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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 3 months ago
This is just a quick post to let you know that the V3 DIY Packraft Deluxe (single) kits are now shipping.
I’m currently fulfilling the pre-orders, some of which were placed as far back as August, so please be […]
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 3 months ago
For trip planning, it’s important to be able to estimate how much water you can cover in a given amount of time. You need to consider wind and current speeds, of course, (especially if you’re paddling in a river […]
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Matt (Admin) and Raimondas are now friends 7 years, 3 months ago
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 3 months ago
Awesome!! Thanks for posting, Jeremy!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 3 months ago
Today I’m leaving town for a couple of weeks, but the new V3 DIY Packraft is pretty much ready to go, so kits will start shipping after I return on September 30th.
The new V3 packraft instructions are posted […]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultralight DIY Packraft in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 3 months ago
Cool! Thanks for posting 😀
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Heat-sealing tools in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 4 months ago
Thanks for your review, Bruce!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 4 months ago
Great shot! I love seeing DIY Packrafts in what to me are exotic locations!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 4 months ago
That’s a big rubber duck 😀 Looks great!
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 4 months ago
Tom F. sent me this video and this link to a forum thread documenting the design and construction of a lightweight fishing float tube (a.k.a. bellyboat or belly boat) using heat sealable fabrics. […]
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 4 months ago
Nikki’s parents were visiting over the holiday weekend and they wanted to try out the new packraft, so I took the opportunity to take a few pictures to share. You can see that the weather was much better than the […]
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 4 months ago
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 4 months ago
For the maiden voyage of the V3 DIY Packraft, Nikki and I spent the weekend visiting some glaciers!
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Wow! Some seriously awe inspiring pictures, we have a different setting of beauty here in Hawaii, so when I get to see authentic photos of such luscious and diverse, beautifully blanketed land it truly is a treat so thanks for posting them! How did everything go with the V3, were there any things you learned from the expedition?
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Thanks, Allen! The main lesson was the value of a good back rest for lower back support, so I will be working on one of those in the future.
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My favorite seat back, and the easiest, is a Crazy Creek folding camp chair. Not exactly a back packing item, but I can set a 2″ thick square boating flotation seat pad into the raft, top it with the crazy Creek chair and my daughter is up above the water and happy. Commercial versions that support the back and wrap around the hips are not popular among the hardcore here in Fairbanks. I bet Matt can develop something much better! The whitewater hardcore I know prefer a good kayak back band, supported with attachment loops or D-rings high on the inside of the raft. If using D-rings, they also attach their thigh braces to the same point. (I’m still looking for nice 1″ (25mm) aluminum D-rings, chrome rust, and the Titanium ones are a bit rough edged (DutchGear.com)). If using webbing one has to think through the connection so knees and back straps are connected and pulling against each other, not both building pressure on the side attachment patches in opposite directions.
Can’t wait to get my V3 built! Lets see, 1000D or 420D, that’s the question?
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 4 months ago
First Pictures of the new V3 DIY Packraft Here are some pictures of the new V3 DIY Packraft. This one is the 120 size, and has a 420D floor (TPU on both sides) and 210D tubes. As it is now, […]
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Yes indeed!
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Thanks, Rob! Yeah, the inflatable floor will be a removable insert instead of integrated into the boat – it’s just easier that way.
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Awesome – it should be within the next week or two. Thanks!
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Looks great! Wider seams, appear to be almost 40 cm wide?
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Looks great! Wider seams, appear to be almost 40 cm wide?
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Very, very nice.. Have to get me one of those..
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Hi Hugh – I’ve updated the post to include the main differences. Thanks!
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Thanks, Eliot!
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They are heat sealed together 🙂
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Matt (Admin) wrote a new post 7 years, 4 months ago
I’ve posted written instructions for assembling the inflation bag kit here. They are text-only, at the moment, but I will add photos and a video soon!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIY Packraft Photos in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 5 months ago
I just got this cool shot from Jeremy and Melissa in Alaska showing their first two DIY Packrafts on their maiden voyage!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Help & Questions re: DIY Packraft Construction in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 5 months ago
Yes, that could work for the V2 plans if you extend the tube pieces slightly (so the ends overlap enough to bond them together).
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic What is everyone doing for cargofly inner gear bags? in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 5 months ago
I’ve been using lightweight drybags like you’re thinking of using, though I haven’t bothered adding tiedowns or clips for them, as I don’t paddle any crazy whitewater (yet…). Cheers!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic DIy Kit for sale in Holland/New Zealand. in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 5 months ago
I have disabled direct messaging between forum members due to a spam issue, so please contact me for Chris’ contact info. Thanks!
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Matt (Admin) replied to the topic Ultralight DIY Packraft in the forum DIY Packrafts 7 years, 5 months ago
Hi Bill,
Yep, the ultralight packraft is… ultralight! 😀
The 40D fabric seals at the same temperature as the heavier fabrics, so if you do find a trim sealing iron that is hot enough to seal it, please let us know – so far, I haven’t had any luck.
Cheers!
Matt
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Anyone have any data on the speed of a 2 person packraft?
The 2-Person model is constructed like the Skeena and the seat can be placed in the middle, but it is slower and more awkward to paddle because it is much longer and wider.