Air Pad vs Self Inflating

[jmcd22]

Currently, I have a Thermarest Pro Lite Plus and love many features that it offers but it has it's drawbacks as well. I love that I can depend on it to inflate and not worry about popping it, they are pretty quiet, and I don't have to spend much time on it...just roll it out and open the valve. It does take a few puffs of air to get it fully inflated, but it isn't anything over the top.

As far as the drawbacks...it isn't the lightest nor does it pack very well. I have an EXO 3500 and it takes up a ton of valuable space. I am thinking of getting an air pad for when we pack in and turning my Pro Lite into a base camp pad with my cot. If it helps, I am 6'3 and about 190 pre hunting season. I'm a side sleeper and prefer a wider pad for comfort. So, for those that have had air pads and self inflating pads, what do you prefer and why?

 

[EastMT]

I too have a prolite for the above mentioned, as I don’t want to know if someone has good customer service, I don’t want to need them!

I recently bought a klymit static V, really comfy, quiet, used last summer and fall. Packed small, saved space. The valve started leaking this spring when I got it out, they sent me a new one and a free pillow. The pillow is top notch, the customer service is also. Just sad that I had to use customer service after using a 1980’s thermarest for years, prolite for years, no problems. Hopefully it was a fluke because it is great for comfort. The good news is you can find them for +\- $45, so you aren’t out $200 if you don’t like it.

6’5”, aide sleeper also.


I have yet to be begin to procrastinate.

 

[Beendare]

I've owned the Thermarest Pro light since its first release- a long time. Still good.

Advantages; its pretty light, durable as heck, good insulation value.
Disadvantages; its not thick enough for a side sleeper

Inflatable pads I know are good; Thermarest, Exped- multiple different models by each mnfr......

FWIW, I've seen a couple of the Q Cores and one Klymit fail.

..

 

[sneaky]

I've owned the Thermarest Pro light since its first release- a long time. Still good.

Advantages; its pretty light, durable as heck, good insulation value.
Disadvantages; its not thick enough for a side sleeper

Inflatable pads I know are good; Thermarest, Exped- multiple different models by each mnfr......

FWIW, I've seen a couple of the Q Cores and one Klymit fail.

..

The new Prolite Apex is 2 inches thick, quiet, and an R value of 4. It'll be my next pad. Try one out if you can find one.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[LionHead]

Therma rest Xtherm.

Warmer lighter packs smaller.

One thing I liked when I had a self inflator was piece of mind that it I popped my pad I'd still have some insulation from the foam.

Biggest drawback to air Matts is having to blow them up at the end of a long day

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[LaGriz]

Have a down filled Exped inflatable that comes with its own pump and repair kit. Weights at or near 1 lb. and compresses to the size of a Fosters beer can. Has a good R value, but I must add I haven't tested it for longevity. I hope to put some miles on this fall and test all my gear including the sleep system. LaGriz