View Full Version : POE All out pads.
The next thing in my pack to lighten up is my sleeping pad. I've been using a traditional 1.5 regular thermarest, and want to go to a short light pad. I've looked at the prolite 3, and it seems great, but my friend as one and isn't fond of it because he says he slides off it too much. The POE Ao-lite looks good too, and looks to have stopped the roling off it issue. Thermarest is a known factor for me, but I hear good things about POE, and it's a lot cheaper. Any one using a POE mattress that can give me a review? Can anyone directly compare the prolite with the ao-lite?
skinewmexico
12-25-2008, 17:45
Thermarest bites, but it is the internet buzzword. Get a BA or POE air mattress.
Kerosene
12-25-2008, 18:26
Another option: Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/torsolite_inflatable_sleeping_pad.html). Only covers from your shoulders to your hips, so you'll want to use the padded framesheet of your pack for your legs, plus a stuffsack of clothes for your head. Weight 10.4 ounces, 17" x 32" taper, R-value: 3.5. Probably not for back-sleepers, as it is so narrow that your elbows will rest on the ground next to you.
Yet another new option hitting the market in April is the Thermarest Neoair (http://thegearjunkie.com/the-gear-junkie-scoop-therm-a-rest-neoair): 9 ounces for the 20" x 47" pad, with an R-value of 2.5.
skinewmexico
12-25-2008, 18:59
I'm going to let other people be the beta testers on the Neoair. And when it becomes a proven technology, I'll try it. Assuming it isn't still more than twice the price of the POE and BA products.
I have a POE Hyper High Mountain Aerogel Pad. It is the warmest pad I have and pretty comfortable too. It is a bit pricey, but it was a gift.
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2008/index.cfm?action=product&productID=139&groupID=25&familyID=1
Thermarest bites, but it is the internet buzzword. Get a BA or POE air mattress.
I have a Prolite 4 Thermarest and a POE AO MTN. I dont know weights, I think they are about the same. The POE came with a stuff sack, patch kit, and velcro strap. The POE at home with perfect conditions and unlimited time and patience will pack smaller but you wont put that much time and effort in to packing the pad on the trail. It is harder to pack, harder to blow up, and not nearly as comforable for sleeping on your back or your side. I think it has to do with the "side rails" They make the main part of the pad so slim that you dont feel like you can fit on the even firm section of the pad. Especialy down by your feet. One more thing about the POE is that it has rubber to keep you from slipping off I have never noticed it while sleeping or missed it while on the Thermarest.
The termarest pack and unpacks easier, It is significanly more comfortable but it doesnt come with anything and it cost more money.
I have never had a problem with either even in cactus but I would think it would be easier to replace a thermarest while traveling.
Just my .02
ps. you are talking about comparing the 4 season inflatable thermarest to a 3 season inflatable POE? I compared the 4 season POE verson of the POE pad you are refering too.
If you want kinda light REI shor 4 season inflatable pad is on sale for $34
If you want lite buy a Z-Rest $30
if you want liter cut some off $30
If you still want lighter walmart blue foam $7
If you want lightest cut the blue pad
I have done all of these and I will tell you that in this case weight is directly = to comfort especialy on a cold night. On winter hikes I use the Z rest ender the prolite-4.
I also have a Prolite 4 Thermarest and just do not sleep well on the ground an anything less padded. For 9 hours of comfort the two pounds is worth it.
I Hammock most of the time in the JRB Bear Mtn. Bridge which has a pocket for a pad and use a quilt on top to be comfortable down to 20*.
skinewmexico
12-26-2008, 01:05
I'll still take the 2-1/2" of comfort with my POE Insulmat Max Thermo. If it gets really cold, I add a GG thinlight pad on top.
I already have pads that are warm that I have been very satisfied with for a long time, a 2" and 1.5" thermarest, but they're 2.5 and 2lbs. I also have a blue pad for extended range. I am not comfortable on the blue mat, but the thermarests are fine even on rock or gravel. I'm a side sleeper, so am sensitive to hip pressure. I was thinking that the short POE AO lite (http://www.rei.com/product/751002) and a cut down blue pad under my hips and knees with my pack under my feet would be just over a pound and still be reasonably comfortable.
Do you think I will notice a huge difference going from 1.5 to 1" of mat? I don't really consider the 2" much more comfortable than the 1.5," I inflate them pretty hard and don't bottom out. Perhaps the blue foam will make up for it.
My wife uses a POE Either Thermo 6 & doesn't complain. That says a lot about the comfort of the pad.
http://www.pacoutdoor.com/2008/index.cfm?action=product&productID=132&groupID=23&familyID=1
skinewmexico
12-26-2008, 14:17
If you don't inflate them hard, you don't have problems staying on them. That is why the 2.5" works so well.
I have an affection for self inflating type mattresses. I guess it's the amazing durability and comfort I have experienced with my therm-a-rests. Is it really worth going to a blow up air mattress?
skinewmexico
12-26-2008, 14:49
Is it really worth going to a blow up air mattress?
It has been for me. An order of magnitude more comfortable than self-inflating. And it only takes 9 big breaths to blow mine up to the level I use it at.
optimator
12-26-2008, 14:49
I have an affection for self inflating type mattresses. I guess it's the amazing durability and comfort I have experienced with my therm-a-rests. Is it really worth going to a blow up air mattress?
YES :banana
yes for me also. i slept out back to back nights using a foam blue pad from walmart and the next night, my BA insulated airmat. what a world of difference the next morning
toddhiker
12-27-2008, 11:27
Tom,
If you are comfortable on a self inflator, and it weighs less than a different option you're looking at, then it's NOT worth switching!
If comfort starts to lessen (particularly w/your age :) ) then switching is your only option, IMO. I'm a side sleeper who appreciates the thickness my BAIAC provides. YMMV.
I went to REI yesterday to lie down on it. I think it will be fine, seemed thick enough and I couldn't percieve a noticable difference between it and my 1.5. They only had the regular, so I ordered the short on sale for 40$ ship to store.
It comes jan 9 :sun
I have looked high and low. I have googled my little stubby fingers off.
"Blue pad weight?" "backpacking, blue pad weight?" "what does a wal-mart blue pad weigh?" etc.
Nothing.
I refise to just weigh mine. Weird, Huh??
This is killing my self respect to ask, but "what does a blue Wal-Mart pad weigh?
Grinder
"what does a blue Wal-Mart pad weigh?
Grinder
MEC in canada says a blue 20x72 weighs about 10oz.
Alligator
01-03-2009, 21:57
I've been using this one (http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___41312)from Campmor for winter insulation and it weighs 8 oz.
Ya, and there's 2 walmart pads too, one is flat on both sides and thin. The other is thicker and wavy on one side.
thanks, guys!
I have the thin one. 20x72. I'll use 8 OZ.
Grinder