backpack hacks—removable foam pad

Was just wondering if anyone has played around with different types of padding in lieu of a stock removable pad in their packs? What was there, and what did you replace it with? 

Arcteryx cierzo 35. Removed foam backpad and installed a cut down Thermarest Z lite sol in there. Worked great for summer trip up the Grand. 5/5 would do again.

I take the pad out of mine frequently and replace it with a full length thin Thermarest.  Works great and I get a good night sleep. The only hitch is that it is typically a tight fit so all the air needs to be removed.

Haven't replaced the existing pad, but I like to keep a sam splint in the back panel in case of emergencies

I typically remove the foam pad, trace the shape onto a stiff piece of cardboard, then insert both the pad and cardboard back into the pack. makes my BD speed 22 a bit more comfy and sturdy with heavy loads. I replace the cardboard a few times a year as it softens up.

Bug Boy wrote:

I typically remove the foam pad, trace the shape onto a stiff piece of cardboard, then insert both the pad and cardboard back into the pack. makes my BD speed 22 a bit more comfy and sturdy with heavy loads. I replace the cardboard a few times a year as it softens up.

That’s a great idea, I think I will try it! 

Our local Joann (formerly Joann Fabrics) store sells sheets of semi-stiff foam in various thicknesses, if you were looking for something to replace or add to what's in there now. It might be a seasonal item, as it is offered for Halloween costume builders (think cosplay get-ups).

I cut up an old ridgerest and made pads for my other packs that don’t have one

Bug Boy wrote:

I typically remove the foam pad, trace the shape onto a stiff piece of cardboard, then insert both the pad and cardboard back into the pack. makes my BD speed 22 a bit more comfy and sturdy with heavy loads. I replace the cardboard a few times a year as it softens up.

I do the same thing but with "coroplast" (corrugated plastic sign material). It starts firmer, softens less, and it can't absorb water. I'm also combining coroplast + closed cell foam padding from a cheap walmart sleeping pad. I've found it at art/craft stores in the past but haven't looked in a few years.

CDub wrote:

I do the same thing but with "coroplast" (corrugated plastic sign material). It starts firmer, softens less, and it can't absorb water. I'm also combining coroplast + closed cell foam padding from a cheap walmart sleeping pad. I've found it at art/craft stores in the past but haven't looked in a few years.

Those campaign yard signs you see everywhere are typically made of coroplast. You can likely find tons of it for free once this election is over with.

If you don't want it to have politicians' names printed on it, Home Depot carries it, and Amazon sells it as well.