How to attach sleeping pad sections

[Eric Carlsen]

I’m looking at getting the Gossamer Gear NightLight Torso length pad. I like that one because it can be used as a frame in the Mariposa pack. The only problem is that I’m 6’5″ and the torso length just isn’t quite long enough for me. Then I noticed that they also sell a sit pad that is basically one more section. They also sell a 3/4 length pad but that doesn’t work as a frame in the Mariposa pack.

So, I was wondering if there’s someway to make a temporary attachment between the pads while I sleep. I was thinking of some sort of velcro at the end of a strap. I’m just not sure what to look for though. Is it called webbing? Also, how do I attach it to the pad, would superglue work, or would that damage the pad? Any thoughts?

[Peter McDonough]

Punch 2 holes in the pad and the addendum about a foot and a half apart, thread AirCore or some lightweight cord through the holes and tie them together. If you leave the cord long enough you can also use it to tie up the pad.

[Jason Smith]

First. How I wish GG made a good foldable pad. Currently I am using the standard weight pad cut into 4 10.75 inch sections that line up when it folds. It makes a very nice backpanel for my ULA Conduit. I use nylon fabric store ribbon and 3m 90 spray adhesive. This has ripped off the pad in about 10 days of backpacking ripping off a thin layer of the foam. I think next time I may just try kite tape to attach the sections. I cut the sections a little too wide for the pack at 10.75 inches which makes the fit very tight. This probably has contributed to the seperation of the foam and ribbon.

If anyone has any better solutions I’d love to hear them.

PS. The Nightlight is made of a Eva-zote which can be thermoformed. I think you could make a template to thermoform the sections where you want them to bend. Just an idea.

[JW]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/3216/index.html?skip_to_post=23604#23604

[Anonymous]

Jason,

Cut through the ‘bumps’, leaving the base 1/4″ intact, as much as possible.

[Sandra Warner]

I have been using the torso pad but a little too short. I order the 3/4 length and thought I would experiment. I cut each section 1 1/2 inches longer than my torso pad making sure I didn’t cut all the way through. It works! Folds very nicely and it’s a little wider.

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