Registered: 08/20/12
Posts: 12
Loc: Tennessee, USA
I was wondering if any of you have ever cut your therm-a-rest self-inflating pad down to fit your height and then re-seal it some how? I have a base camp and wish I could cut the length down to save weight. No sense carrying extra length pad around that I will never use. I know there are other pads that are lighter, but I don't have the money right now to spend on another one. I figure I would cut off about 10 inches, any ideas?
I have modified a therm a rest with no problem. I left the mat out one time and when I returned something had decided to have it for lunch. The critter chewed on the sides right in the middle of each side areas. Both sides! I trimmed the areas picked off as much foam as I could to leave a 3/4" margin for gluing. Before gluing I used a scotch brite pad to clean any remining residue off. Next I took Seam Grip and applied to both sides and clamped the area with 2 wood strips. I also put wax paper on the nylon before clamping with the wood strips. Let dry for 48 hours, did a pressure test by over inflating and then layed on it for a length of time. Also checked in the tub filled with water. Worked like champ ever since. You could apply the same principle to modify your mattress. I have often though about tapering the sides in where you don't really need the support to save weight.
Registered: 08/20/12
Posts: 12
Loc: Tennessee, USA
Thanks for the information! I may try that, I'm just a little scared to try it on a good pad. I will try to put my hands on a used one and see if it works for me. BTW, I called Therm-a-rest and they won't cut it and re-seal it for me. I figured I would call just to see what they would say. I am 5'8" and don't want to carry that extra length for nothing!
Not sure if the Base Camp material bonding is vastly different than the Neoair, but here is a video on how to reseal the latter. Several have done it with success but it does take the proper temp and practice wouldn't hurt.
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