Full disclosure, this is Phil with Wilderness Lite. REALLY appreciate ALL the feedback and questions on Wilderness Lite ultralight float tubes on this thread!, and can offer some suggestions that may be helpful
INFLATION/DEFLATION
LITHIUM BATTERY INFLATION PUMP
We have evaluated the 5.5 oz Flextail Max 2020 lithium battery inflation/deflation pump. The pump filled & deflated the Backpacker Pro 6 times in about 6 minutes each without the battery becoming discharged, despite 20 degree overnight temperatures. The main bladder was topped off with the hand pump to get a tight, firm consistency for the best performance of the Backpacker Pro. Move the nozzle to the intake port on the Max Pump 2020 and it functions as a vacuum pump. Rolling up the wings during deflation moves air toward the valve and prevents blockage of the outflow of air to the vacuum pump. The pump can start deflation immediately after leaving the water while changing out of waders, etc as the pump deflates the Backpacker Pro. Bottom line: the Max Pump 2020 is a nice convenience, but I would NOT head into the wilderness without the double action hand pump that comes with a float tube from Wilderness Lite. The Flextail pump can be purchased on Amazon, but unfortunately, it is made in China. I've never used a K pump, because for my hikes to fish it is far too heavy.
Repair/Patching Bladders
Do you offer a patch kit to repair the bladders?
As noted above, for your safety (and our liability too), we do not recommend using an inflation bladder that has been punctured and patched. We recommend a damaged bladder be replaced. Replacement bladders are available from Wilderness Lite, and are sold as a set including main and backrest bladders. Contact us ( wildernesslite@gmail.com ) for a discount on your set of replacement bladders if you have previously purchased a Backpacker Pro or Tree Line 2.x
https://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/float-tube-store-fins-pumps-accesories.html
In an emergency Tear-Aid Type A material could be suitable as a patch.
Can the inflation valves be replaced?
Yes. Inflation valves on the bladders can become sticky and difficult to turn or frozen in place from excessive accumulation of dirt or extreme force when closing/opening. To replace first remove the bladder from the cover of your Backpacker Pro. Heat a mug of water to boiling, hold only the valve and the end of the inflation tube in the hot water for one to two minutes, and the inflation tube will expand and soften allowing you to remove the damaged valve and immediately replace it with a new one. Allow the valve to cool for 10 minutes, then inflate the bladder and test overnight to confirm there are no air leaks.
Adding Ice-Out Inflatable Seat to earlier model Backpacker Pro or a Tree Line 2.x ultralight float tube
With the 2022 alpine float tubing season soon coming to a conclusion, we have added the Ice-Out seat upgrade to our website at the link below.
https://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/ice-out-seat-upgrade.html
To add the Ice-Out seat to your Backpacker Pro or Tree Line 2.x ultralight float tube previously purchased without the inflatable seat, please use the BUY NOW Button on the page at the link above. We'll complete the custom sewing to add the attachment points for the seat to your float tube cover, attach your new Ice-Out seat, and provide return shipping for $75.00 each. This limited time offer is available ONLY for orders placed and float tube covers received before Dec 16, 2022. After placing your order please ship ONLY your float tube cover (with both the flotation bladders and the stripping apron removed) to:
Wilderness Lite LLC, 2775 430th St., Maurice, IA 51036 attn. Phil Hayes
Please email us the shipment tracking number: wildernesslite@gmail.com , and enclose a copy of your purchase receipt including your return shipping address in the left side pocket.
We will ship your ultralight float tube to you no later than mid-March 2023 with the custom sewing for your float tube cover and the addition of your new Ice-Out seat completed. If you need directions for removing the inflation bladders from your float tube or have other questions, we'll promptly answer your email inquiry.
We have received MANY favorable comments on the latest model of the Ice-Out seat, and at 3.7ozs it seems an easy decision to carry it on all but the longest distance and duration of anyone's hike to fish alpine lakes.
INFLATION/DEFLATION
LITHIUM BATTERY INFLATION PUMP
We have evaluated the 5.5 oz Flextail Max 2020 lithium battery inflation/deflation pump. The pump filled & deflated the Backpacker Pro 6 times in about 6 minutes each without the battery becoming discharged, despite 20 degree overnight temperatures. The main bladder was topped off with the hand pump to get a tight, firm consistency for the best performance of the Backpacker Pro. Move the nozzle to the intake port on the Max Pump 2020 and it functions as a vacuum pump. Rolling up the wings during deflation moves air toward the valve and prevents blockage of the outflow of air to the vacuum pump. The pump can start deflation immediately after leaving the water while changing out of waders, etc as the pump deflates the Backpacker Pro. Bottom line: the Max Pump 2020 is a nice convenience, but I would NOT head into the wilderness without the double action hand pump that comes with a float tube from Wilderness Lite. The Flextail pump can be purchased on Amazon, but unfortunately, it is made in China. I've never used a K pump, because for my hikes to fish it is far too heavy.
Repair/Patching Bladders
Do you offer a patch kit to repair the bladders?
As noted above, for your safety (and our liability too), we do not recommend using an inflation bladder that has been punctured and patched. We recommend a damaged bladder be replaced. Replacement bladders are available from Wilderness Lite, and are sold as a set including main and backrest bladders. Contact us ( wildernesslite@gmail.com ) for a discount on your set of replacement bladders if you have previously purchased a Backpacker Pro or Tree Line 2.x
https://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/float-tube-store-fins-pumps-accesories.html
In an emergency Tear-Aid Type A material could be suitable as a patch.
Can the inflation valves be replaced?
Yes. Inflation valves on the bladders can become sticky and difficult to turn or frozen in place from excessive accumulation of dirt or extreme force when closing/opening. To replace first remove the bladder from the cover of your Backpacker Pro. Heat a mug of water to boiling, hold only the valve and the end of the inflation tube in the hot water for one to two minutes, and the inflation tube will expand and soften allowing you to remove the damaged valve and immediately replace it with a new one. Allow the valve to cool for 10 minutes, then inflate the bladder and test overnight to confirm there are no air leaks.
Adding Ice-Out Inflatable Seat to earlier model Backpacker Pro or a Tree Line 2.x ultralight float tube
With the 2022 alpine float tubing season soon coming to a conclusion, we have added the Ice-Out seat upgrade to our website at the link below.
https://wildernesslitefloattubes.com/ice-out-seat-upgrade.html
To add the Ice-Out seat to your Backpacker Pro or Tree Line 2.x ultralight float tube previously purchased without the inflatable seat, please use the BUY NOW Button on the page at the link above. We'll complete the custom sewing to add the attachment points for the seat to your float tube cover, attach your new Ice-Out seat, and provide return shipping for $75.00 each. This limited time offer is available ONLY for orders placed and float tube covers received before Dec 16, 2022. After placing your order please ship ONLY your float tube cover (with both the flotation bladders and the stripping apron removed) to:
Wilderness Lite LLC, 2775 430th St., Maurice, IA 51036 attn. Phil Hayes
Please email us the shipment tracking number: wildernesslite@gmail.com , and enclose a copy of your purchase receipt including your return shipping address in the left side pocket.
We will ship your ultralight float tube to you no later than mid-March 2023 with the custom sewing for your float tube cover and the addition of your new Ice-Out seat completed. If you need directions for removing the inflation bladders from your float tube or have other questions, we'll promptly answer your email inquiry.
We have received MANY favorable comments on the latest model of the Ice-Out seat, and at 3.7ozs it seems an easy decision to carry it on all but the longest distance and duration of anyone's hike to fish alpine lakes.