Cutting down a Therm-a-Rest Z Lite

**jdy98p** · 02-13-2018, 15:05

Has anyone cut down a Therm-a-Rest Z Lite instead of buying the "Seat" version? Would there be any compromise to the material?

I'm thinking that at 3 sections of the mat version I could have 4 or 5 "seats" for the price of 2.5-3 of the official seats.

EDIT: Each 3-panel section would be appox. 15" x 20". A 2-panel section would be 10.3" x 20". A single mat would yield 5 total seats with four 3-panels and one 2-panel.

**TrailSlug** · 02-13-2018, 15:18

I haven't personally but a lady I followed on the PCT did this exact thing this year and said her pad looked nearly new after the 2000+ mile trip.

**jdy98p** · 02-13-2018, 15:39

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

I haven't personally but a lady I followed on the PCT did this exact thing this year and said her pad looked nearly new after the 2000+ mile trip.

So you're saying I should wait for my REI 20% off coupon and get one

**TrailSlug** · 02-13-2018, 15:42

Originally Posted by jdy98p

So you're saying I should wait for my REI 20% off coupon and get one

Sure and sell the others parts to recoup your costs

**jdy98p** · 02-13-2018, 15:45

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Sure and sell the others parts to recoup your costs

Actually, I think they'll end up used for the wife and kids. I mostly wanted to know if I'd be compromising the mat even though it's CCF.

**HoosierT** · 02-13-2018, 16:00

No you'll be fine. I use cut down Ridgerest Classics as the backpads/sitpads for all my packs and they don't show any wear or damage whatsoever. The Z-Lite will be even better if you're cutting them at the "seams" since the material is so thin there anyways.

**Burg54** · 02-13-2018, 16:09

I cut mine down ino two separate sections. Much more versatile this way. I drilled a couple holes in mine to tie it back together should I have to go to ground. Its held up great after 3 yrs. Go for it!

**Tony c** · 02-13-2018, 17:36

I cut mine in 3 sections. I highly recommend it. If you bend it at the seams to make the taco shape the shape isn't abused nearly as much. I use the ridge runner double layer.

My split it as 5/4/4 which gives you a wide 25 inch panel for shoulders, and two 20 inch square pieces

**Flash Grundelore** · 02-13-2018, 19:04

Save your money and your ThermArest... Cheapo Pad on AliBaba
At that price just buy a half dozen and give 'em out to your friends at the next hang.

[If you want to, go get a can of aluminized spray paint at the auto body... two coats and you are "sittin' pretty"]