Those are good ideas like putting the foam inside the tubing. The other thing I thought of was adding moleskin to the top surface. They sell big sheets of different colors in the hardware store. I am glad I got the Wide Sit and Climb. I couldn't imagine getting into the standard model. I'm 6 foot 225lbs and I fit fine. I havn't used my heavy gear in it as most of the season here it's 35-80F. I think it would be ok.