DIY Packraft

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    • Back Band Assembly & Installation
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    • Inflation Bag Kit Assembly Instructions
    • Packraft Fishing Rod Holder
    • Find & Repair Leaks
    • Spray Skirt Assembly
    • Spray Deck Assembly
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    • 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
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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 Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Inflation Bag or Electric Pump? I’ve always used an inflation bag to inflate my packrafts, but I keep seeing people mention that they prefer to use a little portable electric pump, […]

    • Profile picture of Dwayne
      Dwayne replied 9 months, 1 week ago

      I use the FlexTailGear ultra-mini air pump. It weighs just 100g and inflates a Skeena raft about 6-8 times per charge. As a bonus, I use it to vacuum the last bit of air out of the raft so it packs tighter in my backpack.

      Try holding the electric pump back about 6-12in from the open boston valve and blowing air towards it. The Venturi effect multiplies the amount of air blown into the boat and it fills in about half the time.

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 9 months, 1 week ago

        Thanks for the tips, Dwayne – I’ll check it out!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Opie's 2-Person Packraft Build Report Due to its size, the 2-Person model is the most time-consuming DIY Packraft to build, and the most challenging model for a first-time builder. As you […]

  • Profile picture of zachschiada

    zachschiada replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Buckhorn Creek
    Spillway
    Blown Up Raft
    Packraft in Backpack
    It has been a few months since I used my raft since it has been raining a lot and I have been using my hard boat. This past Saturday though, water was low so I was able to do some exploring with my packraft. I ended up hiking about a mile to my local lake’s spillway. I had to wade another quarter mile or so through the creek and under a neat t…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Opie

    Opie replied to the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Good advice Matt. I put a coat of aquaseal on all seams below the waterline and it came out great.

  • Profile picture of oliithesky

    oliithesky replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Hi Matt, I didn’t realize that you had to downsize the pictures, which I tried, but couldn’t find a real working app for…. but if you want I might send you pictures by Whatsapp and you can fiddle it into the original post as I planned. I was a great day where I flew out with the ultralight Chinnok 2 plus airplane I bought the day before, great…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    Wow, what an amazing place to paddle! I’m going to add this photo to the product page. And thanks!

  • Profile picture of oliithesky

    oliithesky replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 2 weeks ago

    I actually put some pictures in the text, otherwise it’s kinda lame thing, but they didn’t show! But your UL packraft is a great design, but it’s having limitations, like a single skin paraglider, doesn’t mean you can’t find a use for it Lake George

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    Thanks for the tips and the feedback, Opie! There’s great information here, so I’ve combined your two posts into a Customer Build Report, which I’ve posted here.

    One thing I would suggest is to coat the outside of the seam strips below the waterline with Seam Grip+WP or Aquaseal, otherwise they will start to peel when you’re scraping down those…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    I’m sorry to hear that the Ultralight isn’t the right packraft for your adventures, but it sounds like you’ve already done some great paddling – Icebreaker – haha! That’s fantastic!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Thanks for posting these great pictures, Eric! That looks like an amazing trip – gotta love those clear mountain lakes. I’m glad the fishing rod holders worked, too – I think you’re the first person to try that in the Ultralight. Fantastic!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Thanks for this detailed report, Opie – it looks like you did great work! I plan to post this in the Customer Build Reports gallery along with your tips and tricks so this doesn’t get buried in the forum thread. I think you’re the first person to provide such detailed feedback about the 2-Person build – thanks!

  • Profile picture of oliithesky

    oliithesky started the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    <p style=”text-align: left;”>Hi, I built a ultralight raft, and was very happy with the kit and the support! Cannot imagine it any better! I want to use it for remote paragliding, but after the first trials I think that definitely requires a heavier raft with internal storage! But it did great on a 6 hour river trip, just had to walk around tight…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of oliithesky

    oliithesky became a registered member 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    oliithesky

    @oliinthesky

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  • Profile picture of cornelius785

    cornelius785 became a registered member 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    cornelius785

    @cornelius785

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  • Profile picture of EricNort

    EricNort replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 9 months, 3 weeks ago

    I am really loving my first ultralight packraft (“first” because I am hoping to build a second with a couple more fishing rod holders added along with some other improvements).  It is nearing a year old now as I finished the build in early September of 2023.  These pictures are from a 3-day backpacking/fishing trip I just did with a couple of my h…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Jameson

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

    New user saying, “Hi.”

  • Profile picture of Jameson

    Jameson became a registered member 10 months ago

    Jameson

    @jameson

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  • Profile picture of Christian001

    Christian001 replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 10 months, 1 week ago

    Very nice color! Makes it even harder to decide on my next one.

  • Profile picture of Opie

    Opie changed their profile picture 10 months, 1 week ago

    Opie

    @openshawjt

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  • Profile picture of Opie

    Opie's profile was updated 10 months, 1 week ago

    Opie

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