PDA

View Full Version : Fixing a leaking thermarest



snowhoe
06-30-2009, 10:32
I have done a search on how to fix a leaking thermarest and cant find anything. So I am looking for some help on this. Has anyone repaired one before and if so could you please tell me how? Thanks

RedneckRye
06-30-2009, 10:44
Blow it up, submerge it in water, the air leak should be obvious.
Mark the leak with a sharpee and let the pad dry.
Thermarest sells a patch kit, or you can use Seam sealer or shoe goo, or just about any other type of adhesive glue stuff that stays flexible once it is dry.

snowhoe
06-30-2009, 10:55
The hole is about an inch long by about a half inch tall. Pretty good size. I didnt know that thermarest makes a patch kit. I will check that out.

RedneckRye
06-30-2009, 12:16
For a tear that size, the patch kit is the way to go.
It comes with several stick on patches as well as a couple of foil packs of a glue that you activate by dropping into boiling water.

http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/accessories/universal-repair-kit/product

Reid
06-30-2009, 12:41
Just make sure that the patch is quite larger than the hole.

daddytwosticks
06-30-2009, 16:42
Patched my five year old Prolite 3 last month using the Thermarest patch kit...good as new! Directions and materials supplied in kit very easy to ue. Good luck! :)

Buzz_Lightfoot
06-30-2009, 18:23
I have done a search on how to fix a leaking thermarest and cant find anything. So I am looking for some help on this. Has anyone repaired one before and if so could you please tell me how? Thanks

I patched a substantial hole made by a pointed stick in my first thermarest. It was actually too big for the patches in the patch kit. I just overlapped a couple patches, slathered on the glue and it was good as new. I used it for several years after with no leaks.

BL

snowhoe
06-30-2009, 18:48
Thanks guys I knew I could count on WB to fix all my hiking problems. I am off to get the patch kit tonight.

njordan2
06-30-2009, 19:16
Has anyone tried Fix-A-Flat?

Dogwood
06-30-2009, 19:45
Inflate slightly. Submerge in water. Locate leak. Let dry. If it's small hole drop a dab of McNett's Seam Grip on it. Allow to dry overnight. Use the rest of the Seam Grip to fix your shoes!

Buzz_Lightfoot
06-30-2009, 20:11
Has anyone tried Fix-A-Flat?

I wouldn't hold much faith that would work well. Thinking about it, it likely will clog up the open cell foam and ruin it. I wouldn't even attempt it.

BL

wyominglostandfound
07-04-2009, 14:42
put plenty of rubber cement on both surfaces. apply the patch. lightly dust with talc. powder. place a semi-hot pan of water on the patched area. leave pan on until totally cooled.

Dogwood
07-04-2009, 16:33
You don't need an expensive color coordinated Thermarest patching kit. If the hole is smaller than a quarter use McNett's Seam Grip for a cleaner patch at half the cost. You'll still half a lot of Seam Grip left for other repairs. Don't use fix-a-flat.

schnikel
09-20-2010, 21:19
Just fixed my thermorest for the 2nd time, both in the field. I used the repair kit that I had. Easy to use with items that will be in your pack with a great set of instructions. The repair kit is something I pack for every trip, never thinking I will use it but its nice to have when you do.
Schnikel

camper10469
09-20-2010, 22:57
I saw this, might be useful to know...
http://www.practicalbackpacking.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4427

and this video for shortening a thermarest...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kumSl-cbLlY

Smile
09-21-2010, 00:18
I have a patch on one that has lasted for about four years, the kit works well :)

sizemj
04-21-2011, 13:28
I have used the patch one from thermarest and going on 12 years plus. It was about a inch slice. Bought it form a army surplus store for 6 bucks patched it and is still going strong.

BJStuart
04-22-2011, 13:38
If you get the repair kit, get the one with the boiling water glue rather than the "dots". I had a small hole 1/4" or so; the dots never held well for me. I ended up just using seam sealer, about 6 coats letting it dry between coats. Works great for smaller holes but for one your size, I'd personally get the patch kit.