View Full Version : Exped SynMat 7 vs Big Anges vs Neo Air
trailangelbronco
02-26-2010, 17:40
Ok, so I'm 200 lbs, and sleep on my side at night. I am about to drop some money for a decent pad, finally. I don't want to buy and try-return pads, so thought that I would get the advice from thru hikers.
Which pad is the best way to go for comfort/weight/and durability.
I laid on the Neo-air at REI, felt great but is loud as all hell. Like lying on potato chip bags.
Kerosene
02-26-2010, 17:58
I laid on the Neo-air at REI, felt great but is loud as all hell. Like lying on potato chip bags.Didn't bother me at all, but I also use earplugs.
I've used a neo air on my last few hikes. I'm a side sleeper and it's the only thing that's worked for me.
If you do go with a neo air, know that it would be pretty easy to puncture it if you don't take precautions. If you're careful with it you shouldn't have any problems.
trailangelbronco
02-26-2010, 18:43
I may rethink the Neo Air, but want to hear about the Big Agnes insulated core first. I don't hike with earplugs because I hike alot in Grizzly Country. I want to hear the dinner bell ring.
srestrepo
02-26-2010, 18:43
i'm 290 pounds and when i decide to sleep on the ground i use the exped synmat 7. im a side sleeper and my hips dont hit the ground or bottom out. plus, i dont have to inflate it myself. its a little bit bulkier but worth its weight in gold to me.
g8trh8tr
02-26-2010, 19:38
+1 for the NeoAir......Not the most durable pad but sleeps great.
mateozzz
02-26-2010, 21:16
I have the Synmat and the Big Agnes. The Synmat is thicker and insulated, so it is my choice for cold weather or non-hiking situations. But I bought the Big Agnes because of its light weight and it is pretty comfortable, too. At 200lbs on your side you are probably going to bottom out on anything. I'm 150 and do OK on the Big Agnes (I sleep on my side too). If you can stand the weight, I would recommend the Synmat.
skinewmexico
02-26-2010, 23:38
I'm you're weight, and my POE Insulmat Max Thermo (Ether Thermo 6 now) has worked great for me, for 5 years. Takes 9 big breaths to blow up.
Sailor (The other one)
02-27-2010, 09:14
You might consider this guy: http://www.kookabay.com/. He can custom make a pad to fit your specifications and his prices are low. Here's a BPL forum thread about him: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=27714.
When not hammocking I use my BA Air core mummy pad.
In cold weather I put closed cell foam on top.
If I did a long hike without the hammock (I can't forsee that), I would bring the closed cell with the BA pad and use it underneath for puncture protection in warm weather, using it on top if the weather got cold. If the BA pad failed I would still have a warm (albeit firm) pad and not just a useless double thickness ground cloth. Any of the filled inflatables, down or otherwise would not be worth much if they went flat on you. A backup is a good idea.
skinewmexico
02-27-2010, 12:52
You might consider this guy: http://www.kookabay.com/. He can custom make a pad to fit your specifications and his prices are low. Here's a BPL forum thread about him: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=27714.
Good idea. He made me a custom pillow that deflates to about the size of a 35mm film can. Good stuff.
Mountain Wildman
02-27-2010, 13:14
I have the 25 X 77 NeoAir, I have only tried it out once, I am 285lbs. and I sleep on all sides, basically move around alot. I don't recall bottoming out and I inflated it to full and them let some air out until it felt comfortable.
Good idea. He made me a custom pillow that deflates to about the size of a 35mm film can. Good stuff.
How much does that pillow costs you for custom made?
Thanks
Cool AT Breeze
03-01-2010, 00:53
BA is the tuffest of the bunch.IMHO