Multi-purpose Thinlight Pad
The Gossamer Gear 1/8 Thinlight Pad is light-weight and barely noticeable strapped onto the top of my backpack. It is one of the most useful, and durable multi-purpose pieces of gear I carry. Below are some of its uses.
- Traditional Sleeping Pad
- Blanket
- Bandage
- Umbrella Handle Anchor
- Sun Hat
- Hot Pot Holder
- Sitting Pad
- Shoe Insole
- Pillow
- Anti-sliding Sleeping Bag Pad
- Pot Cozy
- Glissading Sleigh
The two most common uses for me include Anti-sliding Sleeping Bag Pad and 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 is a versatile pad.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8 – Quick Specifications
- Weight – 2.5 ounces
- Material – Closed cell cross-linked Evazote foam
- Dimensions – 9 x 59 1/8 x 1/8 in
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad – 1/8 – Performance
The Thinlight Pad – 1/8 is not too expensive, so I usually purchase one about every 1,000 – 2,000 miles. It is durable and I can easily cut it down to whatever size I need, which is usually about 2/3’s of it’s purchased length.
Below is some additional detail on some of the Thinlight’s more common uses.
Sliding
The Thinlight Pad really does do a nice job of preventing your sleeping pad from creeping across a Silnylon or Dyneema floor while you sleep.
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 are spread for a reclined position.
- Backpacking Pad – additional back support for a frameless backpack
- Pillow – it makes a really good pillow, especially when covered with a 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 provided no insulative qualities, but I have to disagree. Even if it is in my mind, I did feel warmer.
- Sleeping Pad – Under my sleeping pad on frozen ground, I was definitely warmer after I put the Thinlight under my Neoair inflatable sleeping pad.
- Cozy – I have now had the opportunity to use both it and my Store-Bought Cozy, and my Thinlight insulated my pot just as well as the cozy.
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad – Final Thoughts…
The Thinlight Pad is not that common on the trails I’ve hiked. I’m usually the only person I see with one, but it has become one of my favorite pieces of gear over time.
If you are interested in purchasing the GG Thinlight 1/8 Pad, check out “My Gear List” by selecting the button below. Along with this Pad, you can see other gear in my kit. Much of that gear also has reviews.
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