insulated backpacking pad analysis paralysis

[Runningwater]

I know there has been a fair amount of discussion regarding insulated sleeping pads. I currently have a Exped 9 LW, which is great, but at 44 oz. is not ideal for a backpacking backcountry hunt. Am looking at my first week-long, non-horse supported backcountry hunt in a long time, and have some funds at my disposal so thought this would be a place to fairly easily shed 1.5 lb or so. So I had myself talked into getting the highly regarded on this site Thermorest NeoAir Xtherm in long (I'm not a big guy but can't see myself being comfortable on a 20inch wide pad). That said, Costco (and STP for that matter) has the Klymit Static V insulated pad on sale for $59 (vs. about $190 which I can get the Thermorest Long for). It also comes with a little blow up pillow at a couple extra oz. that I don't know if I'd use or not. I'll probably only use this occasionally as most of the time (when its not backpacking) I'll use my old cushy Exped. So how superior is the Xtherm to the Static V? Looks like I save about 4 oz. with a Long Xtherm vs. the Static. Is it splitting hairs in which case I should just spend $60 and save $130, or is the Xtherm a clear advantage if I can afford it? Any thoughts/opinions appreciated!

 

[RustyHazen]

4 oz. lighter and a 5.7 vs. a 4.4 R value would be worth it to me. Lighter, warmer, more compact when packed. There's a reason that the X-Therm has been so popular.

 

[elkduds]

I like the Klymits, and their customer service. You won't notice the R value difference unless it is below 20 degrees, maybe colder. Which is not to dis the xtherm. Some say I am inordinately enamored w low price, but Klymit has performed beyond its price point for me.

 

[Runningwater]

You two have pretty much captured the internal struggle in my head! FWIW, for this particular hunt the lows shouldn't drop below the mid-20s. But its in a area that can get awful wet/damp and my experience with that over multiple days is that it has a cumulative effect as between wet clothing and natural condensation in the tent and as your body gets a bit run down it gets a little harder to stay comfortably warm each night.

 

[mlevimadden]

No experience with Klymit, but the x-therm is a great pad. If you're just looking for a pad to use above 20 degrees though, I would go with the x-lite.

 

[Owenst7]

I have an xtherm and an uninsulated Klymit. One of the guys I hunt with has the insulated klymit. I suspect the r value would come into play somewhere in the teens, but I've used my R1.3 klymit down to 20F without freezing. Adding a ridgerest under it brought it up to around R3.5 I think and I was pretty warm after that.

I find the klymit to be more comfortable than the xtherm. I prefer the shape of the baffles. The only huge advantage I give to the TAR pads is their weight. I'd say it's more up to personal preference if that isn't a factor. My klymit pad has been abused just as much as my TARs and hasn't given me any issues.

 

[Runningwater]

what about width - are you folks sleeping on 20 wide pads with the thermarests or the longs (25" wide)? The Klymit is 23", kind of splitting the difference. Can a semi side sleeper get by on a 20"?

 

[Owenst7]

what about width - are you folks sleeping on 20 wide pads with the thermarests or the longs (25" wide)? The Klymit is 23", kind of splitting the difference. Can a semi side sleeper get by on a 20"?

I'm comfortable on the 20" on my back. I tend to sleep with my hands together over my waist like a scuba diver. I'm 5'10" 160 lbs and I don't toss around a lot. Side sleeping is fine for me. I do prefer the klymit for side sleeping because the bottom of the TAR moves side to side a little bit on me.

My hunting buddy with the insulated klymit is 6'2" and like 200 lbs and he's never complained about the width. He didsay my WM Antelope 6'6" bag was kind of tight on him when he borrowed it. I find that bag to be pretty roomy for my frame.

A lot of the old self inflating pads are 20". So are the ridgerests. If you've got one of those lying around, I'd try using that for a night and see if it's comfortable for you. I'm happy on 20", but 19" would probably be my limit. A lot of it is just personal preference.

Or try sleeping on a couch or cot or something.

 

[Hunter Sargent]

I use 25" in both the X-lite and the X-therm. I'm 6'0" and 180lbs for reference, but a side sleeper. Also, Ive been seeing the X-therm on sale for $130ish.