I guess the first thing is that I need to change my name on the forum. It is a nightmare to spell...I know I can't do it easily.

Samoset...just FYI, I definitely use a different pad system than Pika. The pad pocket is filled with 5 approximately 10 1/4" by 20" by 3/8" thick pads sections duct-taped together so that they fold and unfold like an "accordion". This ends up being a 3/4 length pad for me. When I am carrying less weight, I use the light weight one I made. Carrying over 30 lbs, I use the one I made from high density foam I used backpacking in the 60's. If I feel I need additional insulation or padding, I bring a thermarest roll as well. This combined with the hoop stay has worked well so far with the larger loads.