DIY Packraft

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    • 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
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    • 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 Allen

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

    Hey All!

    So I just discovered my TIZIP is leaking at the end connection. I pulled it all the way close, as tight as I could, and it’s still leaking.

    I’m not sure if it’s faulty or I am, however What would you suggest I fill this gap with?  The hole is sizable and consistent enough that the loss of pressure is noticeable within 5 minuets.

     

     

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Congratulations on the excellent work! What a cool place to explore, too!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Failed project? Packraft not holding air. in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    It sounds like you’re 99% finished but you’re discouraged and you’re getting ready to give up, but leaks are a very fixable problem, so don’t despair!

    That said, I’m even more confused now… Can you tell me what packraft model it is and which set of instructions you’re following? I don’t think I recommend using adhesives for any structural bonds…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Welcome! Here’s some information about whitewater paddling in DIY Packrafts: https://www.diypackraft.com/faq/whitewater-capabilities-of-diy-packrafts/

  • Profile picture of vissernl

    vissernl replied to the topic Alternative to airtight zipper in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi came across this thread on the forum and these things https://netherlands.husse.com/clip-for-husse-dry-food-bag#footer_box4

    Seem a good idea. Only thing I don’t like is that it’s not attached and losing it really is not an option… Unless you like swimming.

  • Profile picture of vissernl

    vissernl replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi

    Outdoory person from the Netherlands here.

    Looking at buying a telkwa or skeena for bikerafting and mild rivers, does anyone no what class waters they can handle? I’m not looking at going over class 3 but things change fast sometimes.

  • Profile picture of Sparky

    Sparky replied to the topic Failed project? Packraft not holding air. in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Matt. Sorry for lack of detail. I sealed up the last of the raft and blew it up, but it lost air. One problem spot was the very rear-most point where the flap hadn’t stuck down well with the sealant. I used rubber cement (HB-66) that I’d used to attach the tie-downs to add a small section of inner tube patch over that. It didn’t work well, so I…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Telkwa Floor To Sides Seal in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    I’m not sure if you saw the second “Note” on the heat sealing page, but what you’re describing could be normal. All of the seams in the packrafts are designed to avoid that kind of peeling force – they’re either shear forces only, as in the areas where the tubes attach to the perimeter of the floor, or the area that would feel a peeling force is…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of vissernl

    vissernl became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of No Tracks

    No Tracks became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of Markus MUC

    Markus MUC became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Self-bailing floor? in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi RhettB, I’m sorry I’m not doing any bulk fabric sales at this time. Maybe when global supply chains are back to normal and I have plenty of stock I will, but that won’t be in the foreseeable future. Some people have had success modifying inflatable camping mattresses to fit the packrafts floor – that’s the approach I would take, as it would…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Failed project? Packraft not holding air. in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Can you elaborate on what you mean when you say locating the leaks and sealing them hasn’t helped? It sounds like either there are more leaks to find and seal or your method of sealing them didn’t work.

  • Profile picture of Sparky

    Sparky replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hi

  • Profile picture of snack pack

    snack pack started the topic Telkwa Floor To Sides Seal in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    <p style=”text-align: left;”>So I have been struggling to get good seals on my floor to side seals and I’m not sure why.</p>
    When I join the side fabric to other pieces of side fabric I get those “hard as hell to pull apart” seals but the floor to side fabric doesn’t come close to the same strength of resistance.
    <p style=”text-align: left;”>I…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of snack pack

    snack pack replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Just got my telkwa in the mail and am looking forward to the process. Heading to a heat seal forum for some early struggles. 🙂

  • Profile picture of anacognate

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

    Here’s my Skeena (front and center) in action exploring some icebergs outside of Spencer Glacier in Alaska!

    Loved the build process, found it to be super satisfying to weld with the leather iron- this was my first DIY raft and I am so proud of how it turned out, haven’t found any leaks to speak of after a few times out on lakes and the 12 miles…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of anacognate

    anacognate replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 9 months ago

    Hello!

    I’m not a bot, and I just finished my Skeena!

  • Profile picture of anacognate

    anacognate became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of snack pack

    snack pack became a registered member 3 years, 9 months ago

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  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
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  • Removable Spray Deck
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