DIY Packraft

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    • Instructions – 2-Person Kits
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    • 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!
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mttgilbert

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@mttgilbert

Active 1 year, 10 months ago
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    mttgilbert replied to the topic Top-up valve adapter for boston valve in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 year, 10 months ago

    I printed a couple of these (no scaling) and they fit perfectly. I had to dial in the resolution for the threading, but even the rough prints threaded on (they bled just enough air to make it difficult to overcome the valve).

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    mttgilbert commented on the post, Replacement Spray Deck Stiffener 1 year, 11 months ago

    is there a way to tell between the two batches? I got a kit six months ago and haven’t put it together yet. Should I just to put it together with Pex out of an abundance of caution?

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    mttgilbert commented on the post, Fabric Update (Dec. 13) 2 years, 6 months ago

    Try and not sweat it. I think most of us understand. Thanks for your ongoing efforts! This hobby is growing because of you and that’s something to be proud of! Keep it up.

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    mttgilbert commented on the post, First Fabric Shipment Arrived! 2 years, 7 months ago

    No rush, but any update on the second round of new material?

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic An Inflatable Drybag that fits through your zipper. in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 2 months ago

    This looks like a cool idea, I’m going to try and make one. Bruce, if you’re still around, do you have any feedback on the concept after use?

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic DIY GTX drysuit in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 3 months ago

    I do some sewing as well and am interested in the process for the drysuit. Is your sewing experience more geared towards clothing? I’ve done a little bit, but mostly I’ve sewn gear (sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, etc)

    Did you freelance the pattern or use something specific? Also, where did you source your material?

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic 2p Raft Seating Alternative in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 3 months ago

    That’s interesting, do you actually sit on the convergence of the two tubes in the stern or is that where you’re wedging the seat? Are you using a traditional kayak paddle or a canoe style paddle?

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    mttgilbert started the topic 2p Raft Seating Alternative in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 3 months ago

    I’m just a couple tube sections in to my 2p Packraft and I’m thinking about the seats. I know the tubes are taller and that seems to be the basis for the canoe style seat kit that comes with it. I got the 2p model specifically to have a packraft large enough to fit me, my dog, and my pack (maybe a bike too). I will likely never have a paddling…[Read more]

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic Trouble Joining Bow Seam in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    That’s all good with me! I hope it helps

     

    Thanks!

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    mttgilbert started the topic Seam Sealing in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    I’m about to start sealing the seams of my Telkwa. Because of my schedule I’m going to have to do this in shorter sessions over a couple days. Any tips on cleanup and reusing the brush? Should I just put it in a ziplock in the freezer between uses? Is there a solvent that works well on Seam Grip+WP?

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic Trouble Joining Bow Seam in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    I made a couple forms that are basically the point on your form pattern isolated into a little handheld piece. This ended up working really well for me and I managed to get the whole bow sealed without any wrinkles to speak of. Thanks for the encouragement and feedback!

    Dimensions are in inches, but they’re just estimates, I took a block of wood…[Read more]

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic Trouble Joining Bow Seam in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    Ah, clearly reading isn’t my strong suit, but yes. I didn’t want to change the shape of the bow, and while the nose of the form was about the right shape,  I just couldn’t get the fabric on there in a way that it didn’t want to wrinkle where the seam tape was already attached to the tube material.

    I’m certain the way you describe works, I think…[Read more]

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    mttgilbert replied to the topic Trouble Joining Bow Seam in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    Matt, I watched that video over and over. I tried every bowl I had in my house and a couple I picked up from the thrift store. I’ve been really impressed with your instructions (honestly, this one too, I think this is more of a “me” problem), this time I just couldn’t get it right. I’m going to make some smaller forms and play around on some…[Read more]

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    mttgilbert started the topic Trouble Joining Bow Seam in the forum DIY Packrafts 3 years, 11 months ago

    I’ve watched the videos and damn do you make it look easy on that Telkwa! I have a Skeena and I’m having a lot of trouble with the center seam in front. I did just fine up until where the nose really starts to point. I just can’t seem to get the two edges lined up without creating wrinkles between the tube fabric and reinforcing strip. I’m using…[Read more]

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    mttgilbert became a registered member 4 years ago

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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 Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly – Rear Center Seam
  • Luke on Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly – Rear Center Seam
  • Matt (Admin) on Apply Sealant to Seam Strips
  • Luke on Apply Sealant to Seam Strips
  • Matt (Admin) on Protected: Skeena & Telkwa Assembly: 2R & 2L