MYOG Packraft… or …could this work?

[Aaron Sorensen]

Looking at the minimal rafts out there like Klymits LWD, it seems to me there is a possibility of a little different raft that could be had for less weight.

I would think a raft with only a single layer bottom that could have a full length pad inserted under the main tube that would wrap around it could be much lighter???
You could also use a better, stronger material for the bottom.
I am not sure if the bottom would just sag or not?
Seems you would only save a little weight but the pad-raft would weigh more than just the pad.

Just seems something with the mix would/ could work?

[Nick Smolinske]

So the Klymit LWD is basically two pieces of fabric (looks like heat-sealable 200d oxford to me), sealed along the outside and partway inside. So I bet you could just take a LWD and cut out one of the pieces if you wanted to save some weight.

If it is 200d oxford, then the weight/sq yard should be about 6 oz. You'd probably be making a little less than a square yard of material out.

I don't think I'll try this with mine, but I like the idea! I took my LWD down the south fork of the flathead at pretty low water, had lots of rock scrapes, and it was plenty durable. So I wouldn't worry about replacing it with something stronger.

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