Packrafts are lightweight inflatable boats that roll up to fit in your backpack, allowing you to hike and paddle to places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Made of durable materials, they are much tougher than pool toys, but much lighter than traditional boats.

If you want a high quality packraft without the high price of a manufactured model, you can save ~80% by making your own using similar materials to those used by the best packraft manufacturers. DIY Packrafts are made with heat-sealable fabric so no sewing and no special skills are required. The unique construction method creates the lightest packrafts on the market, without sacrificing strength. An inexpensive heat sealing iron is the only specialized tool you’ll need.

DIY Packrafts are being made in 35 countries and counting – learn more about making your own packraft here.

Products

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DIY Packraft Kit: Atlin

The Atlin is a stable platform designed for bikerafting and carrying other large loads.

DIY Packraft Kit: Skeena

Lightweight and durable, the expedition-proven flagship DIY Packraft will suit most paddlers in most conditions.

DIY Packraft Kit: Telkwa

The Telkwa is the world’s first packraft to feature a wrap-around floor that protects the tubes high above the waterline. It’s the toughest and stiffest DIY Packraft, ideal for whitewater paddlers and those who want that extra peace of mind.


DIY Packraft Kit: Ultralight

The Ultralight is the lightest DIY Packraft, designed for long hikes, lakes, and careful paddling in mild rapids.

What's new at DIY Packraft

Check the blog for more

Video: The Fabrics

I made this video to show the current fabrics that I use to make the Ultralight and the standard weight DIY Packraft kits. In the video, I talk about some of their properties and show Read more…

New Heat Sealing Video

As part of my effort to continuously improve the DIY Packraft instructions, I’ve made a new, more comprehensive video about heat sealing. It’s pretty long, but it’s everything you need to know, all in one Read more…