DIY Packraft | David | Friends Activity https://www.diypackraft.com/members/davidpepperell/activity/friends/ Activity feed for David's friends. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:36:24 -0700 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 ececce6244c2bbfdf3992c6cfc7f219b Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=21527 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:53:57 -0700 Meet the Chilko Self-Bailer After binning more prototypes than I care to admit, the Chilko whitewater packraft is finally here! As you can see in the pictures below, its […]

]]> 5e73b0db718c417af50b891420d8db4a Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2026/02/26/tariff-information-for-us-based-customers/comment-page-1/#comment-29092 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:21:34 -0700 You don’t have to do anything yet. UPS will pay the fees to US Customs on your behalf, then UPS will try to contact you by phone and/or email to get you to reimburse them. If you don’t hear from them in the next few days, let me know and I’ll ask Purolator for the UPS tracking number (they don’t automatically send that to me). Once UPS contacts…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Tariff Info for US Customers Updated March 16, 2026 As a Canadian eCommerce retailer, I want you to know that depending on what you order, the Trump administration’s tariff p […] ]]> 811baa6f1f79c3f4564e8bb4d42b7c10 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic New users say "Hi" here to prove you are not a Spam Bot in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/say-hi-here-to-prove-you-are-not-a-spam-bot/#post-21485 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:01:31 -0700 Welcome!

Just scroll down to the bottom of the topics list when you’re logged in and you should see a form to create a new topic there.

 

]]> 0 bba75cb2b343dde632edee71e0779830 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/heat-sealing-tools/#post-21404 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:28:01 -0700 Hi, some people have used hot air welders successfully, but I tried it and couldn’t get it to work well myself. I found that I needed three hands, and it was difficult to direct the heat only on the areas I wanted to weld.

I’m not sure if an iron will work on the banner vinyl material you have.

 

]]> 0 d4c395cca116a4f10018f6ff12fb4783 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultralight backrest and backband in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/ultralight-backrest-and-backband/#post-21396 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:09:08 -0800 I don’t normally include the back band parts with the ultralight seat kits, but I can if you want. I think it would work fine, but I haven’t tried it, so I’m not 100% sure. Just send me an email if you’re thinking about ordering one and you want those parts.

Most of the weight savings in the ultralight seat kit comes from the seat bottom, which…[Read more]

]]> 0 15322075b945e7dd4da466eedfcf0701 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2025/10/01/tariff-information-for-us-based-customers/comment-page-1/#comment-28937 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:07:12 -0800 There are still no tariffs on DIY Packraft kits because the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is still in effect, and I provide a certificate of origin with your order showing that it’s made in North America.

After the US Supreme Court’s decision that the “emergency” tariffs are illegal, Trump replaced those tariffs with a different type of…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Tariff Info for US Customers Updated March 16, 2026 As a Canadian eCommerce retailer, I want you to know that depending on what you order, the Trump administration’s tariff p […] ]]> 4795f0c6ee7fb2f156bff16e88e8668f Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Layering fabrics? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/layering-fabrics/#post-21279 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:51:07 -0800 Yes and no… You can layer fabrics together to make something stronger, but you can’t iron directly onto TPU without making a mess, so at least one of the fabrics has to be coated on only one side. The woven fabric is less resistant to abrasion than the TPU (and soaks up water and dirt, etc.), so depending on the application, that may or may not…[Read more]

]]> 0 1cf3d73891606d270fd6273b72cdc850 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Dry Bag Score Line Mistake in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-dry-bag-score-line-mistake/#post-21243 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:25:15 -0800 Hi troc, thanks for the feedback – I will try to make that more obvious.

I think it will be easier if you simply trim off the red fabric and make a sandwich like you described. Remember you will need to extend the strip past the edges of the bag so you can attach the buckle. If you’ve trimmed the end flush with the edge of the bag, you can splice…[Read more]

]]> 0 0bf124865b8c005425970c9e76be9077 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Paddling flatwater with a dog in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/paddling-flatwater-with-a-dog/#post-21226 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:04:54 -0800 Hi Sam,

Other than the Ultralight, any model will handle a 50 lb dog without popping. For alpine lakes, I would probably choose an Atlin (the largest size), because it’s wider in the foot area so there’s more room to share between the two of you. If you were going to be paddling with the pup for hours at a time, I’d consider a Skeena XL for even…[Read more]

]]> 0 a131fba17f63b91c21341439b17ea030 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/05/10/new-type-of-airtight-zipper-in-shop/comment-page-1/#comment-28249 Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:57:58 -0800 Hi Sam, I’m not opposed to the idea, but I’ve never used canoe float bags and couldn’t tell a good one from a bad one, so someone would have to send me a pattern. Cheers!

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post New Type of Airtight Zipper I have just received a new shipment of airtight/waterproof zippers from TIZIP, and this time I ordered some MasterSeal 10 zippers in addition to the […] ]]> 7a346ad87c49eb72f6d9b14864763f70 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/05/10/new-type-of-airtight-zipper-in-shop/comment-page-1/#comment-28219 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:03:01 -0800 Hi Stephen, thanks for reminding me about this. I initially thought I would do a bow bag kit, but then I realized I couldn’t offer one at a reasonable price compared to what was already available elsewhere, but your comment made me go and take another look around and it looks like things have changed (in other words, everything is expensive now!).…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post New Type of Airtight Zipper I have just received a new shipment of airtight/waterproof zippers from TIZIP, and this time I ordered some MasterSeal 10 zippers in addition to the […] ]]> 90a875af24d3cf128db62b24e6cba291 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=21145 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:20:02 -0800 Discount at Charity Auction It’s that time of year again! If you’d like to save some money on a DIY Packraft order and give to charity at the same time, you can bid on a $25 […]

]]> fda8615b4981f5a785017bd4a488d696 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=21133 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:12:41 -0800 MasterSeal Zippers in Stock The MasterSeal airtight zippers are back in stock! The MasterSeal and SuperSeal zippers are made by TIZIP, the world leader in airtight zippers, […]

]]> 910c1c996392ba950ce21b7bcd74325b Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=21067 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:47:13 -0700 Tariff Info for US Customers Updated March 16, 2026 As a Canadian eCommerce retailer, I want you to know that depending on what you order, the Trump administration’s tariff p […]

]]> 5893aedf7aa058a10b0ce55e1872c0fe Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-21047 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 18:17:09 -0700 Very cool! Thanks for posting.

 

]]> 0 58581c00513385712af58661549a2d8f Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=21038 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 22:42:56 -0700 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, […]

]]> 59e3b30bfaec97262a0d3aff13ab3a9c Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-21007 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:57:16 -0700 Great work, Joe – and gorgeous shot! Thanks for the feedback about the Ultralight – it sounds like you’ve had some great adventures.

 

]]> 0 153e0f8eac4a9b6b5d8d84d3215fa22b Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20955 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 23:04:53 -0700 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 […]

]]> 8fcb93d863786546d98d5ec9ce99591c Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20826 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:16:58 -0700 Awesome! What a great location – and thanks for the feedback about the kits!

 

]]> 0 f743ab45b0089dc8e3777fab87dcfc9b Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20733 Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:16:08 -0700 Great photos, Lee, and excellent work! Thanks for sharing!

 

]]> 0 cf25c1db139b7f96019ec11a7aa7dbd5 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2025/04/11/new-spray-deck-option/comment-page-1/#comment-26815 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:38:39 -0700 Haha, you were the inspiration for this option! Sorry it took so long…

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 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 […] ]]> aeabe3d6cf787d5a2dcdd0bdab629ca0 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/09/08/lightweight-fishing-float-tube/comment-page-1/#comment-26800 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:26:46 -0700 Oh, good find – thanks!

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Tom F. sent me this video and this link to a forum thread documenting the design and construction of a lightweight fishing float tube (a.k.a. bellyboat or belly boat) using heat […] ]]> 2599e88b7ee121d5118769e2338a31f4 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/09/08/lightweight-fishing-float-tube/comment-page-1/#comment-26790 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:00:28 -0700 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]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Tom F. sent me this video and this link to a forum thread documenting the design and construction of a lightweight fishing float tube (a.k.a. bellyboat or belly boat) using heat […] ]]> 18c77d0fe0047df8341f73d6ec833472 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2016/08/24/punctures-leaks-repairs/comment-page-1/#comment-26775 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:26:05 -0700 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]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post For a video and more up-to-date information on this topic, visit this page. If you’re paddling an ultra-lightweight inflatable packraft in any but the most ideal conditions, i […] ]]> f0406fd636f339dff6b828371333bd92 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Folds and general screw ups in seam strips in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/folds-and-general-screw-ups-in-seam-strips/#post-20685 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:25:39 -0700 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!

]]> 0 702b5f63da7b3ba6a872d58f6e52d812 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Forgot to attach a strip inside tube, what to do? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/forgot-to-attach-a-strip-inside-tube-what-to-do/#post-20575 Wed, 21 May 2025 19:21:49 -0700 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 🙂

 

]]> 0 259992ede37a1e8e86b76c64cd780f95 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20547 Fri, 16 May 2025 23:15:55 -0700 Fantastic! I’m glad to hear it! Enjoy the summer 🙂

 

]]> 0 8afe734696d983014b78582c6f061b5c Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Forgot to attach a strip inside tube, what to do? in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/forgot-to-attach-a-strip-inside-tube-what-to-do/#post-20544 Fri, 16 May 2025 15:27:44 -0700 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]

]]> 0 1965c14918876931b99e54aa54171860 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20527 Fri, 09 May 2025 17:36:38 -0700 Very cool! I love the underwater shots. Congratulations!

 

]]> 0 2fd3b38b4d77f351de6ca49076670e1b Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20514 Mon, 05 May 2025 23:32:16 -0700 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!

 

]]> 0 da8f92a385907d96e43f2591f0265bb6 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20505 Fri, 02 May 2025 23:10:57 -0700 Great work! Excellent job on the self-bailing setup – I look forward to seeing more!

]]> 0 971e25126957b363282f3354449975d6 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20468 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:20:01 -0700 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 […]

]]> 4840bb8c7a85fb0c4b3d6a69cde70146 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20441 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 20:20:50 -0700 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 […]

]]> 5621ae292be573af7335d74716529aff Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Need Advice in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/need-advice/#post-20439 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 21:16:04 -0700 Hmm, the picture doesn’t really show the whole piece, but from what I can see, it looks like it could work. If you want a new black rectangle then I can make one for free – you’ll just need to pay the shipping cost. Send me an email with your current address if that’s what you’d like to do, or carry on with the red. Cheers

]]> 0 dc86edca9b63703d09848db0f9f092b4 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20414 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:48:50 -0700 Removable Spray Deck If you like the idea of having a spray deck on your packraft – but only sometimes – then you should definitely check out the clever design by DIY […]

]]> c055fa67fa2a7456753015952c02c638 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/01/26/new-self-bailing-or-inflatable-floor/comment-page-1/#comment-25521 Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:20:38 -0800 Yep, you can do that. I’m not sure if it makes it more stable, but I’ve done basically the same thing.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Several people have asked if it would be possible to make a self-bailing or inflatable floor using the double-layer floor option, and I have finished retrofitting my multi-colored […] ]]> 09c6b8d4dc9f46fca9ffda3f13f70587 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2025/02/25/iron-modifications/comment-page-1/#comment-25501 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:47:25 -0800 Thanks for the tips, Michael 🙂

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Iron Modifications Photo by Michael B. showing his two modified irons with interchangeable feet (more photos on his website, linked below). Michael from Hamburg, […] ]]> 15bad79b61e96ca2238b5492153f4177 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20276 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 20:52:54 -0800 Iron Modifications Photo by Michael B. showing his two modified irons with interchangeable feet (more photos on his website, linked below). Michael from Hamburg, […]

]]> c299c3fc19b39c8c23b96275f69537e7 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20171 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:21:34 -0800 Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons I’ll admit I was skeptical when forum member @oldcanuck first emailed to say he was planning to try powering his fabric welding iron the […]

]]> c75969dae9b0e6ee9d6acc2ed0691450 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/cheap-prototyping-pattern-making/#post-20132 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:29:38 -0800 The Klymit LiteWater Dinghy appears to be made with the woven fabric on the outside, and pretty much all packraft seats are made that way, too, so you’ll probably be okay, depending on what you’re designing.

]]> 0 d7542cb60efc81c48c1c2a453c348f72 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Cheap prototyping/ pattern making in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/cheap-prototyping-pattern-making/#post-20123 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:35:45 -0800 When I was designing my first packrafts I used a roll of clear plastic vapor barrier from the hardware store (used for house construction) and the tape they sell for sealing it. My prototypes weren’t completely airtight, but close enough to judge whether or not they were the right shapes when inflated.

]]> 0 4d824984d4090ad86b2b82b45409e856 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2024/10/25/back-band-assembly-instructions/comment-page-1/#comment-25062 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:43:20 -0800 Got it. I’ve added them here: https://www.diypackraft.com/back-band-assembly-installation/

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Back Band Assembly Instructions I’m excited to announce that all the standard weight single-person DIY Packraft kits (Skeena, Telkwa, Atlin, etc.) now include parts for making a […] ]]> 27e79d3b2562b9ab3acbbc14c0e147bb Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/atlin-and-telkwa-tracking-and-speed/#post-20083 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:21:39 -0800 Sounds good!

 

]]> 0 c0f999d14d6e8c56df0c30412392766a Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Atlin and Telkwa tracking and speed in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/atlin-and-telkwa-tracking-and-speed/#post-20078 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:02:43 -0800 Hi Pipe,

The speed difference between the Atlin and Telkwa is not much. I have only tested it a little bit with GPS on a lake, but it seems like the Atlin is about 10% slower (less than 1/2 km/h difference). On rivers, speed is less important because the river does most of the work for you.

If the packraft’s length is critical, you can make the…[Read more]

]]> 0 9101470a1eb884844d44de18cba10d52 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2024/10/25/back-band-assembly-instructions/comment-page-1/#comment-25021 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:02:47 -0800 Hi Craig, could you clarify which measurements you’re asking for? Like to make the attachment points from scratch, or where to put them?

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Back Band Assembly Instructions I’m excited to announce that all the standard weight single-person DIY Packraft kits (Skeena, Telkwa, Atlin, etc.) now include parts for making a […] ]]> d97ef4b9b17d3aad8fbab59825149bfa Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2024/11/12/fabric-for-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-24929 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 23:40:05 -0800 The older V2 packraft instructions are not password protected, and the drybag instructions and the heat sealing instructions will be useful for you too. All of them are under the How-To menu.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Fabric For Sale It’s been a long time since I sold any bulk fabric in the DIY Packraft shop (five years?!), so this is a bit of an experiment and I’m not sure how […] ]]> 3409e987b68c43342f610cbad73ea365 Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-20019 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:10:04 -0800 The postal strike ended today – yay!

I’m sure I have a scrap of fabric big enough for you. Send me an email and we can work out it.

 

]]> 0 580ab83eda052f663505f962f9044694 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=20002 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:24:04 -0800 Postal Strike Ended (updated) Canada Post is back to work now, and all of your orders are on their way to you. Let’s hope there aren’t too many delays as they try to catch up […]

]]> 01995a69cb7a57cf9d3c455d56e6d1c1 Matt (Admin) posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2024/11/12/fabric-for-sale/comment-page-1/#comment-24895 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:10:10 -0800 Interesting project! I am not familiar with those products, so you will have to do some research to figure that out.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Fabric For Sale It’s been a long time since I sold any bulk fabric in the DIY Packraft shop (five years?!), so this is a bit of an experiment and I’m not sure how […] ]]> 79a707ee6485505f872a6566b5764f29 Matt (Admin) wrote a new post https://www.diypackraft.com/?p=19973 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:12:08 -0800 FedEx & Purolator Shipping Available As the Canada Post workers strike drags on, I’m working to add new shipping options to the DIY Packraft shop. FedEx has been working for a while […]

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