How to Repair a Packraft (Plus Care and Storage Tips)
Knowing basic packraft repair is part of packrafting. Lightweight boats take a beating from rocks, gravel bars, branches and the occasional dog. The good news: most damage is easy to fix if you carry the right kit and know a few techniques. Here's how to find leaks, make field and home repairs, and care for your packraft so it lasts for many seasons.
What to Carry in a Packraft Repair Kit
Every Go North packraft comes with a repair patch kit. For longer or more remote trips, build it out with:
Repair tape for quick fixes (Tyvek tape works well as a temporary patch)
Pre-cut patches made from compatible TPU-coated fabric
A urethane-based adhesive or sealant suitable for TPU fabrics
Alcohol wipes for cleaning the repair area
A small piece of fine sandpaper
Small scissors for cutting round-cornered patches
A spare valve cap and any small valve parts
How to Find a Leak
Inflate the boat firmly.
Listen and feel for escaping air around seams, the floor and the valve.
If you can't find it, spray or wipe soapy water over the boat. Bubbles will form at the leak.
Mark the spot with a marker or a piece of tape.
Quick Field Repair (Tape Patch)
Deflate the boat and dry the area completely.
Clean it with an alcohol wipe so the tape can bond.
Cut a patch that extends at least an inch beyond the hole on all sides, and round the corners so they don't peel.
Warm it with your hands for a minute to improve adhesion.
A tape patch is a temporary fix. Plan to replace it with a glued patch when you get home.
Permanent Repair at Home (Glued Patch)
Remove any old tape and residue, then clean the area.
Lightly scuff the surface around the hole if the adhesive instructions call for it.
Cut a round-cornered patch of matching fabric.
Apply adhesive to both surfaces following the product directions, in a well-ventilated space with gloves.
Press the patch on, roll out air bubbles, and let it cure fully before inflating. Many urethane adhesives need several hours or overnight.
Repairing the Floor
Floors take the most abuse, especially on shallow, rocky rivers. Small abrasions can be sealed with a flexible urethane sealant. Larger tears need a fabric patch. Go North boats use a reinforced 420D TPU Kevlar bottom to resist abrasion, but dragging a loaded boat over gravel will still wear any floor, so carry it when you can.
Valve Care
If your boat slowly loses air, check the valve before hunting for holes. Make sure it's seated, the cap is threaded properly, and there's no sand or grit in the seal. Go North packrafts use a removable and replaceable D7 valve, so a damaged valve can be swapped without replacing the boat.
Cargo Zipper Care
A watertight zipper is what keeps your internal storage dry. Keep it clean, rinse out sand and grit, and lubricate it regularly with a silicone-based lubricant. Close it gently and never force it.
Cleaning, Drying and Storage
Rinse with fresh water after each trip. Avoid harsh detergents and UV spray coatings, which can interfere with repairs.
Dry it completely, inside and out, before storing to prevent mold and zipper damage.
Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, loosely rolled or folded rather than tightly compressed for long periods.
Don't leave a fully inflated boat baking in the sun. Heat expands the air inside, so let some out during long breaks on shore.
Clean, drain and dry between waterways to avoid spreading invasive species.
When to Contact Us
For seam failures, valve defects or anything that seems structural, don't improvise. All Go North packrafts carry a 2-year manufacturer defect warranty; contact us and we'll point you in the right direction. More answers are in our FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you patch a packraft in the field?
Yes. Clean and dry the area, then apply repair tape with rounded corners that overlap the hole by at least an inch. Replace it with a glued patch at home.
What glue do you use on a packraft?
Use a urethane-based adhesive or sealant made for TPU-coated fabrics, and follow the product's curing instructions.
Why does my packraft lose air?
Cold water contracts the air inside, which can make a boat feel soft. If it keeps losing air, check the valve and cap for grit, then test for leaks with soapy water.
How should I store my packraft?
Clean and fully dry it, then store it loosely rolled in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
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