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I've been looking at the ENO Hotspot SPE:
http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.c...uct/A4011.html
I know these aren't that expensive but I would really like to find some DIY options.
I've even thought about just using some velcro to affix some CCF onto the sides of one of the many Thermarest pads I already own. I could then remove the CCF to make packing the pad a little easier.
If anyone has any ideas or thoughts, please share.
Thanks in advance
The link below should show you a DIY for an SPE
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGear.html
Take a look at my gallery..I've made several of these. Pretty simple to make, and they work very well.
https://www.hammockforums.net/galler...&cutoffdate=-1
Here is a pic of the no sew SPE I made.
No sew was cute. Given the problems I had trying to get duck tape off of CCF it should last. ;-)
The easiest way to make an SPE is to get a yard of nylon and a yard of polar fleece or 2 yards of nylon. Depending on the roll that gives you 48 or 60 inches length. Plenty for a torso pad for most folks.
Square up the the cut edges and run a 3/8 - 1/2 inch rolled hem. You just want neat.
Lay one piece on top of the other and pin down one edge.
Run a line of stitching down each edge ~1/4 - 3/8 inch in from the edge to make a big pocket. Turn inside out to bury the stitching.
Put the pad of choice between the two sheets of material.
Center the pad.
Pin the material together at one end of the pad on each side to make a pocket that is snug but not tight because you need to get the pad in and out but wide gaps = cold spots.
I'd pin a foot or so and then do a couple inches at the other end. That should define the center pocket. Pull the pad out the end and then put it back to check. Adjust as needed. Pull the pad, , put a line between the top and bottom pins and run a line of stitching down the two pin lines to make a long center pocket.
You now should be able to insert your main pad in the center pocket and cut smaller wing pads to fit the side pockets. I would not make the side pads full length but I might use short pads from each end. With CCF there will be enough friction that they will not move much if they are snug but not tight. A long side pad will kink. OTOH a gap of several inches will not be a problem and will allow for hinging on the sides.
I would start there and see how it worked. If you decide you do not want the lower pads you can re make the SPE with side pockets that suite you after you figure out what you really need. Side sleepers probably want knee pad(s) back sleepers won't notice them.
I prefer to sleep on polar fleece but you can pick any material you think is comfortable. All that is needed for the back is something light and strong to hold it together. If the SPE is a bit slippery on the bottom it will tend to move in the hammock. If the top is less slippery you tend to stick to it better than the pad does to the hammock so the pad setup self centers in the hammock. I find it comfortable. YMMV. OTOH fleece tends to be bulky and relatively heavy so you might find something better.
Here's some instructions I did in another thread that might help. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...86&postcount=4
Finished Product.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ictureid=12514