A comfortable sleeping pad

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Permalink Reply by Kari Quaas on March 19, 2009 at 11:47am

We use Thermarest sleeping pads too. It's the best I've used, but nothing is completely perfect with a rock under your back. ; )

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Permalink Reply by Jason Kemple on March 19, 2009 at 1:11pm

Its funny you mention that Kathi - in my "Introduction to Backpacking" class i had last night in NYC, they showed 2 different types of sleeping pads.. foam ones and inflatable ones. I was wondering if anyone had a preference? I would think the foam ones would be better, but it seemed that the instructor liked the inflatable more.

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Permalink Reply by Kate on March 19, 2009 at 1:32pm

I've read a bunch of articles in Backpacker magazine over the years and never could figure out which was better. lol. I don't own a sleeping pad... since I don't drive or own a car, what I take with me is dependent on the bus or the plane, sometimes a ride. So I can't haul much stuff with me.Me, I'd probably buy a foam one....don't like the idea of branches, twigs, rocks, thorns, briers, or whatever popping or puncturing an inflatable.
You took a intro to backpacking class? COOL! Have any Keep it Light/Inexpensive tips?

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on March 19, 2009 at 1:14pm

Well I've used both. Back in the day, either would suffice. Nowadays, not so much. I'm thinking I may have to go foam AND inflatable. I wonder if there's one that combines both?

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Permalink Reply by Tony Farley on March 19, 2009 at 3:37pm

I love my Big Agnes sleeping bag that has a pocket for the pad underneath. I'll never go back to slipping off pads again. It has an inflatable pad that is shaped to fit in the pocket. Good nights sleep since I got it.

Tony

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Permalink Reply by Shelby on March 20, 2009 at 9:59pm

Yes there is this is it very nice one as well but a bit pricy I mite add.... http://www.rei.com/product/751032 but if you're looking for comfort and a little extra warmth this is great.

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on March 19, 2009 at 4:23pm

So the sleeping pad came with the sleeping bag? Or is there a Big Agnes Sleeping Pad?

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Permalink Reply by Carol on March 19, 2009 at 6:17pm

Hi Kathi,
I've always used a closed cell pad on my long hikes because I didnt have to worry about punctures, it was lightweight, and I could cut it to the right length

My hiking partner uses two pads because he has a bad back. He has a Thermarest which is used as a topper for a z-rest. After unfolding the z-rest, he lays the thermarest on top of that, inflates it, and then uses two coupler bands to strap them together, so they dont slide during the night. It is very cushy. He never allows the thermarest to touch the ground, and it has never punctured on a trail.
Thats my sleeping pad plan for this summer.

I've found most women need/want extra padding under their hips, so a shorty pad and thermarest is a good combo.
A good friend of mine used tyvek groundcloth when going through the desert to keep his thermarest from puncturing because of the cacti.

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on March 24, 2009 at 9:10am

Thanks everyone! Great suggestions and advice. Much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Lani Sammons on April 15, 2009 at 8:29am

I have a women's edition Insul-Mat. I use it with my Big Agnes bag, so I can just slide it in the pocket. I/we have about 5 air mats (Big Agnes, Thermarest ...), andI always go back to the Insul-Mat. I am a side sleeper as well, and I find the extra hip area padding a great help.

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