How does a BA aircore work with an SMD comet?

I would imagine that an DAM stlye airpad would work in conjunction with the pad pocket, although I cant say from experience. You could also try e-mail Ron Moak (of SMD) to see what he says.

Just make sure that you get the stays if you dicide to get the pack, as the air pad doesnt give too much support as a frame.

Andrew,
There is another thread right now addressing pretty much the same question as you are asking-

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/13835/index.html

I will make the same suggestion to you that I made on that thread. Just add the Gossamer Gear Nightlight torso pad to your set-up. You need insulation for that pad anyway (unless you don't hike in temps below 40-50 degrees). The GG torso pad only weighs 3.5 ounces. I use this pad with my frameless ULA pack and it works better than any other pad I've tried. It would be tough if not impossible to use an inflatable pad (of the non-self inflating nature) with a frameless pack.

All that said, you can get the Comet with aluminum stays for the Comet, though I'm pretty sure you'll still need some type of pad to give the pack some body.

Well, I should have said my air pad was insulated, so I don't really need any other insulation. Seems silly to get a lighter pack and then just add ounces to it. Also seems silly to buy a new sleeping pad just for the pack. What a dilemma!

Welp, no real answers in the thread recommended because that thread deals with the JAM2 which doesn't have the same system. Is there any way to use a BA insulateed air core in the Comet pad pocket or do I need to switch to a self-inflatable?

Can you insert your pad THEN inflate it? This may be the best answer if you want to keep your pad yet use that pack.

Eric

Hey Eric,

I thought of that, but I don't know how it will work. I may have a tough time inflating th folded up pad and I worry that the stress of being inlfated and folded could damage the pad.

I don't expect this pad to work, but I sure wish it did! I like your idea, but I'm hoping someone comes on and has experience and can give their actual solution! Maybe inflating it is the ticket…

Will a 10"x20" piece of closed cell foam pad work for a permanent backpanel on a Comet? It should weigh less than 2 ounces, and can be pulled out for a sit pad if desired. This would allow you to keep using the BA-IAC without much additional weight penalty. That's the approach that I've taken with my GG Mariposa Plus.

Hi Andrew,

Your BA pad can be used in the Comet, it just won't provide load transfer by itself. I'm fairly certain you would get load transfer if you insert the removable stays.

This is from the SMD website:

"The Comet Pack easily converts to an ultralight internal frame pack by simply inserting two aluminum stays. This configuration is good if your prefer an inflatable pad. Unlike closed cell foam pads, inflatable pads don't offer as much support."

Hey all:

Thanks for the tips so far.

Jason: The fitted clsoed cell pad is a great idea. The dual use as a sit pad is really nice to. I've never used these items, but for 2 ounces and such a low costs, it seems like a good solution.

Daniel: I did read that on the SMD website and I do plan on using the stays. Perhaps those will be enough, but I would love to make full use of the suspension by using a pad. I'm worried about putting stress on the stays as I've heard that past models had issues with tears developing at the bottom of the stay sleeves.

…

If you don't already use one, I'd recommend what others have suggested, get a 10×20 piece of closed cell foam (or whatever size the pad pocket is) and use that in the pad pocket, by itself or in combination with the folded inflatable pad.

A small foam sitpad is very useful by itself, even if you don't need it for sleeping or backpack support.

Thanks everyone! This is now a non-issue now! I will check out the seat pad suggested by Mike. Anyone know any American companies that sell good stiff blue foam for use as a pad in the Comet?

Err..I don't care if it is American made or anything. I'm just asking where in America I can get good stiff blue foam. It will help with shipping charges and I try to save every $$ possible!

Gossamergear.com
It's grey.

> Anyone know any American companies that sell good stiff blue foam for use as a pad in the Comet?

I don't know about America, but try the Yellow Pages and look for Foam Converters or similar. Or, if you want to be really modern, use Google or similar.

Even smaller Walmart's typically carry 2 blue foam pads in the camping section. The standard length full size one is $8-10 and 20" wide and not nearly as cushy as more expensive pads. The deluxe one is thicker, squishier, eggcrated closed cell foam in a wider width.

Mine all came from Target.