Sleeping Pad/Mattress

BOOMSTICK said:
thermalite z lite. it won't pop, you can sit on it against rocks like a recliner, it doubles as my pack frame.
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thermarestzlite.jpg
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This illustrates very well what I mean about stashing the pad inside the pack.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Tough pick, but I'm leaning towards the Big Agnes, while it's weight and R value is nearly the same as the thermarest womens, it is a lot thicker and I'd surmise more comfortable.

How would you rate the durability of either of them? Is puncturing them a big enough concern to pack the repair kit everywhere you go?
 
Buy from a reputable local dealer. The price may be cheaper online, but the lack of support can hurt you. No matter how good a product may be, Murphy's law is still applicable. At least with a local non big box store, you are very likely to get service that will keep your long term expenses down and keep you from having to go without what will become a critical piece of gear for any extended period of time.
 
BOOMSTICK said:
thermalite z lite. it won't pop, you can sit on it against rocks like a recliner, it doubles as my pack frame.
Click to expand...

I use the same.

Boomstick that is an awesome idea :thumbup: Thanks. I always carry two, one for me and one for my dog. But now that its cooler out, he may start carrying his own :D
 
Here is another vote for the Exped Downmat 7. R-Value of 5.9 and great comfort justify the 28 oz. It packs much smaller than all but the thinnest of Thermarests. I have had no problems with the valves. I also bought the Big Agnes Cyclone Chair Kit, which weighs only 6 oz. and is great for sitting around camp.

Here is the Downmat in the chair kit.
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-- FLIX
 
I like the Z Lite but I wake up a lot on it because it's thin.

The best sleep I've ever got backpacking is on the Big Agnes but they are more fragile than the Z.

I never even used a trail pad till I was like 35 but now I hardly wouldn't go without one.
 
my buddy that I hike with has a big agnes that he has to blow up. I always get a kick out of that.he looks like he is going to pass out about half way through. lol.
 
Through the years I've gone through the spectrum of sleeping pads - becoming thicker and more comfy has my bones age. From closed cell foam, to thin Thermarests, to thicker Thermarests, and then to the Cabelas Ultimate Pad (very thick & very heavy self-inflating pad - but very comfortable).

At some point I got tired of lugging around the huge pad so I tried out the Exped Synmat 9DLX. I LOOOOOVE it. It packs down small. It inflates easily enough. It provides 3.5 inches of delightful comfort. It provides the insulation I need. I can't recommend it enough.
 
I have two Ridgerest foam pads: a 3/4 length thin ultralight one and a full-length thicker one. I bring one or both depending on the situation. They are bulky but light. I found if I roll them together and strap them to the outside/bottom of my pack, it enables the pack to stand up on its own when I take it off.

I often look at Thermarests when I'm in a camping shop, but the weight always turns me off.

I will check out the Exped Synmat 9 DLX.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I have an old Cascade Designs Ridgerest Deluxe it's comfortable & taken a beating best $$ I ever spent. As well as it's done it will be a while before I need to replace it
 
tenkara said:
Buy from a reputable local dealer. The price may be cheaper online, but the lack of support can hurt you. No matter how good a product may be, Murphy's law is still applicable. At least with a local non big box store, you are very likely to get service that will keep your long term expenses down and keep you from having to go without what will become a critical piece of gear for any extended period of time.
Click to expand...


What kind of warranty do you usually get? I thought if you get a puncture youre on your own to fix it.


MEC has a handy chart comparing the specs of several mats link

Those downmats look comfy, but it's hard to justify double the cost of a Big Agnes. The synthetic filled Big Agnes bag has about 14% better R-value/weight than the similar sized downmat. Do you suppose the Big Agnes' 4.1 R value will be enough sleeping on snow in the winter?


My friend had the welds on his self inflating pad separate from the heat in his tent during the summer. I think it was an MEC brand pad. Anyone have similar problems with their brand name pads?
 
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