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Leanthree
05-13-2011, 22:15
If only because often my favorite gear related threads are just where you get 20 answers on what product people use whether it is stoves, packs, shelters, etc, and I'd like a gauge on what people of such high esteem (in my mind...likely poor judgement...) do.

What sleeping pad do you use?

Feel free to comment on why you like it, and hammockers please note such.

I will start it off as I have a Thermarest Prolite 72" and sleep on the ground.

johnnybgood
05-13-2011, 22:38
BIG AGNES insulated air core 72'' which I use in my tent .

old original ThermaRest 3/4 which I use in my hammock.

LoneRidgeRunner
05-13-2011, 22:38
Mountain Hardwear High Mountain 72...

LoneRidgeRunner
05-13-2011, 22:39
Mountain Hardwear High Mountain 72...

In a tent on the ground..

EastCoastFeastCoast
05-13-2011, 22:46
ThermaRest Prolite 3

It's old, its thin, its heavy, and its uncomfortable in a tent, perfectly fine in a hammock.

My reason?- It costs money for a new one!

jbsbestfan
05-13-2011, 23:28
Love that Neo-Air. In fact, I loved it so much I bought the new version that is better for winter but heavier. I know the cost is bad, but if you wait everything out a 20-25% coupon will come along. This is nice since I am a gear junkie...but I never pay a full price. If you are a side sleeper, you cant go wrong wit this pad.

Hoop
05-14-2011, 00:08
Synthethic insulated kookabay pad (19 oz?); got an 'instaflator' (only a couple of ounces and cheap) to inflate it to reduce moisture.

Whiskyjo
05-14-2011, 00:29
Exped downmat 9 is what I use because as I age being a side sleeper my hips were starting to get sore by early morning. Now I can sleep all night and when winter temps reach zero the down keeps the cold away.

Skid.
05-14-2011, 09:16
I found I can fold my Thermarest in half lengthwise before rolling it up to a size of 6" diam by 10" wide. Fits into the bottom of my pack next to my sleeping bag, and saves room, does not have to strap to the outside of the pack.

Bags4266
05-14-2011, 09:19
Synthethic insulated kookabay pad (19 oz?); got an 'instaflator' (only a couple of ounces and cheap) to inflate it to reduce moisture.

Just ordered the r-5 syn mummy from kooka bay 2 days ago at 16oz and good to 15* its a no brainer. Problem is the wait and price.

Bags4266
05-14-2011, 09:20
Need to post again don't like 666 number of posts!!!!!

garlic08
05-14-2011, 09:31
My six-section length of Z-rest weighs six ounces and doubles as my pack frame.

Reid
05-14-2011, 09:50
Big agnes 72X25. The big boy.

Rcarver
05-14-2011, 09:51
I really like the Neo-Air. Light weight, comfortable and takes up very little space in my pack. I use it year round and have not gotten cold with it.

hikerboy57
05-14-2011, 10:05
Big agnes 72X25. The big boy.
same here.

DareN
05-14-2011, 10:39
Klymit Inertia X Frame. Fits in the palm of my hand and 9 ounces for a full length pad.

So Far
05-14-2011, 10:41
Neo Air...LOVE IT

daddytwosticks
05-14-2011, 13:16
Prolite 3 short for ground sleeping. Have had it for years. Good compromise between weight, bulk, and comfort. One of the few pieces of equipment I have not changed over the years. :)

Deadeye
05-14-2011, 14:39
Prolite 3 shorty for hammock or ground. If I know I'll be spending significant time on the ground, I'll bring my BA insulated air core (shorty) instead. Also bring 6 sections (6 ounces) of z-rest for sitting, lounging, extra insulation and/or protection for the inflatables, and as emergency pad if inflatable leaks in the middle of the night (it never seems to leak mid-day, does it?).

10-K
05-14-2011, 14:41
Neoair short - 9.5 ozs of comfort.

It comes in pretty handy deflated too... I lay it out and sit on it when I stop for lunch sometimes. A lot more durable than you'd imagine.

leaftye
05-14-2011, 14:54
POE Hyper Mtn Elite (http://www.backpacker.com/gear-review-pacific-hyper-elite-sleeping-pad/gear/13414).


http://www.departmentofgoods.com/images/items/large/POE/POE0131/SOLOR.jpg

gunner76
05-14-2011, 19:39
I use a cheap wallyworld waffle pattern blue pad in my hammock. I don't sleep in a tent anymore

Tipi Walter
05-14-2011, 22:13
Exped downmat 9 is what I use because as I age being a side sleeper my hips were starting to get sore by early morning. Now I can sleep all night and when winter temps reach zero the down keeps the cold away.

You've got that right.


Need to post again don't like 666 number of posts!!!!!

I like the way your mind works.

My pads? I use a Prolite Plus large for three seasons, an Exped downmat 9 for winter, or a Thermarest Base Camp large if I feel like humping it.

Leanthree
05-15-2011, 00:36
Thanks for all of your replies! Good to see the gear diversity out there.

Stats 2012
05-15-2011, 00:56
I use a RidgeRest in my hammock and it works fine, but was curious if anyone has tried the aluminized solar coated SOLite RidgeRest? Does it reflect an appreciable amount of body heat back to the user? I'm thinking ahead to those cold GA/TN nights next March.

Possum Bill
05-15-2011, 14:07
Exped Synmat UL7. Really great for side-sleepers. 1 lb. - r value 3.1

Rocket Jones
05-15-2011, 14:33
I retired my Thermarest TrailLight for their new Trekker. A little cheaper than the NeoAir, a little heavier too, but supposedly more durable. Time will tell. So far, I love it.

trailangelbronco
05-15-2011, 15:04
Love my NeoAir. Also use it in a thermarest seat frame, half inflated. I keep expecting it to puncture, hasn't happened.

ShelterLeopard
05-15-2011, 16:47
I use the regular size therma-rest neo air (LOVE IT) and in the colder weather I use my neoair with a cheap thin foam half length thermarest on top for insulation purposes.

Mags
05-15-2011, 17:17
CCF pad..aka the blue foam pad.

Cut down, it is about 5oz. If I was to really cut it down ala the Gossamer Gear folks (butt to shoulders), it would be about 3oz. :)

Costs $10 at many fine places of sporting goods that end in MART. ;)

CrumbSnatcher
05-15-2011, 17:42
i use a thermarest Z-rest and i carried a thermarest air matress for my dog :)

Kerosene
05-16-2011, 00:29
NeoAir shortie with my pack under my feet. It's the only pad I've had that lets me sleep on my side for more than 5 minutes.

Northern Lights
05-16-2011, 08:41
Exped 7, don't leave home without it. It is the most comfortable thing I have ever slept on. And it's down making it very warm.

Tipi Walter
05-16-2011, 08:43
Exped 7, don't leave home without it. It is the most comfortable thing I have ever slept on. And it's down making it very warm.

What's the summer Exped alternative that isn't so warm, yet is as comfy??

TAS
05-16-2011, 11:11
I used a thermarest Z-Lite long, once, its like sleeping on rocks

John

Old Hiker
05-16-2011, 11:14
Blue wally closed cell for the hammock. When I have to car camp in a tent, it's a 3/4 older Thermarest on TOP of the blue pad.

STICK
06-04-2011, 00:23
NeoAir. Regular size. The best sleep I have had on the trail!

springerfever
06-04-2011, 08:16
EXPED Synmat 7UL..short version. Extremely comfortable, great insulation, rolls up next to nothing and fantastic design. Best valves on the market !!

BadAndy
06-04-2011, 11:13
Big Anges insulated air core 78" in the tent and a Wally World blue pad in the hammock

leaftye
06-04-2011, 11:43
I just bought a full length insulated air mattress.

Pacific Outdoor Equipment Elite AC

It's spec'd at 14 ounces, but people and POE are saying the production versions are actually a couple ounces lighter.

Bags4266
06-04-2011, 11:53
I just bought a full length insulated air mattress.

Pacific Outdoor Equipment Elite AC

It's spec'd at 14 ounces, but people and POE are saying the production versions are actually a couple ounces lighter.

I was looking at the 2/3 size Elite AC It shows 11.75 but people have been posting 10 oz. Not sure if I want this on or the Neoair small

Limeman
06-06-2011, 17:50
I have used and love my NeoAir Large for 2 seasons now and it is crazy comfortable for 17oz. My only complaints are the occasional need to re-inflate the pad during the night and (this is a common issue with all 2.5" or greater height pads) the greater height tends to eat into most tents floor space, due to aggressively sloping walls.

With that complaint in mind, I just got my hands on a Klymat Inertia XL pad, which is the big-brother to the ultra light Inertia pad. Initial impressions after only one over-night are that the pad is surprisingly comfortable, especially considering it only raises you about 1.5" off the ground, and since it is much lower to the ground, it does not eat up the head/foot space in your tent as much as a NeoAir, Exped, BA, etc. For you taller guys, this might be a total blessing. I'll try to provide a much more detailed report on this pad once I have enough pack time with it.

Here is a link to the Inertia XL in case you're interested: http://www.klymit.com/index.php/products/inertiaxl.html

Dogwood
06-06-2011, 21:04
Most of the time on 3 season hikes, preferably not on snow, NeoAir shortie with empty pack and maps under legs. Sometimes I'll add a 1/8" cut down CCF pad under that or polycro ground sheet. Sometimes I'll just go with a cut down 1/4" CCF pad as my only sleeping pad. When colder med length NeoAir with 1/4 or 1/8 CCF pad. ALL assuming I'm sleeping on the ground.

Whilke hammocking I have not worked it entirely out yet. Currently, I prefer NO pad while hammocking.

mweinstone
06-06-2011, 23:19
the corrolation betwix tired and comfy are being missed.if you dont hike enough, you need more pad. if you hike enough , you need less pad. all pads work including no pad. its all in the tired. admit it or toss. when you understand your pads tired rateing, you never dare lay on it untired or not tired enough.

leaftye
06-06-2011, 23:38
I was looking at the 2/3 size Elite AC It shows 11.75 but people have been posting 10 oz. Not sure if I want this on or the Neoair small

I can't help you. I hate short pads because they move too much under me when I flop around at night.

Dogwood
06-06-2011, 23:41
That's an amusing, interesting, and valid analysis Matty!

How do you come up with this stuff? Serious.

bfayer
06-07-2011, 05:46
That's an amusing, interesting, and valid analysis Matty!

How do you come up with this stuff? Serious.

It is true though :) I have slept places when I am exhausted that I would never consider on a normal day.

Having said that, I am a wimp theses days, and I like to call it quits before I am exhausted.

I just got an Exped UL 7 Synmat to replace my BA IAC. I will be trying it if the field this weekend, but so far, I like it, and I love the weight.

Bags4266
06-07-2011, 08:41
My decesion was made yesterday when Rowdy Yates posted gear he was selling.
Bought a slightly used Neoair small for $55.00. Pretty happy with that deal. Thanks Rowdy!!!

springerfever
06-07-2011, 08:47
bfayer

Not sure what you use for a pillow, but I tied a couple of very small diameter stretch cords to the tie-outs at the top of the UL7. I use my clothes stuff sack, tuck it in the bungees and there you go. Works great and the pillow stays put !!

bfayer
06-07-2011, 22:06
bfayer

Not sure what you use for a pillow, but I tied a couple of very small diameter stretch cords to the tie-outs at the top of the UL7. I use my clothes stuff sack, tuck it in the bungees and there you go. Works great and the pillow stays put !!

You know what, it's funny you brought that up. I use an Exped inflatable pillow. When I saw the UL 7 at REI, I fell in love and thought it would be a perfect match with my pillow. But (and there is always a but), when I got home I opened up my new mat and the tie out tabs are no where to be found.

I emailed Exped and asked them if the tabs were a new change and did I get on old production run, or was the tab removal a new production change and my pad is the newest one. Well their answer was the tabs were removed from new production, and new UL 7s do not have the tabs :(

So my challenge now is to attach my pillow to my pad. I was looking at the repair kit, and it looks like I can add my own tabs using the material in the repair kit. After the trip this weekend, I will decide what I am going to do.

Country Roads
06-11-2011, 19:46
Neoair, short for long trips; regular for short trips.
Underquilt when I hammock

ChinMusic
06-11-2011, 20:00
Neo.......

Mags
06-12-2011, 23:08
Neo.......


The one?

http://www.therevenution.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/neo-matrix1.jpeg

virgil
06-12-2011, 23:23
I'm happy with the Thermarest Z-Rest. I'm 5'10" tall and 175 Lbs. I cut off a couple sections so the pad weighs .85 lbs. now. Quite comfortable.

leaftye
06-12-2011, 23:25
I was looking at the 2/3 size Elite AC It shows 11.75 but people have been posting 10 oz. Not sure if I want this on or the Neoair small

My full length pad arrived on Friday. It weighs under 11 ounces. Not bad for a full size insulated air mattress.

abn trooper
06-13-2011, 03:49
I use an Army surplus green inflatable. It's a little heavy but very comfortable. But like a wise man once said, "a man should have good boots and a good mattress because when your not in one your in the other."

Uncle Tom
06-13-2011, 06:50
Exped Down Mat, shortie. I was a convert to the Big Agnes Air Core, but valve failures on three different ones over 4 years ( that can't be repaired) sent me to Eped. Their valves are much more ergonomically suited to repeated use on the Trail, and the covering is less prone to sliding around.

Bags4266
06-13-2011, 07:25
My full length pad arrived on Friday. It weighs under 11 ounces. Not bad for a full size insulated air mattress.


Can't wait to hear some field testing on that pad. Good luck

Limeman
06-13-2011, 11:40
My full length pad arrived on Friday. It weighs under 11 ounces. Not bad for a full size insulated air mattress.

I also nabbed an AC Elite Regular (full length). Mine weighs in at 10.7 oz alone, 11.6 oz with stuff sack, patch kit and Velcro tie. It is narrow when inflated but the large outside tubes really coddle you and make it quite comfortable, even for these wide shoulders. Packs crazy small. Seems like an "everything you need, nothing you don't" type of pad, but it truly is comfortable.

A Neo killer? Let's see... It packs smaller, weighs less and is easily as insulating as a Exped Synmat UL 7, certainly more so than the NeoAir. It does not need to be re-inflated in the middle of the night, and while the mummy shape will take a bit of getting used to, it easily seems well worth the trade-off for weight savings and smaller packed size. The biggest kicker: I bought mine for $65 shipped. That is 1/2 off a Neo air or Exped UL7. Hard to beat that! So far, I'm impressed.

Cosmo
06-13-2011, 12:49
Used a Z-rest for years, trying out a Kooka Bay short for 10 days in July. Saving space, hopefully increasing comfort for old guy hips.

Cosmo

wildkitty
08-16-2011, 06:06
i small pool pad designed for a child weighs almost nothing and takes up almost no space its not good and usefull only in shelters or it will pop but costs at most 10$ anywhere just replace it

Tom Murphy
08-16-2011, 09:52
Tenting - Big Anges insulated air core for 3 season / combine with thermarest z-pad in the winter [ccf pad on top!]

Solo hammocking - none

Kerosene
08-16-2011, 14:20
NeoAir shortie (http://www.rei.com/product/781096/therm-a-rest-neoair-sleeping-pad) (47" long x 20" wide x 2.5" thick; 9 oz, $130). Very, very comfy, although I'd prefer a 24-25" width so my elbows don't fall off the pad when I'm lying on my back. I put the padded framesheet of my empty pack, wrapped in a garbage bag, under my feet.

-SEEKER-
08-16-2011, 14:41
I swore by my Big Agnes Air Core Mummy, had no problem with it at all.
This year I sold it and went with the insulated version for more warmth up north. It started leaking after 12 days. I talked to Big Agnes' warranty dept and they promised to have a replacement waiting for me in Glencliff. When I got there it wasn't there. The lady at the P.O. tracked it and they had sent it to themselves! Pack Rat patched 2 tiny holes, but it continued to loose air and got to the point that it needed to be re-inflated about every 3 hours. So I carried a useless pad for the next 18 days. When I got home (July 14th) I mailed it back to them and still haven't received a replacement. Several other hikers I met this year also had problems with this particular pad. If you try to find one on line they are "not available" so they are obviously having a problem with them. BTW, one of their customer service reps admitted that they are made in Asia (read China) and said it is "probably a coating problem". I'm so angry I could spit!

Franco
08-20-2011, 18:21
Neo Air mostly but the Exped DM 7 on the snow. Occasionally still use the TM Prolite 4 .
BTW, I have seen "horror" stories on every brand of mats mentioned above, including the ones I use.
Franco

Blass
08-20-2011, 18:41
thermarest base camp 440 miles still works great

Mismatch
08-20-2011, 19:22
3/4 length z-rest!

wildkitty
08-22-2011, 01:26
looked up neo air shorty looks awesome then saw youtube viseos on it definaltley worth a lil extra im getting one

Jim Adams
08-22-2011, 05:41
I found I can fold my Thermarest in half lengthwise before rolling it up to a size of 6" diam by 10" wide. Fits into the bottom of my pack next to my sleeping bag, and saves room, does not have to strap to the outside of the pack.

ditto.

geek

WMR
08-22-2011, 09:23
Thermarest pro-lite, 72", bought on e-bay for about $10 - best money I ever spent

wildkitty
08-24-2011, 22:41
oh wow everyone must check this one out its barnd new KLYMIT INERTIA X-LITE ULTRALIGHT 3/4 PAD IT ROLLS UP THE SIZE OF A BANANA, weighs just 6 oz, costs 90$ on campmoor WEBSITE its designed to fit inside your sleeping bag, the full length one is 130$ and weighs 8 oz, this is the future of camppds

ScottP
08-24-2011, 23:36
I have a ridgerest trimmed down to just the space I need. weighs around 5-6 oz

wornoutboots
08-24-2011, 23:49
Older Thermarest 1.5" H full length, I need to have my feet on the pad, it gives me the "on a bed" good night sleep.

lemon b
08-25-2011, 09:34
Therm-a rest Long for years and it is on the top of my replace list because it is bulky and the long part is unnecessary.
Bottom line I bought the wrong product. Once in a while I use a walMart Windshield cover find they are warm enough but not comfortable for someone my age.

Don Newcomb
09-10-2011, 08:37
I have been using a full-length Thermarest ultralight but have found that as I've gotten the ground got harder and the pad thinner. I recently purchased a Big Agnes 72" air mummy because it was 1/3 the cost of the Neo Air but found that it was heavier than advertised. Almost as heavy as my Thermarest. I may make a trip with it to see how it works out. I'm looking hard at the Inertia-X. Best solution is to get my hiking partners to switch to hammocks, where we won't need padding, just insulation.

Ladytrekker
09-10-2011, 09:03
Thermorest Neoair Regular love it

tiptoe
09-10-2011, 09:10
72-inch long ccf pad cut down to about 60 in. Light and cheap. Works fine in my Hennessey Backpacker Asym hammock for spring/summer/fall excursions.

Odd Man Out
09-10-2011, 12:09
NeoAir shortie (http://www.rei.com/product/781096/therm-a-rest-neoair-sleeping-pad) (47" long x 20" wide x 2.5" thick; 9 oz, $130). Very, very comfy, although I'd prefer a 24-25" width so my elbows don't fall off the pad when I'm lying on my back. I put the padded framesheet of my empty pack, wrapped in a garbage bag, under my feet.

I too wish they would make the wide width in the short length. Why don't we flood their e-mail suggestion box.

grateful 2
09-10-2011, 22:02
neo air winter version is COMFORTABLE

Leah Packard Grams
09-10-2011, 22:59
Thermarest from LL Bean.I like the ground though.

Bloomer
09-12-2011, 21:50
Just bought a Big Agnes Insulated mummy long and I hope it works well (doesn't leak)with the Grouse Mnt Mummy bag

Sarcasm the elf
09-12-2011, 23:29
Thermarest Z lite foam pad. Strapped to the outside of the pack it's easy to take on and off and lay down on whenever you stop along the trail for a rest.

I also don't trust anything that can deflate, I've spent several days of a section hike sleeping on a empty pro-lite and it sucks. If you get an inflatable I highly recommend buying the repair kit and bringing keeping a patch in your pack.

XCskiNYC
09-16-2011, 00:50
Big Agnes Clearview Regular Mummy. Very comfortable for 15 ozs and $50. Clear vinyl doesn't seem like the most rugged material but it'll be fine if reasonably cared for. If not reasonably cared for word has it that duct tape will make an effective temporary repair. A blue pad (8 ozs) is added for cold weather. The combination provides luxurious sleeping comfort.

Right now my BA is missing and for the time being it's replaced by a Campmor self-inflating pad that if memory serves (Campmor no longer sells this pad) weighs 1#10.