Thinlight pack frame

Jon:

I haven't used thinlight before so I can't tell you from experience. However, if the pad is too thin, one thing you can try is to fold the pad down to the size (length and width) of your backpack — then slide it in flat. Instead of just one layer "burrito style" — what you now have is a pack "frame" that's several layers thick against the back of your pack. Now, pack everything else in like you normally would, and then cinch everything tight.

For me, using first blue foam and now a self-inflating pad, I have always folded them flat as described above instead of inserted them "burrito style". Folding flat works well for me, and it's also space efficient.

Jon,
When using a frameless pack, the MLD Exodus or ULA Relay, I use a short Prolite 3 pad folded against the back (not burrito style). This, for me, provides the best load support and control.

I like the Thinlite pad and opt to use it if the pack selected is my McHale LBP36. This pack, used for longer trips/heavier loads, has light stays so does not rely on the pad for load support.

I say get the Thinlite pad and try it for yourself with your Zip pack. Advise from others is great but using the system first hand will be your best bet.

Let us know the way you go.
Thom

Jon, I haved used a thinlight as a frame and it worked extremely well. I was using a Montbell 90 folder over twice (i.e. 1/4 wide) and slid this down against my back. I wanted to use only a thinlight on my last trip. I could not get a good fit by folding it, but did get a great fit by coiling it loosing then unrolling it into my golite ion. It formed a great tube… so much so that even when the pack was low on volume and not packing tight (this pack has no compression straps), the pack was still rigid enough from the tube to work extremely well. My thinlight is trimmed to 38" long (20" inches wide at shoulders to 17" below the butt) Here is a pick as I am packing.

Jamie

What thickness of Thinlight are you thinking about getting? I have the 1/8" and 1/4", and the 1/8 just doesn't work for me. I use a trimmed 1/4" and it keeps the pack fairly rigid.

Ryan, Great point about thickness…I am using a 3/8" pad in the picture. It works extremely well, but I also have a 1/8" thick and I agree that I really doubt it could be used for pack support by itself.