TRAK 2.0 Review: A Folding Kayak That Fits on My Bike!
- Headwatersdan
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
A portable kayak that fits on my bike has been a dream of mine for years. So when TRAK reached out asking if I wanted to try their new TRAK 2.0 folding kayak, I jumped at the opportunity.
I’ve seen folding kayaks before, but nothing that looked and performed like a traditional sea kayak—until now. TRAK stands apart in quality, performance, and innovation.
The Plan: Bike + Paddle Adventure
I had this idea stuck in my head: ride my electric cargo bike to the river, set up the kayak, and paddle to one of my favorite local spots. So that’s exactly what I did.
I strapped the TRAK 2.0 to my bike, cruised along some scenic Redding Bike Trails from my house, and rolled into Lake Redding Park on the Sacramento River. After securing my bike with three locks (can’t be too careful!), it was time for the fun part: setting up the kayak.
Setup and First Impressions
Unpacking and assembling the TRAK 2.0 was straightforward and surprisingly satisfying. Everything is clearly marked and it clicked together with the satisfaction of a new Lego Set. The frame and skin system feels solid—none of that “tent pole in a bag” vibe that older folding kayaks had. This thing feels like a real touring kayak. Every part felt like it would belong in a NASA space ship!
Once it was ready, I launched and began paddling upstream toward my local river surf spot. That’s where one of TRAK’s coolest features came into play: the adjustable rocker.
Adjustable Rocker = Game Changer
On the flatwater section, I kept the rocker flat for maximum efficiency and glide. When I hit pushier currents and waves, I used the hydraulic jack to increase the rocker, giving the boat more maneuverability. It worked exactly as advertised—and honestly, it felt kind of futuristic to “tune” my kayak on the water. The Reed Chillcheater skirt with the watertight access hole is brilliant!
A Day of Nostalgia and Joy
As I paddled, I couldn’t help but think back to an old kayak film that inspired me years ago: Pacific Horizons. There’s a scene with Dubside doing Greenland rolls in a folding kayak, loading up his boat on a bus to get to the water because he didn’t own a car. That sense of freedom—paddling anywhere, anytime—has always stuck with me.
With the TRAK 2.0 on my bike and the Sacramento River under my hull, I finally lived out that dream. It was pure nostalgia, mixed with the excitement of new way of experience the water.
Mission accomplished.
Thanks to TRAK for letting me play with this amazing kayak.
Watch My Full TRAK 2.0 Review
Here’s the video where I take you along for the ride:
Final Thoughts
The TRAK 2.0 isn’t just a folding kayak—it’s a ticket to adventure. Whether you want to load it on your bike, pack it in your car, or take it on a plane, this kayak makes paddling anywhere possible without sacrificing performance.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—for anyone who values portability without compromise.