Frameless backpack w thermarest neoair xlite

I have been rolling up my original NeoAir and using a rubber band to keep it in place inside my frameless packs, however, I have recently decided to just fold it and place it against the back of my ZPacks Zero pack to help provide a flat surface as well as a small amount of structure. It works just fine. It does not make the pack rigid of course, that is really dependent on how well I pack the pack and then use the top compression as needed. But it works just fine…

I do also carry a second ccf pad, but it is either a 1/8" ThinLight pad folded in quarters or a SitLight pad. Each pad weighs 1.7 oz each and take up no extra room considering they are also part of my pack support, but on the outside of the pack. I have 2 bungees that create a pad holder on the back of my pack so that they can be against my back. Plus of course I can easily remove these pads to use the pad during the day as a sit pad, and then at night as extra protection under my Neo…so it is not really extra weight…

You can see the yellow at the edges of the pack…this is my NeoAir folded inside the pack.

Edited to add picture.

Try folding it and placing it along the back panel as usual but leave the valve facing up and out of the pack. Fill in the rest of the pack then blow in a little air to stiffen it.

I replaced the thin foam back panel with a piece of z-lite to give it more support. If you still have it you can use it as a pattern or if not turn the pack inside out to get the shape.

You're going to want to protect the XLite with some kind of 1/8" foam pad underneath it anyway to prevent punctures. I just have a GG Thinlight that I fold up against the backpanel. It works so well that I don't need a framesheet.

I know it's two pads, but I think you'll want the extra 2.5-3.0 oz to protect the XLite anyway.

I appreciate the suggestions. Thank you. Justin

The Klymit air backframes are starting to gain popularity. About 3 inches and are supposed to be better frames (stiffer .:. better weight transfer) than foam.