Sleeping pads for the vertically challenged

[teapot57]

I really don't need a 72" long sleeping pad, and having a shorter one would free up some space in my solo tent. Can anyone recommend a sleeping pad that is shorter than 72 inches, and preferably wider than 20 inches? I don't like rolling off a narrow pad.

[joybird]

I use a Big Agnes Q-core SLX in the petite size (66" x 20"). One of the really nice things about the shorter length (in addition to less weight and a smaller packed size) is that I can lie my backpack flat at the foot of my tent without the pad getting in the way. No more problems with the pack pressing the tent wall out and potentially wicking moisture in!

As for the 20" width, the SLX has slightly larger tubes on the edges, so I rarely feel like I'm going to "fall off". If I'm feeling like I need a bit more room to "sprawl", I just pile my clothes or other gear alongside it and use that to support whatever part of me needs more room. I also usually backpack with a small inflatable pillow which I have sometimes used for that purpose as well.

On a related note: I also really like the "pump house" waterproof stuff sack that I got for it. I've used it for two seasons now and so far it is holding up nicely. Plenty large enough to hold my sleeping bag and blowing the pad up with it is much easier than getting dizzy doing it the old fashioned way.

[teapot57]

Thanks, Joybird!

[teapot57]

I just got a new sleeping pad last year, so instead of buying a new one, I decided to take matters into my own hands. After researching online and watching some videos, I cut my pad down in size and resealed it with an iron. My 25 x 72 Nemo Tensor Insulated is now 25 x 60. The seal seems to be holding but I am going to leave weight on it for a couple days as a test to be sure. To be safe, I made the new seam about a half inch wide, which is a lot wider than the factory seams. It was scary to make that first cut, but in the end the process was very easy! I practiced a few times on the scrap that I cut off.

Cutting off the length I don't need has a few benefits. It is now 3.2 ounces lighter, which is not much, but I'll take it. More importantly, the pad will now take up less room in my tent and pack, and be faster and easier to inflate.

[joybird]

What a cool idea! I never would have thought of that. And even if I had, I doubt I’d have had the guts to try it. Yay you!

Do let us know how it holds up!

[teapot57]

My shortened pad held up great this summer!

FYI- REI Outlet has some great deals on sleeping pads now. The Nemo Tensor Pads are there for a steal, as well as a few Big Agnes models. I know it’s personal preference, but the Tensor is the most comfortable pad I’ve ever slept on. I’m tempted to buy a backup.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/c/sleepi ... utlet=true

[mattB]

You are awfully brave to cut a foot off the end of your sleeping pad!
That first cut must have been very frightening!
My Nemo has valves at both ends, I imagine that would have complicated the process a bit.

[teapot57]

That first cut must have been very frightening!

Not as frightening as our stormy night at Old Man Lake.

(Trip report to follow when I can figure out how to post photos now that Photobucket and Tinypic are no longer good options.)

[Jay w]

Cold ground was my bed last night
And rock was my pillow too

You can use https://postimages.org/

I haven't signed up for an acct, but maybe if you do, you can manage your photos. Dave posted the link quite a while ago when we were all flipped photobucket the bird.

Jay

[mattB]

I've used Flickr in the past, not sure if it still works...

[teapot57]

Thanks for the suggestions on photo hosting sites. I’ll do a summer trip report as time allows. For now, here are a few snaps of the sleeping pad shortening. You may have to click on the photos to make them larger.

So here’s what the inside of an insulated sleeping pad looks like:




I used clamps to hold the pad firmly in place to make the ironing easier.




The finished seam, which is more like an inch thick, rather than a half inch, as I described above:

[mattB]

Wow! It looks great!!
Thanks for the pics!!

[joybird]

Thanks for sharing that, Teapot.

The pictures not only help make the concept a little less scary, but seeing the radiant barrier inside also gave me an "aha!" moment about the importance of always using your insulated sleeping pad with the correct side facing up! (Duh.)