I'm in the very early stages of planning a potential '17 PCT thru hike, and with the possibility for another adventure I can't help but start doing some research. One thing I've noticed is that some people avoid using an inflatable sleeping pad in the desert, as the risk of puncture is high. My only desert hiking experience was in the Grand Canyon, on a four day trip, so I figured I'd ask about it here. Is the risk of puncturing an inflatable really that high? I'm happy to carry a patch kit, and I figure I'll bring a very minimal foam pad to use for both extra insulation and an extra layer of protection from sharp objects. For anyone curious, I've got a synmat UL7 that I would likely bring. I appreciate any advice on the matter, especially from people with PCT experience. Hopefully I can keep from getting too excited until the decision to do the hike is finalized.
Thanks for the help