Strapping to Gear Hauling Loops.

Hi John,

I have the Jam pack and thinlite pads (both regular and hammock size). I lash them on to the loops at the bottom of the Jam with 1" wide nylon webbing and secure with ladder locks.

Materials for this are available at http://www.owfinc.com/Hardware/Hardwaremain.htm

You could tie the pad using tent tie-out lines or use shock-cord, sized and tied off for your pad, then simply slip the pad through the loops. However, I have found that pads suffer from being compressed by small cords which cut into the pad foam. The 1" wide webbing spreads the force over a larger area of the pad and you can adjust the ladder-locks to apply just enough pressure to secure the pad.

I used 1/8" shock cord I bought for 15 cents a foot at REI, available by the rock climbing stuff. I attached the shock cord to the compactor straps on the bottom. I think I have pictures in my AT trip report from April. Weight was next to nothing it was very effective and cheap.

Christopher

John,

I find that my poncho tarp fits better when I strap the thinlite pad vertically to the back of the Jam. Elastic ponytail holders are hooked to the bottom gear hauling loops and the top side daisy chains. Tiny S-hooks connect the loops for easy access. Enough loops for a looser fit are used to minimize the “cutting in” problem mentioned by Michael; three on the top and two on the bottom are about right for the 1/4″ pad. Total weight is 9 grams.

In camp, the loops are sometimes removed and used as shock cord for the poncho when set up as shelter.

I have the old Jam (not the Jam 2) and I don't usually like to strap my pad to the back because then I can't access the back pocket. I just put my pad under the top strap.

Jason, regarding pocket access. Strapping the pad vertically actually makes two smaller pockets, one on either side of the pad. With both zips placed to one side of the pad, you have one pocket that has easy access and one that doesn't. Into the side without easy access go small items only used in camp such as stakes, guys, and bear-bagging cord. I put today's trail snacks in the accessible side.

Thanks everyone for your input. This little problem has come to an end. Thanks!