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 peter

    peter replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 8 months ago

    Hi there, from the Deep South of NZ ..

     

  • Profile picture of e.ian.howick

    e.ian.howick replied to the topic Ultralight packraft trip report – Canol Heritage Trail in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 8 months ago

    Great Effort!

    I’m doing a similar style of trip, mainly hiking/transalpine but carrying a packraft to get across rivers that would be otherwise uncrossable. I took a couple of paddle blades from a cheap beach toy inflatable and drilled a couple of holes so I could lash them to my walking poles. Good enough to cross even a quite fast flowing…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultralight packraft trip report – Canol Heritage Trail in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 8 months ago

    Amazing achievement! It’s a really impressive feat of endurance, and on a beautiful, historic trail. Thanks for posting!

    Thanks for the tip about the swimmers’ paddles, too. I’m curious, do you find it easier to paddle forwards or backwards with them?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Rear seam advice in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    That looks totally fine to me. A little Seam Grip+WP and you’re good to go!

  • Profile picture of Geoff

    Geoff started the topic Rear seam advice in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    I just finished my first Telkwa. All went and amazingly no leaks.

    I however did a very ordinary job sealing the rear seam around the tightest corner. It all got out of whack and I ended up cutting the rear seam to get around the tightest bend.

    It’s not leaking but I’m concerned about the strength and longevity.

    Keen to hear people’s thoug…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of adelorenzo

    adelorenzo started the topic Ultralight packraft trip report – Canol Heritage Trail in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    For those interested, I carried my ultralight on its maiden voyage this summer. It was 360 km on the Canol Heritage Trail which has a number of rivers that need to be crossed and in some years a small lake. The number of water crossings that require a raft depends on water levels, on this trip I used the boat for three crossings in total.

    Hiking…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of peter

    peter became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

    peter

    @peter

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  • Profile picture of RiverLo

    RiverLo became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

    RiverLo

    @riverlo

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Excellent work as usual, Ken!

    I think the zipper will be fine there, but if you notice any issues, please tell us. Thanks!

  • Profile picture of krstahl

    krstahl replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    I just finished my 5th DIYpackraft (one V3, three Telkwas) and now my first Skeena.  I found the process is getting easier but it still takes me about 35 hours.  This one held air very tightly overnight despite 4 of the tiniest leaks in various places.  The biggest mistake I made was using the Ty-zip location for the Telkwa instead of the Sk…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic bowl for curved surface in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Step 4 in the Ultralight instructions has as much information about the form as is posted elsewhere… there aren’t really “instructions” – just pictures and diagrams and a description.

    For anyone who hasn’t purchased a kit, there are also pictures and a description on the Heat Sealing page (under the How-To menu).

  • Profile picture of loriduggan

    loriduggan replied to the topic bowl for curved surface in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Any way to get the instructions for the form posted to the UL thread as well. Can’t get in to the other places you posted them to as they are password protected. Thank you

  • Profile picture of pmmartin

    pmmartin became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of Sabes

    Sabes became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

    Sabes

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  • Profile picture of bjkoehler88

    bjkoehler88 became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

    bjkoehler88

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Alignment issue in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Max – well done for sticking with the project!

    I think trimming the slit will be the best approach here. It might make a slight dimple in the tube there when it’s inflated, but that part will be underwater, so it won’t be very noticeable.

    If you have a seam strip that is longer than required, you could extend the slit a bit farther into the…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic TIZIP leaking suggestions in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Excellent!

  • Profile picture of snowmax

    snowmax started the topic Alignment issue in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hello all,

    I am a slow builder: I started assembling my V3 packraft in 2018 and I am still working on it! I’ve moved countries since the start and have just unpacked the box with all the parts and getting back into it.

    I have opted for the method where I will join the tubes at the back and have glued tubes 1-4 (right and left). I’ve noticed that…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Allen

    Allen replied to the topic TIZIP leaking suggestions in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    <p style=”text-align: center;”>Wow. I looked all over the forum but checking the FAQ wasn’t even on my radar. Thanks for the quick reply and assistance! Leak is gone! Cheers!</p>

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic TIZIP leaking suggestions in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Allen,

    I would start here: https://www.diypackraft.com/faq/why-is-my-airtight-zipper-leaking/

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  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
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  • Removable Spray Deck
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  • Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons
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