EE Quilt, what pad ?

[JCT]

Just got my EE Revelation 0 deg ,through the Massdrop buy, last week.
It got down to 9 the other night I tested it in my yard. That quilt was worth every penny!
I used a thick foam pad that I use in my truck for traveling so ground insulation was no issue.
I need to pair the quilt with a good pad. Need some opinions.
Im 6' and 215lb and wide in the shoulders.
There is an Xtherm in the classifieds but some reveiws say arms are prone to slide off.
Thanks for any help
JT

 

[SHTF]

Hey JT,

I use the same initials =-). As a guy your size also, Id definitely stay away from the Xtherm as its a very narrow pad. Also Im a light sleeper and the crincle in the Xtherm just drove me nuts. I would take a look at the Exped Mats. They are a nice size even if you go with standard width and is what I just picked up after comparing them to the Big Agnes Pads.

The Exped UL7 Synmat has a integrated Pump so they made the mat a bit wider to accomodate for the Pump over Big Agnes and the Xtherm. (I hate blowing up Mats) I use the same quilt in a 20 degree. After testing both Big Agnes and Exped out the Exped won it for me. They sport a 4.9 R value. But definitely dont take my word for it. If you have an REI local go lay a bunch of mats out and test them.

Good Luck.

 

[colonel00]

I will respectfully disagree with SHTF a little. I am close to 6' and a bit more belly. I love my XLite and XTherm but bother are Large size. I will agree that the regular is way too narrow for me at least. I move and sprawl when I sleep. I also cannot sleep flat on my back so I like all the pad I can get.

 

[slick]

Hey JT,

I use the same initials =-). As a guy your size also, Id definitely stay away from the Xtherm as its a very narrow pad. Also Im a light sleeper and the crincle in the Xtherm just drove me nuts. I would take a look at the Exped Mats. They are a nice size even if you go with standard width and is what I just picked up after comparing them to the Big Agnes Pads.

The Exped UL7 Synmat has a integrated Pump so they made the mat a bit wider to accomodate for the Pump over Big Agnes and the Xtherm. (I hate blowing up Mats) I use the same quilt in a 20 degree. After testing both Big Agnes and Exped out the Exped won it for me. They sport a 4.9 R value. But definitely dont take my word for it. If you have an REI local go lay a bunch of mats out and test them.

Good Luck.

The Synmat UL 7 has an R-Value of 3.3.
-the long wide version weighs 21oz
The Synmat 7(non-UL) R-Value of 4.9
-the long wide version weighs 38oz

I would agree with SHTF as Exped was a better choice for me too.

Disclaimer* no quilt yet.

 

[5MilesBack]

I love my Xtherm Large, and I'm 6'6". I always heard about the Xtherm "crinkling" like potato chips, so as a light sleeper I stayed away from them. But I was in a pinch last year and found one for a good deal so bought it. When I'm laying on the pad I hardly notice any crinkling at all. I find it much more comfortable than the larger baffles of the Expeds. And I have two EE quilts.

 

[SHTF]

The Synmat UL 7 has an R-Value of 3.3.
-the long wide version weighs 21oz
The Synmat 7(non-UL) R-Value of 4.9
-the long wide version weighs 38oz

I would agree with SHTF as Exped was a better choice for me too.

Disclaimer* no quilt yet.

Hey Slick thanks for correcting me Im so used to seeing UL all the time I should of left that out. My Synmat is the non UL. A bit heavier with integrated pump but man its comfortable. I always just stayed away from the xtherm. I did a trip out with a buddy who had it and he would wake me up 6 times a night tossing and turning on that thing. So I always just cut the Xtherm right out of my options as I knew I wouldnt get a wink of sleep. Im also a belly Sleeper so the Synmat is really nice for that also. its only 2.8 inches thick but man it seems to distribute weight really nicely. I also like the Big Agnes pad but its alot slimmer and 4 inches thick but yes if I move around to much I seem to fall off that one on the sides.

I would say best advice get down to REI lay them all out and test them.

 

[7mag.]

I'm about the same size, 6'1, 215, and I just used my new Exped Downmat UL7 last night for the first time with my EE quilt. I'm a stomach and side sleeper, and I was very happy with my new pad. All my body parts stayed on the pad all night. I did get the long wide pad. Huge upgrade over my Big Agnes.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I would wait for the new pads coming out this year if I was buying one right now.

I'm 5'10" 175lbs and use the Xtherm with my quilts. I have a buddy who is 6'5" 230lbs and he uses the standard Xlite without issue. I think it really depends how much you toss and turn.

I hunt with quite a few different people and still haven't heard a single complaint about my pad being loud. I think it's honestly more in peoples' minds than anything. Just my $.02

 

[MarshLaw303]

I have pads by a bunch of makers but my favorite is from Gossamer Gear. I have the biggest airframe pad and it fits my fat ars much better than rectangle pads. Being uninsulated it needs a thin 1/8"-1/4" ccf pad on top bellow freezing but they carry those too.

-Tim

 

[n2horns]

With my EE, use either the Exped synmat ul 7 or the Exped downmat ul 7. I am 6 215-220.

 

[JCT]

Geez,
Thanks to everyone for their opinions but man you guys aren't helping !
Lots of good suggestions for sure but that just makes it harder to narrow it down to one.
Justin I agree with your suggestion but do you have an idea when the news come out, generally?
Thanks this is very helpful.
Slick, get one, I have only slept in mine in my yard once but its was butt cold out and I never got cold.
Regards
JT

 

[Where's Bruce?]

With my EE, use either the Exped synmat ul 7 or the Exped downmat ul 7. I am 6 215-220.

I use the long, wide 9 synmat cuz the 26" width is more comfortable but I'm a bigger guy.

 

[Justin Crossley]

JCT,
I don't know the dates, but I would think that they would be hitting the market soon since it's almost hiking season. REI might have some more info?

There are some really nice looking pads coming out this year.

 

[Ramshead]

The Xtherm Max is in stock in Canada at MEC ( www.mec.ca ) The Exped Winterlite is expected to show up in March sometime. Basegear has the Exped Winterlite's on its website now but no stock as of yet. You may be able to get a deal (20%) and free shipping if you sign up when ordering. . www.basegear.com

Edit: Basegear has the Xtherm Max in stock.