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
      • 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 Bruce

    Bruce replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

      <li style=”text-align: left;”>Craig,I have several Hangar #9 irons. Short answer: they are all slightly different. Most have a 10 to 20 degree temperature swing to activate the thermostat. When activated the thermostat connects the current increasing heat. Heat rises 10 to 20 degrees.
      Do buy a thermal infrared thermometer and watch the iron…

    [Read more]

  • Profile picture of darrens

    darrens replied to the topic Packraft air loss in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    One more question please Matt.  Do you know if the TPU fabric is still airtight if the TPU coating is melted?  On both my rafts i have areas where the TPU has been melted where i touched it with my iron.  Am wondering if air may escape very very slow through these?   Ie.  Does the airtightness come from the TPU or the nylon fabric?

  • Profile picture of darrens

    darrens replied to the topic Packraft air loss in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Matt,

    OK, thanks for the tips.  As long as i know there must be a leak somewhere i will persevere to find it.  It bugs me knowing there’s air loss coming from somewhere….

    I’ll try the more concentrated soap mix as you suggested.  And bribe the kids to stare at it with me ;).

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Right on! The packraft looks great and so does the backpack – well done!

    I’m sure people would be interested in more detail about the backpack, so if have any assembly shots or more photos showing how you attached things, I’d be happy to post them on the blog where more people will see (with credit to you, of course).

    Enjoy the summer while it lasts!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Packraft air loss in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    The undamaged fabric is airtight, so you definitely have at least one leak somewhere. The first question to consider is whether or not it’s worth your time trying to track it down. Based on some quick math and an average lung capacity, the rate of air loss you’re seeing is equivalent to roughly 1/2 litre (1 pint) per hour, or 8 ml (0.25 oz) per…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of AK TnG

    AK TnG replied to the topic Hot air heat sealing in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks for the info. Been caught up with other stuff lately, but I’m going to give it a try.

  • Profile picture of craig1185

    craig1185 replied to the topic Hot air heat sealing in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    I’m experimenting with a Ryobi heat gun with tips purchased from Amazon. So far I’m getting more consistent results then with the iron I’m using. This is my first packraft and I have zero experience.

  • Profile picture of craig1185

    craig1185 replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Is anyone else using the hangar 9 iron having problems with inconsistent temperatures? Thanks.

  • Profile picture of chanchito17

    chanchito17 replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Finished my Skeena! What an awesome project. Wish I had the hot air gun for those hard to form end welds- like many folks on here, I used far too much aquaseal and patches to stop leaks once done. On the next one (the process is so addictive!!) I’m sure there will be perfect welds.
    finished!

    I couldn’t wait to try it out… Unfortunately in Fairbanks, it…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of moureen202

    moureen202 became a registered member 4 years, 9 months ago

    moureen202

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  • Profile picture of gkin

    gkin became a registered member 4 years, 9 months ago

    gkin

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  • Profile picture of darrens

    darrens started the topic Packraft air loss in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Hi,

    Has anyone else found their packrafts slowly lose pressure over time? If so, how much pressure do they find they lose?  I have made two packrafts thus far, a single and a double.  With the single sitting at home (after many many tests) I find i may lose one full lung full of air in a 6 to 8hr period and three big lung fulls if left o…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Troutsman

    Troutsman and Profile picture of Matt (Admin)Matt (Admin) are now friends 4 years, 9 months ago

    Matt (Admin)

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    • Profile picture of Troutsman
      Troutsman replied 4 years, 9 months ago

      Hey Matt, thanks for everything. I have made two purchases on a packraft and zippers. I would like to get in and learn from the instructions that are password protected. Is there anyway that I can get this password sent to my email instead of waiting for my package that’s coming the end of May?

    • Profile picture of coopermarie
      coopermarie replied 4 years, 9 months ago

      Hello Dear,i saw your profile and became interested in you, my name is Moran Cooper i am working with united States Army, I will like to have a friend like you,I have something to share with you, please email me through  (coopermarie685@gmail.com) for more information about me, i will check my mail to know if you have contacted me because i am…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of craig1185

    craig1185 replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Hello. Recently purchased a V3 kit off of eBay.

  • Profile picture of SouthForkCJ

    SouthForkCJ became a registered member 4 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of craig1185

    craig1185 became a registered member 4 years, 9 months ago

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  • Profile picture of Troutsman

    Troutsman replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Hey everyone. New here and learning from everyone has been great! Can’t wait to receive my 2 person kit!

  • Profile picture of Kenjaja

    Kenjaja replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Hi Everyone,

    I am not-a-bot!

  • Profile picture of Aaron

    Aaron replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 years, 9 months ago

    Thanks Przemek and Matt! I’m looking forward to starting on my Telkwa kit, it arrived a couple weeks ago. DIY Packraft was a really great idea Matt, I’ve been wanting to do this trip for years but didn’t have $1,000 to pony up for an Alpacka. Plus it was fun to customize the boat and really make it unique.

  • Profile picture of Kenjaja

    Kenjaja became a registered member 4 years, 9 months ago

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  • Postal Strike (Updated Oct. 14)
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Recent Comments
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