Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the pedals, exploring the grit, gear, and glory of bikepacking and human-powered adventure.

I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today’s guest is someone who has quietly reshaped how we think about moving through wild places, not just on two wheels, but across water as well. Thor Tingey is the founder of Alpacka Raft, a company that has helped pioneer modern packrafting as we know it today. What started as a personal solution to accessing remote terrain has grown into a global movement, blending biking, hiking, and paddling into a seamless, self-supported style of exploration. From Alaska’s rugged backcountry to expedition routes around the world, Thor’s work has opened up entirely new ways to experience landscapes, where rivers are no longer barriers, but invitations.

In this episode, we talk about the origins of Alpacka Raft, the philosophy behind packrafting, gear design, and how integrating water into your adventures fundamentally changes the way you move through the world. So whether you’re a die-hard bikepacker or just curious about adding a paddle to your setup, this one might just expand your definition of adventure.

And today, we’re going to explore what happens when you stop seeing rivers as obstacles and start seeing them as part of the route.

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Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?

The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.

Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Thor Tingey | Alpacka Raft - Where Packrafting Meets Bikepacking