QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions.
What is a packraft?
A packraft is a lightweight, inflatable watercraft designed for easy portability and versatility.
Weighing from 3.2kg, our Iron Rafts can be carried in a backpack, allowing for seamless transitions between hiking, biking, and paddling.
Despite their compact design, packrafts are versatile and durable, capable of handling calm lakes, rivers, and even whitewater rapids. This portability and adaptability make packrafts an ideal option for those looking to explore diverse and challenging terrains without the burden of heavy gear.
Do I have to build my own Iron Raft packraft?
No you don't!
All of our packrafts are Paddle Ready: pre-made and ready to paddle straight out of the box. We no longer sell DIY packraft kits.
See the full Paddle Ready range.
Where are Iron Raft packrafts designed, and are they tested?
Our packrafts are designed in the UK and built with the latest production equipment.
The seams are both sewn and heat welded, making them stronger than the fabric itself, and every packraft is inflated and leak tested before it is dispatched.
Do I need a buoyancy aid?
Yes. Always wear a well-fitted buoyancy aid when packrafting, whatever the conditions. In colder months, dress for immersion too, with a wetsuit or drysuit.
Please read our Safety Guidelines before heading out.
Do I need a licence to paddle in the UK?
It depends where you paddle. Some UK waterways, including many canals and managed rivers, require a licence. Always check with the authority that manages the water before you go.
Membership of Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) includes a licence for many of these waterways.
Questions About Packrafting.
What exactly is packrafting?
Packrafting is versatile, offering many forms of water travel. It allows you to carry a potential watercraft wherever you go.
You can enjoy it by hiking to a water source and then switching to your packraft, or by biking to the water, attaching your bike to the raft, and paddling away (bikerafting). It’s also great for accessing remote ski spots, with skiing and paddling combined.
Packrafts are ideal for reaching remote lakes, making alpine lake fishing a breeze. For extended adventures, incorporate a packraft into your trips, such as crossing mountain ranges or entire countries. The possibilities with a packraft are endless.
How do you inflate a packraft?
Inflation bags are a lightweight way to inflate your packraft, and one comes with every Paddle Ready.
To explain how inflation bags work, imagine holding a bin liner bag open towards the wind and catching all the air that blows inside.
- Catch the air.
- Twist the top of the bag shut.
- Squeeze the air out of a valve at the bottom of your inflation bag and into your packraft.
- As you get towards full inflation, remove the inflation bag and finish off inflating by mouth.
It takes between 8-10 bags to fill the packraft, so you’ll be ready to go in minutes!
When you enter the water, the cold water will cool the air in the tubes and it will slightly decrease in volume. No problem, just top up by mouth again to achieve the right pressure.
What happens if the packraft gets damaged? Can I repair it?
Packrafts are designed for portability, being lightweight and compact enough to carry in a rucksack all day, but this means they can be more prone to punctures than a hard boat.
Despite being tough and durable, packrafts are still inflatables and can get damaged. However, they tend to bounce off obstacles rather than puncture immediately because of the low air pressure inside, which allows the fabric to absorb impacts. If a puncture occurs, it usually doesn't cause immediate sinking, giving you time to reach shore.
For temporary field repairs, DuPont’s Tyvek Tape is highly effective and readily available in the UK. For long-term repairs at home, make sure the puncture area is clean and dry, cut a heat sealable fabric patch with rounded corners, place it over the puncture and use an inflatable boat adhesive.
Iron Raft owners: if your Paddle Ready has a problem, please email info@iron-raft.co.uk with a photo before attempting a repair.
What is a skeg?
A skeg is a small fin that fits under the back of your packraft. Packrafts tend to turn from side to side when paddling; a skeg reduces this yawing, making your paddling more efficient on flat water.
Take care in shallow water, as the skeg can catch and damage both your packraft and the skeg. The skeg is included with the Paddle Ready+ and Paddle Ready+ TIZIP, and the Paddle Ready comes with the skeg attachment fitted.
Can I use a Paddle Ready Iron Raft on whitewater?
Our Paddle Ready Packrafts are suitable for multi-day adventures, whether that be bikepacking, fishing or hiking. As for white water, the Paddle Ready + comes with a removable spray deck which means it is suitable for light rapids up to Class 2 we suggest.
What is the difference between a packraft and a kayak?
Unlike traditional kayaks, packrafts are inflatable and can be easily packed into a small size, making them perfect for remote locations and multi-sport adventures.
Weighing from 3.2kg, our Iron Rafts can be carried in a backpack, allowing for seamless transitions between hiking, biking, and paddling. Kayaks are usually faster and track straighter on flat water, while packrafts win on portability and stability.
How fast can you paddle a packraft?
A packraft can typically be paddled at speeds of about 2 to 3 miles per hour (3 to 5 kilometres per hour) on flat water. Experienced paddlers in ideal conditions might reach up to 4 miles per hour (6.5 kilometres per hour), but speeds will be lower in rougher conditions or whitewater.
How far can you packraft in a day?
In a day, you can typically packraft between 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 kilometres) on flat water, depending on conditions and your paddling endurance.
Questions About IRON RAFT Paddle Ready Packrafts.
Which Paddle Ready packraft should I choose?
We offer three Paddle Ready models:
Paddle Ready (3.2kg): our lightest, open-top packraft. Best for flat water, hiking, bikepacking and fishing.
Paddle Ready+ (3.7kg): adds a removable spray deck and skeg. Best for flat water through to light whitewater.
Paddle Ready+ TIZIP (3.9kg): adds a built-in TIZIP for storing gear inside the tubes. Best for multi-day expeditions.
Every model includes an inflatable seat and backrest.
What comes with a Paddle Ready packraft?
Every Paddle Ready comes with an inflatable seat, inflatable backrest, inflation bag, 10 tie-down points, 2 carry handles, a packing strap and basic repair fabrics.
The Paddle Ready+ adds a removable spray deck and skeg, and the Paddle Ready+ TIZIP also has a built-in TIZIP.
Do the Paddle Ready packrafts come with a paddle?
They do not, but you can buy the RUK Sport Moray 4 piece paddle from our shop. Buy it with any packraft and you'll save £10 on the paddle, applied automatically at checkout.
What is the weight of a Paddle Ready Packraft?
Our Paddle Ready Packrafts weigh from 3.2kg!
The Paddle Ready = 3.2kg
The Paddle Ready+ = 3.7kg
The Paddle Ready+ TIZIP = 3.9kg
How much weight can I carry in a Paddle Ready Iron Raft?
Our packrafts are designed to more or less float on top of the water. This means the more weight you load into or onto it, the worse your boat will handle and the harder it will be to paddle.
We recommend you never exceed loading your boat with more than 200kg in total (you + luggage).
What is a TIZIP?
A TIZIP is an airtight, waterproof zip. It provides a secure seal, so you can open the tubes of your packraft to store gear inside, keeping it dry, and to make repairs easier.
TIZIPs are known for their durability, resistance to water pressure and ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Choose the Paddle Ready+ TIZIP for a factory-fitted TIZIP.
How do I look after my packraft?
Rinse your packraft in fresh water after each trip, especially after sea or muddy water, and remove any sand or grit. Dry it thoroughly before storing it loosely rolled somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.
Read our cleaning and maintenance guide for more.
Can I carry a bike on my packraft?
Yes! Bikerafting is one of the best ways to use a packraft. Lay the bike across the bow, pad any sharp parts like chainrings and disc rotors, and strap it down firmly using the tie-down points. Practise on calm water first.
You can add extra tie-downs for more attachment points.
Questions About Orders, Shipping & Returns.
I want to place an order, when will I receive my Iron Raft?
All prices are shown in GBP and exclusive of postage. Orders placed from outside of the UK may incur additional taxes.
Shipping to UK / Europe: From £4.99, the complete price is shown when you enter your basket.
Rest of the World: Please email for a quotation. All orders are covered during shipping.
Your items will dispatch between 1-3 days from your purchase, unless you are contacted otherwise.
Do you ship worldwide?
We sure do! For orders outside the UK and Europe, get in touch and we'll help organise your purchase: info@iron-raft.co.uk
What is your returns policy?
You can cancel your order within 14 working days of receiving it. Return the goods in the state you received them, at your own cost, and we will refund you in full, excluding postage, within 14 days of receiving them back.
If there is a problem with your order, please email us with a photo before returning anything. Read the full returns policy.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Join our newsletter for 5% off your first order, plus subscriber-only offers.
Buy any packraft with a paddle and save £10 on the paddle, and add an Iron Raft sticker for just £1. Both apply automatically at checkout.
Can universities or businesses order in bulk?
Absolutely. We regularly supply heat sealable fabric to universities, schools and research labs. Email info@iron-raft.co.uk with the quantity you need and any purchasing requirements, and we will let you know how we can help.
Questions About Heat Sealable Fabric.
What is heat sealing?
Heat sealing joins pieces of fabric using heat and pressure, creating a strong, airtight and watertight bond with no glue or stitching.
Our fabrics have a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating. When heated with an iron or hot air, the coating melts and bonds to itself. Read our guide to how heat sealable TPU fabric works.
Which side of the fabric seals?
Our fabrics are TPU coated on one side and PU coated on the other. It is the TPU sides that bond together, so plan your seams so the TPU faces meet.
Which iron should I use for heat sealing?
A heat sealing iron can be bought in the UK relatively cheaply.
We have used both the Jamara Pro Star iron and the Prolux Digital Iron. Or look at the Smaller Electric Iron for smaller seams and tight areas. Our fabric’s TPU coating is activated at roughly 220 degrees.
How wide is your fabric and how do I order it?
All our fabric has a 148cm usable width and is sold by the metre. Choose the length you need. If you want separate pieces, for example two 2m sections, select 2m with a quantity of 2.
What is the difference between 210D and 420D fabric?
What can I make with heat sealable fabric?
Our customers use it for dry bags, bikepacking bags, inflatable structures, soft robotics and prototypes, student engineering projects, and packraft repairs. Add a Boston valve or top-up valve to make anything inflatable.
