Can I store my thermarest inflatable in it's stuff sack on the outer part of my pack or am I taking a huge risk for punctures? anyone that does this?
Can I store my thermarest inflatable in it's stuff sack on the outer part of my pack or am I taking a huge risk for punctures? anyone that does this?
The only thing other than hiking poles that gets carried on the outside of my pack is my 3/4 ul Thermarest as you suggest, rolled and stowed in it's stuff sack. I do tie it on vertically using the webbing loops running up the middle of the pack however. No problems after quite some time.
I should mention that unlike many I see, I don't use my pad on anything but a tent floor or if going cowboy on a ground sheet.
Great, thank you for your answer. Now everything else can fit in my pack neatly!
Corentin, I would also reiterate the advice given by NickTheGreek in Msg #2. I only use my thermarest at camp, in a shelter or in my tent. I don't baby it, but I take a bit of care with the surface that I'm about to set it down on. My old thermarest has had one puncture in the 18 years or so that I've owned and used it.
A foon by any other name, is still a spork.
I roll my 3/4 thermarest along with 4/5 length closed cell pad. More protection for thermarest and more padding for my hips when I sleep, mostly on my sides.
Sandalwood
I roll my tent polls up in the therma rest, put it in it's stuff sack, and carry it on the outside of my pack. Never had a problem.
I'm Late, I'm Late, I'm Late!!
Most thru hikers used closed cell pads last year. Good luck with your Therm-o-rest
I didn't know that Thermarest pads had stuff sacks! Um, did I just reveal my age?
I use a couple rubber bands to hold it closed.
I've carried mine outside, without a sack, with no problems. Of course I tend to stay out of brambles and other thorny places.
While I don't actually have a Thermarest, my InsulMat is pretty much the same thing. I'm not sure, but I 'think' the only time it was inside my ULA P2 pack was through Mahoosuc Notch. Otherwise, it is strapped to the bottom outside horizontally (no stuff sack, either - I use the stuff sack for my 'kitchen'). No puncture holes, yet...
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mt squid
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Sleepin by the river just like he usually done
Call for his whisky
He can call for his tea
Call all he wanta but he can't call me..."
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I use an inflatable Insulmat and keep it inside my pack. Of course it packs much smaller than a full length self-inflating pad.....
I did hike with a 4lb5oz full length self-inflating 2" Thermarest last summer lashed horizontally to my pack. I had to stop every 30 min or so to resecure it due to snagging...once it came clean off.....no more.
I usually fold my 3/4 thermarest into a flat sqaure shape (which I sit on to squeeze out the last of the air and screw on the cap so its aloms vacuum sealed) and place it at the bottom of my pack, lining the base. It takes hardly any space that way, it's as if the pack is empty.
The new rage is the 3/4 Prolite. First folded in half and then rolled in a neat 3.4" x 11" 13 oz package and small enough to fit in your pack.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...uctId=47784027
My therma rests all came with stuff sacks as did my Big Agnes blow-up(matt not doll). Us old folks need the extra cushion you can't get from the egg cartons.
The heaviest thing I carried was my attitude.
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