Best sleeping pad for comfort - willing to trade weight for comfort

[Curtis C]

The best thing I did for comfort was to get a wide pad rather than the regular. Pretty happy with my wide Exped Synmat 7.

 

[Ironman8]

The best thing I did for comfort was to get a wide pad rather than the regular. Pretty happy with my wide Exped Synmat 7.

This is something I'm starting to realize myself. I'm not tall, but have wide shoulders. All of the "wide" pads are also about 10" longer than they need to be for me. Any suggestions for a fairly lightweight, 66-72", wide pad? Or should I just suck it up with a pad that's longer than I need?

 

[bbrown]

This is something I'm starting to realize myself. I'm not tall, but have wide shoulders. All of the "wide" pads are also about 10" longer than they need to be for me. Any suggestions for a fairly lightweight, 66-72", wide pad? Or should I just suck it up with a pad that's longer than I need?

Funny I was just trying to figure this one out too - why no 25" x 72" pads? Closest I have found is the Exped Synmat 7 comes in a 26" x 72" but its over 2lbs. If BA would make a 25" wide mummy cut of the Q-core SL it would be my perfect pad.

 

[Tiger Rag]

They are a quality cot!
Easy to assemble
packs easy
rated to like 300#

If temps are cooler I suggest an insulated pad used in conjunction with the cot.

I guess some assembly required, but this gives a good idea about the cot visually and assembly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O-I94IbLCA

If it holds this guy it should hold my 220 fine. Also thinking add one of these lightweight Gossamer Gear pads for insulation and should have a good combination. -http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/thinlight-insulation-pads.html

 

[Tiger Rag]

Also seems like everyone is pretty happy with the Exped pads. I need to find them locally to check them out.

 

[Vance in AK]

Thanks for the comments on the wide mats guys. I have some Cabela's points to burn & pretty well decided on the Big Agnes insulated Air Core but was trying to decide on width. I would love the 25" but don't need a long pad. I think I will eat the extra few ounces & go with the wide long.
Hope I notice a BIG comfort difference over my old ProLite 4!

 

[bbrown]

Thanks for the comments on the wide mats guys. I have some Cabela's points to burn & pretty well decided on the Big Agnes insulated Air Core but was trying to decide on width. I would love the 25" but don't need a long pad. I think I will eat the extra few ounces & go with the wide long.
Hope I notice a BIG comfort difference over my old ProLite 4!

For what its worth - I like the quilt pattern of the Q-core SL baffles much more than the vertical baffles on the insulated air core - seems much more comfortable.

 

[tttoadman]

For what its worth - I like the quilt pattern of the Q-core SL baffles much more than the vertical baffles on the insulated air core - seems much more comfortable.

I can't believe the amount of noise i make rolling around on my air core. Do you think the Q-core would be quieter. Is the noise just because it is air filled? It reminds of the horrid noise you get rubbing your hands on a balloon. This seems to be one thing you don't get too much of on a thin thermarest pad.

 

[bbrown]

Do you have the regular air core or the clearview pad?
I never had any problems with that sound (I hate that sound worse than nails on a chalkboard) and I also have the IAC and never any problems with it either. Funny the neoairs I have messed with all sound like potato chip bags to me and have kept me away. I still have a couple of the regular thermarests and if it was not for the weight I would probably pack those the most.

 

[tttoadman]

I have never heard of a clear view. I had to go look it up. I have the blue insulated air core. I noticed it was better if I did a more controlled roll than just a super flop. It was funny because we had 3 guys sleeping on a little flat spot on top of a ridge in individual tents, and we could here each other flopping around all night. That is pretty loud. I could probably put a coat and a spare shirt between me and the pad, and see what difference that makes.

 

[Vance in AK]

For what its worth - I like the quilt pattern of the Q-core SL baffles much more than the vertical baffles on the insulated air core - seems much more comfortable.

Unfortunately Cabela's doesn't have the Q-core SL, & I have points to burn not cash... I was going to go with the Air Core SL but no real R value there.

 

[Snyd]

Hey ya Vance. Wassup!? FWIW, I've had an insulated Air-Core Mummy for about 8 or 9 years now and as far as I'm concerned it's a great pad, VERY comfy. Rocks disappear. I've now also got a BA Zirkel down bag and really like the sleep system. It would be nice if it were a slosh wider. When laying on my back my arms want to hang off the sides but I'm mostly a side sleeper so no biggie really.

Perry

 

[BigDog00]

FWIW, I upgraded from a Thermarest Trail Lite to an Exped Synmat 7 and its night and day difference. I too was stuck between the Big Agnes Ins Air Core and the Synmat. Not sure if one is better than the other but I'm very happy with the Exped. I'm a side sleeping and it really does make a difference, at least for me.

 

[Vance in AK]

Perry! Good to see ya! Kill anything with the handgun this year? I killed a little bull up Minto way with the Marlin 450 Guide Gun. I will PM you on this site in the next few days.

I just went ahead & ordered a wide/long BA Insulated Air Core from Cabela's (they have a sale on them).
Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. hope I haven't sidetracked it.

 

[actionshooter]

How Is The Comfort? Seems Like In Warmer Weather That It Would Ventilate Nicely, But Cooler When Temps Drop.....Not Unlike A Hammock. Cot With A Simple Lightweight Foam Pad For Insulation Might Not Be A Bad Combo.

I'm 6' 5" 250#, tried the cot and it just felt too small, didn't really have room to move around.
For a sleeping pad, I have tried several and its the Exped Downmat 9 for sure.

 

[Tiger Rag]

Has anyone tried any of the Nemo pads? I'm reading some good things on them.

 

[Kevin_t]

The Exped pads are hard to beat especially in a wide. The Lux Lite cot is ok, but IMO the expeds are more comfortable, warmer and lighter.

 

[Snyd]

Perry! Good to see ya! Kill anything with the handgun this year? I killed a little bull up Minto way with the Marlin 450 Guide Gun. I will PM you on this site in the next few days.

I just went ahead & ordered a wide/long BA Insulated Air Core from Cabela's (they have a sale on them).
Thanks for everyone's input on this thread. hope I haven't sidetracked it.

I tried a sheep handgun hunt in the Brooks this year. The write up is in the sheep forum "A Walk in the Brooks"

Merry Christmas!

 

[gulicemo]

Anyone have experience with the Synmat? I'm a warm sleeper and Montana in Mid Sept can range quite warm to pretty chilly. I'm thinking a little less R value might be better for me.

I used the Exped SynMat UL7 this year. I have never slept better in the bush. I'm a side sleeper, so the 2.5" thickness was night and day difference from the old style thermarest.

Exped UL7 have been discussed a lot. Lots of reviews if you search.

 

[ElkhuntrMT]

I have both the Big Agnes insulated air core mummy and the therma rest neo air. Although the neoair is lighter, it is no where near as hardy as the big agnes. I have developed several small holes in the neoair and they can be difficult to find. Nothing worse than waking up to a flat sleeping pad.... I also think the big agnes is more comfortable but I realize that is my own personal opinion. The big agnes has prooven itself many times over. Never any problems leaking and always keeps me warm even in the freak weather dips that the mountains of northwest montana can deliver. Good luck!