I have been toying with the idea of making an inflatable pillow and possibly a sleeping pad. This is the very first creation. As you can see where I inflated the pillow it has been sealed. I didn't use a valve since this was just a test. I wanted to see how durable the material was and how the seams hold up. A 72x20x2.5" pad made of this would weigh 11oz with the valve.



Here are some numbers.
Weight: 15.3g
Size: 12x6
Material: special coated ripstop nylon

For testing I have been sitting on the pillow for quite some time with no signs of trouble. I tried the bic pen test with some scraps and it is reasonably durable for its weight. Of course I was able to puncture it but it took a decent amount of force.

Edited by Bender on 10/07/2009 21:54:09 MDT.

Nice work. Is that 30D heat sealable nylon? Sounds like a winner. I've been toying with the idea of making a DAM out of it, but I can't find a valve. I dont think the thermarest valve kit comes with the male part that bonds to the fabric, but I may be wrong. Any ideas on a valve?

Nice work...I actually just added a "UL Pillow" to my list of things to make. I picked up one of the thermarest valves and am going to see if I can make a small plastic piece to aid in mounting it to the pillow.

How did you end up sealing the sides of your pillow? Is it permanently sealed then?

The material is 30d heat sealable nylon so I used an iron to seal the sides. Getting just the right temp on the iron was a bit tricky. Something like a MonoKote iron would probably be better. I actually have a replacement valve but I will need to figure a way to adapt it to fit. The pillow with a valve could easily be under an ounce.

David the Therm-a-rest valve kit is complete, and includes a hot bonding agent. I have one in my closet.