How To Make A Sitting Pad

You are at the prettiest lunch spot in a long time and you want to sit and enjoy the view, but all there is around is rocks and dirt.  You want something a little more comfy, yet not bulky, heavy or more hassle than it is worth.  Well here you go!

There are a couple ways to do make a sitting pad, depending on what you have laying around at home or how frugal you want to be!  Either way you are recycling effectively.

Using a worn out Ridgerest or closed cell blue sleeping pad. Cut the pad to the size you would prefer. If you do winter hiking/snowshoeing, a bigger size works more effectively to keep you warm during breaks. These are the sizes I used for pads in the past:
Small: 16" Length by 11" wide
Large:17" by 19"
Feel free to adjust to personal size!

For making a Z-Rest/Z-Lite sit pad:
2-3 sections works perfectly for most people.

Padded waterproof mailers:
Yes, check the mail for a free sit pad! They work well for a water proof stand pad as well, for getting out of your tent on wet or snowy mornings. Look for FedEx or UPS ones that have bubble wrap inside. Seal back shut, or tape down with clear packing tape. These hold up well, and you can often get a hiking season out of one. Most weigh in at under an ounce, being one of the lightest pads you can use.

Make Your Own Dog Sleeping Pad:
Why should your dog be cold at night? With a few minutes work and a pair of scissors, you can encourage the flea bag to not sleep on top of you at night.
Following the above directions for a sit pad, cut down a closed cell sleeping pad or a Ridgerest to a bit longer than your dog's length. Z-Rest/Z-Lite pads work well also, and can be trimmed down a couple sections, leaving you enough for your sit pad.