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Can you shorten a Neoair?


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Viewing 16 posts - 1 through 16 (of 16 total)
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  • #1300855
    Diane Pinkers
    BPL Member

    @dipink

    Locale: Western Washington

    I currently sleep on a 1st generation Neoair medium–rectangular, 20 inches wide, 66 inches. Now that I've shifted to a quilt, my arms are no longer contained as they would be within a bag, and tend to fall off the pad. I'd like to have a wider pad, but the current Neoair XLite L is 77 inches long–way long for 5'4" person. Is there any way to shorten the pad? I don't need to maintain the oval mummy shape, would prefer rectangular anyway. Seems to me that I saw someone mention using an iron to shorten a pad, but I'd be afraid of leaks. If I can find this pad on sale, that would be ideal, because they are way expensive to begin with.

    #1969225
    Herbert Sitz
    BPL Member

    @hes

    Locale: Pacific NW

    Here you go:

    How to shorten a Neoair

    I don't think I'd worry about the iron not giving a good seam; used correctly it will. Here's video by pad maker Klymit on how to shorten one of their pads. Process is slightly different (they fuse before they cut) but I think you want to cut first with Neoair because of the insulation layer:
    How to shorten a Klymit Inertia XL pad

    By the way, Campmor still has some of the old Neoair shorts (9oz and 47" long) and they're on sale for $80. I bought one from them recently and seems good, I'm eager to try it out: Neoair short at Campmor

    #1969237
    Rick M
    BPL Member

    @yamaguy

    del

    #1969240
    Matt Weaver
    Spectator

    @norcalweaver

    Locale: PacNW

    Did this on my Xlite, have quite a few nights on it with no issues. Wish I had a large one to shorten but I just used what I already had.

    http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=73403&skip_to_post=625778#625778

    #1969277
    Karen Kennedy
    BPL Member

    @karenk

    Locale: NE NSW - Australian subtropics

    After agonising about his I finally took the scissors to a brand new XL X-Lite – it honestly took about 5 minutes! Very straightforward – result is ideal for me, 23" wide when inflated and 45" long. Weighs 275g.

    #1969285
    Pete Staehling
    BPL Member

    @staehpj1

    Do consider that Cascade Designs has been know to replace NeoAir Pads that failed in one way or another even outside the warranty period, that previous models were somewhat prone to blistering/buldging, that they are expensive, and that modifying them will negate that warranty.

    If the risk is acceptable then go for it though.

    #1969368
    Dena Kelley
    BPL Member

    @eagleriverdee

    Locale: Eagle River, Alaska

    I'm struggling with this issue, also. I just purchased a Big Agnes Q Core SL in the long/wide size. I'm only 5'5" so I didn't need the length, but wide only comes in long. I'm tempted to shorten it on arrival, but fear ruining the pad. I wish you could at least special order a short/wide pad from the manufacturers, I wasn't in a hurry.

    #1969374
    Marc Shea
    BPL Member

    @flytepacker

    Locale: Cascades

    Interesting thread. We were building an inflatable floor for our boats, and by happenstance the measurements are 48" x 25" inflated. A side benefit is that it could be used as a short wide sleeping pad. I am 6'2" and it fits me quite well. We are working to get the weight down (currently 16oz using 200D Nylon) by swapping fabrics. Our floor is non insulated.
    Inflatable Floor

    #1969382
    spelt with a t
    BPL Member

    @spelt

    Locale: Rangeley, ME

    "I'm struggling with this issue, also. I just purchased a Big Agnes Q Core SL in the long/wide size. I'm only 5'5" so I didn't need the length, but wide only comes in long. I'm tempted to shorten it on arrival, but fear ruining the pad. I wish you could at least special order a short/wide pad from the manufacturers, I wasn't in a hurry."

    I started a thread on short/wide pads a little while ago that got favorable responses. I bet there is a market for them. But I have no contacts in industry to suggest it to or knowledge of how such a thing is done. I did email Cascade Designs when I first started researching ground setups, to ask if they made any pads besides the Neoair Trekker in "Large Torso" size–25×48. The rep said no. I didn't pursue it further. But if they can make one that size I don't see why they couldn't offer more.

    #1969383
    spelt with a t
    BPL Member

    @spelt

    Locale: Rangeley, ME

    don't worry, Rick. I haven't attacked my xtherm with any sharp objects yet.

    #1981374
    Diane Pinkers
    BPL Member

    @dipink

    Locale: Western Washington

    I went ahead today and shortened a Neoair large. Knocked about a foot off the length, and nearly 3 ounces in weight. Seems to be holding air well, I laid on it for about 15 minutes and didn't feel any flattening.

    Now hopefully I have a comfortable sleep set-up. I sleep on my side and my stomach, and roll around a lot. I always felt like I was perched on an edge, and I think I slept rather tense, waking up frequently. Now maybe I can relax fully!

    #1981393
    Jeffs Eleven
    BPL Member

    @woodenwizard

    Locale: NePo

    Awesome, Diane! Now you have your cake and eat it too.

    I wish I were that brave.

    #2121029
    Mark Padrnos
    BPL Member

    @banosser

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    I just shortened my Large XTherm… lopped a foot off it.. it's now 64" long.. it is currently inflated with about 50lbs spread out on it.. no signs or sounds of leakage.. I'll leave it like that over night..

    I used the well known instruction on this vid
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kumSl-cbLlY
    no issues..

    I have been a religious Exped DM 7 user for years… am starting the Ptarmigan trav next weekend and am knocking off some wt..

    If 64" ends up still being a bit too long I can always shorten it a bit more… As is it's about a full lb savings over the DM7.. and a smaller package too..

    #2121032
    todd
    BPL Member

    @funnymo

    Locale: SE USA

    Great job Mark! Glad this is working out for you.

    #2121631
    Mark Padrnos
    BPL Member

    @banosser

    Locale: Pacific Northwest

    XTherm
    seam

    #2121635
    Adam Kilpatrick
    BPL Member

    @oysters

    Locale: South Australia

    I wish it was easy to reduce the thickness of a neoair. Or that Thermarest came out with a "2 season" thin version.

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