Thermarest pads

[ken999]

Just a quick question or two for everyone...

Have you ever popped a thermarest and or had problems with one losing air?

How do the patch kits work? I realize that this is dependant on where the problem was...

Generally speaking I'm looking at a Prolite 4, large size, for my winter pad and would like to know how these things hold up and how well they repair when they don't...

I have a 3/4 Thermarest, but don't use it...and yes it is holding up fine!

Thanks

Ken

[sacco]

Have you ever popped a thermarest and or had problems with one losing air?

nope.

Generally speaking I'm looking at a Prolite 4, large size, for my winter pad and would like to know how these things hold up and how well they repair when they don't...

i have the pro-lite 4, 3/4 size. love it.

I have a 3/4 Thermarest, but don't use it...and yes it is holding up fine!

interested in selling it?

[Neil]

Those thermarests are so tough...

I was surprised when mine sprung a leak (it's one of my kids' fault, when their friends sleep over they use a thermarest and then it sits on their floor and gets abused for days...)

I patched it 18 mos. ago and followed the patch kit's instructions religiously. To my amazement it still works perfectly.

[AdRegion]

I've got two 3/4 Ultralites, one works, one has a hole. Can't find the repair kit. I prefer the foam pads for ultimate durability. Don't like the Z-Rest; parnoid about the seams. I use the regular Thermarest pads on rocks, dirt, snow, front of the fire, etc. Plus, when shoved into the ends of my kayak they serve as reasonable flotation. In a really desparate moment, the foam pads make better splints. Yikes.

[sacco]

hey adregion, interested in selling your holy one?

[ken999]

Sacco- No...I'm likely to have some kids someday, and will put it to good use then. I would use it more but I'm not fond of a 20" pad...not wide enough.

Thanks for all the replys so far...

[lumberzac]

hey adregion, interested in selling your holy one?

What, was it blessed by the Pope or something?

[Dick]

I've got two 3/4 Ultralites, one works, one has a hole. Can't find the repair kit. I prefer the foam pads for ultimate durability. Don't like the Z-Rest; parnoid about the seams. I use the regular Thermarest pads on rocks, dirt, snow, front of the fire, etc. Plus, when shoved into the ends of my kayak they serve as reasonable flotation. In a really desparate moment, the foam pads make better splints. Yikes.

I've never had a puncture in mine, but I have had a valve leak. I try to be extra careful when tightening or loosening it. I only use it in winter and prefer the Z-Rest in summer (3/4 version). My biggest concern is weight, so the Z-Rest is better for me. I've never had a problem with the seams, though I agree they do appear to be flimsy.

Dick

[AdRegion]

Sacco, thanks for the offer, but the "holy" one belongs to the wife.

Anyone tried the thermarest things that hold the pads and become a chair? Not that I ever get a chance to lounge.

[sacco]

i know some people swear by those chair adapters.

[JJW]

We have used thermarest pads for years, and only 1 got a leak.
I patched it as/per instructions, it hasn't leaked since.

We started with 3/4 length Thermarest,
then full length and slightly thicker Thermarests,
and now we also have two Slumberjack super thick, bulky and heavy self-inflators that we use for car camping/party camping.

The chair adapters are nice.
We don't always bring them along, it depends on many factors.

C-Ya,
John

[starbaby]

I also have 2 of the 3/4 ultralights and have never had any problems with them leaking. However, I don't like the narrowness of them. It seems as though sleeping on your back is nearly impossible. Does anyone else have this problem? And what do you do about it?

SB

[redhawk]

I also have 2 of the 3/4 ultralights and have never had any problems with them leaking. However, I don't like the narrowness of them. It seems as though sleeping on your back is nearly impossible. Does anyone else have this problem? And what do you do about it?

SB

I use a bivy sack that has straps to hold the sleeping pad.

[ken999]

Starbaby- I agree...One has got to wonder who these pads are actually made for. If I lay on the floor on my back with my arms at my side, I'm about 26" wide... 20" pads must be for side sleepers.

[llawhsoj]

I've had good luck with mine. I did get a whole in it but a patch kit fixed it pretty well. Ken999, just something to think about, make sure you are taking a foam pad to compliment your thermarest. Especially the pro lite 4, its not that thick and that air is going to get cooled down, and lose air pressure(and hence inflantation) on a winter trip without another thing to insulate it. I just didn't think I saw anyone comment on that and want to help you avoid frostbite on your rear.
Personally as a general whole, I have a 1.5 inch, thermarest classic. Its nothing great a little bulky, but I like the thickness. If I go and do a long trail I'lln find something else but until then I'm happy with it. Though I wish I had a stuff sack for it it at times. But I'm too cheap to buy one right now. Maybe I'll try and make one when I have time.