[Barbara]

I was at Fabricland the other day and did a double take when I saw a mini iron – looked like the widths of the packraft seams, already had the bottom perfectly flat, and is available in Canada.  Kinda wish I had this when I did my Skeena (I used an Aliexpress iron that I sanded down).  I have no idea if it works, but reports on it look pretty good.  Available at Fabricland (over $140 CDN), Michaels ($59 CDN), and Amazon (currently $54 CDN).  Search for “Petite Press Portable Iron”.

[Barbara]

Here’s my winter project – the 2021 Skeena 130cm on its maiden voyage near Canmore, Alberta.  Took about 35 hours.  Super impressed.

[Barbara]

Here’s my first trial seam, done on the fabric swatch set (210d and 420d).  When pulling it apart, all the TPU came off on one side (yellow 210d).  I’m feeling pretty good about this, but thought I’d check in before tackling a Skeena.  How does it look?

Also, just curious if we know what the melting point of the fabric is, i.e., how much of a range in temperature could be used on the iron.  Is it polyesther (melting point 295°C) or nylon (melting point 256°C)?

• This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by Barbara.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 8 months ago by Barbara.

[Barbara]

Wow, thank you for taking the time to respond with all that detailed information!  I think I just spent over an hour on your website and Insta :-).  I think this basically confirms my first inclination to go with the Telkwa and looks like you went with the medium (51” length).  I measured myself sitting against the wall, 42” + 1” for shoes + 2-4” for the seat back, so the 51” should also be good for me, but I’m still thinking 55” to have a bit more room to store my backpack.  What was your rationale going for 51”, especially as you do bigger trips?  Why not 55”?  The main reason I’m asking is still for the tracking.  You mention it tracks excellent with a light load – do you consider a day pack a light load, or a bike and then some? :-).  What is the total length for the 51” Telkwa?

Your drip deck from the inflation bag looks great, as does the Feather Pump, but then I asked myself what one would use as a backup, but you answered that as well.  The TiZip’s a definite for me; seems that anyone who chose not to have it is regretting it.

I have the MEC Fulcrum Guide PFD, so would most likely stick with that for the early days.

Great Insta as well and nice to see the packraft in our local places (grew up in Canmore, in Calgary now, but planning on moving back to Canmore).

• This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by Barbara.

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