’t just a convenience, it’s one of the keys to his life of exploration. Having a fully capbale mountain bike stowed away bridges the gap between destinations, turning the next dock, campsite, or roadside stop into a launch point for adventure. No matter how or where he arrives, his bike is ready to take him to nearby desintations, trails, scenic lookouts, or even that great local restaurant that’s hidden off the beaten path.
Raf’s experience with the Paratrooper Pro proves that the right gear doesn’t just support the journey, it expands it.
Follow Raf on Instagram at @raf_cramatte for more updates!
Want to start your own journey? Learn more about the Paratrooper Pro at www.montaguebikes.com/product/paratrooper-pro/
