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Hey all!
My GF and I are basically set up aside from our sleeping pads. Its the last thing we both needs before tackling our first overnight. As for pads, there seem like a bunch of different options but I am unsure as to which I should go with....here is my knowledge. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
-Foam Pads-
*cheap, durable, lightweight
Walmart Blue Pad? - seems there are two different versions. They are cheap and weigh close to nothing. Also, we don't have to worry about accidentally popping them.
EvoPad? - https://www.prolitegear.com/prolite-gear-evopad-14.html - These seem to be an upgraded foam pad. Any input on these? What thickness is good?
-Inflatable Pads-
Thermarests - I think these are mostly out of our price range
Big Agnes - I have a gift certificate for a site that sells these. How are the "tubular" big agnes insulated pad? They are a big heavier weighing in at a pound but they look pretty comfortable and after checking one out at REI they seem pretty tough.
Thanks for the help!!
Freedom Walker
12-18-2011, 00:12
Younger folks seem to be able to sleep on a hard surface and can use the cheap blue pads from Walmart. I even seen a forty yr old guy use one on the wooded floor of a AT Shelter. Not me, I use the pricey NeoAir. It all depends on your comfort needs.
skinewmexico
12-18-2011, 00:35
POE Ether Thermo 6. Exped Synmat UL 7. But it sounds like you're in the blue pad price range, huh?
POE Ether Thermo 6. Exped Synmat UL 7. But it sounds like you're in the blue pad price range, huh?
Nope! I am maxing out at around $50. I checked out some sweet big agnes blow up pads that seem to get good reviews, but I was curious as to what was decent in the foam pad world. I heard good things about gossamer gear pads and these evo pads but I do not know what thickness would be best.
I've used closed cell foam for years, but recently switched to an Exped. It's cheap and durable. CCF is also less comfortable for some and bulky. Inflatable pads are cooshier, pricier, and weight will very based on brand and model. Try to get to a store and try them out. If you are scared of price, stick to foam. Side sleepers ecsp. tend to like air mats.
It's cheap and durable. Meaning that foam is, of course.
I experienced occasional snow storms and some fairly cold temperatures during the beginning and end of my AT trip and ended up upgrading my pad not because I was looking for more padding but because I was looking for more warmth. I didn't see an R-Value for it listed on that site, that's something that you might want to know before starting the AT with it.
Camping Dave
12-18-2011, 01:00
Nope! I am maxing out at around $50. I checked out some sweet big agnes blow up pads that seem to get good reviews, but I was curious as to what was decent in the foam pad world. I heard good things about gossamer gear pads and these evo pads but I do not know what thickness would be best.
If you can afford $50, go with an inflatable. If you need extra insulation take an inflatable and a $10 foam pad too. There is no $50 foam pad that is anywhere close to the comfort and packability of an inflatable.
Keep in mind that the nights are getting cold, so you're going to want a warmer pad than you'll need during thru hiking season.
Walmart Blue Pad? - seems there are two different versions. They are cheap and weigh close to nothing. Also, we don't have to worry about accidentally popping them.
They work well, but you'll want two of them under you right now. You might be able to get away with the second pad only being torso length.
EvoPad? - https://www.prolitegear.com/prolite-gear-evopad-14.html - These seem to be an upgraded foam pad. Any input on these? What thickness is good?
The warmth for all foam pads without a reflective layer is roughly the same for the same thickness, so you'll want two 1/2" pads. Like the blue pad, you might be able to get away with one full length pad and a second torso length pad.
Take a look at this pad:
https://www.prolitegear.com/thermarest-ridgerest-solar-pad.html
(https://www.prolitegear.com/thermarest-ridgerest-solar-pad.html)You might be able to get away with a single pad since this is warmer than most pads, but I'd still put a second pad under my torso.
I looked for some inflatable pads within your price range that were warm enough, and this is the only one I could find:
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/big-agnes-hinman-mummy-sleeping-pad
(http://www.departmentofgoods.com/big-agnes-hinman-mummy-sleeping-pad)It's very heavy though.
Just a bit over, but if you can go $59 you can get the REI Lite-Core pad (http://www.rei.com/product/778146/rei-lite-core-15-self-inflating-pad) from REI. Just use the code "REISAVE" at the checkout to get 30% off until 12/24. They are great pads IMO. I have one and have been very happy with it. But I gotta admit that since I got my NeoAir, all the rest of my pads are collecting dust unless they get used as loaners...
Regardless though, as has been mentioned, keep in mind that especially for this time of year, comfort takes the back seat to insulative value when it comes to your sleeping pad. But the good thing is that one of those cheapo blue pads can be added to whatever other pad that you have to increase the insulation between you and the ground, and naturally it should increase the comfort level too. When it gets cold for me I just throw a 1/8" Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad on top of my NeoAir and I am good to go.
Good luck!
skinewmexico
12-18-2011, 03:28
You can also hunt the best deal on the pad you're wanting at spadout.com.
Thanks for all the feedback!!
I was thinking about maybe going with two of these? --> http://www.sierratradingpost.com/big-agnes-sand-mountain-sleeping-pad-insulated-mummy~p~2929g/?filterString=search~big-agnes%2F&colorFamily=01
I can get an additional 35% off + I have $50 gift certificate.
Bags4266
12-18-2011, 10:17
Very simple, if you guys are planning on bumping uglys through the night then get a foam pad. If not inflatable.
jakedatc
12-18-2011, 10:41
I just switched to BA air core. slept this week for 2 nights on it in the teens and i didn't feel like it was any colder than my old thermarest. i think a mylar emergency blanket or chunk of tyvek are cheaper, lighter ways to extend an air mattress when it gets colder but i haven't needed to tried it myself yet.
Jim Adams
12-18-2011, 10:42
keep your eyes open for deals...Campmor and Sierre Tradingpost had ThermoRests with drastically cut prices not long ago, not sure if the sales are still on but I remember a 1" for $39.
Thanks for all the feedback!!
I was thinking about maybe going with two of these? --> http://www.sierratradingpost.com/big-agnes-sand-mountain-sleeping-pad-insulated-mummy~p~2929g/?filterString=search~big-agnes%2F&colorFamily=01
I can get an additional 35% off + I have $50 gift certificate.
Sounds like you found your deal!
rusty bumper
12-18-2011, 12:38
I use 6 sections of a Thermarest Z Lite pad. If you buy the regular size pad for around $40, you can cut it to get 2, 6-section pads. I'm 5' 10" tall and the 6 sections provide enough padding to cover me from hips to shoulders. When sleeping, I use my Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus pack with my rain gear in the outer mesh pocket as the padding under my feet. The 6 sections of Z Lite also serve as the back padding in the Mariposa Plus pack, and it's easily removed during the day for use as a sitting pad.