DIY Packraft

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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
      • Price Increase Coming
      • 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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Matt (Admin)

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    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 2 weeks ago

    Tariff Info for US Customers As a Canadian eCommerce retailer, I want you to know that the recent US tariffs may affect your order. As of October 1, 2025, all DIY Packraft […]

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 weeks, 2 days ago

    Very cool! Thanks for posting.

     

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    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 2 weeks, 4 days ago

    Postal Strike (Updated Oct. 14) The Canada Post workers strike has changed from a total nationwide strike to a partial rolling strike, so the postal system is now functioning again, […]

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 month ago

    Great work, Joe – and gorgeous shot! Thanks for the feedback about the Ultralight – it sounds like you’ve had some great adventures.

     

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    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 1 month, 1 week ago

    Introducing the Skeena XL Skeena XL (orange), Atlin 145 (red), Skeena 120 (green), Ultralight (yellow), all made by Kenneth Dagfinrud of Norway. Until now, big and tall […]

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months ago

    Awesome! What a great location – and thanks for the feedback about the kits!

     

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

    Great photos, Lee, and excellent work! Thanks for sharing!

     

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    Matt (Admin) commented on the post, New Spray Deck Option 3 months ago

    Haha, you were the inspiration for this option! Sorry it took so long…

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    Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Lightweight Fishing Float Tube 3 months, 1 week ago

    Oh, good find – thanks!

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    Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Lightweight Fishing Float Tube 3 months, 1 week ago

    Hi Derek, that’s great! Too bad that site doesn’t exist anymore… I see that the page was saved in the Wayback Machine ( https://web.archive.org/ ) in 2015, but I didn’t bother to make an account and check to see if all the info is there.

    I’m not aware of anyone else who has posted anything similar, but if you find something, please post a…[Read more]

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    Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Punctures, Leaks, & Repairs 3 months, 1 week ago

    Hi Ryan – I’m glad the tape worked! I’ve used Goo Gone to get tape residue off the fabric before, then washed with soap and water. I’ve also used rubbing alcohol (isopropanol). Rubbing alcohol isn’t compatible with the fabric – it could damage it if you use a lot and leave it soaking for a long time. It evaporates quickly, but I rinsed with water…[Read more]

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Folds and general screw ups in seam strips in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 months, 2 weeks ago

    As far as I can see, neither of those looks bad enough to risk removal and rewelding. I would just coat them with Aquaseal and not worry about it, because everything else looks great. For the sealant on the inside, I would proceed as normal, just making sure to plug any obvious routes where air could escape. Cheers!

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Forgot to attach a strip inside tube, what to do? in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 months, 3 weeks ago

    Excellent – in my opinion, that’s the best way to do it – a little at a time, so you don’t get sick of it. Cheers 🙂

     

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

    Fantastic! I’m glad to hear it! Enjoy the summer 🙂

     

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Forgot to attach a strip inside tube, what to do? in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months ago

    Hi Anders – don’t worry! It’s not necessary to go back and change anything – just carry on. Those inside reinforcements are only for extra strength (the Skeena and other packraft models don’t have them, and that has never caused a problem). If you are really concerned, you could add a wider reinforcing strip that bridges across the sealant, but…[Read more]

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 1 week ago

    Very cool! I love the underwater shots. Congratulations!

     

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 1 week ago

    Awesome! Thanks for posting! And once you get some weight on the bow, you’ll find that it doesn’t turn so much when you paddle. Congratulations!

     

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    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 5 months, 2 weeks ago

    Great work! Excellent job on the self-bailing setup – I look forward to seeing more!

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

    Tariffs on DIY Packrafts? Just a quick note for Americans wondering if the constantly-changing tariff regime will affect their DIY Packraft purchase: In the nine years I’ve […]

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    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 6 months, 1 week ago

    New Spray Deck Option The Expedition style spray deck (left) and the Whitewater style spray deck (right). To accommodate the back bands and thigh straps that are now […]

    • Profile picture of Uncle Fred
      Uncle Fred replied 3 months ago

      Just checked in after a few months. This is great news! I wish I could easily retrofit my existing boats, haha.

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 3 months ago

        Haha, you were the inspiration for this option! Sorry it took so long…

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Recent Posts
  • Tariff Info for US Customers
  • Postal Strike (Updated Oct. 14)
  • Introducing the Skeena XL
  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
  • New Spray Deck Option
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