DIY Packraft

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    • Heat-Sealing
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    • 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!
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Activity

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 months, 2 weeks 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 4 months, 2 weeks 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 4 months, 2 weeks 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 4 months, 2 weeks 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 4 months, 3 weeks ago

    Mathia

    @mathia

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months ago

    Sounds good!

     

  • Profile picture of pipesg

    pipesg replied to the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months ago

    Thanks and happy new year Matt!

    I think I will opt fot the Telwa and try to round a bit the bow and/or stern.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months ago

    Hi Pipe,

    The speed difference between the Atlin and Telkwa is not much. I have only tested it a little bit with GPS on a lake, but it seems like the Atlin is about 10% slower (less than 1/2 km/h difference). On rivers, speed is less important because the river does most of the work for you.

    If the packraft’s length is critical, you can make the…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of pipesg

    pipesg started the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months ago

    Hi all,

    After long time knowing of this page and using some of the knowledge Matt share (thanks!!!) to make some TPU gear different to packrafts. I have decided to try a packraft. I actually have an IK but some laws in Spain do not allow to use rafts longer than 2.5 meters in many areas, but allow to use less than 2.5 meters rafts (float tubes…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of pipesg

    pipesg replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 1 week ago

    Hi, not a bot and wishing to get into the packraft world and try one of Matt’s kits

  • Profile picture of pipesg

    pipesg became a registered member 5 months, 1 week ago

    pipesg

    @josem

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  • Profile picture of oldcanuck

    oldcanuck changed their profile picture 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    oldcanuck

    @oldcanuck

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  • Profile picture of oldcanuck

    oldcanuck replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    Gidday! I seem to DIY everything in my life, so might as well try out Matt’s kits. Looking forward to much fun on the water throughout Canada in the coming years … oldcanuck

  • Profile picture of oldcanuck

    oldcanuck became a registered member 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    oldcanuck

    @oldcanuck

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 3 weeks ago

    The postal strike ended today – yay!

    I’m sure I have a scrap of fabric big enough for you. Send me an email and we can work out it.

     

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 5 months, 3 weeks ago

    Postal Strike Ended (updated) Canada Post is back to work now, and all of your orders are on their way to you. Let’s hope there aren’t too many delays as they try to catch up […]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 5 months, 4 weeks ago

    FedEx & Purolator Shipping Available As the Canada Post workers strike drags on, I’m working to add new shipping options to the DIY Packraft shop. FedEx has been working for a while […]

  • Profile picture of Offgrid

    Offgrid replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 6 months ago

    About 61 x 50 CM. Any movement on the strike?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 6 months ago

    Very cool indeed!

    I’m glad that the damage wasn’t too bad. If you email me with the dimensions you want, I’ll see if I have a large enough scrap I can set aside for you.

    Cheers!

  • Profile picture of Offgrid

    Offgrid replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 6 months ago

    The pack is made out of the TPU coated dyneema woven fabric from RSBTR (venom). It has a frame, is 60 liters and weighs 2 lbs. (907 grams). It has compartments for tent, water bladder, quilt/pad, Bear Vault 500, clothes and now a DIY packraft. I have your Skeena and Ultralight and either of them will fit in top compartment. The Advanced Elements…[Read more]

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Recent Posts
  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
  • New Spray Deck Option
  • Removable Spray Deck
  • Iron Modifications
  • Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons
Recent Comments
  • Matt (Admin) on Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly – Rear Center Seam
  • Luke on Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly – Rear Center Seam
  • Matt (Admin) on Apply Sealant to Seam Strips
  • Luke on Apply Sealant to Seam Strips
  • Matt (Admin) on Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly: 2R & 2L