Sleeping Pad

[trailfinder]

Anyone have a recommendation regarding a light or moderately light sleeping pad with good insulation qualities??

Thanks!

[Brock]

Please provide more information for what you are really going to use this for.
Are you sleeping in a hammock or tent? Will you be using it in a shelter often?
Are you interested more in "insulation qualities" or for a pad that will also provide more comfort?

There is a TON of information about pads, including everything from Closed Cell Foam (CCF) to inflatable pads. You can spend anywhere from $5 for the famous blue CCF Walmart pad to $100 for goose lined inflatable.
I'm sure someone with more knowlegde will provide any answers you may need. This post was just to pose some more questions needed to answer your original one.

[D'Artagnan]

What about a ThermaRest ProLite 3 (S)? It weighs in at around 13 ounces and is considered a 3-season pad with an R-Value of 2.3. The open size is 20 x 47 inches. Rolled up, it's about 10.5" long by about 3" diameter. (The only reason I know this is because I'm looking at the packaging for the one I bought Saturday.:rolleyes:) It retails for around $70 but you can always check on Ebay. YMMV.

[generoll]

I bought a Big Agnes air core which looks pretty good.

[napster]

Before I busted up my back I used a blue foam pad via itself from Wally World. You can insert it round right inside your pack, use it to sit/lay around the fire.Never needs patched,repaired or inflated.Whittle the ends or sides for exactness.To me it has more cushion then the prolite at a whole bunch less cost.

[trailfinder]

Hey Brock!

Good questions! I will be using the sleeping pad in my tent (Squall 2). I am interested more in insulation value then comfort, but it would be nice to have both; old bones need all the tlc that they can get. Light to moderate weight will work for me.

Thanks!

[Kerosene]

Any of the self-inflating sleeping pads should provide sufficient insulation down to freezing. If you think you'll be getting a lot colder than that, then you could add a closed-cell foam pad also.

I've had good luck with the Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html) at 10 oz, combined with my feet draped over the back of my pack. There's an 8 oz. shaped pad called the Insul-Lite Uberlite (http://www.insulmat.com/2005/index.cfm?action=product&productID=87&groupID=19&familyID=1) that looks interesting, but this might not be something to consider given the variable insulation.

[Whistler]

I'd suggest the Gossamer Gear NightLight (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/nightlight_3_quarter.html). It's a closed cell model made from Evazote. Probably about as comfy as closed cell can get for 7.5oz, a full 60in. Either that or your basic RidgeRest 3/4 model.

Or go with either of the aforementioned torso-sized inflatable pads [Torsolite or Uberlite], and couple it with a GG Thinlight for more full-body insulation.
-Mark

[hustler]

Go with a 3/4 ridge rest if your using it on a thru hike. Nothing can fail, it insulates well, its cheap, and its light.

[Old Spice]

I'd suggest the Gossamer Gear NightLight (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/nightlight_3_quarter.html). It's a closed cell model made from Evazote. Probably about as comfy as closed cell can get for 7.5oz, a full 60in. Either that or your basic RidgeRest 3/4 model.

Or go with either of the aforementioned torso-sized inflatable pads [Torsolite or Uberlite], and couple it with a GG Thinlight for more full-body insulation.
-Mark

The tosro length nightlight looks great for all us would be monk hikers at under 4oz.!!

[jaywalke]

This is one of the few places I cannot go with the lightest gear. I have tried 3/4 pads and every type of foam, but I just don't sleep well without a full-length self-inflator at least 1.5" thick. I am 6' tall, and having my legs hang off the end (even with an empty pack or extra clothing under them) just drives me bananas.

:banana

I use a Thermarest Prolite 4 regular, which is 72"x20"x1.5" and weighs 1.5 pounds. It is worth every ounce to me. I don't use a stuff sack, I just fold it in half lengthwise, roll it and put a big rubber band on it. That way it fits inside my pack where it is protected.

I would recommend trying whatever you get on a cold, hard floor at home before you head out to the woods. EMS rents self-inflators, or you can borrow one from hiking buddies to try in the woods.