Sleeping pad temp rating for winter?

[vaporjourney]

I currently am using a Ridgerest and must upgrade to an inflatable sleeping pad for comfort. I'm finding it very hard to sleep on the Ridgerest. I'm looking at the Big Agnes pads, and can't decide between a regular Air-core mummy pad, or the insulated Air-core pad. the regular air core pad is rated down to 35 degrees, and the insulated one is down to 15 degrees. I'm assuming I need the insulated, but knowing that people regularaly use thinner z-rests and ridgerests, i was wondering if that low temp rating was necessary. what I am also curious of knowing if what the ridgerests are rated to handle. I haven't really found any info on that, and that would be interesting to find out to compare to the 35 * big agnes rating.

[chicote]

I would definitely go with the insulated pad, especially for winter. There will be much more of a volume between you and the ground to heat up with the inflatable. The insulated pad will hold the heat better. Also take a look at the Insulmat Max Thermo pads - i have one and love it. They are a tad cheaper in price than the Big Agnes and have no reported leaking problems. GL I HTHs

[vaporjourney]

I think they only make the max-lite thermo pad in a mummy design. Do you find that using a mummy pad is too restricting in how you sleep? I tend to toss and turn at night, and am worried that the mummy shape won't allow much movement. Also...do you put the pad inside you sleeping bag, or underneath? Thanks for the input.

[hopefulhiker]

I really like the big agnes insulated mummy pad. I carried on the whole thru hike. I also carried a cut down ridge rest. I had no problem with the cold. There are other insulated mattresses that are lighter I think. Sometimes I just slept directly on the pad with the silk liner and sometimes with the sleeping bag just used as a blanket. I highly recommend this system but it does add weight. I am a side/stomach/back sleeper and the mummy pad could accomodate all of those...

[vaporjourney]

I'm definitely sold on getting an insulated pad, probably the Big Agnes because they make it sound like the I-core construction really allows air to move around the pad to where your body is positioned. Now i just can't decide if I want a mummy or rectangle size. The mummy would save a few ounces, but I can't tell if the extra space on the rectangle pads is really usable...

[Alligator]

I'm definitely sold on getting an insulated pad, probably the Big Agnes because they make it sound like the I-core construction really allows air to move around the pad to where your body is positioned. Now i just can't decide if I want a mummy or rectangle size. The mummy would save a few ounces, but I can't tell if the extra space on the rectangle pads is really usable...I switched rom a rectangular T-rest to the mummy shaped Prolite. I didn't notice any space difference. I'd go with the mummy and save the couple of ounces.

[cls]

I've never seen a temprature rating on Cascade Design mats but they do put the R rating on the wrapper. If you can find the R rating for the other mats you could compare them that way.

[dloome]

Bg Agnes pads are light and compact, but friggin fragile, watch where you put them. Just try to find the R rating of your pad. You'll probably want something with a 2.5 or up for winter. Remember you can boost insulation by putting spare clothes or other gear under you as well.

[Ewker]

I know to many people who got leaks using the Big Agnes pads. That is one reason I got the Insul Mat Max by POE

[Hana_Hanger]

I have about 10 night on my Big Agnes regular air core pad on the ground...rather in a tent. I have found no problems other then I wish I had gotten the larger one...the 25" size over the 20" one.

I have a lot of nights on that pad in my hammock but that does not count as far as possible leaks I guess :P

I think the older models had a few problems...I have not had any so far but I am careful where I place my tent. I also put extra clothing under my bag since the pad slips inside my BA sleeping bag.
Some people have reported that the insulated ones you must be more careful with...since the fibers inside can start breaking down.
I think a small CCF (3 oz) under your BA pad would solve any problems as far as cold and dealing with snow. I am planning that for my JMT hike in Oct. I hope I am right about that!

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

The mummy shape works fine for people who sleep on their back. It doesn't work as well for side sleepers IME. I have a BA insulated air core rectangular (20" x 72") with about 14 nights on it plus at least a dozen nights with grandkids sleeping on it in the floor. They have jumped on it and hit each other with it - and it has survived. It isn't all that fragile.

[buckhead]

I have both a mummy and a regular. I have not spent the night on either one. But I have inflated and tested them.

As for the more air making you cooler theory being a problem, it doesn’t seem that way to me. I don't believe that one pad holds more air than the other. In my testing of the Big Agnes less air gave you more comfort, to a point of course. The pad only need to be half inflated and it kind of wrapped around you. You just kind of lay on a thermarest because it is so stiff.

I ordered some Big Agnes rectangular insulated air core pads. One of the pads I received from Campmor was an old production pad. I called Big Agnes to verify which one was current production and "Chris" told me that the older models had thinner material and the valve is all plastic. It came with a replacement valve, which in my opinion is a bad sign. So, I just sent it back to Campmor to get the current production pad.

I am planning to use a regular Z-Lite underneath. So, puncture should not be a problem. I realize this will add weight. But what the heck, I was carrying a thermarest and a Z-Lite anyway. I am a side sleeper and my hips hurt.

[vaporjourney]

hm..i didnt know that the big agnes pads were so fragile. They've got 50D ripstop fabric, but I guess that doesn't help enough? This is what interested me, taken from their site: "The I-beam construction technique is functionally superior to the typical welded-through construction of other air mats. Die cut holes in each I-beam allow air to flow freely between chambers giving constant support and comfort." Do any of you find this construction to make the pad any more comfortable?

[alalskaman]

Don't forget the Exped down mats. They do have a temp rating, quite low, and IMO are simply the warmest...far warmer than the others mentioned.