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Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Adam's DIY Packraft Build Report 7 years, 6 months ago
Fantastic! Thanks for getting the word out, Derek!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic "Voyageur" extra huge. in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 6 months ago
Beautiful shot with the glacier in the background!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 6 months ago
Adam DiPietro documented the build of this beautiful red and black V3 DIY Packraft, and he sent his pictures and comments to share with everyone! I’ve posted the full report here. Thanks, Adam!

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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 7 months ago
Check out this stowable spray deck that Dom Adcock added to his V3 DIY Packraft! I’ve posted more detailed pictures of the construction process on a dedicated page here. (Photos by Dom, used with permission.) […]

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Wow, this is a kind of professional evolved from the evolution of DiY packraft… oh man another really Great DiYed Raft here ! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
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Wow, this is a kind of professional evolved from the evolution of DiY packraft… oh man another really Great DiYed Raft here ! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
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Just YKK water resistant zips. The sort you’d find on a good waterproof jacket. I purchased from a good outdoor fabric & fittings supplier in the UK. I bought 3 metres and 3 zippers, then cut to size. I stiched over the end at front under small fixed deck but you need to attach small metal staples at the other end near the seat(when the deck is closed) because just melting the ends is not enought. Otherwise you are likely to make the same mistake as me and pull the zip right off!! I manage to get it back on…
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Adam and
Matt (Admin) are now friends 7 years, 7 months ago -
Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Sounds good. I think you’ll find that a properly welded seam is stronger than the fabric panels, so sewing the seams would be redundant. You can see this demonstrated in my original fabric comparison video, where I show how the fabric tears before the welds give out. Cheers
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Hi Conrad, unfortunately there’s no simple way for me to add an allowance to the pieces, but if you want I could make a kit with the lines drawn in pen instead of cutting them out, and then you could add an allowance yourself. It might be time-consuming for you though.
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultrasonic vs Hot Iron Sealing vs Hot Air Sealing vs RF/HF Sealing in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Hi Pham,
I’ve looked into various welding techniques a bit, but not really in regards to strength of bond. Heat sealing creates a bond of more than adequate strength for the way I design things – when reinforced properly, the fabrics fail before the heat welds do – so I haven’t needed to explore other options.
For the typical DIYer,…[Read more]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
I’m sticking this topic to the front page because it got buried – please post tips here instead of starting a new topic.
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Heat increase Coverite Black Baron? in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Hi Rodney – Bruce wrote a post partially about that here: https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-4265
Cheers
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Excellent! I love the look of the yellow tubes and black trim.
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 7 months ago
Here in the northern hemisphere, summer is getting closer and people are dusting off their paddles and planning trips for the coming months. If you want to meet other packrafters, share stories, and learn from […]

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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic "Voyageur" extra huge. in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Excellent! Thanks for posting pictures, Derek!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY packraft vest – sub 200g in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Very cool! Thanks for posting!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Pure TPU as adhesive in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Thanks Naas, that’s good to know! It’s interesting that you have to clamp it. Do you think it would work on a flat surface if you pressed it with a roller or placed weights on top, or does it need to be clamped?
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Hi Conrad – don’t worry, it’s just cosmetic. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll know how long you can heat it without melting through. In the meantime, just make sure you’ve got a non-stick surface underneath, such as parchment paper. Cheers!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ski boots ties in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 7 months ago
Cool! If you have any more photos, please post them. Thanks!
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Matt (Admin) commented on the post, New Spray Deck (Pictures!) 7 years, 7 months ago
Plans are posted here: https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/04/29/spray-deck-plans/
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Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Review: Model Airplane Heat Sealing Irons 7 years, 7 months ago
Thanks, Mark – I’ve updated the post to include this tip because you’re not the first person to have issues with the 21st Century iron. Cheers
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Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Review: Model Airplane Heat Sealing Irons 7 years, 7 months ago
Yikes, that sounds scary! I’ve never used a sock, so maybe that’s the issue – wrapping an iron in an insulating blanket will certainly keep a lot more heat in. I’d avoid using a sock in the future.
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