Bikerafting is a relatively new discipline in outdoor sports, combining mountain biking and packrafting. For those who want to explore truly everywhere, the concept seems perfect. No mountain or body of water can stop you. But, many aspiring bikerafters run into a big problem before they can even give it a try; most full-size mountain bikes are too big and bulky to fit in a small water vessel like a raft or kayak.
However, with a Montague folding mountain bike, you won’t have this problem. Designed for the outdoors with both portability and performance in mind, Montague’s Paratrooper line provides riders with exceptional off-road capability and the convenience of easy transport. Unsurprisingly, the Paratrooper Highline was the bike of choice for Yusuke Horie from Japan, an avid outdoor explorer, jeep enthusiast, and bikerafter.
Yusuke has ventured across Japan, bikerafting on Lake Chuzenji, Lake Hibara, and Lake Motosu. His customized Jeep Gladiator is his main mode of cross-country transport, and he often combines bikerafting trips with multi-day overlanding adventures. Unlike traditional off-roading, overlanding combines the exploration of rugged terrain with multi-day camping, requiring Yusuke to carry all necessities and utilize his Jeep’s rooftop camper for shelter. His Paratrooper Highline is always folded and stowed on board, so once parked, he is able to embark on adventures with his inflatable raft, bike, or both. When Yusuke encounters a lake or body of water, he paddles across with his Paratrooper Highline on board, ready to unfold wherever he lands.
The portability of his Montague allows him to expand his mountain biking horizons, so he doesn’t need to compromise on bike durability, space, or weight. The Paratrooper Highline is a sturdy bike with top-of-the-line components, such as a 20-speed drivetrain, disc brakes, and large 27.5″ wheels that handle obstacles with ease. However, its dimensions are 38″ x 28″ x 12″ when folded, meaning Yusuke can fit it perfectly inside of his Jeep and on the end of his raft. A non-foldable, full-size mountain bike was simply not an option.
“The Paratrooper is a full-fledged folding mountain bike.
It is perfect for packrafting, which is why I use it.”
When considering the history of the Montague Paratrooper Collection, it makes perfect sense that it’s the choice for a bikerafting adventure. Designed for military soldiers to pack down for easy transport and use on any terrain, the rugged qualities of the Paratrooper Pro make it the ideal bike for an adventure that requires land, road, and trail travel.
Be sure to follow @jeep.gladiator.life on Instagram for more bikerafting and packrafting content.
Ready to start your next adventure with a Paratrooper Highline?
