Description
Note for US-based customers: This product comes with a Certificate of Origin in North America, so it’s exempt from tariffs (you won’t have to pay taxes on it).
Unlike flat-bottomed packrafts, the Chilko’s faceted, angular hull gives it a stable edge that you can lean into with confidence. Compared to the Atlin, Skeena and Telkwa models, the Chilko has larger tubes, extended length, more rocker, and an inflatable floor insert and footrest. To protect the tubes from punctures, the Chilko borrows the Telkwa’s wrap-around floor concept. Self-bailing is achieved by drain holes in the floor below the level of the inflatable floor insert, and the Chilko’s small wetted area makes it both fast and manoeuvrable. It features tough 270 GSM tube fabric and a 475 GSM floor.
“Self-Bailing” version: The inflatable floor insert keeps you sitting up above the waterline, and strategically placed holes in the floor fabric allow water to naturally drain from the cockpit.
“Spray Deck Ready” version: A spray deck for the Chilko will be available soon, and can be added after the packraft is otherwise complete, so if you want to get started on your kit now and add a spray deck later, choose the “Spray Deck Ready” configuration (no drain holes will be cut in the floor).
Packed size: 22 x 45 cm (9 x 18″) – self-bailing version, including all accessories. (See how to pack tightly.)
Every Chilko kit includes:
- Fabric and valves for making the packraft’s tubes (in the color of your choice), floor, seat, inflatable floor insert, back band, footrest, seams, thigh straps, attachment points, inflation bag
- Extra fabric for heat sealing practice, repairs, and for making small accessories
- Parchment paper (silicone coated baking paper) to make heat sealing easier
- Access to detailed instructional videos
- Airtight zipper for storing gear inside your packraft’s tubes (optional)
- Eight Heavy Duty D-rings are included in this kit.
- Thigh straps are included with this kit
- A footrest is included with this kit
Airtight zipper option: To get the best performance out of your Chilko, keep the center of gravity low by storing your gear inside the tubes using an airtight zipper instead of strapping it to the bow. An airtight zipper also allows you to 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.
Multi-color option: A multi-color option is not available at this time.
Assembly instructions are posted here.
Tools required for assembly include:
- Heat sealing iron
- Two small (28 gram / 1 oz) tubes of Seam Grip+WP, Aquaseal+WP, or Aquasure polyurethane adhesive
- Ruler/straightedge
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- A heat resistant bowl or wooden form to drape fabric over
- A few binder clips, paper clips, or small spring clamps
- A permanent marker (a silver Sharpie pen works well on dark fabrics)
- A few wooden blocks of various sizes (or similar heat resistant items)
- A device that can stream the instructional videos
Assembly time is estimated to be 40-50 hours for a first time builder.
Note: Photos are representative, and may include items such as paddles etc. that are not included in the kits.
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.
