Backpacking pad carry?

Codger_64

Codger_64

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This is a question for members who do "traditional" backpacking.

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How do you carry your foam sleeping pad?

I've met folks carrying them rolled and tied above or below their packs and thought that the crossways 20" wide roll would get in the way. Does it?

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I carry a fairly thick (5/8") blue closed cell foam pad. I tried rolling mine around the inside of my pack and stuffing my gear in the center (as suggested by UL'ers with frameless packs), but found it ate up too much room in the pack. Last trip (short), I rolled it tight and put it into a compression bag (to keep it dry, clean and protected from snags) which I strapped vertical to the back of my pack and this seemed to work well.

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Any other ideas?

Codger
 
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I normally carry my Large Thermarest Ridgerest horizantally strapped to the top or bottom of my pack ina stuff sack to keep it clean and dry. But I have not backpacked in at least 6 years. Am planning to get a new backpack this spring and have been thinking about carrying the pad Verticly on the side of the new pack. But for now if I go out and use my Medium Alice pack I'll strap it to the top or bottom. At least thats how it's strapped on right now.

Heber
 
I've carried the blue foam horizontally near the bottom third of my pack many times. It rarely gets in the way. Remember, heaviest/densest stuff as central and close to your body as possible, lighter stuff further out.
 
I've carried foam pads in every way. All seemed to work ok.

Now I have a Big Agnes inflatable and it's small enough to go in my pack.
 
I carry my pad (foam and/or inflating) horizontally strapped on top or below my pack. On longer trips I allways have the raincover over the pack. Keeps the pad protected and incase any zippers are open collects loose items.
 
hollowdweller said:
... Now I have a Big Agnes inflatable and it's small enough to go in my pack.
Click to expand...

Which model/size did you get? The foam isn't really thick enough for me (because of comfort, not insulation)... I am a side sleeper (because of back problems)
 
I think with the pad you have, rolling it tightly and strapping it to the outside is your best bet. If you were looking to upgrade, Thermarest makes some excellent pads that pack down quite small. I have the Prolite model (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/prolite/product) which has worked very well for me, and you fold the mattress in half length-wise before rolling it up, so you can fit it inside your pack. If you don't like the idea of an inflatable mattress, Thermarest also makes a closed cell pad, the Z-lite (http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/fast-and-light/z-lite/product), which folds accordian-style, and weighs less than a pound.
 
Codger_64 said:
Which model/size did you get? The foam isn't really thick enough for me (because of comfort, not insulation)... I am a side sleeper (because of back problems)
Click to expand...

That was my problem. I have carpal tunnel and shoulder problems and spent the night rolling from one shoulder to the next.

I have never had as good of a sleep as on the Big Agnes. They for sure ARE NOT as durable. I'm on my second one but if I had to buy a new one every year would be worth it for the comfort.

http://www.rei.com/product/763953


Be sure to read the customer review section to get the good and bad on it:thumbup:
 
I normally carry it horizontally either on top or bottom depending on the pack. I've never had a problem with it getting in the way.

I've also seen people attach them vertically on the back of the pack. A pad doesn't weigh a lot so it probably doesn't shift the center of gravity much if at all.
 
Carrying a sleeping pad and a tent are why I have been debating a jungle hammock for quite some time. No matter how you pack the pad, it is always a bit of a pain. They just take up a lot of space. Not to mention that in the end, they really are not that comfortable.
 
I used to use a Z-Rest. I usually carried it in the front of my pack folded into a double width but thinner rectangle. On occasion I carried it on the outside of my pack, top and bottom, but always horizontal. It never seemed to get in the way, but then again I was mostly hiking on trail. Now I use a thermarest Pro Lite and it always goes inside the pack.

Brandon
 
if your back bothers you sleeping on a thin foam pad (that should be most folks :))- take a look at the NeoAir- 2.5" of heavenly thickness- w/o any weight penalty- actually more than likely a weight reduction- my full size weighs just under 13 oz

it packs into the size of a Pepsi can too :)

they are not cheap, but for the weight savings, volume savings and a damn good night sleep- worth it for me (it's wife approved as well- she loves hers :D)
 
Wow! Those Big Agnes and Thermorest inflatable pads are pricey! (I gave about $6 for the blue foam pad). I could use a better pad for sure though. Self-inflating sounds good. But still, to drop nearly a c-note on a pad is beyond my budget just now. How is the Z-pad different from the blue foam pad? Any thicker? I've seen them for around $30, I think.

Thanks for the input guys. Maybe I can find a better pad used from someone upgrading (or retiring).

By the way, I am not attracted to hammoks at all, though I read great things from people who use them.
 
Codger_64 said:
Wow! Those Big Agnes and Thermorest inflatable pads are pricey! (I gave about $6 for the blue foam pad). I could use a better pad for sure though. Self-inflating sounds good. But still, to drop nearly a c-note on a pad is beyond my budget just now. How is the Z-pad different from the blue foam pad? Any thicker? I've seen them for around $30, I think
Click to expand...

The Z-Rest is 'hinged' and folds up into a squarish package. It's a closed cell pad in an egg crate pattern, rather than open cell like your foam. Another closed cell option is the RidgeRest pad.
 
I usually have my pad strapped below my pack. I have never had an issue with it getting in the way.
 
Roll my Ridgerest into a tube and put it in my pack. Then fill the tube with the other stuff.
 
Codger_64 said:
Wow! Those Big Agnes and Thermorest inflatable pads are pricey! (I gave about $6 for the blue foam pad). I could use a better pad for sure though. Self-inflating sounds good. But still, to drop nearly a c-note on a pad is beyond my budget just now. How is the Z-pad different from the blue foam pad? Any thicker? I've seen them for around $30, I think.

Thanks for the input guys. Maybe I can find a better pad used from someone upgrading (or retiring).

By the way, I am not attracted to hammoks at all, though I read great things from people who use them.
Click to expand...

I like the blue foam over the Z lite because the Z lite seems to make me sweat more.

Codger? I just sent you a message.;)
 
I don't do as much back pack camping as I used to. When I was carrying all that stuff though, the Thermarest pad was carried verticle, in the middle of the pack, outside.
 
Thermarest self inflating, don't know the model, horizontal on top of my pack. Doesn't get in the way...much. Chris
 
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