Packraft Instructions & Assembly
How to inflate a Packraft?
Inflating with a inflation bag requires a bit of practice. In our slideshow, we tell you the best tips and tricks so you will have it mastered in no time. In addition, camping pumps for the cigarette lighter in the car or the socket, are a fast and convenient alternative. If a pressure pump is used for inflation, we recommend not to exceed the pressure of 0.08 bar or 1.2 PSI.
The first step is to screw the inflation bag to the packraft. Two to three turns are sufficient here. After screwing, turn the twisted inflation bag straight again so that the air can flow freely into the packraft in the next step.
The second step is to fill the inflation bag. To do this, fill the inflation bag by capturing the air. Outdoors, the wind often helps. When filling the bag indoors or when there is no wind, it can help to blow into the bag or to fill it with a quick snapping motion.
Once the inflation bag is well filled, it is twisted at the top, rolled up slightly and then squeezed between the arms and chest so that the air flows into the packraft. Depending on the packraft size and experience, the process is repeated about 5-15 times.
The inflation bag itself does not have a check valve, as this would make the inflation process more difficult. Therefore, once your packraft is well filled, it is recommended to close the opening from the outside with your thumb when twisting off the blowbag.
After removing the inflation bag, the check valve is quickly screwed in. A small amount of air usually escapes here. Finally, blow a few times with the mouth or a hand pump, and the packraft is ready for use.
Please note that the temperature has a considerable influence on the rigidity of your packrafts. After putting them into the cool water, it is best to re-inflate them abit. On land never leave the inflated packrafts in the sun for a long time.
Packraft assembly instructions
With our descriptions the Packraft assembly becomes an easy exercise!
Backrest
Before inflating, it is recommended to already install the backrest as shown. It is important here to thread the bracket through the rear opening first, only then the backrest sits at the end all the way back. A spoon is often very helpful when threading through.
Seat
The seat is quickly mounted on our Packrafts and is firmly fixed via four-point Velcro fasteners. The valve should point upwards to be accessible.
Attaching the thigh straps
The thigh straps are attached in four places. Hook the front (at the side of the ankles) and rear (at hip level) attachment straps first. If you plan to always use the thigh straps and leave them on the packraft, it is recommended that you bend the aluminum attachment hooks together as shown.
Adjusting the thigh straps
Now sit in the packraft and hook the middle hooks into the fastening rail according to your leg length. You will have to tighten or shorten the loops considerably. These are chosen extra long to be compatible with packrafts of other manufacturers. If the longer straps interfere while using, they can be easily shortened after adjustment using scissors and the free end carefully sealed with a lighter.
Coaming
The coaming is simply pushed through the open zippers and plugged together. This requires some strength, because the splash skirt should always sit tight in whitewater without coming loose from the coaming. If you don't plan to use your packraft in difficult whitewater and don't aim for an Eskimo roll, you can also shorten the coaming a bit using garden shears. This makes it easier to install and get out of the packraft, e.g. in an emergency situation.
Bow bag
The bow bag is mounted and tightened on the bow using straps. The long fastening straps make the bow bag flexible to use on all Packrafts, including those of other manufacturers. In addition, other luggage, e.g. a bicycle, can be additionally fastened under the bow bag.
Footbrace
The footbrace can be adjusted according to leg length and threaded accordingly. It is often advisable not to inflate this completely for pleasant comfort. The space in the bow can also be used for luggage in a dry bag instead of a foot brace.
Mounting the fin holder (other adhesive parts).
Selfmade and easy with the detailed instructions for gluing TPU materials. You can find all necessary materials and spare parts in our store. Our spare parts to be glued are also compatible with Packrafts of other manufacturers.
Positioning
In the first step, inflate the packraft well and stop the fin holder with the fin hooked in. To achieve a maximum effective straight line stability later on the water, it is recommended to place it below the rear tube (as shown).
Marking
In the second step, mark the fastening part or spare part (patches, D-rings) to be glued. A ballpoint pen is very suitable for this purpose. Make sure to also mark the areas that need to be left out when applying the adhesive.
Roughening the bonding surfaces
Roughening the surfaces to be bonded ensures even better adhesion and is carried out on both the patch and the packraft. Then clean thoroughly with methylated spirit.
Apply hardener
In the next step, apply a layer of hardener to the packraft and spare part to be bonded using a brush. Again, make sure to leave out the areas between the fastening slots, also on the packraft.
Drying
Then wait approx. 5 minutes until the hardener has dried.
Apply adhesive
Now apply the adhesive is to the packraft, part to be glued and allowed to dry for approx. 2 minutes.
Joining
After a short drying time, the parts to be bonded are joined together. Please ensure that the work is carried out neatly, as it is almost impossible to detach the parts again.
Activating the hardener-adhesive bond
Heat (40-60 °C) and pressure are used to activate the chemical bond between the hardener, adhesive and TPU. A hot air blower and a metal roller or spoon are used for this purpose. The greatest possible pressure is applied to the heated areas using the roller or spoon. To do this, always roll or stroke towards the edge. Please always make sure that the packraft is not exposed to temperatures above 60 °C.
Cooling & drying
Let the freshly glued parts cool down and dry overnight. To ensure that the mounting rails do not stick to the packraft unintentionally, we recommend carefully threading a flat object through them.
Hook in the fin
Depending on the paddling section, the fin can now be hooked in for better foreward stability. It´s
best to attach the fin to the holder provided for this purpose before inflating.
Care & Use
What´s the right pressure?
We recommend to inflate by using the inflation bag and topping up the pressure by mouth as much as possible. This will lead to a sufficient pressure within the tubes. If a pressure pump is used for inflation, we recommend not to exceed the pressure of 0.08 bar or 1.2 PSI.
Salt Water & Chlorine
The Packrafts can be used in salt water or chlorinated pools without any restrictions. In this case, however, you should make sure to thoroughly rinse off any salt or chlorine residues before storage.
Storage
Packrafts should always be stored in a dry and dust-free place. The latter is particularly important when using a TZIP Storage System.
A dry, well-ventilated room without direct sunlight is best for storage. Allow your packrafts to dry thoroughly when inflated after you return home from your paddling trip. Pay special attention to moisture between the edges. The packraft can be rolled or folded very small, no damage will occur. The coaming can also be double wrapped and tucked together without any problems.
Zipper
The zipper on the packraft (if installed) or bow bag requires regular maintenance and should always be well lubricated to ensure smooth opening and to avoid damage due to strong opening friction. We recommend environmentally friendly greasing with our beeswax stick or a comparable product.
In addition, the zipper should always be stored dust-free and without kinks.
Dry run
In any case, an exit on dry land should be practiced thoroughly. The red handle for getting out is also easily recognizable underwater. When putting on the spray skirt, make sure the red handle is always completely outside and freely accessible.
Detachment? Don't worry!
The main components of a packraft are the tubes, the bottom and optionally the spraydeck. These are sewn and thermo-welded together after manufacture. Before welding, however, they must be fixed with tape. The tape used for this purpose remains on the packraft and cannot be removed after welding. At the transitions, this tape is still visible and may give the impression that the spraydeck or the bottom is coming off the packraft.
However, there is no reason to worry here, because only the fixation tape remnants come off over time. Spraydeck and bottom are firmly welded to the tubes, extremely resilient. We are not aware of any case where detachment occurred.