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DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 5:23 pm
by Charliecres
I’m about to order a packraft kit and thought I’d check if anyone on here had any experience or wisdom to share.

The options seem to be:

http://www.diypackraft.com

Or

http://www.iron-raft.co.uk

The first is US-based and more expensive once you factor in shipping and duty. However, there’s an established community of diy builders and tons of positive feedback.

The second is UK-based, a bit cheaper but much more of an unknown quantity.

Given all that, I’m currently favouring the US option but I’d rather go UK.

Anyone have any info to sway me?

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 6:13 pm
by Taylor
Why did you have to show me this? :roll:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 6:53 pm
by whitestone
There was a thread about these a couple of weeks ago in the other place.

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 7:00 pm
by JohnClimber
I chatted with the guy from Iron Raft last year when he was just setting it up.
I loved the idea but I wouldn't trust myself to build it.
He said he didn't have the time to make them up either

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 7:34 pm
by Ian
Taylor wrote:Why did you have to show me this? :roll:
Wot he said... :o

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 10:26 pm
by Charliecres
So, if no one has any experience it looks like I’m going to be the guinea pig. Reckon I’ll go with DIY Packraft.

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 11:11 pm
by Taylor
I was thinking about the Iron raft as any problems can hopefully be sorted real time rather than 6 hours behind.

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:37 am
by Blair512
Always fancied a packraft, £180 is pretty affordable, not sure my DIY skills are to be trusted in fast flowing water :lol:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:54 am
by Charliecres
Well I’ve ordered a medium Iron Raft. Watch this space

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:59 am
by Bearbonesnorm
Look forward to seeing how you go on Charles. I love the idea of a packraft but given the fairly limited opportunities, I could never justify something like an Alpaka but £180 coupled with a love of making stuff - who knows :wink:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:15 am
by Charliecres
Also just ordered one of these sealing irons

https://m.reichelt.com/gb/en/index.html ... 46&LA=1100

Quite excited :smile:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:28 am
by Lawmanmx
one hundred and eighty quid for a bag of rubber shaped material :o Really :shock:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:37 am
by Bearbonesnorm
Remember Tone, the cost of something isn't always an indicator to its value.

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:45 am
by ScotRoutes
Tip:

Make sure you get a seat, deck and tie-downs

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 9:10 am
by 99percentchimp
Charliecres wrote:Well I’ve ordered a medium Iron Raft. Watch this space
Nice one! Pictures and updates as they happen please - I feel a winter project coming on :-bd

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 9:22 am
by Alpinum
I have no expierence with DIY packrafts but find both kits highly interesting. I guess quite some exchange about the US boat can be translated to the UK one. Biggest issue I found would be getting/making the right iron to heat seal them :oops:

For some hikes it'd be handy to have a lightweight raft to cross unfordable rivers or small fjords - just like the DYI boat. But for more water focussed trips I rather go with a sturdy boat like the classic Alpacka series or even heavier. It's quite amazing what a difference proper contact to the boat makes, once in or beyond WW III

As with bikes... Depending on what you intend to do, the DYI kit seems are very good option.

There's this risk, that once you have gotten into it, you'll want more, ending up with as many boats as bikes...
ScotRoutes wrote:Tip: Make sure you get a seat, deck and tie-downs
+1 Backrest makes a big difference too. For river runing I use a foam pad cut to shape under my feet.

I still have only one (Alpacka Yak, cruiser deck and cargo zip) and like it much for its versatility.
Image

Seriously good fun. Don't forget professional training though. There's a lot to learn about navigating water.

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 9:23 am
by Alpinum
Charliecres wrote:Well I’ve ordered a medium Iron Raft. Watch this space
:-bd
Will do :smile:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:30 pm
by johnnystorm
At some point I'll find the time to take my Klymit raft for a paddle....

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:39 pm
by Zippy
Interesting. Shall watch this being built - put it in the MYOG section.

I've been tempted by a paddleboard recently... :smile:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 12:42 pm
by Taylor

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 4:27 pm
by Charliecres
Good spot on that Lomo paddle. I was looking at this one https://www.nswatersports.co.uk/paddles ... gKk_PD_BwE

Or this one, which looks better quality and is quite a bit lighter

https://www.packrafting-store.de/Paddle ... kf1604us02

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 5:02 pm
by Ian
Zippy wrote:Interesting. Shall watch this being built - put it in the MYOG section.

I've been tempted by a paddleboard recently... :smile:
You’re not the only one - on both counts :smile:

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 7:45 pm
by gairym
Ian wrote:
Zippy wrote:Interesting. Shall watch this being built - put it in the MYOG section.

I've been tempted by a paddleboard recently... :smile:
You’re not the only one - on both counts :smile:
+1 :-bd

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:12 pm
by Blair512
gairym wrote:
Ian wrote:
Zippy wrote:Interesting. Shall watch this being built - put it in the MYOG section.

I've been tempted by a paddleboard recently... :smile:
You’re not the only one - on both counts :smile:
+1 :-bd
Also tempted on a paddleboard, mostly because it's the only way I can think of getting into Grangemouth docks for a veloveiwer square!

Re: DIY packraft

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:47 pm
by Taylor
So close to pressing that button. Might do it later.
Might get some of the extra material to make some eyelets if anybody wants to go halfs?