ULA Conduit users – what pad to use

Does the pack have two diagonal webs at the top? If so, a torso length pad folded in 3rds works perfectly. I use GG NightLight Torso length, a torso length 3/8" pad, and a BPL TorsoLite inflatable. You have to put the pad in the bag, and it will not be snug until you pack the rest of your gear. I suppose if you use a longer pad, you might need to roll it in a cylinder and put your gear in the center. Also a GG SitLight pad should work well.

I'm curious as to what other people are using, but a GG Torso folded in thirds works the best I've seen. I have a 3/4 length GG Nightlight, but that takes way too much room.

Yup, it has the diagonal pieces of webbing on the top.

Not only does the Nightlite take up too much room, but it also is too wide when folded in quaters, so it takes on a half moon shape and you get less contact with your back to the backpanel.

Has ayone tried the Z-lite or Z-rest or whatever it is called?

I guess I could cut up my Nitelite to two pieces, but I'd like to avoid that. I really don't want to go to a torso pad either.

Even with the wrong pad, this thing is ridiculously comfortable. You guys were right, you pack it right and it gets really stiff. Feels just like a framed pack, but with less weight.

Not sure I would agree with the 'just as stiff as a framed pack,' but I really like my Conduit. I use an air mattress now so I have cut a Gossamer Gear Night Light pad to size (the M/L) for the pad sleeve. Works well within the intended load range.

Since I used to use a BA air core and now a TR neo, I have always just used a piece of ridgerest cut to fit. Works fine for me. Plus, the ridges feel nice against my back.

I just use the thin piece of foam Brian sells as an option. It works fine for me.

My torso-length REI Lite Core 1.5 folded in thirds works for me.

When I first hiked with the Conduit I used a Nightlight Torso, folded in it's natural thirds, in the pad holder. Toward the end of a month long hike I realized that the pad was keeping the heavier items 2" away from my back. From that point on, regardless of pad, I've used the pad around the circumference of the pack and filled the center… known as the burrito method. Not only does it carry as well, or better, but it also protects all the gear in the pack much better. When not using the Nightlight Torso I often use a Montbell UL90 which is an excellent fit also.

I've used the Z-Lite 3/4 length pad and the Nightlite Torso. Both fit great and provide the adequate frame support needed in a rucksack. I prefer the Nightlite torso because it takes up less volume in the packs main body than the Z-Lite. It's also nearly 8 oz lighter, half the price, and IMO much more comfortable too.:)

I cut 3 pieces from a closed cell foam pad and glued them together with two fabric hinges — alternating sides so it folds together nicely. This gave me an extra 4" or so more than the torsolight and worked perfectly for me.

There is a thread on here somewhere discussing how to make one of these custom pads. I followed those instructions but cut each piece to exactly the inside width of the Conduit.

I also use the Montbell UL 90 very successfully with my Conduit (partially inflated, depending on how much extra room I have in my pack).

I just tried a really old 48" Thermarest folded in quarters. It was perfect, other the weighing 22oz. Switching it for a Prolite 3 short would get it down to 11oz, 3oz more than my NightLight.

I'll try that and the Zrest at REI this weekend. I really don't want to go back to an inflatible pad. If the zrest doesn't fit, I guess I'll have to cut up a Ridgerest and then use velcro strips to put it back together at night.

I've read somewhere, either in Brian's FAQ or his response in a thread here, that the pad used as a design basis is the 3/4 ProLite 3.

I have used the 3/4 length Prolite 3. At first I had it partially inflated and had trouble with it. But when I let out almost but not all of the air, it worked great.

>I just use the thin piece of foam Brian sells as an option. It works fine for me.

Hey Chris,

Is that the "Interior Backpad" weighing 1.1 ounces? http://ula-equipment.com/order.htm

That's enough to create a frame? Would GG Nightlight Torso using only 1/3 of it suffice as well?

The reason I ask is I'm thinking of switching to the Neo Air but I still need something to act as a frame.

It does not even come close to making a frame. Even the various foam pads I've tried don't really make good frames. They just give padding and a bit of shape. Back that sucker tight for rigidity.

I've used the Conduit quite happily with both the GG Night Lite and the Torsolite.

On a recent trip in Scotland I carried quite a lot of weight at time (using the GG pad) and everything was pretty comfortable.