Hopefully this isn't a repeat thread.  I seached for what I thought I remembered about pad inflation topics to no avail, so here's the new post.  Hope ya'll like it.

Air pad inflation on steriods - The "Cubenflator".

There’s been a bit of discussion on the forum about inflating sleeping pads – by mouth, pump, bag, and other gizmo’s.  I’d been looking for a way to reduce my efforts on inflating the non-self-inflating pad I have…happens to be the latest Big Agnes Q-Core….3.5 inches of comfy goodness.  I liked the Instaflator (   (You need to Login or Register) that has been mentioned for its simplicity and light weight.  At the price ($3.95 plus shipping), I bought 4 of them.  They work as advertised, but I wasn’t happy with the length of the bag and its delicateness.  One scrape on sharp granite and you might as well use it for a trash bag.  Sure – duct tape to the rescue.  It’s hard to use inside a tent too, as one poster mentioned.  I decided to make my own using the original hard parts.  You could probably make your own out of some tubing if you’re industrious.

I thought silnylon would be a better material, until, while looking for some online, I found cuben fiber, or CTF3 – a nonwoven laminate made of Dyneema polyethylene fiber.  Look it up – it’s pretty fantastic stuff.  They make high performance sailcloth out of it.  Ultra light backpackers have been making all kinds of stuff out of it for a while.  I thought I’d give it a try and it worked out as well as I’d hoped.  One bonus is you can use high strength double sided tape and don’t have to sew it. 

I got my fabric from Bearpaw Wilderness Design on line.  It’s not cheap, at $13.50/half yard of .51 oz./yd  material plus $1.00 per half yard of the tape.  The material comes 54” wide, so I got a yard of it and 3 yards of tape, plus shipping for $38. 

First, I made a tube by taping the two long sides with a flat seam.  I thought that might be a bit weak, but it’s worked great.  Tip – apply tape to one edge, line up the seam and weight the fabric so it doesn’t move/slide around.  Then slowly pull the backing off the other side of the tape at a 45 degree angle on the horizontal, pressing down the seam to seal as you go.  Use this method on all seams and avoid working with two sticky surfaces at one time.  This eliminates wrinkles, gaps, puckers, etc. – also known as screwing it up.

The original has a tapered end to it, but I thought it a waste.  Next I flat seam taped one end on the inside surfaces.   Since this seam would take the most pressure, I doubled it over and added one more pass of tape.  Now the one end had an unfinished edge, so I simply doubled it over and taped it – nice and clean.  Then I turned it inside out so the pressure would compress the end seam vs. pull it apart.  Where to put the valve?  Now I had two tapers to use.  I put the collar inside one corner and just pressed the nipple end into the collar, then cut the material out of the center with an Exacto blade.

Done.  How does it perform?  A light breeze or a couple breaths fill it.  It’s short enough to use inside a tent, but nearly twice the volume of the original.  It’s tough, light and packs down really small.  I put as much pressure on it as I dared (not quite full body weight) and it’s held up fine.  It takes about 1.5 times to fill my 3.5x20x72 inch BA pad.  It survived 10 days and 3 pads a night in Wabakimi last month and performed flawlessly. 

If I can figure out attaching pictures, I'll add some.

pd

Sounds like a good project.  I purchased a pillow pump which performed so port I never took it on a trip.
You paid $38 for materials.  How much of that material was left over?
MagicPaddler

I was just thinking about how to do this.  I have a thermarest Neoair and bought their pump which is very similar to the one you're using except that that bag is shorter and more square (easier to use in a tent etc.)  I was blown away by the simplicity of the pump and how incredibly easy and fast it was to inflate the mat.  However, the bag is just heavy plastic and although it made it through 3 weeks in WCPP I would like to find something more durable to carry as a bag and CTF3 sounds perfect.  Thanks for the tip.

Hey.......what gives, who knew! My hated camping chore used to be pumping water, now it's blowing up my BA. Been thinking about some high country hiking and was dreading blowing up my BA in thin air.
Thanks  :thumbup

Improve your aerobic capacity and blowing up a sleeping pad is not so bad. It is kind of a fitness test. A glass half full thing.
Jon

Thanks for the support guys.  MP - no material was left over.  I started with a rectangle of material and used the 1 yd. by +/-54 inch wide fabric, taped the two long edges together, then sealed one end to form a bag and put the nozzle piece into one of the bag corners.  No cutting needed, unless you would want to 'square up' the edges first, but I didn't find that necessary.  Still mean to get some pics posted, but lots of other stuff going on too.

Jon - as far as aerobics goes, good  point, but keeping the moisture out of the pad, especially in cold weather makes better sense to me in preserving the longevity of the pad. 

If any of you take on the project, or have improvements, I'd like to hear about it.

pd

Get the Big Agnes Pumphouse
  (You need to Login or Register
No more hyperventilating!  All you need is an air mattress with a round valve.

I sent for and returned an Exped pad. I was expecting one that had an intergrated pump. But while I had it I thought it was too flimsy. After talking to an REI rep on the floor about alternate bags I decided I wasn't interested in the new air pads anymore. I also noticed it was very noisy. Sounded like you were crushing a bag of chips every time I handled it. On my last trip someone had an REI knockoff. Every time he moved in his sleep it sounded like a major event.

Course you can figure you can just scare the bears away by just moving around on your pad  ;D

I have the Exped DLX9 top of the line and would fight rather than switch.  I've never noticed any noise.

Huh? What'd you say?
;D ;D

Still working on adding photos to a forum post, but you can go to the Inukshuk photo gallery and see several images of the Cubenflator - not a how to photo spread, but you get the gist of it.  See the Cubenflator album inside my portage dog main album. 

As far as the Pumphouse goes, it's pretty small and would require multiple cycles to fill an air mattress.  Compare the specs.  Being generous, it will hold 6.5-7 cubic feet of air and weighs in at 1.5 oz for a cost of $20 plus tax and shipping.  All in, probably close to $30.  I built the Cubenflator for about $45, all in.  It weighs in at 1.375 oz., and hold an amazing 35 cubic feet of air.  Subtract a few cf for the rolled top and you still can fill a big pad in a little over one bag worth of air. 

Everyone has their preferences, but I'll take 3.5 inches of Big Agnes Q-core padding for a good sleep over a few crinkles of noise any day.   :thumbup

pd

We love our 3 1/2" Big Agnes mattresses, hated those "self-inflating" insulating 1" thick pads.  The B.A. mattresses only take a minute to inflate by mouth and it doesn't require any more gadgets that take up space and weigh something. A few somethings can add up to a lot.  Decades ago we would just have an outfitter set up a complete "ultra-light" package. Since then, we've discovered you can enjoy the same camping/tripping/fishing experience with less than half the weight we used to drag along. No pumps.

Jim J Solo wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2012 at 4:41pm:

I sent for and returned an Exped pad. I was expecting one that had an intergrated pump. But while I had it I thought it was too flimsy. After talking to an REI rep on the floor about alternate bags I decided I wasn't interested in the new air pads anymore. I also noticed it was very noisy. Sounded like you were crushing a bag of chips every time I handled it. On my last trip someone had an REI knockoff. Every time he moved in his sleep it sounded like a major event. Course you can figure you can just scare the bears away by just moving around on your pad  ;D

I had a chance to visit Midwest Mountaineering to kill some time while waiting for a trip partner to arrive in Mpl/SP. So I got the chance to check out a nice selection of the sleeping pads. The REI rep I had on the phone miss led me about the pad I was intending to purchase.

It's just the ultra light models that are built like potato chip bags.

It's true that the Big Agnes Pumphouse takes several fills to blow up an air mattress.  It's a lot easier than blowing up by mouth, though, and it takes only a few minutes.  It also doesn't introduce moisture to the inside of the air pad.  I don't see the point in making one for $45 when I can buy one for about half that.  Different strokes, I suppose.

I need to get a new pad if I,m going to continue camping ! I'm loaded with arthriitus and have back abnorallities from 45 years of heavy construction work and at least one one major trauma...many small agrivations.  I hear all this praise of the Big Agnes stuff, but I have not seen any of it. Their web site does not give me much.    I'm 60 miles and a non paid off day frome a Gander Moountain or a Cabela's.     ...plus,I am scrimping on non-eential stuff    I'd really like to hear what you guys know about the varied Therm-a-Rest pads that I  find my Campmor catalogue sells.  What's the difference between a "trek and travel series" and a "fast and light series"...how about the "neoeir mattresses"?   I've got two nickels to rub together right now,...   but by X-mas,,.      well, ...

I went to a Big Anges sleeping pad about 2 years ago.  Went from a 1/2 inch thermarest guide lite to a 2 1/2 inch "pillow".  It sleeps good and compresses nicely.  But since I'm not using a Big Agnes bag ... its a little noisy as I move around at night.

dd

So is this" pillow' supportive? My wife got an inflatable matrice for a familly / car camping trip we took with the little kids a while back and the sag and sqishey softness of it all almost killed me.   I'm (almost) "funni'n now, ... but I still can't stand up straight.   For most of my life I've used either a folded up wool blanket or a 3 quarter length ,1(?) inch thermo rest self inflating pad I got in the early eighties. I'm always going to wake up "stiff" now but I think I should be able to not be freezing and crippled by dawn   Would the ThermoRest product (I don't know which one would be best) give me some needed "support"that the "comfy" pillow from Agnes would not?. I'd really appreciate some experienced comment on this. 100 to 150 $ plus shipping is saddly", huge!'  right now. If I have to, I'll stick withthe folded up wool blanket...   ...I'll just briing alot more 'rumatiz' meds. (12yr kentucky sippin' types_) :dankk2

Over the years I have kept upgrading. Thin closed cell, self inflating and now the Exped Downmat 9 LW. My first Exped had a bag to use as a bellows for inflating the bag. That pad started expelling down during deflation. It was three years old but I was sent the new Exped Downmat 9 LW with its internal pump. About 70 pushes on the pump and it is at my preferred stiffness.

I was led to the Exped by a tripping partner when he told me, "I did not roll over all night." I knew that was a huge statement when it came to sleeping on the ground. I found his endorsement to be truthful. The pad is more of a bed than just padding. It is quiet and there is no sliding around on it. For personal comfort I do cover it with a small cotton sheet. With use at my cabin and canoe trips I sleep on this pad about 100 nights a year and am fully satisfied.

After seeing most of the different models in a store. I'd lean to the Exped Syn or Downmat 7cm or 9cm if you're going to try a mostly air pad. Check out Exped website for internal pump video.

I've been on trips were people had leaks with the Big Agnes pads. Big Agnes replaced them OK, but that doesn't help when you're on your trip.

Thermarest has a 40th anniversary model pro-light that's 2" thick. They cut the mummy shape down some from the 1.5" pro-light plus to save weight. It packs smaller than the Expeds if bulk is an issue. Smaller footprint though than the Expeds, but you have the same old foam core left to sleep on if it gets a leak during a trip.

Lots of winners to choose from.

I used the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mattress for 5 years and then switched to the Thermarest Neo Air, which I've been using for the last two seasons.  In either case I was using the same sized mattress (the longest and widest available.)  In terms of comfort, I found both models virtually identical, which is to say very comfortable.  However, if weight and volume are a concern then the Neo Air wins hands down.  Rolled up , it is at least half the size and more than half the weight of the BA.  That being said, you pay for that reduction so if that isn't that big an issue for you, you'll find the BA just as comfortable.

thanks for the imput. How do the NeoAir and the Trek+Travel by Therm-A-Rest differ? Seems like the Trek+Travel model may consist of more foam,since (according to my Campmor catalog) the NeoAir rolls up tighter and is lighter. My trips are usually in May. I wonder if the much pricier pad( NeoAir )provides as much insulation. The 40th anniversaary model is interesting,too.  It seams that the Big Ag is loved by many,but a smaller pack size is pretty attractive. I'll  have to look on line to see what the last suggestion is like.    thanks.

knafelc struck a cord for me. I've been using the same 3/4 1 inch Thermarest for, gosh, maybe 20 years. The chair that surrounds it is one year younger.

I get to camp, set up the tent, throw tent stuff inside, open the valve on the Trest and throw it inside. If I want a chair later I get it out of the tent and use as is or maybe a breath or two before closing the valve.

Once I call it a night, I position it in the tent under the bag. Here's my secret. I put  the sleeping bag bag filled with stuff under where my knees will go. Once I'm in the bag on my back my knees are bent and my heels barely hit the ground. I then let out enough air to make my butt touch bottom when trying. 5 minutes later I'm asleep.

I'll wake up numerous times during the night but actually getting up because I'm uncomfortable usually only happens at home. No heel discomfort there either as they often stick out beyond the mattress there too.

knafelc wrote on Oct 31^st, 2012 at 12:55am:

thanks for the imput. How do the NeoAir and the Trek+Travel by Therm-A-Rest differ? Seems like the Trek+Travel model may consist of more foam,since (according to my Campmor catalog) the NeoAir rolls up tighter and is lighter. My trips are usually in May. I wonder if the much pricier pad( NeoAir )provides as much insulation. The 40th anniversaary model is interesting,too.  It seams that the Big Ag is loved by many,but a smaller pack size is pretty attractive. I'll  have to look on line to see what the last suggestion is like.    thanks.

Check out Therm-a-rest website for "R" values. The Neo Air is mostly just air??, the Trek/Travel is more a solid foam core and more square footprint. The Pro-light & 40th anv. models have a foam core with holes punched into it to save weight, pack smaller, and a mummy footprint.

Also you can call Campmor and ask to talk to someone "on the floor" that has the different produces in front of them while they answer your questions. I did that with REI, but was left with some wrong impressions. So good luck.

Insulation might be a bigger deal for those with Big Agnes bags since they don't insulate the bottom of the bags.

Thanks guys. Right now when I go car camping I use an outdoor lounger/lawnchair pad and sleep better than at home.( And we have a "good" mattress)  Obviously I can't trip with that. I do pile stuff up under my knees to straighten my spine and that does wonders. Someone told me K.Callen has a gear review on YouTube that goas on about the Exped stuff   (Thanks for turning me on to that,DD). Right now I'm thinking the ThermoRest large 2inch Trek+travel or thier 4season NeoAir might be what I need to stay in the game. I appologize if I seem whiney.  Thanks for the help.

There is another way to go if your looking for a little versatility in camp.
I have a Thermarest. Don't recall the exact model, but I believe it's a NEO style with the contour shape and inner core with the perforated foam for weight savings.
Inflated it's about 1 1/2" thick or so.
I don't bring a chair and usually find a natural backrest and sit on a piece of a old Thermarest closed cell foam pad to ward off the cold/wet ground.
I ended up buying a 4' version of this pad. I don't roll it and attach to pack, I stand it on edge in my Granite Gear food pack and put my food containers inside of it. Quiets the pack/insulates and if I go over I know it will float.

At night I lay that under the top portion of my NEO and get another layer of padding.
Serves multiple purposes and I don't think the combine weight would what your looking at?

solotripper wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 12:16pm:

I stand it on edge in my Granite Gear food pack and put my food containers inside of it.

Not sure this is a good idea. I have seen a bear flatten a tent to get at (and then try to eat) a foam pad that it thought smelled like food. The tent occupants (outside the tent at the time) had more or less the same idea you did.

I 0ften thought that folks using pieces of ciothing as pot cozies were inviting that sort of trouble. I don't think that putting a pad outside of a sealed food container,yet inside the carrying pack, could be that bad. 

Joe_Schmeaux wrote on Nov 1^st, 2012 at 8:16pm:

solotripper wrote on Nov 1st, 2012 at 12:16pm: I stand it on edge in my Granite Gear food pack and put my food containers inside of it. Not sure this is a good idea. I have seen a bear flatten a tent to get at (and then try to eat) a foam pad that it thought smelled like food. The tent occupants (outside the tent at the time) had more or less the same idea you did.

Not saying it couldn't happen if I was careless, but I double bag my food and that goes into 2 Rubbermaid type clear boxes with the latching lids.
I also made homemade silicon sealer gaskets for the lids. I don't prep food on them so I'm not too worried ;), but then you do never know.
I try and stay at the less used campsites because you never know who did what at the 4-5 star sites and whether or not the local bears see it as a possible food source.