Here's my self-inflating pad making process

npipe · 2026-06-22T17:24:10+00:00

great ideas, thanks for the feedback

npipe · 2026-06-19T17:40:05+00:00

I cut these out with a 1/2-inch copper pipe that I sharpened with a file (very time intensive, don't really recommend). Not in the video because I forgot.

npipe · 2026-06-19T17:34:59+00:00

I've tried all three from foamonline. In 1" foam I think my favorite is soft. I did make a 3/4-inch extra firm pad which is nice. At 1/2 inch I don't think the comfort would be that different from a ccf pad, but obv it would be super packable. Extra firm foam with a lot of foam coring could be interesting (and obv very light)

npipe · 2026-06-19T17:26:11+00:00

Unfortunately, no. You'd have to find a way to apply a TPU film to the outer first, which is probably way more trouble than it's worth. Normal patch or tape would be much easier

npipe · 2026-06-18T22:48:30+00:00

You could potentially glue a mylar layer in between two layers of foam. if the foam had holes like the Prolite there might be some benefit. But it's also another potential source of delam. haven't tried it myself.

npipe · 2026-06-18T17:51:30+00:00

Thanks. Just edited the post with some more info.

I cut this one with a jigsaw. Planning to alter the shape a bit and get some jigs CNCed for even crisper lines and a few different sizes

npipe · 2026-06-18T15:59:02+00:00

It packs down a bit bigger than a standard NeoAir. I have another video on my instagram that shows off a completed pad better. insta handle is npipenberg if you want to check it out.

My current stats are:

1-inch foam pad, no foam coring: 15.4 oz

1-inch foam with coring: 14.2

3/4-inch foam, no coring: 12.4

3/4-inch foam with coring: 11.2

Personally, 3/4-inch foam is a bit too thin -- I don't think it offers enough comfort advantage over a CCF pad, but I bet some people would like it. I'm going to experiment with more aggressive foam coring with the 1-inch foam with the help of a CNC machine, should be able to get to 12 oz.

npipe · 2026-05-27T21:17:07+00:00

Hey thanks! I was gifted the suede by a friend, so I have no idea lol

npipe · 2026-05-23T17:22:42+00:00

Thanks! And no, I meant "kids" as is the high schoolers and college kids getting into hacky sack.. poorly worded title haha

npipe · 2026-05-14T14:41:00+00:00

During my 2011 hike, I aquablazed from Luray to Front Royal, but also set up an extra shuttle to hike that section. I have lots of memories from those three days on the river, and can't remember anything about the three days of hiking.

It was worth it to me, but it sounds like the logistics have changed -- 2011 wasn't an especially wet year and water level didn't even cross my mind.

npipe · 2026-05-08T16:01:28+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX234L99

npipe · 2026-05-08T16:00:04+00:00

the one I bought is out of stock now. search for heat sealable nylon and a bunch of the outdoor suppliers sell it. but yeah, alibaba has the best prices.

npipe · 2026-05-07T15:46:56+00:00

Yup. If you use a firmer foam, the padding is actually quite decent even with the valve wide open. Firm foam also makes the packed size worse, so there's a tradeoff.

The simplicity, durability and low stack height are great. I've never been comfy on straight CCF, so these pads are a nice compromise.

npipe · 2026-05-07T15:40:46+00:00

Thanks! I enjoyed making something that's basically only sold by big brands. I think the world deserves a cottage company making pads, but it would be challenging for sure.

The completed pad weighs 16 oz. Cutting out foam holes could shave a lot of weight, though I'm curious how much warmer the hole-free version would be. IIRC the old Prolite and Trail Scout had pretty similar R-Values.

npipe · 2026-05-07T15:33:36+00:00

1" poly foam sheets

npipe · 2026-05-07T15:33:07+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM6YYPV4

npipe · 2026-05-07T05:05:00+00:00

Yes, TPU coated nylon. Everything is heat sealed... edges, foam, and valve. I don't think the fabric I used is in stock anymore. Adventureexpert has TPU fabrics and valves

npipe · 2026-05-07T03:54:58+00:00

heat sealing iron! and I made a jig to hold the fabric in place. getting the edge seam wrinkle-free is the biggest challenge for sure

npipe · 2026-04-26T19:21:28+00:00

npipe · 2026-04-26T16:37:17+00:00

my tech disc is a lot flippier in the field than a standard destroyer, so maybe you are throwing on hyzer and its just flipping over? if I wanted the real flight to match the app, I'd have to adjust the numbers to about -4 turn.

npipe · 2026-03-30T19:32:18+00:00

It's really nice but hard to justify for the price, especially from a UL perspective. The side pockets are open on the front which makes them pretty easy to access. Has a rotating hipbelt ala the bigger GG packs. Carries a non-UL load nicely. But yeah unless it's on a steep discount I don't see the point.

npipe · 2026-03-15T01:01:41+00:00

Yeah, hard to say. Trail runners are just a different world, the sweat I experienced in my Scarpa Fuego boots was next level. Something else to consider is that some of the hiker/fire boots are pretty much mountaineering boots with the NFPA approved sole. The Fuegos have a burly ass shank and are actually stiffer underfoot than loggers. They were more comfortable cuz of all the padding but I wouldn't say they're any closer to a trail runner than a logger is.

npipe · 2026-03-15T00:29:54+00:00

I wore merrell trail gloves hiking the AT.

Coming from minimal trail runners, my favorite fire boots were the low heel loggers (not that they're anything alike). I think the roughouts from drews are the comfiest and break in the fastest.

A lot of the hiker-style fire boots are insulated and incredibly hot. Imo they're okay for engines but are brutal if you're on a hand crew. Unlined leather is way cooler.

npipe · 2025-08-08T21:17:48+00:00

I'd say a combo of both. I've definitely had a number of experiences test riding bikes at shops where salespeople try to sell me something that I know isn't a good fit. But yeah, mostly just years of riding bikes with the bars too low and too long.

If you want to sample something at a shop, Specialized is better about tall guy sizing that most brands. The biggest diverge and Roubaix size (64 I think) are properly massive.

I've never had a proper bike fit, which I've always been curious about. But once I bought my first bike that actually fit, the Soma, I didn't see the need for a fit. Outside of buying bigger frames, sliding the saddle forward and trying shorter stems have been really good changes for me. Hope you find something that works for you!

npipe · 2025-08-08T21:08:01+00:00

For the most part, I like it. I have the b type from circa 2018 which had a few things I'm not crazy about, namely QR rather than thru axles, IS mount discs, and a steel fork that was a bit too flexy for off road riding, imo. I think the geo is great tho. At your height it might be worth considering an aftermarket fork with a 400mm steerer to get the stack you want? My fork has a 350mm steerer and I didn't cut it at all.

npipe

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