sleeping pads

[Al]

Moderator note:  this topic was split from this one.

I was doing the same thing and created a new album of 30 photo's from Upper Juniper Canyon, Upper Cattail Canyon, and a few from Mule Ears at the MSN Groups site  
http://groups.msn.com/BigBendPhotos

... TWWG

That's a rightous pack for sure but surely that isn't the only sleeping pad you carry . . . my shoulders would be killing me all night long!

Got any shots of the one and only?

Al

[TheWildWestGuy]

That is the only sleeping pad I use and have been using it for about 20 years now.    The key to a comfortable nights sleep when backpacking is to kick out a small depression for your shoulders and hips to snug into and pile the kicked up dirt about where your head will be + on either side.  Believe it or not only 2-4" is required to provide a contour fit to your body, especially if you sleep on your side sometime during the night.
Of course when you break camp you fill in the kicked out area and leave it the way you found it.  What do you use?  I need something that rolls up tight and can be punctured by cactus without damage.   Weight is not a factor (obviously)... TWWG

[Al]

When hiking I use a "Peaceful Slumber".  I'm with you on inflatables.  I've watched my friend's leak for years.





(Richard, might as well start a sleeping pad thread boring as it might be.)

Al

[bdann]

I haven't been able to convince myself to buy a good sleeping pad, therma-rest, etc.  At $70+, it's hard to convince myself it's really worth the money.

I have a blue pad like the one in TWWG's photo that I've had since I was a kid, I use it on longer hikes because it's so light.  I also have a self inflating pad that I picked up at Academy last summer for $14.99.  It's not so light, but it's suprisingly comfortable.

[mountaindocdanny]

For sleeping out under the stars where there is a risk for punctures, it's hard to beat Cascade Designs Z-Rest. I've had one for about 10 years. It is durable, light and insulates well. When sleeping on snow it is hard to beat a good inflatable. The insulation factor is the primary role it plays then. I've slept in the snow with closed foam pads before and thought I was going to die as my back repeatedly spasmed from the cold.

[TheWildWestGuy]

Now I am really wanting to go buy a new sleeping pad.  Peaceful Slumber looks very attractive and comfy but a bit bulky to fit on my already overstuffed pack.   My pack is always overloaded even if I am just going out for one night on the trail.   There is a certain amount of bulk weight you need even for one night (stove, sleeping bag/pad, tent, mess kit, safety gear etc..)  any unused space gets crammed with either food, beer, or luxury items.   I think I will go to the local Academy this weekend and buy a new foam pad.   After 20+ years I think I got my money's worth out of the old one... TWWG

[Al]

I tried to find a Peaceful Slumber by Googling it and it appears they are no longer around at least not findable.  A friend from Nashville showed up with one  7 or 8 years ago and I had him get me one.  It's a bit bulky but pretty light all things considered and since it straps to the top of the pack, the bulk isn't that big a deal.  Great head rest when resting.  I don't bring a tent unless there is a strong chance of high winds and thunderstorms, but always bring a tarp and ground cloth.  

When truck camping, I usually use a piece of 4 inch foam purchased at Academy with a sheet cut and sewed on it as a cover.  Like sleeping on a mattress.  Needless to say it is bulky, but it too can be rolled, will fit in a 55 gallon drum trash bag and that's one of the reasons I like using a pickup truck rather than a Jeep or SUV.  Got more stuff, no problem, just throw it in the back and throw me a rope to tie down.  

Al

[Robert]

I've been using Thermarest for years. I think I have about 7-8 different pads.   The ones I use for backpacking have never developed any leaks. Even if they did, you can repair them. Just like fixing a flat on a bike.

[Al]

Now I am really wanting to go buy a new sleeping pad.  Peaceful Slumber looks very attractive and comfy but a bit bulky to fit on my already overstuffed pack.   My pack is always overloaded even if I am just going out for one night on the trail.   There is a certain amount of bulk weight you need even for one night (stove, sleeping bag/pad, tent, mess kit, safety gear etc..)  any unused space gets crammed with either food, beer, or luxury items.   I think I will go to the local Academy this weekend and buy a new foam pad.   After 20+ years I think I got my money's worth out of the old one... TWWG

P.S.  I'm with you.  There is no reason to drive all the way out there, hike to the middle of nowhere to then be miserable and hunkered down.  One must have enough and the right stuff!  That's why I like zone camping these days.  Worst case - - - make it over that ridge, set up a base camp and day hike from there.  Regardless one must have enough stuff to enjoy the experience.

Al

[Al]

I haven't been able to convince myself to buy a good sleeping pad, therma-rest, etc.  At $70+, it's hard to convince myself it's really worth the money.

I have a blue pad like the one in TWWG's photo that I've had since I was a kid, I use it on longer hikes because it's so light.  I also have a self inflating pad that I picked up at Academy last summer for $14.99.  It's not so light, but it's suprisingly comfortable.

It doesn't take many nights for a good pad and bag to pay back relative to staying in a motel.

Al

[randell]

The therm-a-rest may be expensive at $70, but I have slept 85 nights on mine so far and it is still going strong.  Well, it actually did get a leak last year, but I patched it and it has worked fine since.

[01ACRViper]

i've had my slumberjack for a good 10 years now, and it has a leak as well, though i honestly have no idea how long its been there :oops: i can just lay it out now without inflating it, and it gives me jsut enough cushion to be comfortable. though i like a hard bed, i can sleep on the hardwood floors at home and be jsut fine  :lol:

[SHANEA]

For sleeping out under the stars where there is a risk for punctures,

http://www.thermarest.com/product_detail.aspx?pID=120&cID=2

Be sure and check out the video.  http://www.thermarest.com/puncture_resistant_toughskin.aspx

They also have one in cammo.

http://www.thermarest.com/product_detail.aspx?pID=114&cID=5

[bdann]

Campmore has the Therm-a-rest Backpacker for $29.97.  (with slight cosmetic imperfections)....

Anyone know how this compares with their other products?  The "Backpacker" is not on their website.

[bdann]

ok, I let an REI salesperson talk me into this:

http://tinyurl.com/39jml6

I was all ready to buy the $39.95 REI branded pad....but decided hey, why not get the better one.  I chose it over the Therm-a-rest because it rolls up into such a nice small package and it comes with a sack to keep it in.