Sleeping pads

trailbum

trailbum

Joined
Sep 18, 2010
Messages
3,493

Roughing it is great, but I want to be moderately comfortable when I'm enjoying the outdoors. Sleeping pads can make or break a good trip.

What do guys use.
What do you like or dislike.
I'm looking at a thermarest. Anyone use them.
 
Well, it depends. Winter or summer? In Winter I use a closed cell and an open cell. In summer, a thermarest is fine.
 
Thermarest closed cell foam pad - large. Don't know the model but it's not an expensive model and has stood up very well. I have never tried any of the self inflatables. Would be interested to find out if anyone used them and how they like them.
 
for me a thermal mat is a vital peice of kit when out doors, especially when its freezing Its a must to stop the ground from drawing out you body heat. When I do extended trips Im the same as you I like to be comfortable.

any one can go into the field and be uncomfortable with minimal gear, thats just not me. I take the basic stuff so when I go to bed at night Im warm and dry, In the field if Im wet at night and my feet are wet during the day my moral is low and a good trip turns into a turd instantly

I have a hoochie with poles and pegs which is like a fly that you string up. Under that is a sleeping bag inside a goretex bivvy bag and under that is a thermal mat. at night for me in the shittest conditions it warm times. Ive had this setup in -20 degrees and Ive been fine so It works

I reckon any old thermal mat will do the trick, Ive had covered ones un covered ones, one with an air matress built in, now I just use a basic $10 thermal mat, its light, fairly tough, does the job and only $10 to replace
 
PS I can email you some photos for you to post on this thread if you want as I dont know how yet
 
trailbum said:
stewey1 said:
Under that is a sleeping bag inside a goretex bivvy bag and under that is a thermal mat.

What kind of gortex bivvy, military or other.
What I've seen is pretty expensive any suggestions.
Click to expand...

mill surp bivvys are the way to go, they are generally a bit heavier than the civvy version but they are heavey duty and cheap. I still serve here in NZ so I managed to accuire a spare set of all my gear for outdoors purposes.

I see US, brittish and dutch issue bivvys for around the 200NZ mark, so thats about 150US which is a deal, check out mill surp shops, ebay Im sure whilst soldiering is a job there will be soldiers pawning off there gear for beer money(jokes)

I wish I could post pics for ya mate
Click to expand...
 
Ive got 2 pads, both from Pacific Outdoor.

First the AO Mountain. This one is 0,5 inches thick closed cell foam pad. Cut in a streamlined mummy shape. Would have preferred a regular rectangular cut though. Closed cell dosent absorb water and is failsafe. Isnt very comfortable though.

The red parts are massive EVA foam for added insualtion and comfort.

1097625_z.jpg


Next up is an inflatable pad. Much more comfort. Also 0,5 inches thick for 4-season use.

Very slippery though, i often glide around during the night in my bag. Cold air loses volume when it gets really cold, so you might experience slight deflation during the night. This one has a thin layer of foam in it, so should it rip and deflate itll still offer some basic protection and insulation. They are very robust though.

Takes about 5 min to inflate it. Heavier than the foam pad though.

Also mummy cut. On this one it dosent bother me much though.

1000w.jpg


2855131439_918a21513a_z.jpg
 
I will just add dont be shy of getting a second hand one just check it over throughly and test it to make sure its proper goretex and not a knock off.
 
stewey1 said:
for me a thermal mat is a vital peice of kit when out doors, especially when its freezing Its a must to stop the ground from drawing out you body heat. When I do extended trips Im the same as you I like to be comfortable.

any one can go into the field and be uncomfortable with minimal gear, thats just not me. I take the basic stuff so when I go to bed at night Im warm and dry, In the field if Im wet at night and my feet are wet during the day my moral is low and a good trip turns into a turd instantly

I have a hoochie with poles and pegs which is like a fly that you string up. Under that is a sleeping bag inside a goretex bivvy bag and under that is a thermal mat. at night for me in the shittest conditions it warm times. Ive had this setup in -20 degrees and Ive been fine so It works

I reckon any old thermal mat will do the trick, Ive had covered ones un covered ones, one with an air matress built in, now I just use a basic $10 thermal mat, its light, fairly tough, does the job and only $10 to replace
Click to expand...

stewey1 said:
PS I can email you some photos for you to post on this thread if you want as I dont know how yet
Click to expand...

Theres a section in FAQ on how to post pics, you have to go thru a photo sharing website like photobucket, smugmug, or flickr.
 
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