DIY Packraft

  • Home
  • Gallery
    • Pictures
    • Videos
    • DIY Packraft Customer Build Reports
    • Customer Pictures
  • How-To
    • Heat-Sealing
    • Useful Tools
    • Instructions – 2-Person Kits
    • Instructions – Atlin Kits
    • Instructions – Skeena & Telkwa Kits
    • Instructions – Ultralight Kits
    • Roll-Top Drybag Kit
    • TIZIP Zipper Installation
    • Attachment Points & Tie-Downs
    • Top-Up Valve Installation
    • Thigh Straps Installation
    • Back Band Assembly & Installation
    • Boston Valve Installation
    • Inflation Bag Kit Assembly Instructions
    • Packraft Fishing Rod Holder
    • Find & Repair Leaks
    • Spray Skirt Assembly
    • Spray Deck Assembly
    • Heat Sealing Iron Modifications
    • Pack, Carry, and Store a Packraft
    • Instructions – V3 Kits
    • Instructions – V2 Kits
      • Overview
      • Step 0.5 – Practice Heat Sealing
      • Step 1: Joining Tube Pieces to Floor
      • Step 2: Joining Tube Pieces Together
      • Step 3: Join Completed Tubes to Floor
      • Step 4: Double-Layer Floor or Joint Reinforcement
      • Step 5: Installing a Boston Valve
      • Step 6: Center Seams (last step!)
      • Making an Inflatable Floor
  • Blog
    • All
    • 2025
      • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
      • New Spray Deck Option
      • Removable Spray Deck
      • Iron Modifications
      • Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons
    • 2024
      • Postal Strike Ended (updated)
      • Postal Strike – Good News
      • FedEx & Purolator Shipping Available
      • How to Buy a Gift Card
      • Fabric For Sale
      • Back Band Assembly Instructions
      • Backband Attach Point How-To
      • Slotted Attachment Point Video
      • Price Reductions!
      • Thigh Straps Available Now
      • Inflation Bag or Electric Pump?
      • Opie’s 2-Person Packraft Build Report
      • New Inflation Bag Assembly Instructions
      • New Heat Sealing Iron
      • Zach Schiada’s Telkwa Build Report
      • Video: The Fabrics
      • The first orange DIY Packraft
      • Inflation Bag Boston Valve Adapter
    • 2023
      • $200 DIY Packraft Coupon at Charity Auction
      • Beautiful New Packraft Fabric Colors
      • Replacement Spray Deck Stiffener
      • New Heat Sealing Video
      • Packrafting Safety
      • New Type of Airtight Zipper
      • Drybag Kits Now Available
      • Heat Sealing Forms For Sale
      • Bikerafting Gear & Tips
      • Customer Tips & Build Reports
      • New Payment Methods
      • Save $20 on a Skeena Kit
      • New Year, New Packraft Models?
    • 2022
      • All Kits are In Stock
      • Fabric Update (Dec. 13)
      • Hurry! $200 DIY Packraft Coupon Charity Auction
      • Ultralight Packraft Kits In Stock
      • An Online Packrafting Course
      • First Fabric Shipment Arrived!
      • Fabric Status Update
      • Packraft Trip Video
      • Pre-Orders Available
      • Packraft Kit Pre-Orders?
    • 2021
      • Only a Few Kits Left
      • State of Emergency – Possible Shipping Delay
      • $200 DIY Packraft Coupon Charity Auction
      • Customer Build Report
      • Current Order Processing Times (updated)
      • How to Modify Your Order
      • Packraft Kit Availability Update
      • Online Packrafting Clinic
    • 2020
      • My Month-Long Packrafting Trip
      • Get Email Updates
      • I’m Back/Fabric Delay
      • Now Closed Until September
      • Today: Last Day to Shop ’til September
      • July 9: Last Call for Kits
      • Packraft Camping Video
      • DIY Packraft Closed for ~August
      • Video: How to Roll, Carry, and Store a Packraft
      • Packrafting Paddles & PFDs
      • Pandemic Update/FAQ
      • Bulk Fabric Sales Suspended
      • Notice: Colored Seats
      • Postal Service Suspended to 60 Countries
      • Coronavirus & DIY Packraft
      • New Packraft Floor Fabric
      • Ken’s DIY Packraft Fleet & Telkwa Build Report
    • 2019
      • How to Choose a Packraft (not just DIY)
      • $200 Coupon in Online Charity Auction
      • Backcountry Meal Planning
      • Spray Deck & Spray Skirt
      • A DIY Packraft Logo?
      • Book Review: Packrafting, by Molly Absolon
      • Book Review: A Long Trek Home
      • Convert a Kayak Paddle to a Packraft Paddle & Trekking Pole
      • The Perfect Ultralight Packrafting Water Shoe
      • Packraft Weight Capacity
      • First Look: Skeena
      • Website Redesign in Progress
      • New Video: Iron Temperature & Timing
      • Iron Modification Video
      • Success! New packrafts tested.
      • Surprise: Another New DIY Packraft Model
      • The Silicone Roller: my new favorite tool
      • Packraft Fishing Rod Holder
      • More 2-Person DIY Packraft Pictures
      • First Look: Updated 2-Person DIY Packraft
      • Ken’s DIY Packraft Build Report
      • The Online Review Economy
    • 2018
      • New Ultralight DIY Packraft – First Look
      • Two new fabrics in the shop
      • 14 Day Alaska Group Trip
      • Travel Notice: August 10-24
      • Tim’s Pontoon Kayak, Version 2
      • Tie-Down Video Posted
      • Convertible Spray Deck
      • Packrafting Events, 2018
      • Privacy
      • Camouflage Fabric in Stock
      • Website Speed Maintenance
      • Book Review: The Wilderness Paddler’s Handbook
      • Inflation Bag Video
      • New Seat Construction Video
      • FAQ Reorganized, New Content
      • Zippers & Green Fabric Back In Stock
      • Backordered Products Resupply Timing Estimates
      • New V3 Assembly Video (password protected)
      • Heat Sealable Boston Valves in Stock
      • Backordered Products Resupply Timing Estimates
      • Iron Modifications (more Forum gold)
      • Whitewater Fittings, a Packraft “Trailer,” and More
      • Back from Vacation
    • 2017
      • New Paddling Video
      • The DIY Packraft Kit Tester program
      • Holiday Notice
      • A Few New Videos
      • Another Improved Tie-Down
      • Bruce’s Voyageur 2-Person DIY Packraft – First Float!
      • Overseas? Save money by using a “freight forwarder”
      • V3 Kits Now Shipping!
      • How Fast is a Packraft?
      • V3 DIY Packrafts will start shipping early October
      • Lightweight Fishing Float Tube
      • More photos of the new V3 DIY Packraft
      • Paddling the V3 DIY Packraft
      • First Pictures of the new V3 DIY Packraft
      • Inflation bag kit instructions posted
      • New DIY Packraft Design Available Soon (and a small rant)
      • Inflation Bag Now Available as a Kit
      • New Seat Kit Instructions Posted
      • Review: Model Airplane Heat Sealing Irons
      • Quick review: New 40D Ripstop Fabric
      • Two New Fabrics Added to Shop
      • Fabric is Here! Actually and in Reality!
      • Fabric Shipment Update
      • Good News/Bad News
      • A Few Photos
      • 10% off Coupon Code for Group Orders
      • Another Fabric Shipment Update
      • New Shipping Options, Free Shipping Code
      • Now Using “Stripe” and Supporting Multiple Currencies in the Shop
      • Forum Spam – Private Messaging Disabled
      • Another *%#@ Fabric Delay!
      • Airtight zippers are back in stock
      • Time-Lapse Video of DIY Packraft Construction
      • Alternative lightweight inflation valves
      • Fabric Shipment Update 4
      • Fabric Shipment Update 3
      • Spray Deck Plans (V2)
      • New Fabric Update 2
      • Update: New Fabric
      • DIY 5-Piece Carbon Paddle
      • Inflatable Floor Guidelines
      • Improved Top-Up Valves in Stock
      • Tim’s Pontoon Boat
      • A few Multi-Color Kits Left (until resupply)
      • Field Repair Tape added to Shop
      • New Spray Deck (Pictures!)
      • Crowd Sourcing Green
      • Aquaseal and Seam Grip added to Shop
      • New Option: Self-Bailing and/or Inflatable Floor
      • Video – Finding & Fixing Leaks
      • Photos – Vancouver Island Paddling
      • TIZIP Airtight Zippers now in Stock
      • Video – Tomi testing his new DIY Packraft
    • 2016
      • Airtight zipper installation instructions posted
      • New Forum Added to Site!
      • Kit Instructions Finished!
      • New How-To Video
      • Second Instruction Video for Kits
      • Review: $25 Heat-Sealing Iron
      • Making Tie-Downs: Instructions Posted
      • Airtight Zippers Pre-Order Sale!
      • “Whitewater” Packrafting – Just for Fun
      • First Instruction Video for Kits
      • Colour Choosing
      • Video Showing How Plans & Kits Work
      • Fabric Comparison Video
      • New Plans Shipping Now
      • Update on Fabric, Kits, New Valves
      • Punctures, Leaks, & Repairs
      • Fabrics Coming to the Shop (Updated August 23)
      • Google Translate & a DIY carbon fiber paddle
      • Follow DIY Packraft on Instagram
      • Alpine Paddling
      • Inflation Bag
      • DIY Heat Sealing Iron
      • The DIY Packraft World Map
      • New Seat Design
      • New Facebook Page
      • Yellow Packraft Finished!
      • New Larger Packraft Plans!
      • Buoyant and Stable!
      • New How-To Video Posted: Joining Curved Seams
      • New How-To Video: Joining Side Pieces
      • Lake Paddling & 2-Person Test Video
      • New Video Up – Tracing and Cutting Your Fabric
      • Plans Available Now
      • DIY Packraft intro Video
      • 813 grams (1.79 pounds)!
      • DIY Packraft Pictures and Details
      • Plans Available Soon
      • Update
    • 2015
      • Coming in 2016!
  • Shop
    • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • FAQ
  • Forum
    • DIY Packraft Forum
    • Log In
    • Activity Stream
    • Members
    • Register (Create an Account)
    • Lost Password
    • Password Problems
  • About
    • About DIY Packraft
    • Matt’s 30-Day Solo Packrafting Trip
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Join the Mailing List

Activity

  • All Members 1,154
  • RSS
  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    I haven’t yet had time to do more than a couple of hours testing, but it’s quite practical to use the gun in one hand and the roller in the other, following directly behind the gun. It also seems to work well, though it will need more practice, to wrap the seam tape over the roller so it trails behind, and use the roller in your palm and two…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    I haven’t yet had time to do more than a couple of hours testing, but it’s quite practical to use the gun in one hand and the roller in the other, following directly behind the gun. It also seems to work well, though it will need more practice, to wrap the seam tape over the roller so it trails behind, and use the roller in your palm and two…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    I haven’t yet had time to do more than a couple of hours testing, but it’s quite practical to use the gun in one hand and the roller in the other, following directly behind the gun. It also seems to work well, though it will need more practice, to wrap the seam tape over the roller so it trails behind, and use the roller in your palm and two…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    I haven’t yet had time to do more than a couple of hours testing, but it’s quite practical to use the gun in one hand and the roller in the other, following directly behind the gun. It also seems to work well, though it will need more practice, to wrap the seam tape over the roller so it trails behind, and use the roller in your palm and two…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, @lynsg – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, @lynsg – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, @lynsg – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, @lynsg – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, @Lyn – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks, Lyn – this is great news! I will give it a try myself. Until now I’ve assumed that it would be too difficult to manage three pieces of fabric, an air gun, and a roller all at once. Are you heating between the layers and then setting the air gun aside and picking up the roller to roll the seam?

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    After becoming disillusioned with my broken down sealing tools, I sat and watched youtube videos on hot air welding guns and then went and bought
     this one from ebay.

    I’ve only had it a couple of days and only played briefly with it, but I’m very impressed. It comes with various bits including a 20mm flat nozzle and a silicone roller, is nicely…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    After becoming disillusioned with my broken down sealing tools, I sat and watched youtube videos on hot air welding guns and then went and bought
     this one from ebay.

    I’ve only had it a couple of days and only played briefly with it, but I’m very impressed. It comes with various bits including a 20mm flat nozzle and a silicone roller, is nicely…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George replied to the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum Heat-sealing tools 8 years, 2 months ago

    After becoming disillusioned with my broken down sealing tools, I sat and watched youtube videos on hot air welding guns and then went and bought
     this one from ebay.

    I’ve only had it a couple of days and only played briefly with it, but I’m very impressed. It comes with various bits including a 20mm flat nozzle and a silicone roller, is nicely…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Lyn St George

    Lyn St George started the topic Reply To: Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    After becoming disillusioned with my broken down sealing tools, I sat and watched youtube videos on hot air welding guns and then went and bought
     this one from ebay.

    I’ve only had it a couple of days and only played briefly with it, but I’m very impressed. It comes with various bits including a 20mm flat nozzle and a silicone roller, is nicely…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Jeremy

    Jeremy became a registered member 8 years, 2 months ago

    Jeremy

    @akjw7

    View Profile
  • Profile picture of hiroshi

    hiroshi replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    My packraft has a lot of leaks from incompletely sealed seams.
    Probably I think that the form of the bowl when heat seal iron does a curve was bad.
    Therefore the seems of the curve is not beautiful. Air seems to leak from there.
    When you made PACKRAFT for the first time, were there a lot of leaks from incompletely sealed seams? Will such a th…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi @hiroshi – well done! It looks good, but still a bit soft.

    Another method of finding leaks is to put some air into the packraft and submerge it in a bathtub or lake and then squeeze it – air bubbles will escape anywhere there is a leak.

    If you are experiencing lots of leaks from incompletely sealed seams (not punctures), it might be a good…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic What plans/kits would you like to see next? in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Yep, you can definitely add a layer of fabric anywhere with my design, which would double the strength. I’m working on getting heavier fabrics, but can’t promise a release date yet.

  • Profile picture of hiroshi

    hiroshi replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    It was completed.

    packraft
    However, there are many punctures.
    I must solve this puncture.
    I attach soapy water and find the place of the puncture and intend to heat-seal it.
    Because there are very many punctures, is there the method that, besides, is good?

  • Profile picture of José

    José replied to the topic What plans/kits would you like to see next? in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    If you create a Packraft with the T-zipper you can insert airtight chambers with your gear then you have a multi chamber Packraft…

  • Load More
Cart
Recent Posts
  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
  • New Spray Deck Option
  • Removable Spray Deck
  • Iron Modifications
  • Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons
Recent Comments
  • Amfern on Self-Bailing Floor?
  • Matt (Admin) on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Kenneth on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Matt (Admin) on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Kenneth on Spray Deck Assembly