Running out of time for a sleeping pad!

[lilgodwin]

Alright, I might have screwed up by not doing this sooner, but I'll deal with the possible consequences. I had a Thermarest Evolite and I couldn't stand it for the 5 days I was in Yosemite. Granted, I was naive and didn't choose the best spot to setup my tent, but we had limited space and I was on a slight angle. Aside from rolling off all through the nights, I felt it was small. It was my first sleeping pad experience. Previously I've just used a bag with no pad, although I haven't done any serious camping throughout my life. I'm an average guy (5'10", 180lbs), but I tend to toss and turn a lot. I prefer side sleeping or on my stomach. I also enjoy short walks on the beach and pina-coladas are alright on occasion.

The pad kept slipping throughout the entire trip and my nights were miserable. I suppose some sort of grip between the pad and tent floor can fix the slipping, so that's not a huge concern. I figure whatever the model, I'll get the largest size so I have room to sprawl out and move around. Large/wide pads preferred... borderline necessary. I'm honestly not sure if I prefer baffles or not, and if horizontal or vertical better. But I do know that I was annoyed with the slight horizontal baffles of the Evolite.

This link isn't going to help too terribly much I don't suppose, but I tried to narrow down everything just a bit. And I'm not really willing to spend more than $120. The cheaper the better.

https://www.rei.com/c/sleeping-pads?r=category%3Acamping-and-hiking%7Csleeping-pads-cots-and-hammocks%7Csleeping-pads%3Bweight-lbs%3A0.5%20to%200.99%7C1%20to%201.49%7C1.50%20to% 202.99%3Bsleeping-pad-type%3AAir%20Pad%7CSelf-inflating%20Pad%3Bbest-use%3ABackpacking%3Bpad-length-in%3A72%20to%2076%7C77%20and%20Greater%3Bpad-width-in%3A30%20to%2035%7C25%20to%2027%3Bprice%3A%2450.0 0%20to%20%2499.99%7C%24100.00%20to%20%24199.99%3Br-value%3A2%20to%204&pagesize=90&ir=category%3Asleeping-pads&sort=min-price

So I'm looking for a general consensus (I know, laughable) and just going to hope for the best. Worst case, I deflate the hell out of it and sleep mostly on the ground, which I really don't mind. I much prefer that over a nuisance of a pad. Bonus points to anyone else who has hated the Evolite for similar reasons and found one that works wonders for them.

[cmoulder]

How 'bout this one (https://www.rei.com/product/845300/rei-co-op-flash-insulated-air-sleeping-pad)?

Sometimes a small piece (about 1.5 ft by 3 ft) of 1/8" closed cell foam under the air mattress can keep it from sliding around.

[Hikingjim]

cheap, big and light is a bit hard to come by, so you'll probably be a touch on the heavy side

Have heard some good things about this mat from friends, but haven't used and is too short for me:
https://www.rei.com/product/866835/klymit-insulated-static-v-sleeping-pad
23" wide (3" more than standard). Seems to pack down pretty well

The prolite plus large is a great size at 25". A bit more $ and 2 ounces heavier than above

There may be other options, but the ones I know of are not wide/comfortable/warm pads or are more expensive than your budget.

[lilgodwin]

I'm not so concerned with light and packable, at least not so much as others seem to be. That doesn't mean I want super bulky and heavy though.

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[cmoulder]

Pretty light and cheep (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Portable-Outdoor-Air-Mattress-1860X600X85mm-Ultralight-Folding-Camping-Mat-For-Sleeping-Free-Shipping/32620569722.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.72.DbJuDl&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10065_10 068_10501_10503_10000032_119_10000025_10000029_430 _10000028_10060_10062_10056_10055_10000062_10054_1 0059_10099_10000022_10000012_10103_10000015_10102_ 10096_10000018_10000019_10000056_10000059_10052_10 053_10107_10050_10106_10051_10000053_10000007_1000 0050_10084_10118_10083_10000047_10080_10082_10081_ 10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10115_10000041_10000 044_10078_10079_10000038_429_10073_10000035_10121-119_10503_10501,searchweb201603_1,afswitch_3,singl e_sort_3_default&btsid=89b5d293-c504-4c86-b4c0-d1e876f2f63c) from China. Converting metric it's about 23.6" wide and 73" long. Of course no warranty support and who knows about quality? Be the first and let us know. :)

[lilgodwin]

How 'bout this one (https://www.rei.com/product/845300/rei-co-op-flash-insulated-air-sleeping-pad)?

Sometimes a small piece (about 1.5 ft by 3 ft) of 1/8" closed cell foam under the air mattress can keep it from sliding around.
It looked pretty good, but there isn't a wide version. I'd like one if possible. Have you any experience with that pad or did you just think it was a good fit for some reason?

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[lilgodwin]

Pretty light and cheep (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Portable-Outdoor-Air-Mattress-1860X600X85mm-Ultralight-Folding-Camping-Mat-For-Sleeping-Free-Shipping/32620569722.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.72.DbJuDl&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10065_10 068_10501_10503_10000032_119_10000025_10000029_430 _10000028_10060_10062_10056_10055_10000062_10054_1 0059_10099_10000022_10000012_10103_10000015_10102_ 10096_10000018_10000019_10000056_10000059_10052_10 053_10107_10050_10106_10051_10000053_10000007_1000 0050_10084_10118_10083_10000047_10080_10082_10081_ 10110_10111_10112_10113_10114_10115_10000041_10000 044_10078_10079_10000038_429_10073_10000035_10121-119_10503_10501,searchweb201603_1,afswitch_3,singl e_sort_3_default&btsid=89b5d293-c504-4c86-b4c0-d1e876f2f63c) from China. Converting metric it's about 23.6" wide and 73" long. Of course no warranty support and who knows about quality? Be the first and let us know. :)
Lol, I've always been scared to buy from AliExpress. Plus it's possible it wouldn't even arrive this coming month. I'm planning on leaving in the first week of March

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[lilgodwin]

cheap, big and light is a bit hard to come by, so you'll probably be a touch on the heavy side

Have heard some good things about this mat from friends, but haven't used and is too short for me:
https://www.rei.com/product/866835/klymit-insulated-static-v-sleeping-pad
23" wide (3" more than standard). Seems to pack down pretty well

The prolite plus large is a great size at 25". A bit more $ and 2 ounces heavier than above

There may be other options, but the ones I know of are not wide/comfortable/warm pads or are more expensive than your budget.
I do like that one. But I'm unsure about the V shaped baffles. Just fear of the unknown. But in leaning toward this one!

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[lilgodwin]

SOLD!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KLYMIT-Insulated-Static-V-LUXE-Sleeping-Pad-RED-Lightweight-Camping-REFURBISHED-/222145476377?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

The more I looked at the Klymit Static V pads, the more I liked them. Plus, there's a Luxe edition that's even larger, and an insulated version. To top it off, that link is to Klymit's ebay listiing of all their used/returned Insulated Luxe pads at half price... AND still covered by their limited lifetime warranty. Am I missing something? Cuz that seems awesome!

[Hikingjim]

did you already pull the trigger on that? REI you can return it any time if there's issues or you don't like the feel
Probably worth it for a mat

[cmoulder]

Am I missing something?

35 ounces!? :eek:

If it fits your needs and you're willing to carry it why not? Way heavier than anything I would carry, but I'm not carrying it. :D

[Hikingjim]

Oh, that's a different one. "refurbished" can mean a lot of things in my experience (sometimes good, sometimes terrible)

35 oz is way too heavy, imo

[lilgodwin]

Another model I was previously looking at was 3.3-3.5lbs. Granted I didn't know it at the time, lol.

I'm certainly not an ultralight, or even a lightweight, packer. I expect to have a base weight around 35lbs. So a 2lb pad isn't really a concern. It looks pretty massive and I'm excited. Did I mention I move around a LOT?

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[lilgodwin]

did you already pull the trigger on that? REI you can return it any time if there's issues or you don't like the feel
Probably worth it for a mat
About to. This is straight from Klymit. And I'm usually not willing to pay REI prices. I did buy that Evolite I mentioned from REI. You're right, flawless return policy. Which is great because it was such a miserable pad.

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[ScareBear]

I have the Klymit Static V LITE in the quiver. Only 19 ounces, 23 inch width, packs small. It was on sale at Christmas on Campsaver for around 80 bucks...

[jjozgrunt]

I'm using the Exped Winterlite Long Wide. It's an inch thicker, higher R rating, longer and wider (not a rectangle though) but only 0.7oz heavier than the Klymit Static V Lite.

[ScareBear]

I'm using the Exped Winterlite Long Wide. It's an inch thicker, higher R rating, longer and wider (not a rectangle though) but only 0.7oz heavier than the Klymit Static V Lite.

If that's the down Winterlite, it also costs twice what the Klymit does...

[Time Zone]

SOLD!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KLYMIT-Insulated-Static-V-LUXE-Sleeping-Pad-RED-Lightweight-Camping-REFURBISHED-/222145476377?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

The more I looked at the Klymit Static V pads, the more I liked them. Plus, there's a Luxe edition that's even larger, and an insulated version. To top it off, that link is to Klymit's ebay listiing of all their used/returned Insulated Luxe pads at half price... AND still covered by their limited lifetime warranty. Am I missing something? Cuz that seems awesome!

IIIRC I found the un-insulated version of the Static V2 to be only 68"-70" long, depending on where you make the vertical measurement (middle or edges). It has an unusual shape. To get 72" in length, I feel like you'd have to measure from the outside of the head end to the middle of the foot end. Not outside-to-outside, or middle-to-middle. Another potential explanation is that these things may be that long uninflated, but "shrink" in dimensions when you inflate them.

It was a deal through Costco (came packaged with an inflatable pillow too) but it went back - just too short for me, esp. for the stomach sleeping. And I didn't end up liking the pillow either, except how small it packed.

[DuneElliot]

+1 on the Klymit Static V insulated pad. I actually liked the V baffles after a few nights. I added some bathroom silicone stripes to the bottom of the pad and it stays put. Very comfortable and great customer service.

[fastfoxengineering]

I'll sell you a like new, used two or three times neo air xtherm max for $160 shipped. Pm if interested

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[lilgodwin]

I'll sell you a like new, used two or three times neo air xtherm max for $160 shipped. Pm if interested

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Thanks but no thanks.

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[Smithereens]

About to. This is straight from Klymit. And I'm usually not willing to pay REI prices. I did buy that Evolite I mentioned from REI. You're right, flawless return policy. Which is great because it was such a miserable pad.

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I have both the Lite and insulated Static Vs... awesome pads! One word of advice though, dont blow them up app the way. Inflate your pad just to the point it is still kinda floppy (youll have to figure out what's best for you). The Klymit pads can be uncomfortably firm with too much air in them.

[jjozgrunt]

If that's the down Winterlite, it also costs twice what the Klymit does...

I didn't see his price range in the original post. Yes it's expensive but sleep quality is important, so there are some things I don't stint on. The other factor is I have built up my gear over a number of years instead of trying to get it at the last moment.

[jeffmeh]

cheap, big and light is a bit hard to come by, so you'll probably be a touch on the heavy side

Have heard some good things about this mat from friends, but haven't used and is too short for me:
https://www.rei.com/product/866835/klymit-insulated-static-v-sleeping-pad
23" wide (3" more than standard). Seems to pack down pretty well

The prolite plus large is a great size at 25". A bit more $ and 2 ounces heavier than above

There may be other options, but the ones I know of are not wide/comfortable/warm pads or are more expensive than your budget.

I tried this Klymit pad out on the living room floor and found it to be fairly uncomfortable compared to my Exped Synmat UL 7 (I put them side by side). I could feel the wooden floor through the Klymit, so I would not be confident with it on less ideal ground. The Exped is on clearance now at REI and close to the OP's budget, and comes in a MW size which is fairly optimal, at least for me. YMMV.

[lilgodwin]

I have both the Lite and insulated Static Vs... awesome pads! One word of advice though, dont blow them up app the way. Inflate your pad just to the point it is still kinda floppy (youll have to figure out what's best for you). The Klymit pads can be uncomfortably firm with too much air in them.
Thanks! It should be here in a day or two. I'll definitely spend some time figuring out what's most comfortable for me.

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[Dogwood]

Lilgodwin, you're placing much emphasis for your issues on gear. While there're answers from that perspective how about picking flatter spots to sleep? How about get a pad more conducive to toss and turners side sleepers? How about dishing out a soft place in the sand where your hips lay so you're more comfortable should you choose a thinner CCF pad and which will possibly reduce the sliding around of the pad?

[lilgodwin]

Lol. I hardly had any options in Yosemite in our designated site. I gave preference to my buddy and the scouts we were with. That said, I certainly learned my lesson the hard way and I'll definitely take a few minutes to pick/prepare a better spot in the future.

As far as a pad built for side sleepers... How do you determine that? Granted, I've already picked out my pad... and unless it's unbearable like the Evolite, I won't be switching again before my home.

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[Dogwood]

Lol. I hardly had any options in Yosemite in our designated site. I gave preference to my buddy and the scouts we were with. That said, I certainly learned my lesson the hard way and I'll definitely take a few minutes to pick/prepare a better spot in the future.

As far as a pad built for side sleepers... How do you determine that? Granted, I've already picked out my pad... and unless it's unbearable like the Evolute, I won't be switching again before my home...

That is the question I had hoped you would ask. Closed Cell Foam(CCF) sleeping pads come with different characteristics. CCF pads that are thicker, 3/8" or more or so, rather the thinner ones like 1/4" tend to stay put better without bunching up. CCF pads with ridges or pockets like that made by Cascade Designs, Ridgecrest and Z Lite Sol for example, stay put better. Some CCF pads have a slightly different surface "tack" that make them stay put better than ones with a more slippery surface. You might try a light spray coating to the undersides of your CCF pad with Hair Spray that gives it a slight tack that might keep it from sliding around on a silny tent floor. It doesn't last forever but it might be an option. Make sure to keep it clean though i.e.; don't throw it around in the dirt or you may get dirt/debris adhering to it. Light spray coat is usually all I ever needed. Most of the 1/2" CCF pads, cheap to more expensive, have a decent tack though that I've seen or used.

With inflatable pads you may seek seams that run parallel with the length or have "rails" like the Big Agnes, ExPed, Sea to Summit, REI or Big Agnes pads that keep you on the pad rather than seam plants perpendicular to the length like the Neo Air. Klymit and Sea To Summit and Exped make inflatable pads with waffles, "V shapes, cut outs, or depressions that also may keep you more centered on they pad, hold some insulating air, and increase friction with the tent floor and your sleeping pad. I have a tendency to slide off my Neo Air X Lites pads with the perpendicular seam pleats as a side sleeping toss and turner myself. The thickness of some inflatable pads can have me rolling off too as if I'm sleeping atop a wobbly pedestal. I mitigate this effect by either inflating to make it really hard or decreasing the air pressure to make it softer making something of a dish that also helps my sleeping side hip be more comfortable.

If sleeping bag or quilt is wide enough try placing either a CCf or inflatable pad inside your sleeping bag/quilt inside your tent.

[jefals]

SOLD!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KLYMIT-Insulated-Static-V-LUXE-Sleeping-Pad-RED-Lightweight-Camping-REFURBISHED-/222145476377?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368

The more I looked at the Klymit Static V pads, the more I liked them. Plus, there's a Luxe edition that's even larger, and an insulated version. To top it off, that link is to Klymit's ebay listiing of all their used/returned Insulated Luxe pads at half price... AND still covered by their limited lifetime warranty. Am I missing something? Cuz that seems awesome!

That's the one I have. It sprung a leak. I bought another one. I'm thinking seriously of going to foam, tho, cause I hate rolling that thing up in the morning - and, also, there's that potential for leaks with the air mattress

[MtDoraDave]

That's the one I have. It sprung a leak. I bought another one. I'm thinking seriously of going to foam, tho, cause I hate rolling that thing up in the morning - and, also, there's that potential for leaks with the air mattress

If you can get a good night's sleep on ccf, then it's a waste of money to buy an air or self inflating pad.
My first pad was a Ridgerest, and it was too firm... I didn't sleep well on it at all. I figured I'd add the small Ridgerest to my sleeping kit so I had more padding between hips to head - still too hard, didn't sleep well. I bought the Prolite Plus and sleep SO much better on it. If I could sleep well on ccf, I wouldn't have spent $100 on another sleeping pad!

[sethd513]

My father in law has the static v lux and he seems to like it so far. Very comfortable and plenty of room for him. No issues so far.


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[Time Zone]

Ridgerest pros:
inexpensive
no leak worries
comfortable for back or stomach sleepers

Ridgerest cons:
bulky
not comfortable for side sleepers

[ScareBear]

Ridgerest or ZLite are just not enough for me. I've used both. I prefer the ZLite.

Air mats have come a long, long way. I'm stuck on my REI Stratus which has given 3 years and 400 miles so far with zero issues. I'm a side sleeper and need good pad that works for my style. My gear bin has a some BA's and a few Klymit's. I'd put the REI first, Klymit second and BA a very distant third. But all the BA's are the "old" style...once I get used to the v baffles in the Klymit, it might move up due to higher R factor...