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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 6 days, 17 hours ago
Tim Riddles sent me these photos of his Telkwa with a really creative camouflage pattern, and I thought it was so cool I had to share them here 🙂
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Accessories in the forum DIY Packrafts 1 week, 3 days ago
After many prototypes, I finally got the thigh straps and back band to a place where I’m happy with them and I’ve incorporated them into the new kits.
Thanks for the inspiration!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 1 week, 3 days ago
Back Band Assembly Instructions
I’m excited to announce that all the standard weight single-person DIY Packraft kits (Skeena, Telkwa, Atlin, etc.) now include parts for making a […] -
Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 3 weeks, 3 days ago
Backband Attach Point How-To
Reclining against a packraft’s rear tubes is comfortable, but for whitewater paddling you’ll want to sit in a more forward and upright position. A […] -
Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 3 weeks, 4 days ago
Slotted Attachment Point Video
In this video I show how to make and install slotted attachment points for attaching webbing, G-clips, shock cord, and other straps to your […] -
Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 1 month ago
Price Reductions!Just a quick post to let you know that as of now, all the DIY Packraft kit prices have been reduced! With everything else in life getting more […]
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 1 month ago
Thigh Straps Available Now
This video shows how to assemble and install the thigh straps. After many iterations, I’ve come up with a thigh strap design that works well, is […] -
Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Inflation Bag or Electric Pump? 2 months ago
Thanks for the tips, Dwayne – I’ll check it out!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 1 week ago
That’s great, Zach! It sounds like a cool mini-adventure, and just the sort of thing packrafts are great for. Cheers!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 2 months, 1 week ago
Inflation Bag or Electric Pump?
I’ve always used an inflation bag to inflate my packrafts, but I keep seeing people mention that they prefer to use a little portable electric pump, […]-
I use the FlexTailGear ultra-mini air pump. It weighs just 100g and inflates a Skeena raft about 6-8 times per charge. As a bonus, I use it to vacuum the last bit of air out of the raft so it packs tighter in my backpack.
Try holding the electric pump back about 6-12in from the open boston valve and blowing air towards it. The Venturi effect multiplies the amount of air blown into the boat and it fills in about half the time.
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Thanks for the tips, Dwayne – I’ll check it out!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 2 months, 1 week ago
Opie's 2-Person Packraft Build Report
Due to its size, the 2-Person model is the most time-consuming DIY Packraft to build, and the most challenging model for a first-time builder. As you […] -
Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Heat Sealing Forms For Sale 2 months, 1 week ago
The exact dimensions aren’t critical, but it helps if the radius of the form is about the same as the curve you’re working on (or a bit less), so for the DIY Packraft tubes the radius should be about 5 1/2″, and the width of the form should be about the same as the width of the seam strip (30 mm in the case of the DIY Packrafts). There are some…[Read more]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 1 week ago
Wow, what an amazing place to paddle! I’m going to add this photo to the product page. And thanks!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Tips & Tricks in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks for the tips and the feedback, Opie! There’s great information here, so I’ve combined your two posts into a Customer Build Report, which I’ve posted here.
One thing I would suggest is to coat the outside of the seam strips below the waterline with Seam Grip+WP or Aquaseal, otherwise they will start to peel when you’re scraping down those…[Read more]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Fly and hike and raft in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 2 weeks ago
I’m sorry to hear that the Ultralight isn’t the right packraft for your adventures, but it sounds like you’ve already done some great paddling – Icebreaker – haha! That’s fantastic!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks for posting these great pictures, Eric! That looks like an amazing trip – gotta love those clear mountain lakes. I’m glad the fishing rod holders worked, too – I think you’re the first person to try that in the Ultralight. Fantastic!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Thanks for this detailed report, Opie – it looks like you did great work! I plan to post this in the Customer Build Reports gallery along with your tips and tricks so this doesn’t get buried in the forum thread. I think you’re the first person to provide such detailed feedback about the 2-Person build – thanks!
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Matt (Admin) commented on the post, Inflation Bag Boston Valve Adapter 4 months ago
Haha, I never thought of that, but you’re absolutely right – you could just iron the flange to the bag.
You might be able to screw the inflation bag flange onto the boat’s check valve after it’s screwed in for the final top-up… yes, I do think that would work. The downside is that screwing the bag on and off would almost certainly take…[Read more]
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 4 months, 1 week ago
New Inflation Bag Assembly Instructions
As part of my ongoing effort to improve the DIY Packraft instructions, I’ve completely remade the inflation bag assembly instructions video and […] -
Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 4 months, 1 week ago
Awesome! Thanks again for the feedback, Sylvain 😀
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