Sleeping pad leak

I’m had a similar leak on a Stephenson’s down mat. It took about 4 attempts in the bath tub before I could locate it because was so small.  I had to read an old post on here that said to “keep trying” until you find it.

Next time you use your down pad, inflate it and hold it up so sunlight can shine through the pad.  You may be surprised at what you see.

I used it last weekend. It takes batting it around quite a bit to get the clumps evened out.  The mat is 15-20 years old.  But it’s oh so comfortable and warm.

I guess you figured out that the down is not held in place so you can have areas of lots of insulation and areas of none.  Here is the Exped Ultra7:

nice video – instructive – in only 10 seconds with no audio

Looks like a thermarest — I had the exact same leak location, it was a bear to find. The design at that spot may just be bad, it probably needs more reinforcement in that vulnerable spot since it gets a lot of twisting motion with the dual lock valve.

Jerry-There is audio, part of the charm of the video.  Turn up your volume.

David C: It is a Thermarest Xtherm NXT.  I think you are right about it needing some beefing up.

ahhh… you can hear the bubbling.  and background noise

I’ve used this technique to find and fix a leak before

Perhaps the old style valve is less prone to leaks.  I’ve had no issues from my 2015 X-Therm despite being nearly a decade old.

My neoair Xtherm developed a leak in the very same place. Easily fixed with the UV cured seam sealer (Gearaid aquaseal UV cure).

I used soapy water to find the leak.