DIY Packraft

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  • 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
      • MasterSeal Zippers in Stock
      • Introducing the Skeena XL
      • 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!
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Activity

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  • Profile picture of Alfonsoquintana

    Alfonsoquintana became a registered member 7 months, 1 week ago

    Alfonsoquintana

    @alfonsoquintana

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 months, 2 weeks ago

    New Spray Deck Option The Expedition style spray deck (left) and the Whitewater style spray deck (right). To accommodate the back bands and thigh straps that are now […]

    • Profile picture of Uncle Fred
      Uncle Fred replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago

      Just checked in after a few months. This is great news! I wish I could easily retrofit my existing boats, haha.

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 4 months, 2 weeks ago

        Haha, you were the inspiration for this option! Sorry it took so long…

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Need Advice in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 months, 2 weeks ago

    Hmm, the picture doesn’t really show the whole piece, but from what I can see, it looks like it could work. If you want a new black rectangle then I can make one for free – you’ll just need to pay the shipping cost. Send me an email with your current address if that’s what you’d like to do, or carry on with the red. Cheers

  • Profile picture of joyohaver

    joyohaver started the topic Need Advice in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 months, 2 weeks ago

    I accidentally cut out holes in my future watertight zipper rectangle patch. Do you think I have enough fabric in this red tube fabric (my largest remaining scrap)? Should I request some replacement fabric instead? Or is there another way I can manage this mistake?

  • Profile picture of joyohaver

    joyohaver became a registered member 7 months, 2 weeks ago

    joyohaver

    @joyohaver

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 months, 2 weeks ago

    Removable Spray Deck If you like the idea of having a spray deck on your packraft – but only sometimes – then you should definitely check out the clever design by DIY […]

  • Profile picture of lwschaef

    lwschaef became a registered member 7 months, 3 weeks ago

    lwschaef

    @lwschaef

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  • Profile picture of dannyjbriggs

    dannyjbriggs became a registered member 8 months ago

    dannyjbriggs

    @dannyjbriggs

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  • Profile picture of tom

    tom's profile was updated 8 months, 1 week ago

    tom

    @tom-lees

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  • Profile picture of DEHog

    DEHog became a registered member 8 months, 1 week ago

    DEHog

    @dehog

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  • Profile picture of sarah13muller

    sarah13muller became a registered member 8 months, 3 weeks ago

    sarah13muller

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 months ago

    Iron Modifications Photo by Michael B. showing his two modified irons with interchangeable feet (more photos on his website, linked below). Michael from Hamburg, […]

    • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
      Matt (Admin) replied 9 months ago

      Thanks for the tips, Michael 🙂

  • Profile picture of andrewwlewwis

    andrewwlewwis became a registered member 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    andrewwlewwis

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  • Profile picture of amarkham

    amarkham became a registered member 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    amarkham

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons I’ll admit I was skeptical when forum member @oldcanuck first emailed to say he was planning to try powering his fabric welding iron the […]

    • Profile picture of oldcanuck
      oldcanuck replied 9 months, 3 weeks ago

      Hello Matt … and welcome back.

      I hope my design can help others who also live off-grid know that they can build a diypackraft, with a hand-made seam sealing iron!

      Living with solar power for an electrical source, the thought of running a power hungry electric iron for dozens of hours had me thinking there must be a way to use my wood stove to heat a tool, of some sort, for seam sealing. It’s the temperature control of the wood stove that is key. I heat my 900sqft cabin home, cook meals, bake wirh my Nectre 350 Bakers Oven and now for a new challenge, make a couple of Matt’s Skeena kits. I figure it’s worth a try!

      oldcanuck

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts 10 months ago

    The Klymit LiteWater Dinghy appears to be made with the woven fabric on the outside, and pretty much all packraft seats are made that way, too, so you’ll probably be okay, depending on what you’re designing.

  • Profile picture of Incidentallawyer

    Incidentallawyer replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts 10 months ago

    I found that for some quick and dirty modeling, clear plastic did work, good tip!  It was more of a proof of concept rather than an actual design, but I might try a full scale mock up with it.

    I know with all the packraft kits the TPU is on the outside, but my design would leave the TPU on the inside, basically attaching two flat sheets…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts 10 months ago

    When I was designing my first packrafts I used a roll of clear plastic vapor barrier from the hardware store (used for house construction) and the tape they sell for sealing it. My prototypes weren’t completely airtight, but close enough to judge whether or not they were the right shapes when inflated.

  • Profile picture of Incidentallawyer

    Incidentallawyer started the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts 10 months ago

    I am trying to design some patterns to make a replacement floor for my existing ducky.  It has a heavy PVC inflatable floor, and I want to make a new one out of TPU with some nice zippers to add storage.

    Does anyone have any ideas of materials and processes that I could prototype my patterns and fit?

    I’m thinking Tyvek, maybe some glue and…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Mathia

    Mathia became a registered member 10 months, 1 week ago

    Mathia

    @mathia

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Recent Posts
  • Discount at Charity Auction
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  • Tariff Info for US Customers
  • Postal Strike (Updated Oct. 14)
  • Introducing the Skeena XL
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  • Matt (Admin) on Punctures, Leaks, & Repairs