Average Pad Width?

**CJK** · 02-08-2011, 20:14

I've been reading the Just Jeff and Sgt Rock websites and looking at their layered pad ideas. Increasing the width and thickness simultaneously seems like an inexpensive solution even if it’s a little bulky and heavy. My local Wal-Mart just got in the spring shipment of the $5.88 72" x 20" x .5" blue pads so I bought two of them. The plan is to leave one pad as is and cut the other one into two or more pieces. What is the most common width for the perpendicular shoulder piece?

Is it as simple as cutting it in half and creating a 36” wide shoulder pad and then doubling up under my hips with the other piece?

**Joey** · 02-08-2011, 20:43

I've been looking at the same sites, and will be making Sgt Rock's pocket pad here in a few weeks (have to pick up a couple wide pads).

Seems like you are considering the pad Sgt Rock made, layering one pad horizonatally ontop of another. It worked well for him. I attached the diagram he made this with.

I'm going for 30" wide, personally. I'm a restless sleeper, and go from side to side all night. The extra width will work well with the pocket pad set up, and make it easier to fit my z rest inside for additional warmth if needed. I didn't think the wing pad idea would work well for me.

**CJK** · 02-08-2011, 21:02

That's the plan. My idea of 36"W might be too much. For $5 I guess I can just keep cutting it until it works.

Because I canoe camp almost as I as hike, I really want to stick with the pads if possible. I have dry bags for keeping down out of the river during navigational errors, but the humidity is still high at night next to the water.

**Joey** · 02-08-2011, 21:06

I have a GT Ultralight hammock coming that I'm going to measure the shoulder width in and base my final cut off that. Maybe cut the pad 2" shorter width wise on each side, just to ensure the pad stays in the hammock but allow max. coverage.

Like you said, if that's too big I can always cut it back some. Easy enough!

Please let me know how this works for you. It'll be another 2 weeks before I get my hammock and pads to start on this project. I will be posting pics as I complete it.

**CJK** · 02-13-2011, 18:37

36" is not too wide.
In fact even wider would have worked.
Using an ENO double hammock with two T's was perfect.
I'd like less weight but the coverage is great.
Both pads minus the x-pattern latching are 27 ounces.

**Timberrr** · 02-13-2011, 20:04

Originally Posted by CJK

My local Wal-Mart just got in the spring shipment of the $5.88 72" x 20" x .5" blue pads

CJK:
Help me out... The closest thing I could find on Walmart.com was $12. Plus a lot of mats that are a lot more expensive.

Maybe it was an overstock at your local store or a special buy or..?

**CJK** · 02-13-2011, 20:54

Timberr, I couldn't find that model on Wal-marts website. I'll get the stock number the next time I'm in the store.

**Red Wing** · 02-13-2011, 20:59

Did you check the camping section and not the sports section? They have a bunch of pads, but they're all by the workout equipment.. then the loley blue CCF pad is usually by itself in the camping isle...

*had the same issue not being able to find it initially.

**CJK** · 02-20-2011, 19:59

Trip AAR. I just spent the weekend with the double cross pads configuration. The overnight lows were in the mid-thirties. The pads and a Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag were too hot if anything. Cold butt or comfort was not a problem. The pads stayed in place and I didn't have any problems staying on the 36" wide area. The only negative was the combined 27 ounce weight of the pads. This works for me.