Cutting a closed cell sleeping pad

[KKBaloney]

I want to trim my closed cell sleeping pad but I don't want to make a $35 mistake.

Will I damage the pad if cut it with a razor knife?

Thanks in advance for your help?

[TNhiker]

Will I damage the pad if cut it with a razor knife?


yes.......it will be cut.... :P

a razor knife will cut a pad just fine...

and heck, if you need a new one---walmart sells them for like 7 bucks....

[Venchka]

Measure twice. Cut once. Sharp blade. Steady hand. You and your pad will be fine.

Wayne

[RED-DOG]

I trimmed mine with a pair of scissors, A razor knife would do the job but i believe you would have more control and do a better job with scissors.

[Franco]

This type :
23650
for a clean cut put a bar on top of the mat (could be a walking stick) and press down

[MuddyWaters]

Know the kind of scissors that are used to cut sports tape off athletes? the kind that will cut a penny in two? Yep, those. $5 at harbor freight for cheapies, although your kids having fun cutting pennies will ruin the cheap ones after a few pennies.

[redseal]

If you are concerned with damaging the pad's integrity, no worries. The closed cell foam will keep its original properties. If you are interested in the pad's construction check out: http://www.backpackingengineer.com/blog.php/30

[q-tip]

Make sure you bring a number of different sizes of band-aids, These pads don/t really like to be cut......................

[Rasty]

Roll the pad up very tight and wrap with painters tape where its going to be cut. Use a sharp hack saw or if you have one use a 12" serrated bread knife to cut. Be careful with the knife as foam is sticky against the metal so cut on the pull stroke.

[quasarr]

I cut mine with the scissors on my mini Leatherman and it was fine! The only thing you risk is a ragged edge and since its foam that doesn't even matter.

[quasarr]

PS... I forgot to mention, you can save the cutoff piece if it is large enough, and use it with some nylon cord to make ultralight camp sandals! I have done that twice and the sandals suck (definitely can't use them for a stream crossing!!) but I rarely use camp sandals so for me it's nice to have a pair that weighs less than 1/2 oz.

[leaftye]

If you're really picky about a clean edge, use a hot wire knife.