DIY Packraft

  • Home
  • Gallery
    • Pictures
    • Videos
    • DIY Packraft Customer Build Reports
    • Customer Pictures
  • How-To
    • Heat-Sealing
    • Useful Tools
    • 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
      • 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!
  • Shop
    • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
  • FAQ
  • Forum
    • DIY Packraft Forum
    • Log In
    • Activity Stream
    • Members
    • Register (Create an Account)
    • Lost Password
    • Password Problems
  • About
    • About DIY Packraft
    • Matt’s 30-Day Solo Packrafting Trip
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Join the Mailing List

David

Profile picture of David

@davidpepperell

Active 8 years, 4 months ago
  • Activity
  • Profile
  • Friends 1
  • Forums
  • Personal
  • Mentions
  • Favorites
  • Friends
  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 10 months, 4 weeks ago

    New Inflation Bag Assembly Instructions As part of my ongoing effort to improve the DIY Packraft instructions, I’ve completely remade the inflation bag assembly instructions video and […]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 11 months ago

    Awesome! Thanks again for the feedback, Sylvain 😀

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 11 months ago

    That’s awesome! Congratulations, Jim, and thanks for posting!

    I had the pleasure of finally meeting Bruce and his family recently – what a great guy!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 11 months, 1 week ago

    New Heat Sealing Iron This iron from Aliexpress was recommended by Bruce Campbell of Fairbanks, Alaska – a man of many great ideas! I bought one to try it out for myself, […]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 11 months, 3 weeks ago

    Excellent work, and great ideas! Thanks for sharing, Kaytree!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year ago

    Cool! Great idea!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Fabric measurements for Telkwa and extremetextil.de in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year ago

    I’m really glad you’re enjoying your Telkwa, and it looks like you did great work, but using my design to make another packraft without asking for permission is really not cool.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reinforcing Strips bulging in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year ago

    That looked like a fun paddle! I’m glad everything is coming together.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Inflation Bag Boston Valve Adapter Evan Rodgers emailed to show me this simple and ingenious method of using a second Boston valve to create an inflation bag adapter that screws into […]

    • Profile picture of Uncle Fred
      Uncle Fred replied 1 year ago

      That’s really cool. I need to come up with an adapter that functions the same way for my pump but also supports the top-up valve.

    • Profile picture of Dwayne
      Dwayne replied 11 months, 3 weeks ago

      I found this 3d printed adapter posted on Printables.com. It is a perfect fit for the boston valve and, with a slight internal diameter adjustment, will fit snugly over the top-up inflation stems for the backrest and seat.

      https://www.printables.com/model/809119-inflation-bag-adapter-for-packraft-boston-valve

    • Profile picture of Derrick
      Derrick replied 10 months, 3 weeks ago

      If I understand correctly, cutting the Boston valve isn’t necessary. You just need a flange on the inflation bag and put a valve piece between the inflation bag flange and the packraft flange. This should work because I think flanges can be screwed to both ends of the value (with the cap open obviously). You can use a valve with the rubber bit removed to quickly inflate the packraft then switch to a valve with the rubber bit still there to top up the with the inflation bag (no longer needing to top off with your lungs). Is this correct? Is that how you have been using it? I’m considering getting another Boston valve for my inflation bag to try it out. Does it work well?

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 10 months, 3 weeks ago

        Haha, I never thought of that, but you’re absolutely right – you could just iron the flange to the bag.

        You might be able to screw the inflation bag flange onto the boat’s check valve after it’s screwed in for the final top-up… yes, I do think that would work. The downside is that screwing the bag on and off would almost certainly take longer than using your mouth for those last five or six breaths. It’s possible you could get a higher air pressure in the packraft using the bag, but because the threads aren’t a perfect match between the flange and the top side of the check valve, I’d be careful to avoid damaging them by trying to force a lot of air in.

        I actually haven’t tried the valve-in-the-bag method myself, so if you test this before I get to it, please let us know how it works out!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Web Store MaintenaceSome of the software I use to run the DIY Packraft Shop has recently been updated to enhance security and functionality, so if you encounter any […]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reinforcing Strips bulging in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 1 month ago

    Great solution! I hope the first float was a success.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reinforcing Strips bulging in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 1 month ago

    Hmm, that’s unusual… I’ve actually never seen that before. Could you send me some pictures from the inside of the cockpit, and maybe take one or two shots through the valve opening so I can see where tubes 4L and 4R are attached to the floor (if possible)? It does look like something might be separating there, but I can’t tell why. Can you see…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories 1 year, 1 month ago

    Very cool! I was thinking about foot rests just before you posted this, because I’m testing out a new seat, somewhat similar to yours. The footrest looks like a great design. I’m curious if you’ve tried using it without stuff inside it, just inflated – you mentioned that the larger one felt like pressing against a balloon, but I wonder if this one…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Parchment paper question in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 1 month ago

    Great to know! Thanks for the update.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories 1 year, 1 month ago

    Very cool! I should really get one of those pumps… and a 3D printer! I’m seeing some great ideas lately.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

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

    Video: The Fabrics I made this video to show the current fabrics that I use to make the Ultralight and the standard weight DIY Packraft kits. In the video, I talk […]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories 1 year, 1 month ago

    What a cool idea! Thanks for sharing. This might deserve to be a whole forum topic on its own.

    It’s an interesting idea to use prongs to hold the check valve open – is the pump not strong enough to pump air through the valve, or does it just work faster that way?

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Attachment Points Strength in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 1 month ago

    In my tests, the D-rings themselves break at about 45 kg or 99 pounds load (on average), and the attachment point itself should be stronger than that, but over time things could wear. If I were you, I’d probably use it as-is but keep an eye on it and if it looks like distributing the load over one or two more points would help, then it looks like…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seam Sealing in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 1 month ago

    I’ve never tried it, but I don’t think it would be a problem… I would try it in an inconspicuous area and see how it looks, and if it doesn’t melt or do weird things, carry on.

  • Load More
Cart
Recent Posts
  • Postal Strike May 23
  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
  • New Spray Deck Option
  • Removable Spray Deck
  • Iron Modifications
Recent Comments
  • Matt (Admin) on Inflation/Deflation Valves
  • Steve O on Inflation/Deflation Valves
  • Amfern on Self-Bailing Floor?
  • Matt (Admin) on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Kenneth on Spray Deck Assembly

Canada Post strike threat. Choose Purolator or FedEx to avoid shipping delays (see blog). Dismiss