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It’s just double coated, and that’s where the extra weight comes from.

Is the 190 GMS material any stronger than the 115, or is it just double coated? Because it ripped surprisingly easily when making the UL boat, it seems less tear resistant than 30 denier silnylon. But I don’t know if it’s heaver material and maybe stronger in terms of puncture resistance?

Thanks Matt, i trimmed as suggested (photo attached) which has worked well, thanks

Hi @peteh

This is a common occurrence and nothing to worry about, due to some variations between the fabric pieces each time I cut them. You can trim the edge(s) to fit between the dots/slits, but don’t trim all the way along the seam – simply start trimming at the required width and then gradually make the trim narrower and narrower until it…[Read more]

In my experience of making 4 of these V3 rafts is only make trim at the bow and stern. Once all other tube sections are completed and connected up.  Just my thoughts.  Good luck

Hi Matt,

I am now partway through my project. Have attached 3R and 3L all is going well but the fabric extends beyond dot by 1cm or so ( I chose to align with split at stern in preference?). Now about to attach 2R and 2L but on this occasion thinking to align with slit at Bow leaving excess material on 2L where it joins 3L. 1. Am I correct to…[Read more]

Hi Matt,

I am now partway through my project. Have attached 3R and 3L all is going well but the fabric extends beyond dot by 1cm or so ( I chose to align with split at stern in preference?). Now about to attach 2R and 2L but on this occasion thinking to align with slit at Bow leaving excess material on 2L where it joins 3L. 1. Am I correct to…[Read more]

I have always been confused by how this works on your website.

Is it just me, or are these comments not nesting properly anymore? I’m replying to other comments, but I’m seeing my most recent comments at the top of the page.

Yeah, that’s definitely the area that is most likely to leak. I find that a cup or two of soapy water on the floor of the packraft works well there – you can hold the packraft up so the water pools over the floor-tube joint and squeeze the tubes while rotating it slowly… the bulk of the water will stay at the lowest point (obviously), but a…[Read more]

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling discouraged! Are you sure it’s losing air, or could the pressure decrease be due to temperature changes? Can you elaborate on the situation and length of time we’re talking about?

Matt,

I am discouraged! I did this and did identify some pinhole leaks that were not on seams. I patched them with aquaseal, but the boat still isn’t holding pressure. At this point I have painted every square inch with 1/2 dish soap 1/2 water 3 different times and I can’t identify any leaks, but the boat is still losing air.

I also covered the…[Read more]

So, I have a friend who is going to model a version of the Aire Rocketbomb, but a hexagon instead of a octagon for easier assembly. I will be ordering some material and making a test version this winter. I will share plans.

A tube is a really fun thing to bring on a backpacking trip. In early season I have had amazing times snow tubing, and…[Read more]

Great, I’m glad that worked.

The ultralight fabric isn’t as strong as the heavier fabrics used in the other kits (obviously), but it won’t spontaneously start leaking in undamaged areas, so once the leaks are fixed that’ll be it unless it gets damaged.

Yes, that was a helpful tip. I found areas on the fabric. It’s a lot of painting the raft with soap lol.

Do you find that the UL raft easily springs more small pinhole leaks, or that once you get it sealed up after assembly that it’s withstands use pretty well?