Description
This packraft kit combines the best features of the original 2-person DIY Packraft (the “Voyageur”) with improved design and assembly methods. In addition to its long length, the 2-Person DIY Packraft features a wide beam and large diameter tubes for extra load hauling capacity. Assembly instructions are posted here. Due to the large size of this packraft, it takes significantly longer to assemble than the smaller kits (approximately 50 hours).
Note: The 2-Person packraft was designed for carrying large and heavy loads; it is not intended for adventure racing or convenient paddling with a single person. Due to its width, long canoe paddles or very long kayak paddles are recommended.
- Internal length: 201 cm (79”)
- Internal width: 40 cm (18”)
- External length: 340 cm (134″)
- External width: 106 cm (42″)
- Finished weight: 3.45 kg (7.6 lbs)
- Packed size: 25x25x50 cm (10x10x20”)
- Capacity: Over 225 kg (500+ lbs)*
- Tube fabric: 250 GSM
- Tube diameter: 33 cm (13”)
- Floor fabric: 450 GSM
- Build time: 30+ hours
*Learn about packraft capacity ratings here.
Each kit includes:
- Pre-scored and labeled 250 GSM (8 oz) tube fabric in the color of your choice
- Pre-scored and labeled 450 GSM (13.3 oz) floor fabric (black)
- Pre-scored seam strip fabric (black)
- Pre-scored 250 GSM (8 oz) fabric for making two canoe-style seats
- Pre-scored fabric for making ten attachment points
- Three Boston valves for inflating the packraft and two seats
- One top-up valve for adjusting the packraft’s air pressure on the water
- One inflation bag kit for quickly inflating the packraft and seats
- Parchment paper (baking paper) for protecting fabric while heat sealing
- Optional TIZIP airtight zipper (allows internal gear storage and makes the final assembly steps much easier)*
- New for 2024: ten D-rings are included in this kit.
Required tools (not included):
- Heat sealing iron for welding the fabric pieces together
- Two small (28 gram / 1 oz) tubes of Seam Grip+WP or similar adhesive (I recommend purchasing these locally if you can)
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Permanent marker (silver works best on dark fabrics)
- Ruler and/or measuring tape
- A few wooden blocks of various shapes and sizes
- An internet connection fast enough to stream the instruction videos
Additional recommended tools and accessories:
- Leather gloves to prevent burns when heat sealing
- A 40 mm silicone roller for pressing the fabric as it cools
- Disposable gloves to protect your hands when applying seam sealer
- Talcum powder (baby powder) for covering seam sealer
Airtight zipper option: An airtight zipper allows you to store gear inside your packraft’s tubes and to easily access the inside of the packraft for repairs. Both zipper options are high quality airtight zippers made in Germany, and both are rated to 700 hPa or 10 PSI air pressure (much more than the pressure in a packraft). The MasterSeal is lighter and easier to install, operate, and clean, and it has a single seal. The SuperSeal is heavier and more difficult to install, operate, and clean, but has multiple seals. A MasterSeal zipper will add approximately 65 grams (2.5 oz) to your packraft’s weight. A SuperSeal zipper will add approximately 125 grams (4 oz) to your packraft’s weight. Both have proven to be reliable in packrafts but the SuperSeal has a longer track record.
Note: The weight and dimensions in the “Additional Information” tab are for shipping the kit with all of the additional scrap fabric and packaging. They do not represent the final weight and packed dimensions of a completed packraft.
