How to Make Foam Insulation Pads

Measure your body to determine the appropriate size for your sleeping pad, noting your height and adding six inches for wiggle room. Measure the distance from the outside of one shoulder to another. Add six inches to this for additional wiggle room.

Lay out a section of foam in the desired thickness and mark the previously determined dimensions on the foam. Cut them out using a utility knife. Set the foam section on top of a piece of waterproof material and trace its outline on the waterproof material. Remove the foam and cut out the outline of the waterproof material using the utility knife.

Position the waterproof material underneath the foam with its more waterproof side facing downward. Cut out a nylon strap that is 16 inches long. Position one end of the strap above the waterproof material but below the foam of the pad. Have only two inches of the strap inside the pad and the other 14 inches sticking out.

Sew the foam and material together using a basic stitch that runs all around the outside of the foam, about 1/4 inch in from the edge. Sew back over the nylon strap repeatedly with the basic stitch to ensure a tight and durable attachment.

Cut out a hooks section of Velcro and position it on top of the nylon strap, all the way at the end of the strap. Sew the Velcro to the strap, running the stitch all the way around the edge of the Velcro section.

Roll up the pad with the waterproof layer on the bottom, starting at the end that does not have the strap. Continue to roll it tightly until it is completely rolled. Wrap the nylon strap tightly around the pad and mark the place on the strap where the Velcro section comes down on the strap when at its tightest.

Position the other section of the Velcro on top of the marking and sew it in place with the same method as the other section. Test the attachment for tightness and security of installation.