Is it okay to vacuum pack a kite?

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

I'm starting to pack for a long trip in Southern Baja. My camper storage space is pretty limited and I somehow got roped into bringing a ton of kite gear down for some friends who are already there. PDX Monkeyboy told me about a trip where he vacuum packed a few kites for transport to conserve space. I did a test today on a 9 meter kite and the results were fantastic; this thing packed down to practically nothing. If I pack all of the kites this way, my one problems will be solved, but if I damage all of them it will be a nightmare. So, has anyone ever damaged a kite doing this? Is there anything I need to do to avoid damage? On another topic, is there such a thing as an "all around kite repair kit"? Thanks

Mark · Tue Dec 18, 07 7:43 pm

Drew,
I have been vacuum packing kites for a long time. I can vac each kite and then fit three of them into one backpack. I made a fitting so I can use the pump (switched to suck) and revacuum them for the trip home.

The fitting is a piece of schedule 40 11/2 wide end cap. Drill a hole in the end so your pump with a taper will fit.

Also I always bring along ripstop tape.

Good luck
Send pics!
Mark
Ps I vacuum right before I leave so the time the kites are vacuumed is at a minimum.

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

Mark,

Can you send more details about the fitting to put on your pump? Do you have a digi pic? I don't fully understand what it is / looks like.

Also, where do you get the vacuum pack bags?

Costco?

Thanks

Mark

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Dec 18, 07 9:19 pm

you can get the bags at freddies. I stored my 16 in the vaccum bag all winter last year.. it flew fine until DrewB's wife slammed it into the beach Smile

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

target has em too... and you don't need a pump to vacuum them. you might not get them quite as small, but I've packed mine in the ones from target and they work excellent. The bags just have a one way valve, so when you squeeze them, they just keep getting smaller and smaller.

harleyboy · Since 13 Jun 2007 41 Posts

perfect so you just need to sit on them or roll on them while opening the one way valve. That will do the trick.
Are there any zippers or sharp edges that can rub against the kite? Should you put the kite in a protective covering first?

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

I got my bags at Freddies. The 9m fit pretty well in a "large" bag. I am going to get a few "extra large" bags for the 12m kites.

Mark · Wed Dec 19, 07 7:38 am

You can get them several places. I got mine at target. A shop vac really pulls the air out nicely. For the return trip or if you dont have a shop vac. Use the fitting described below.

The fitting I made is a 11/2 diameter white pvc end cap. Get them at home depoe. There will be a big box of them. Cost less than a buck. Then drill a 1/4 hole in the end. take your kite pump and switch the top so it sucks instead of blows. I think it says deflate....

Most pumps have a tapered fitting so you can blow up struts. Shove that into the hole you drilled. Place the fitting over the hole in the bag. Start pumping.... it will suck all the air out of your bag.

Not a big fan of sitting on the kites or rolling them up to get the air out. If this still dosnt make sense I will post a pic tonight.
Mark

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

http://www.target.com/Space-Bags-5-pk/dp/B000M9QD5U/sr=1-5/qid=1198079260/ref=sr_1_5/602-4386084-7093462?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Avacuum%20bag&page=1

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Though I've never done it, I'd be careful with any Onepump kites that have isolation clips on the struts. They can be kind of sharp if you're packing the kite down "hard". Seems like wrapping each clip with something would be a good idea.

Mark · Wed Dec 19, 07 2:38 pm

Get the right kite and you don't have that problem Wink

Sorry just had to take the bait! Laughing

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

Yeah, I thought I might get some shit for that one... BUT we're ALWAYS on the water FASTER, so who cares! Surprised

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

Thanks for all of the advice. It looks like I have six kites to pack; I will do some before and after pix to show how much they pack down.

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

drew,
I use a small fitting that I machined that hooks up to a kite pump.
One time when I was travelling, I lost the fitting.
In a pinch, use something round with a hole in it, something like a role of electrical tape.
Tape your pump nozzle to the roll of tape and then tape it to the bag nozzle.
This creates a rigid chamber between your pump nozzle and the bag. It should be able to hold a tight enough seal to suck the air out.
I always travel with space bags and have never experienced a problem, even with my fuels.

stringy

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Thanks for the info Stringy

Just picked one of those bags up at Ace Hardware - really scrunched down my 12 waroo, hope it doesn't disintegrate Laughing

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

Gman,

What size bag did you use for your 12m?

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 385 Posts PDX Obsessed

Here are some before and after pix of the kite shrinkage and the pump fitting (that works well). Thanks for all of the advice. Now I can fit 7 kites behind the seat of my truck with plenty of room to spare. See you in Mexico.