About us
The thrill of folding boats: Your adventure in a bag
Folding boats—or as we call them, portable boats—are more than just watercraft to us. They’re the perfect blend of centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge innovation.
Imagine this: Your boat fits into a backpack, is incredibly light, yet as sturdy as a rigid boat! Whether you’re traveling by bike, train, or plane, your companion for spontaneous trips is always with you. From the ultralight PackRaft to the classic folding kayak for major expeditions—they all embody our motto: “one boat—one bag.”
These boats open up boundless freedom for you. Combine paddling trips with hikes, explore remote waters, or glide leisurely through the urban jungle. They’re stable, stay on course, and offer you a completely new sensation on the water.
Folding boats aren’t just practical to store (under your bed instead of in the garage!); they make your wildest ideas come true.
In short: Big adventures come in small bags with us. And we want to share this fascination with you.
From garage start-up to market leader
For us, it all began—as it does for so many big names—in a garage. But instead of software, it was our fascination with folding boats that captivated us from the very beginning. With pure passion and a focus on this unique product, we set out on our journey.
On our 20th anniversary, the trade magazine KANU named us Germany’s leading folding boat specialists—a title that makes us incredibly proud!
1905. Folding boats
The dawn of modern folding boats with Alfred Heurich's design.
2002. Start
It all started in the garage: Our company was born out of pure passion, with a focus on traditional folding boats.
2010. The first scubi
Innovation in Hybrid Technology: We are developing the scubi system, a groundbreaking combination of linkage and high-pressure hoses designed for maximum performance.
2014. The first PackRaft
Expanding our PackRaft line: our product range is growing to include ultralight packable boats—for even more spontaneity and adventure.
2019. Pakboats joins the fleet
The acquisition of the Pakboats brand expands our family to include additional foldable kayaks and canoes.
TODAY. European market leader
We are becoming the market leader in Europe in terms of unit sales, with brands such as nortik, Triton Advanced, and Pakboats, which are known worldwide for their quality and suitability for travel.
For us, functionality and, above all, a perfect fit are our top priorities. We’re convinced that a product can only truly impress if it’s tailored exactly to your plans. That’s why we don’t develop generic mass-produced goods, but rather the right equipment for your specific needs—from ultralight packrafts for combined land-and-water adventures to high-performance folding kayaks for major expeditions. Our philosophy is based on an honest, professional dialogue: We listen to you and understand your needs because we share the same passion for the water. The result is well-designed gear that stands out for its clarity, technical sophistication, and absolute reliability.
Sustainability is not just a passing trend for us, but a matter of responsibility toward nature and toward you, our customers. We are convinced that a product is truly sustainable only if it lasts for decades. That’s why we focus on timeless designs and extremely durable materials. We pay special attention to craftsmanship: wherever technically possible, we use high-quality welding processes instead of adhesive bonds to guarantee unmatched seam durability. For our scubi models, we also use a special, high-strength PVC-PU blend that combines maximum robustness with a long service life.
For us, sustainability also means preserving rather than replacing. An essential part of our identity is our in-house repair service and the long-term availability of replacement parts. We want your gear to remain repairable should damage ever occur. In this way, we work together to conserve valuable resources and minimize our environmental footprint without compromising on safety or performance.
Quality stems from trust as well as from geographical and personal proximity. Our production is based on long-standing, well-established partnerships with specialized businesses and small workshops. We consciously prioritize fair conditions and transparent, honest collaboration over anonymous mass production. This direct connection to our production facilities—from precise cutting to the final stitch—allows us to guarantee the highest standards at every single step and to respond immediately to opportunities for improvement. The result is gear you can rely on unconditionally on every trip, whether at your local lake or in Arctic waters.
