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  1. #1
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    Segmented Pad Extender

    I purchased 2 EVA foam pads from "foamorder.com". The pads are 0.25" thick and 40" wide by 80" long. I plan to make segmented pad extenders out of these pads. The pads are just too big for backpacking but if made into SPE's, I can fold the "wings" in which will limit the width of the pad to the width of the "middle" pad. I plan to make the middle pad 24" wide and the side pads (wings) 8" wide. My hammock is a Dream Hammock double layer Dangerbird that is 68" wide. I sometimes use a 24" wide Therma-rest pad which is okay but moves around more than I like. I prefer the 40" wide pad but it is too wide for hiking.

    I wonder why Speer doesn't make the SPE any longer, or anyone else for that matter. I have done some searching for SPE's and can find very little information about them. I am aware of Just Jeff's site that provides quite a bit of information on SPE's but I still can't understand why there isn't more information available than there is.

    Before starting this project, I wanted to get some opinions on my approach or maybe some input on how to make the SPE's as good as they can be.

    1) I plan to use black water resistant nylon. I thought that black would be a good color because it wouldn't show dirt as much as other colors. I may possibly use it on the ground if a I am in a spot that does not have hammock worthy trees. Does anyone have a good suggestion for a suitable material?
    2) Each "pocket" will be 0.5" wider than the pad. In other words the 24" wide pocket will be 24.5" x 80.5" x 0.50". The 8" wide pocket will be 8.5" x 80.5" x 0.50".
    3) I plan to use Velcro for one end of the pockets to allow the pads to be removed. Probably the foot end.
    4) I plan to use double stitching everywhere.
    5) My father is an upholsterer and has commercial sewing machines.


    Anyone out there willing to provide me with some insight?

  2. #2
    Senior Member DuctTape's Avatar
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    Have fun! Making stuff is part of the journey. I know a bunch will chime in and tell you to get an UQ and forego the pads. I am not one of them. I use pads exclusively in the sub-zero temps. They are fantastic insulators, albeit bulky.

    Anyway, back to your question. I am not sure you will need a water resistant material, nor do the pockets/sleeves need to have closures. I agree to double stitch everything. I would also make the dimensions of the sleeves with a little extra for ease of insertion and removal of the pads. Sounds like you don't have any, might be too tight a fit.

    If the experiment goes south, you can use the material to make stuff sacks.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Otter1's Avatar
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    SPE's popularity suffered with the popularity of UQ's. Too many advantages for most folks not to use an UQ.

    That said, SPE's work well at adding warmth.

  4. #4
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    ENO makes a HotSpot which is a copy of the SPE.......http://www.rei.com/product/830279/en...%7Cbing%7Cmain
    There you go.
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  5. #5
    New Member
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    Ductape, I agree that I won't need the water resistant fabric.

    Shug, I am aware of the ENO Hotspot but my Therm-a-rests are 24" wide and 2" thick. I wanted the 2" thick pad before I discovered hammocks and was sleeping on the ground. Even though the Therm-a-rest pads are 24" wide, they still aren't wide enough when sleeping on the diagonal because they do shift around a bit through the night. I got the 0.25" thick 40" x 80" pads because they are much larger (wider) and lighter than the Therm-a-rest pads. I guess the question that needs to be asked is would I be better off making something similar to the Hotspot for my Therm-a-rests or make SPE's out of the EVA pads.

    Funny Money, regarding under quilts, I wanted to use my EVA pads for temperatures that don't dictate a winter under quilt. That being said, I don't own an under quilt as of yet. I have been researching UQ's and plan to make this purchase in the near future. I am an assistant scout master and could always let scouts or other scout leaders use the SPE's though. When I buy an under quilt, I will probably purchase a zero degree UQ. I am assuming that a zero degree UQ wouldn't be too warm for 3 season temperatures?

    Thanks guys!

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