View Full Version : Fixing a leaking thermarest
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.
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
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
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?
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.
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
I have a patch on one that has lasted for about four years, the kit works well :)
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.