Unique Camping Gear - Homemade Portage Pad Plans

These portage pads (see pic) served us well for about 16 years!  They actually have more padding then many store-bought pads and cost very little to build!

Step 1 - You need the following materials

• (2) 6 3/4" pieces of 2x4
• (2) 1/4-inch 3 1/2" carriage bolts with wing nuts
• (2) 1/4-inch wing nuts
• (2) 3 3/4 inch long pieces of 1-inch wide 1/8" bar stock
• (2) pieces of 14" x 20" vinyl
• (2) pieces of 25" x 2" vinyl
• Staple gun & staples
• Scrap upholstery foam for padding
• 3/16 Drill and drill bit

Step 2 - Drill 2 holes 2 1/8" apart on blocks.  Insert carriage bolts and pound them in firmly.  The friction alone will secure the bolts.

Step 3 - Place rolled up upholstery foam on top. Use plenty for good padding.  Secure with vinyl by stapling to the bottom as shown in the picture below.

Step 4 - Place a rolled up strip around the outside and staple in place as shown above.

Step 5 - Drill holes in the 3 3/4" bar stock pieces so they will slide over the carriage bolts.  Secure the bar stock pieces with wing nuts.

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