Living & Working in Great Places

A comfortable sleeping pad

Anyone out there found that perfect sleeping pad? Please share. I've been using a Thermarest 2 incher and it's just not cutting it. I'm a side sleeper and I'm constantly tossing and turning to get comfortable. Maybe I'm asking for too much?

Tags: pads, sleeping

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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. ; ); ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

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?; ▶ Reply to This

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?; ▶ Reply to This

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; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

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?; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathi on March 24, 2009 at 9:10am: Thanks everyone! Great suggestions and advice. Much appreciated.; ▶ Reply to This

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.; ▶ Reply to This