DIY Packraft

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    • Thigh Straps Installation
    • Back Band Assembly & Installation
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    • Inflation Bag Kit Assembly Instructions
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    • 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 β€œTrailer,” 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 β€œfreight 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 β€œStripe” 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!
      • β€œWhitewater” 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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mikkel

Profile picture of mikkel

@mbogeskov

Active 7 years, 8 months ago
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  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Tips & Tricks in the forum Tips & Tricks 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks for posting these tips, Mike!

    I will incorporate some of them into my future videos.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Reply To: Tips & Tricks in the forum Tips & Tricks 8 years, 2 months ago

    Thanks for posting these tips, Mike!

    I will incorporate some of them into my future videos.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Beautiful work, Mike!

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 8 years, 2 months ago

    Several people have had trouble finding a suitable field repair tape, so I added my favourite one to the DIY Packraft shop. It’s similar to Tyvek tape, but it’s a different brand. You can learn more about it here πŸ™‚

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    The seam fabric will not form a strong bond with the non-TPU side of the floor fabric, so I recommend heating the area with your iron again so you can pull it apart there.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Hi @hiroshi, that is a common mistake – if you heat the fabric with your iron again, I think you will be able to separate the fabric.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) started the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Please post any tips and tricks you have developed during construction of your DIY Packraft! I frequently update the How-To pages based on your feedback, so you’ll be doing everyone a favor, and I always try to give credit where credit is due.

    Note: If you wish to reply to a specific comment below, please click the grey β€œReply” link above the spe…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Great – I’m glad the package arrived in Japan without a long delay.

    I have now enabled the ability to upload images in forum posts (click the mountain icon above the text box when typing a forum topic or reply).

    Thanks

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic What plans/kits would you like to see next? in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry, there’s not much I can do about the parcel postage rates, and I don’t think it could be sent in a letter. I guess another option would be to buy a beach ball and cut the valve out… I’m not sure how good of a valve you could get that way, but it might be worth a try. I couldn’t find similar valves for sale anywhere, which is why I decided…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seamgrip vs Aquaseal in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    Welcome to the forum, @maynard!

    I recommend both, each for different applications.

    Aquaseal is best for installing valves, making permanent repairs, and gluing fabric together in places that can’t be heat-sealed. (Aquaseal cures with exposure to air, so when gluing two things together, apply Aquaseal to both surfaces and let them sit for at…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Seamgrip vs Aquaseal in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    Welcome to the forum, @maynard!

    Aquaseal is best for installing valves, making permanent repairs, and gluing fabric together in places that can’t be heat-sealed. (Aquaseal cures with exposure to air, so when gluing two things together, apply Aquaseal to both surfaces and let them sit for at least 30 minutes before pressing them together,…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) and Profile picture of JoyJoy are now friends 8 years, 3 months ago

    Joy

    @felis

    View Profile
  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Hiroshi, thanks for your order! It should take approximately ten business days to arrive. You will be the first in Japan πŸ™‚

    My Clover Mini Iron II is made for North America’s 120 V, 60 Hz power supply. Clover has a Japanese website, where you may be able to find more information, or at least contact information for someone who can answer your…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic What plans/kits would you like to see next? in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    I’ve just uploaded some pictures of the new spray deck to the blog – check the rest out here. πŸ™‚

    DIY Packraft Spray Deck

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 8 years, 3 months ago

    Here are a few pictures of the new spray deck! It’s made from 210D heat sealable fabric and a lightweight, collapsible aluminum tent pole.

    The total weight of the packraft, including the inflatable floor and […]

    • Profile picture of Joy
      Joy replied 8 years, 3 months ago

      Hi Matt! Great – now I’m looking forward to your experiences in WW – just to know if it resists some WW or if it starts leaking after 2-4 runs….

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 8 years, 3 months ago

        Hi Joy,

        Yes, I am looking forward to testing the spray deck as soon as the rivers thaw here!

    • Profile picture of Marco
      Marco replied 8 years, 3 months ago

      hey Matt nice work, did U made this on the base of the youtube raft? Helps that you have installed a zipper? I think about to intall one on my first black raft. Was it easier with the reachable innertubesection, or its not nesesary? I would prefer a removable cruiserspraydeck, not interest to go whitewater with selfmade. Looking forward of video instruction for the spraydeck installation. Lighter fabric reached me, next project can start. πŸ™‚

      greetings from berlin
      marco

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 8 years, 3 months ago

        Hi Marco,

        Yes, I added the spray deck and inflatable floor to the packraft I made in the Youtube videos after it was finished. The airtight zipper is not necessary for retrofitting either the inflatable floor or the spray deck – I installed both entirely from the outside – but it is still a very nice feature for storing gear inside the tubes and for accessing the inside of the tubes to make repairs.

        I will add a removable cruiser spray deck to my list of things to do!

        I’m glad your new fabric arrived, and I look forward to seeing your ultralight packraft πŸ™‚

        Cheers,

        Matt

    • Profile picture of maradona Choi
      maradona Choi replied 8 years, 2 months ago

      Hey, Matt,
      Should I purchase the kit and try to make the boat by myself…?
      Or I want to visit Canada and learn some skills or know-how from you…
      Which is better…?

      • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
        Matt (Admin) replied 8 years, 2 months ago

        Hi Maradona! I demonstrate all of my skills and know-how in my videos and web pages, but Canada has some beautiful places for packrafting (follow @benbrochu on instagram for pictures!), so I think a trip to Canada would be better spent in the wilderness than in my basement πŸ˜‰

    • Profile picture of Steven
      Steven replied 8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, a removable cruiser spray deck would be awesome!

    • Profile picture of Chris Chitty
      Chris Chitty replied 8 years ago

      second on plans

    • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)
      Matt (Admin) replied 7 years ago

      Plans are posted here: https://www.diypackraft.com/2017/04/29/spray-deck-plans/

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft fabrics: Green in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    @lynsg Thanks for your input and for prompting this discussion – at your suggestion, I have deleted the other thread to avoid confusion.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft fabrics: Green in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    @lynsg Thanks for your input and for prompting this discussion – at your suggestion, I have deleted the other thread to avoid confusion.

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    Hi @hiroshi, the floor and seams can be either black or the same colour as the tubes – it is your choice. The product page tells you how to indicate which style you prefer.

    I recommend a Large packraft for your stature.

    The kit does not include a printed manual, as all of the instructions are on the How-To web pages, including pictures and…[Read more]

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic in the forum mikkel 8 years, 3 months ago

    @lynsg Hi Lyn, I moved my reply from this topic to be its own topic so the colour chart will stay at the top of the page. Thanks for starting the conversation πŸ™‚

    Here is the new topic: https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/split-diy-packraft-fabrics/

  • Profile picture of Matt (Admin)

    Matt (Admin) replied to the topic some questions in the forum DIY Packrafts 8 years, 3 months ago

    Hi @Hiroshi,

    Thanks for your interest in a DIY Packraft. The side tube diameter is 27.5 cm (11″) and the safe load capacity is over 150 kg (300 lbs) – the actual volume is over 300 litres (i.e. over 300 kg buoyancy).

    Whitewater packrafting is possible with the single layer floor, but I recommend the double layer floor for added durability if…[Read more]

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Recent Posts
  • Tariffs on DIY Packrafts?
  • New Spray Deck Option
  • Removable Spray Deck
  • Iron Modifications
  • Off-Grid Heat Sealing Irons
Recent Comments
  • Matt (Admin) on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Kenneth on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Matt (Admin) on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Kenneth on Spray Deck Assembly
  • Matt (Admin) on Frequently Asked Questions