Patching a Thermarest

imported
#1

Hey all!

Has anybody got any feedback on luck or lack thereof in patching a thermarest. I have the ultralite full length and I have put two ‘pinhole’ type holes in the side where you lay. (struck a match and two tiny pieces of the match landed on the pad). I used seamgrip and duct tape on the first hole I found but it took along time to dry. Seems to be holding. After which I found the second pinhole. I went out and bought the hotbond kit and I am about to apply that now. Do these patches hold? Do they require more patching? I will need the R value in the fully inflated pad to keep from freezing at night. A little aprehensive about relying on this thing, but its sooooo comfortable.

Thanks
bono

bono

#2

If they are put on well they’ll hold, we used 3/4 LE’s the whole way and never had a prob but then were anal about gear care. Actually a foam mat insulates batter than air, or the two together, we need the space for “sour” hips as we sleep on the sides so the inflatable ones are premo.

Bushwhack

#3

I patched a ultralight a number of years ago (3?) and it is still holding. The hot bond worked really well. I tend to inflated the mattress a LOT! Like until I am blue in the face, and then I give it one more blow. And I am tough on my gear. Have used it for many week + hikes, but didn’t use it on my thru 'cause I wanted to try a z-rest. Quickly switched to a 3/4 ultralight (at NOC) 'cause I was freezing at night.

If you are worried about it holding, keep the patch kit with you until you are convinced it will. It’s relatively light and easy to do in the field.

Gravity Man