Sleeping gear

imaginefj

imaginefj

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2006
Messages
1,676
Well I am planning a little backpacking trip. It has been along time since I have actually slept on the ground. The last pad I had disintegrated in the garage which has me looking for a new one.


I am not real wild about the self inflating pads and think the reliability and weight of the foam pads makes sense. The Ther-ma-rest closed cell foam pads are 40 bucks. Is it worth it? Are they better than the 10 dollar military or Wal-Mart version?
 
thermarest sells several closed cell versions, they can be better than the kmart ones (but not always)- look at the r value on them

if it's just "summer" time use, the k mart one will be fine, just make sure it's of adequate size (length/width/thickness)
 
I've got a ridgecrest closed cell from thermarest and compared to the blue foam and military foam it is more comfortable. They've got some strategic texture on it that feels better when lying on top of it. Also seems more durable than the standard closed form ones which always seem to get chunks ripped out of it for some reason. I like using the ridgecrest to bolster my self-inflatable's R value during winter months. That said, as MTWarden says, for summer a basic foam pad is fine. Look, if the money is that important to you then go with the $10 one. All I know is I have the cheapo's in my garage and that ridgecrest one and my self-inflatables. Invariably the self inflatables are the one I take. If I had to choose among the closed cell ones, it always the ridgcrest one that I take.
 
It isn't so much the money but the inflatables seem more prone to having an issue?
 
I've purchased cheapo inflatable pads and always had problems with the valves. I then bit the bullet and have a few different inflatable pads from Therma-rest and REI and have never had any issues. I see a lot of folks that use the 3/4's closed cell pads and swear by them but I've learned that they are not for me.
I've also used the cheapo closed cells and they are fine in the winter as others have said.
 
imaginefj said:
It isn't so much the money but the inflatables seem more prone to having an issue?
Click to expand...

I've developed a hole in my ultralight thermarest, but made a field repair with the repair kit that came with it and its held up since for the past 10 years. Never had a blue foamy last all that long. So no, I don't think they are problem prone, but then again I think investing in a name brand like thermorest is useful also.
 
I like my Thermarest okay, but this summer I have discovered camping hammocks. No pad needed; I use a truck windshield sun reflector for insulation.
 
Foilist said:
I like my Thermarest okay, but this summer I have discovered camping hammocks. No pad needed; I use a truck windshield sun reflector for insulation.
Click to expand...

I made a hammock last year and it is great! I'm going to be heading to a place with no trees though!
 
The self inflating ones are easy to repair if they do get a leak. A lot of them come with a patch kit, or you can just use duct tape for a fast repair. I have some that are about 30 years old that are still going strong. The NeoAir is my current choice. Like anything else, take care of your gear and you will greatly reduce any potential issues.
 
I hate pads, don't see the point, and can't use them- mainly because I move WAY to much in my sleep

But since I got my eno hammock- never sleeping on the ground again baby!! :D(except on 20°f or less, then I bury myself;))
 
I have the closed cell ThermaRest Z-Lite small. Bought it to replace an old self-inflating ThermaRest Guidelite 3/4, 'cause I was trying to be all ultralight and stuff, but it is not comfortable.
Replaced it with a full-length inflatable Big Agnes Air Core. I have not used it enough to make any claims about long-term durability, but it is much more comfortable than either of the others. I let some air out 'til it's just right, stick a shoe under the head, and my pack under my feet. It's like kicking back in a comfy recliner, and I don't think I've ever slept better in bed than I do in the woods, now. Pretty sold on the inflatables.
 
I have a ThermaRest RidgeRest closed Cell pad, one of those basic blue pads and like the RidgeRest a lot more. Pairing the RidgeRest with my ThermaRest Self inflating pad is so comfy. I have back problems so comfort is a must and ThermaRest provides that for me. :)
 
I got a Ridgerest too. It beats the thin foam military ones. But for the summer I've used a plain old cheap inflatable pool mattress from Waly Mart. The pool matress is hands down way more comfortable, lighter, and smaller to pack.

But the Thermarest inflatable are great, I'll get a few when the kids are a little older and I can actually get out hiking again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top