What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

got the sleeping bag, but as I get older I need a softer/warmer rest. I am confused as which works best, the self-inflatable or the foam pads. I need one for packing -in.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

I've used both and am well traveled with just a sleepingbag and backpack.

What I've found is that if weight is an issue a thin 1/4 inch foam pad will keep you off the ground and dry but it's not the most comfortable thing to sleep on. When I hiked to the Colorado river in GCNP I spent five days below the rim and was carring an 80lb pack( I could leave the fly rod at home) and weight mattered. I carried a half body length foam pad as I described. It was long enough to stretch from my butt to my head. It was functional but not cozy.

If I'm hiking in the Whites near home or my trip on the LT in VT, where weight isn't an issue, I carry a self inflating Thermarest. The are worth every penny. The are fairly comfortable, only weight a couple of pounds and insulate great. When I go on winter mountaineering trips I carry two and double stack them. You can't feel the ice and snow through then and they actually get moderately warn underneath you.

The context in which it's being used is generaly what determines what I carry. If you can speare a couple of pounds IMO you'll be happier with the Thermarest.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

Thermarest here also. Can't beat it.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

Thanks for the info.....I looked up Thermarest and found several self-inflating. I can spare a little extra weight, so it wasn't clear which one you liked??

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

I have (2) 1.75" thick thermarest full length pads. If I have a choice in the matter, these are my prefered sleeping pads.

These are what I own
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...uctId=39064993

Campmor has a lot of difrent modles to choose from. Here's the link for the thermarest section.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...x=12&image.y=7

They are worth every penny of their price IMO.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

OK, Thanks, really appreciate the info. That's the kind I plan to get!:)

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

i used a thermarest and a $15 hammock from walmart last year. the thermarest was light enough to strap on the back of the pack and the hammock is way light as well.
one of the best nights sleep yet.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

the thermarest is great, but like others said if wieght is an issue i would go with a foam pad.

RE: What type Sleeping Bag Pad is best?
 

Thermarest (full size)pad and the Marmot Helium bag does the trick for me. Insulates your body from the ground and keeps your bottom dry, An ultra lite bivy and ultra lite fly help as well and add only ounces to the pack. Pretty pricy but way comfy for me.