View Full Version : Gossamer Gear sleeping pads?
oliander
11-02-2006, 01:57
Hi,
I just ran across gossamergear.com. Never heard of it before. But their sleeping pads are light and really intriguing. I'm especially looking at the Nightlight Torso pad, which should be long enough for me since I sleep with my pack under my knees anyway.
What do you think? Currently I have a Z-lite. It's fine, but if I can find something equivalent that's even lighter...(It looks to me like the Nightlight Torso Pad can be folded and sat on - just like Z-lite - that would be yet another selling point).
Thanks.
rswanson
11-02-2006, 04:42
Gossamer Gear has a very solid rep, as does the Nightlight pad. The pad is a revival of an out-of-production product called the Mt. Washington sleeping pad. I've never used one but there are many hikers who swear by it. It's also supposedly more durable than the Z-Lite, which has a tendancy to break down and lose loft over time. The Nightlight is minimalist when it comes to cushoning but if your comfortable on the Z-Lite, I'mn sure you'll be fine with the GG pad. The folds in the pad aren't just for ease of handling. The pad is designed to be used with GG's packs, in the stead of a framesheet, making it a dual-use item. Check out their packs, too.
Long feet
11-02-2006, 09:40
I have several pieces of gear from Gossamer Gear. I would highly recommend them. I have written to them with questions before I purchased, and had fast responses. When I ordered, my order arrived complete and fast. I think their prices are great, as well as the high quality of gear. I use torso length nightlight with my Mariposa pack. I have not complaints. The two together make up my pack that weights slightly over a pound and carries thirty pounds well. I have only done one section hike in SNP with it, so I can't speak to its long term durability. I went through some bushes with the pack, and had no damage. I sat and slept on the pad and was comfy. I do use the pad in a hammock though, so I can't speak to comfort on the ground. Let me know if you have any other questions.
One more thing:
The weights listed on the GG site are spot on. My pad actually weighs under by a couple of grams.
hikerjohnd
11-02-2006, 09:44
I tried the torso pad and found it to be just too small. I did not find it added padding (I still felt every rock and pebble). I have returned to my trusty Therm-a-rest that I've had for years.
Gossamer Gear is a very reputable company - I would never hesitate to buy from them - but for me this pad just did not cut it.
DawnTreader
11-02-2006, 11:28
I've got the pad.. it is light, and small... Works well for torso insulation.... I've liked everything I've ordered from GG except their light weight trek poles.. they broke on me, very ealry in my hike
vipahman
11-02-2006, 12:34
If you are interested in UL, then I strongly recommend the GG Nightlight torso. I use it as pad and backpack frame in my Golite Trek and Dawn packs. I'm 5'9" and 150lbs (skinny) and find the pad to be just right for me. I also bought more for the kids. Besides at that price, you can't make a mistake. While at it, get their titanium stakes too.
terrapin_too
12-07-2006, 01:47
I bought the NightLite recently, but found it nowhere near as comfortable as my ancient Thermarest shortie pad. The GG NightLite is certainly light (8 oz) but it just won't do the trick for me. The current Thermarest Prolite 3 short is 13 oz., and hopefully that will. (My current and very old one is 19 oz.)
peter_pan
12-07-2006, 09:03
Gossamear Gear pad are not about comfort... they are all about insulation... This fact is clearly stated on their web site... They are for the advanced ULer who camps where one can take advantage of the forest duff for the comfort... they are not intended as "comfy beds" in shelters and well used, hard packed campsites.
The new 1/4 and 3/8 models are actually fairly comfortable as a plus... vs the old 1/8.
Pan
terrapin_too
12-07-2006, 09:22
Gossamear Gear pad are not about comfort... they are all about insulation...
Apparently! I never really know (for sure) where I'm going to sleep on any given night on the trail, until I get there. I won't know what the surface (shelter, woods, whatever) is going to feel like. Sometimes I wanna be alone in the woods, sometimes I want the company of folks at a shelter. Whatever it turns out to be, I want to sleep comfortably.
I'll gladly carry an extra few oz. for a good night's sleep. YMMV.
Gossamer Gear has a very solid rep, as does the Nightlight pad. The pad is a revival of an out-of-production product called the Mt. Washington sleeping pad. I've never used one but there are many hikers who swear by it. It's also supposedly more durable than the Z-Lite, which has a tendancy to break down and lose loft over time. The Nightlight is minimalist when it comes to cushoning but if your comfortable on the Z-Lite, I'mn sure you'll be fine with the GG pad. The folds in the pad aren't just for ease of handling. The pad is designed to be used with GG's packs, in the stead of a framesheet, making it a dual-use item. Check out their packs, too.
The above information is right on target...Oliander if you are fine with the situation you use now you will be fine with the torso nightlight...I switched from your same situation to the combo you are looking at.
You receive the benefits of the above statement on durability and weight savings of....Z-lite 10.9 oz VRS torso Nightlight 3.1 oz
I also ordered the 1/8 inch pad (60 inches...2.0 oz) to use on the ground as insulation and in the shelter, as to prevent wind drafts, and keep my sleeping bag clean in the shelters during the winter months.