Multi-purpose Thinlight Pad
I’m a Gossamer Gear fan. I like their Mariposa Backpack a lot and even have a review on it.
I’m also a cheerleader for the Lightrek Umbrella (yeah, I’m an umbrella person), but the Thinlight 1/8 Pad is hands down my favorite piece of gear from Gossamer Gear.
The Gossamer Gear 1/8 Thinlight Pad is lightweight and barely noticeable strapped onto the top of my backpack. It is one of the most useful and durable pieces of gear I carry.
Table of contents
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad Uses
Below are a few of its uses. I use and abuse this piece of gear more than any other.
- Traditional Sleeping Pad
- Bandage
- Umbrella Handle Anchor
- Hot Pot Holder
- Sitting Pad
- Shoe Insole
- Pillow
- Anti-sliding Sleeping Bag Pad
- Pot Cozy
- Glissading Sleigh
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad – My Most Common Uses
The two most common uses for me include an anti-sliding sleeping bag pad and a sitting pad.
- As an Anti-sliding Sleeping Bag Pad, it is excellent, stopping my Neoair from sliding around on my tarp-tent floor while I sleep. It also provides a little bit of insulation if I’m camped on icy ground.
- Sitting pads are usually small. I can fold the Thinlight pad for a traditional sleeping pad or unfold it for a more reclined position. It’s pretty versatile.
The Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad has so many uses for only a couple of ounces - sleeping pad to stop sliding, sit pad, cozy, oven mitt, etc. I always carry one.
Rating Results
Pros
- Weight – almost non-existent
- Versatile – it has A LOT of uses
- Durability – pretty tough for such a thin pad
Cons
- Thin – not sure this is a negative
- Cons – I really don’t have many for something so simple
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8 – Quick Specifications
- Weight – 2.5 ounces
- Material – Closed cell cross-linked Evazote foam
- Dimensions – 19 x 59 1/8 x 1/8 in
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8 – Performance
The Thinlight Pad is not too expensive, so I usually purchase one about every 1,000 – 2,000 miles. I cut it in half or to whatever size I need, so one lasts me at least two seasons.
Below is some additional detail on some of Thinlight’s more common uses.
Sliding
The Thinlight Pad does do a nice job of preventing your sleeping pad from creeping across a Silnylon or Dyneema floor while you sleep. Even a small piece does the job.
Body Support
The Thinlight is not thick enough for a comfortable sleeping pad, at least not for me, but it does provide some other support options.
- Seat – folded or spread in a reclined position.
- Backpacking Pad – additional back support for a frameless backpack
- Pillow – it makes a good pillow, especially when covered with a puffy jacket
First Aid
I’ve used the Thinlight Pad for pain prevention.
- Moleskin Replacement – I’ve cut a hole in it to protect blisters and abscesses.
- Insole – Cut to use as a temporary insole until I could replace my ragged one.
Insulation
I have been told the Thinlight 1/8 provides no insulative qualities, but I have to disagree. Even if psychological, I do feel warmer when I use it under my inflatable sleeping pad.
- Sleeping Pad – Under my sleeping pad on frozen ground, I am definitely warmer after I put the Thinlight under my Neoair inflatable pad.
- Cozy – I have now had the opportunity to use both it and my Store-Bought Cozy, and my Thinlight pad insulated my pot just as well as the cozy.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad – Final Thoughts…
The Thinlight Pad is becoming more common, and I’m seeing it more and more on the trails I hike, which is no surprise. It has definitely become one of my favorite pieces of gear over time.
You can purchase the Gossamer Gear 1/8 Thinlight below, and also check out some more Gossamer Gear Items.
More Gossamer Gear Items
Related Links
Average Hiker purchased this pad and does not write sponsored posts or receive compensation for reviews. When you purchase through links on this website, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you have found this review helpful, please consider purchasing through the link above.
nice review but dimensions are not 9 x 59 1/8 x 1/8 in – they aren’t 9 inches wide.
Ah – thanks for the typo catch – corrected to 19 x 59 1/8 x 1/8.
I’ve used this pad in my hammock when I was trying to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt. I could definitely feel the difference. It may not provide much insulation, but it certainly provides some!
I’ll check it out – thanks.