The warmest (R-10), lowest cost ($15), most comfortable (flat), and easy to make winter sleeping pad around, but being accordion style its quite bulky and needs a foam or self-inflating mattress atop for softness. Great for a 1-hour Boy Scout Troop meeting.

1. Make an Extreme
Cold Sleeping Pad
R-10 Warmth
Good for -30˚F or so
$15 in materials
30 minutes to make
Flat sleeping surface
Waterproof
Simple
Kevin Sweere
Troop 68
Beavercreek, OH

2. The
Pad in
Action….

3. What We Need
• Tape measures
• Sharpie markers
• Long straight edges
• Box cutters with new, sharp blades
• EPS foam boards
from Home Depot / Lowes, 4’x8’x2”
• Duct tape rolls
• Elastic string or tape
• First aid kit
• Trash Bags
• Scouts in Teams for each step

4. Step 1
Calculate how many panels you’ll need.
Each panel 12” x 24”.
One 4x8 sheet makes 16 panels.
Each pad needs 5 or 6 panels.

5. Steps 2-3
Place foam board on clean, flat surface.
Measure and mark 3 spots for each line.

6. Step 4
Using a straight edge, draw very
straight lines.

7. Step 5
Cut along each line, scoring the foam
~inch deep in one straight, clean cut.
Do not cut from both sides.

8. Step 6
With equal pressure along the entire
overhang, press down to cleanly snap foam.
Many hands
press down to
snap
Many hands
press down to
hold
Floor

9. Step 7
Make stacks of 5 or 6 panels for one pad.

10. Step 8
Tape opposing edges together.
Tape both sides.
Press tape down hard.

11. Step 9
Trim 6” corners off top and bottom panels.

12. Step 10
Cut ~3' elastic cords. Tie a water-knot
to create a loop.

13. Step 11
Write last name on multiple sides.

14. Test

15. Add a soft pad
Use your summer-weight foam or self-
inflating pad for comfort. Do not use a
air mattress.

16. Umm… you might want a pad
and a sleeping bag….
Oh well. Sleep well Scout.