DIY sleeping pad cover

[jscudds]

I searched the forum and didn't find any hits. I was wondering if anyone has made a DIY sleeping pad cover/protector for Exped Downmat.

I have the long./wide version and thought that a need exists to have a protective cover when going to ground, (with the wife). such a cover would add protection to the mat itself, the exped mats aren't cheap so i want to protect my investment. I realize Exped makes a matcover but it is expensive and i figured it wouldn't be as good as a DIY version.

Has anyone ever made one?

What material would be the best? (looking for lightweight, minimum bulk)

Are there any mods you would make "? (no slip, washable,,....)

Josh

[slugbait]

I made a cover out of an old sheet for mine- my mat is used for car camping only. The cover stays on the mat for storage (I store it inflated, standing against a wall) and makes it comfortable to sleep on when using a quilt. Easy to launder too. There's a zipper at one short end- I put it at the pump end so it's easier to access if more air is needed or to deflate the mat. For a really light, compact cover I'd be looking at 1.1 oz. ripstop or lighter.

[jscudds]

sounds like good advice,... i wonder how much protection the 1.1oz ripstop would add to the mat. I'm looking for protection not only from sticks and stones but also so my Bernese mountain dog doesnt put his nails through it. When not sleeping and just hanging out i try and wedge the mat on its side so the pup doesn't assume its his new bed.

[swampwalker906]

Maybe some 40D 1.5 epsilon would work.

[zukiguy]

I'd go with some fleece. Just make it a long, skinny bag with the top open. Perhaps put a few velcro tabs down one side of a rectangular piece. In a pinch you could use it as a sleeping bag liner. It might make double duty as a summer sleeping bag.

[bubba74]

I just put a sheet of (soft) tyvek under mine when going to ground. To be exact, I put the tyvek on the ground, then the hammock on top, and the exped in between the double layers of the hammock. works like a treat.

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(click to enlarge)

[jscudds]

lots of suggestions here,... thanks a lot,....I like the idea of fleece top for comfort,... but im wondering how much protection a fleece bottom would add (if any?), What do you guys think about fleece top and ripstop nylon or tyvek or other material for the bottom,... or is that just silly? I'm open to any suggestions and/or being corrected here.

[SnrMoment]

I've made pad covers out of taslan nylon - military grade for foot/sit pads. Also have made covers up to a full queen size for my daughters' families for air mattress covers. Those are from fleece, taslan, and poly. Work great for them to stay warm.

[VictoriaGuy]

I have an Exped mat cover, and I'm sure that I wouldn't have made one that's better if I didn't have an example in hand to copy. Cheaper probably, though I usually tend to order too much fabric, extra zipper, etc...

I'd avoid using anything slippery for a mat cover.