[Paddlewise] Drybagging Thermarest

>>>>"ralph diaz" <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> wrote:
From: "Keith W Robertson" <news_at_fachwen.org>air
> on 25/2/03 5:08 pm,"Dave Kruger" <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:
>
> > Someone else asked if I drybag my Thermarest -- nope.  If it gets wet,
a
> > half hour open under the tarp makes it dry enough.

>
> We paddle on the sea (salty water!) - so I much prefer to keep my
sleeping
> gear away from the stuff. Once wet with sea water most gear never seems
to
> dry properly until its rinsed with fresh water. My Thermarest lives in a
> home made proofed nylon bag

I tend to agree with Keith about protecting the Thermarest pad.  Depending
on where one is paddling, the thing might not dry fast enough if
deliberately allowed to get wet.  I paddled once with a fellow who felt it
would dry fast enough.  Instead not only did it remain damp on the surface
but it also picked up sand that stuck to it.  A light nylon bag, even the
type sold for thermarest left high in the cargo area will be basically dry.
<<<<<

I agree with Dave that the Thermarest pads are easy to dry out [and dry in
only 5 minutes if you hold it inflated near a fire (holding it in your
hands the whole time)], though I made a custom drybag for mine using that
iron-sealable waterproof material available from Seattle Fabrics.  It's
very easy (and even fun) to make and adds nothing to the space
requirements.  Then in camp, I bring the empty dry bag inside my vestibule
as a handy place to keep odds and ends dry.  I use the same bag to keep my
pad in when backpacking, where its perhaps even more useful.

Evan Dallas
Woodinville, Washington
- --


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