DIY Packraft | Uncle Fred | Activity https://www.diypackraft.com/members/unclefred/activity/ Activity feed for Uncle Fred. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:50:51 -0700 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 0601deff3229e41519ddd3d537948d15 Uncle Fred replied to the topic Intrigued by ultralight roll top packraft. Tell me why it's a bad idea in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/intrigued-by-ultralight-roll-top-packraft-tell-me-why-its-a-bad-idea/#post-21045 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 05:29:30 -0700 That sounds like a great idea for it. Let us know how it feels.

]]> 0 84a4f713d2f72f6dac62d156d7f5b920 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-21042 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 05:16:31 -0700 Update on the Boston valve to pump adapter.

I’ve modified the original adapter design by @krafter to fit the 2025 Flextail Max Pump 3.

Adapter

This pump offers 5KPa pressure. Flextail has a larger, 12KPa boat pump, but it’s only available second-hand as of October 2025.

Boston Adapter to Flextail Max Pump 3

Updated design. The mount for this pump consists of a tiny lip, necessitating a…[Read more]

]]> 0 38daf2a42fd599b06994caa86db69c84 Uncle Fred replied to the topic Intrigued by ultralight roll top packraft. Tell me why it's a bad idea in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/intrigued-by-ultralight-roll-top-packraft-tell-me-why-its-a-bad-idea/#post-21041 Sat, 27 Sep 2025 03:54:44 -0700 There’s a couple of these drybag designs floating about. This looks ideal for playboating, or adventure river crossings.

With the ubiquity of electric pumps these days, I’m not sure if the tradeoff of a rolltop that might be a bit more vulnerable deflation makes much sense.

Personally, I prefer just having one-do everything heavy-duty boat I can…[Read more]

]]> 0 c6eee75c53c99d18367d54907a604677 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-20754 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:53:57 -0700 Didn’t see Matt’s leg straps post. Cool! Glad I could help.

]]> 0 717282a246f2cf71f54ea732a011ecac Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2025/04/11/new-spray-deck-option/comment-page-1/#comment-26808 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:56:19 -0700 Just checked in after a few months. This is great news! I wish I could easily retrofit my existing boats, haha.

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 […] ]]> 5aba1651daf80b3b7c5a135e22ca6c9a Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19131 Sat, 11 May 2024 05:02:10 -0700 Simple new project for today. Used 250GSM fabric to make a phone pouch for an Anfibio inflatable lifejacket.

 

Sits inside the chest area, velcro closure with webbing pull handles.

Above is a new roll of that UHMWPE thread I like.

]]> 0 b38342a64381f1acfd56a449ee87f15b Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19130 Sat, 11 May 2024 04:50:37 -0700 Nice. Have you tried to see if your adapter will friction fit tight enough to leave it until it’s full? How pressured can you get the boat?

]]> 0 5f9378fd8fb87c942dcc057dd6a12097 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2024/04/22/inflation-bag-boston-valve-adapter/comment-page-1/#comment-23143 Mon, 06 May 2024 15:19:32 -0700 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.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 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 […] ]]> 89d77dc699a9b9b4f74694ebbb42fcc5 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19094 Sun, 05 May 2024 23:13:16 -0700 Yup, that adapter that tapers right? lol

Maybe I need to take the rubber off. I find that it stays in for a little bit, but once the pressure becomes higher, it pops out. I still have to fill it for another 30 seconds by breathing into it.

]]> 0 2c7ac6998204f36c9b93851a8d4efa08 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19039 Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:17:42 -0700 Hey Krafter, have you seen the screw-on adapter shown here? Merging your design with the Boston Valve screw-on on threads would allow hands-free operation.

]]> 0 92e850a48d70713f4b667afef9ca805e Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/activity/p/5050/#acomment-5063 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:56:22 -0700 When I built my raft, I thought I’d use the zipper access to store things. It’s been far more useful as a way to access the interior area and turn the boat inside out.

In reply to - zachschiada replied to the topic Reinforcing Strips bulging in the forum DIY Packrafts Ok, I ended up doing something that really hurt to do. I performed surgery on my raft. I made an incision and accessed the […] ]]> 170d0eebd0c8fe25ad8d4b55118fb884 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19013 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:18:49 -0700 Here is one of my modified spray skirts, as requested.

Side profile

(Above) Side profile.

Front Profile

(Above) Front profile.

Rear profile

(Above) Rear profile.

I had an issue where my more forward seating position made the spray skirt too tight around the waist. To address this, the torso funnel was cut off and four additional 150GSM fabric panels were cut from the fill…[Read more]

]]> 0 e73c01bb902c5933fa68599b25e6f727 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-19010 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:50:04 -0700 I think the solution might have been staring us in the face.

Why not maintain your original design, but add an adapter designed to slot over your existing one? We could then cut out an adapter attachment similar to what the Boston valve uses.

If designed with a lip, you’d just need to epoxy one ring to each adapter.

 

This would have the added…[Read more]

]]> 0 aaf5ef761455b8cfc7907d2d962e2b70 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18982 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:56:11 -0700 Yes, adding some fabric things like a rolled-up sleeping mat seems to create a kind of surface that conforms to your feet fairly well once the air is pushed out through the valve.

]]> 0 750e1760edaaf2c14cedac5e7aa7402b Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18980 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:40:20 -0700 The pumps are easily worth it. It’s so much better than inflating a boat manually. Plus they are great for filling air mattresses, inflatable life jackets, and helping campfires. I’m honestly surprised they aren’t just standard kit with these boats.

]]> 0 35bb633d9abef5a05d116ab8b1af5ab5 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18979 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 16:36:07 -0700 Yes, the valve used for the seat.

It would be interesting if your design could be modified in a way that would be workable for both the Boston Valve and these seat valves.

Carrying multiple adapters isn’t practical when using these boats for something like portage backpacking. Too easy to lose small accessories.

I bet a similar design without…[Read more]

]]> 0 4b0a4f55e195c9a8916af5f3e1e874b2 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18969 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:50:22 -0700 The pictures were helpful. Yes, I’ll look into that.

Question. Have you tried to see if this adapter works with the smaller inflation valves Matt sells? Currently, I have one of the white adapters that came with the Flextail pump epoxy’d on permanently. It fits loosely over the valve’s head but is sufficient to get these smaller objects filled…[Read more]

]]> 0 eb48f9ae0c99a4f1a57a253d93c3c452 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18968 Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:36:39 -0700 Yes, I’ve tried the smaller design just inflated. It was Alpacka’s offering that made me confident an inflated footrest would work. I filled the bag as full as possible without using a mechanical pump. The issue is that your feet don’t apply even pressure on the footrest when paddling. It only felt solid once you added an object and pushed out all…[Read more]

]]> 0 86631d8ef4eaae524f79ea4c067c9889 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18932 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:06:32 -0700 Krafter, have you made any of these adapters and tested them? I want this!

To answer Matt’s question: For my version which is the max pump, no. The pump is not powerful enough to push air through the check valve.

An attachment like this would be a huge godsend. Krafter, If you’ve printed out any of these, I’d happily pay for one as I don’t have…[Read more]

]]> 0 03e600243ce288874119987c16ce90ed Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18748 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 04:02:36 -0800 Hello Matt.

Okay. I’ll post something on the skirts when I have time.

Nice! A four-point leg strap system would be a great option for builders.

On the issue of flex, I don’t notice anything unless I’m facing directly into the wind with light choppy waves. The bow tends to bounce on these. I don’t recall this feeling any different from my early…[Read more]

]]> 0 902b720f172a23352c6c738245e01500 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/05/10/new-type-of-airtight-zipper-in-shop/comment-page-1/#comment-22586 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:02:39 -0800 This is great. I could see these zippers being very nice for bow bags and ultralight builds. I was hoping Matt could offer a few master seals in a couple of different lengths.

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 […] ]]> 5ac75a570cd2307c896496926e8379ce Uncle Fred changed their profile picture https://www.diypackraft.com/activity/p/4990/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:18:24 -0800 0 1b837d9d045eebcab41e06e3e2556434 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18737 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:06:12 -0800 New year, new improvements for the rafts.

 

 

Above, we see a portage carrying handle (bottom center), a 9-point adjustable seat back, and 4-point adjustable leg straps. These adjustable straps fit boaters 5’3″ (160cm) to 6′-4″ (193cm).

 

(Above) The adjustable leg strap attachment point. For the straps themselves, I used the same…[Read more]

]]> 0 e39570676fd72fd93893240ebb842016 Uncle Fred replied to the topic in the forum DIY Accessories https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/reply/18933/#post-18736 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:57:53 -0800

Above are two sets of 5-piece paddles. I’ve further refined the water cups from the previous year by shortening the cup fabric and painting it inside and out with Seam Grip. Doing this adds a ton of abrasion resistance and rigidity. Both paddles use custom carbon fibre tubing. The tubing is available via Aliexpress. The seller Best Carbon…[Read more]

]]> 0 ffef088615f710b3af0ac29ba7c63e11 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-accessories-2/#post-18933 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:57:52 -0800 New project to show off.

A lot of hardshell boats offer sturdy foot rests to brace your feet against. This is something I miss from packrafts.

Matt was kind enough to send some extra 250GSM fabric in my latest order. After some trial and error, I came up with a relatively simple footrest design.

This drybag is designed to be wedged into…[Read more]

]]> 0 0304145d767ed07b19d24ba370bc5ca5 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/01/01/new-year-new-packrafts/comment-page-1/#comment-21834 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:14:18 -0700 The best thing you can do is to replace the provided blue tube with a large one off Amazon. You can find it by searching for “Nylon Tubing 1/2 inch ID Pneumatic Hose Tube Pipe” and selecting “3/8″ ID, 0.47″OD, 10 feet” If you’re in Canada, it will take some time to get this tube as it’s from the states. When adding it, shift it around a bunch…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post New Year, New Packrafts?Happy new year! 2022 was a difficult year in many ways, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped keep DIY Packraft afloat by placing pre-orders […] ]]> bb0a87138b4f42b1917ff6f73b176298 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/06/29/replacement-spray-deck-coaming-stiffener/comment-page-1/#comment-21835 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:14:16 -0700 I found the same issue with the skirt. You can correct this by adding adjustable straps to your skirt. These will prevent the skirt from gradually shifting down. I also found I needed to add additional fabric panels to offer more ‘give’ to the skirt, allowing me to shift around in the boat a bit more without putting tension on the skirt.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Replacement Spray Deck Stiffener The DIY Packraft spray decks use flexible plastic tubing to stiffen the rim that the elastic spray skirt fits over (the coaming), and several […] ]]> 7548ebc7c04bf1e50dbe59d9057bbf71 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2023/01/01/new-year-new-packrafts/comment-page-1/#comment-20095 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:50:16 -0800 Matt knows what I want. Fabric by the yard purchases. Well, that and I could see a few other things that really should be here to flesh out Matt’s offerings:

1. Anfibio’s lifejacket. This inflatable jacket is perfectly fine for all but the worse whitewater. It pairs great with a pack raft.

2. Anfibio’s packraft packsuit. Anfibio has great…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post New Year, New Packrafts?Happy new year! 2022 was a difficult year in many ways, and I’d like to thank everyone who helped keep DIY Packraft afloat by placing pre-orders […] ]]> f9a7d37ec7fefa3c6c07a9766b2964c3 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16849 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:52:59 -0800 Hi Matt! Hope all is well. Yes, I’d be happy to have this project benefit you or others on your site.

I could come up with dedicated step-by-step instructions with diagrams for the leg straps, backrest, sail, removable skeg mount, or anything else I did. Contact me by email if you like (same email as my account).

]]> 0 dcdf635d6e3795ed9c835bda74780ff8 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16823 Sun, 11 Dec 2022 00:59:33 -0800 Below are a couple photos that didn’t make it into the build posting below. For some reason, if I add too many pictures, it either deletes the post or does strange things to the images.

Referenced pump and glued-on included accessory configuration that fits both the Boston Valves and the Top-up valves. Note that for both, the pump friction fits…[Read more]

]]> 0 58f78f9a7d11b4df0ff49e8e2d28d24e Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16822 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:46:31 -0800 Packrafts seem to be almost unknown in Ontario. Everyone I encounter asks what these boats are. Canoeists gawk at them. People approach asking if I could build them a raft.

Portages are amazing with packrafts. For anything over 400m we roll them up and strap them to our packs. Hiking a portage with a boat is no longer a chore.

Building the…[Read more]

]]> 0 b7731093b41261f4bfcdc66e5f6caa5f Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16821 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:34:49 -0800 Packrafts seem to be almost unknown in Ontario. Everyone I encounter asks what these boats are. Canoeists gawk at them. People approach asking if I could build them a raft.

Portages are amazing with packrafts. For anything over 400m we roll them up and strap them to our packs. Hiking a portage with a boat is no longer a chore.

Build…[Read more]

]]> 0 7e41e32341a17f404b32fd4cc88c5eef Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16818 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:21:35 -0800 Packrafts seem to be almost unknown in Ontario. Everyone I encounter asks what these boats are. Canoeists gawk at them. People approach asking if I could build them a raft.

Portages are amazing with packrafts. For anything over 400m we roll them up and strap them to our packs. Hiking a portage with a boat is no longer a chore.

Build…[Read more]

]]> 0 e870014f7eb3c6796232505976c512c7 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-16816 Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:16:56 -0800 Test

]]> 0 7c923a774071c3d44226a0f137fb8f8f Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft/Life raft self-inflatable in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-life-raft-self-inflatable/#post-16810 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:56:53 -0800 Designing and making a boat is a time-intensive process. You’d probably have to go through several build iterations to get something good enough to trust in a rescue situation. There may also be expensive certifications required by law where you live. Also, if there was an accident and someone died while using your inflatable, you’d potentially be…[Read more]

]]> 0 18ad6eee989eefad8a8c06f10b124105 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2022/06/01/fabric-status-update/comment-page-1/#comment-18771 Sat, 23 Jul 2022 04:26:32 -0700 I understand. Maybe you could do something akin to what ripstopbytheroll does. They make/order a set amount of square yardage for a fabric type. Once it’s out, it’s done for the season until they can order more. Their site even shows how much fabric they have left to order.

This way, it wouldn’t interfere with the fabric needs for your…[Read more]

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Updated June 28, 2022 Unless you’re new to this website, you know that DIY Packraft has been suffering from the same supply chain problems that are affecting other industries, and […] ]]> efeed802614d6391402f91e6dfac3849 Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2022/06/01/fabric-status-update/comment-page-1/#comment-18769 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 20:14:41 -0700 Hey Matt, do you feel you’ll have enough TPU fabric at some point this year where we could order it by the yard? This stuff is great for all kinds of little projects. I’m thinking of using TPU to create the frame for an inflatable sail.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Updated June 28, 2022 Unless you’re new to this website, you know that DIY Packraft has been suffering from the same supply chain problems that are affecting other industries, and […] ]]> c9d837b2a99c93d26a14d0e8314e8ffb Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2021/05/15/fabric-offcut-sales/comment-page-1/#comment-16817 Mon, 11 Oct 2021 17:28:12 -0700 Hey Matt, could we add fabric by the yard (AKA like Ripstopbytheroll? It would be great to just buy some of this from you that isn’t just scraps, but cut from the roll.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post Update: offcuts and scraps are now available in limited quantities in the shop on a trial basis. I have a lot of fabric pieces that aren’t useful to me but they could be useful to […] ]]> 92c1de91f31f2e4b8771144d5ad9f116 Uncle Fred replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/diy-packraft-photos/#post-14041 Fri, 26 Mar 2021 06:58:22 -0700 It looks like 2021 rafts are starting to come together. Can’t wait to see what people come up with.

]]> 0 cec6055e3dd33988e590e63ed368d0ed Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2021/02/03/packraft-kits-are-available-now/comment-page-1/#comment-13429 Fri, 05 Feb 2021 16:00:38 -0800 Hi Matt. It says the Telkwa spray deck and skirt are on backorder in the shop pages. I put an order in anyway.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post At long last! The Skeena, Telkwa, and 2-Person packraft kits are now available in all colors and sizes, and spray decks and spray skirts are also available. (Bulk fabric sales and […] ]]> 72354a8e6b7e961982e56bb084cc148f Uncle Fred posted a new activity comment https://www.diypackraft.com/2021/01/19/packraft-kit-availability-update/comment-page-1/#comment-13151 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:48:25 -0800 I’ve been checking back in too for updates. Thanks for updating.

In reply to - Matt (Admin) wrote a new post The past several months have sure tested my patience, but barring further delays, the new DIY Packraft fabric shipment will arrive in 2-3 weeks (early to mid-February). Then I will […] ]]> 32ef896b4eaa2fb1c634899fbb0fb144 Uncle Fred replied to the topic Deciding between Telkwa, Skeena, and Ultralight in the forum DIY Packrafts https://www.diypackraft.com/forums/topic/deciding-between-telkwa-skeena-and-ultralight/#post-13040 Mon, 28 Sep 2020 23:35:31 -0700 If you’re planning on hiking with the packraft, I’d like to offer a PFD recommendation. Take a look at the Anfibio Buoy Boy. I just got mine a couple of weeks ago and find it great for backpacking. If you aren’t headed out on class III or above rapids, it should do you just fine.

 

If you’re from the US or Canada, use the Swedish retailer…[Read more]

]]> 0 62dede275c785e29eb74ff5cd446f844 Uncle Fred became a registered member https://www.diypackraft.com/activity/p/3635/ Mon, 28 Sep 2020 23:01:00 -0700 0