Is 3.2 R value enough for late Sept archery?

[gostovp]

I’m looking to pickup another sleeping pad, and see that Sea to Summit have some good deals on the Ether Light XT insulated pads. The pads are rated at 3.2 R value and I’m a little concerned this might not be enough. I’m an average sleeper (not to hot or cold) and have a 15degree WM AlpinLite bag as my primary.
My current pad is a Exped Ultra7r (which I do like)
Thoughts?

 

[sndmn11]

No

 

[Elkfitness]

I would not skimp on the R value. I’d gladly trade a little weight for a better R value. Consecutive nights of being cold can ruin a trip fast.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gostovp]

Thanks for the feedback. I figured as such in terms of R value. The Ether Light XT Extreme is a pretty good price on Amazon, but I’ve read it’s super bulky…

 

[Braaap]

In my experience 3.2 is not enough that time of year. I’ve made that mistake and been cold and it sucks.

 

[abilliott]

I just bought the Women's ether light XT and while I haven't used it, it does has a slightly better R-value of 3.5.
I hope I don't regret grabbing one it after reading through some of these responses

 

[Hnthrdr]

I dunno man, it’s been warmer the last week of sept, the last two years than it has the first week, you will probably be fine, it could also dump like a foot of snow, won’t really know until 10 days out

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I've used the etherlite xt in colorado first week of September since 2021. It's been fine. I do keep a warmer pad at the truck, but as mentioned above September has been warm the past few years.

 

[AKDoc]

I've been using an Ether Light XT Extreme for the past few years here in Alaska. It has an R rating of 6.2, super comfortable, and it's easy to inflate. I've used it into late September on remote 14-day drop hunts...temps pushing high teens some nites. I have historically not used a pad with an R rating less than 7 with my down bag, but I'm super happy with it.

 

[Cbass]

I’m in the same boat. The past couples years in NW WY has been pretty warm. Looking for a pad that can provide enough warmth in September and pair with a ~20 F down quilt. Seems like the ~4 R value thermarest and Nemo options are recommended a lot on the channels I tune into. Backpacking light podcast and Exo Mtn Gear specifically. They’ll usually recommend adjusting your clothing to help fill in the gaps of not having a 7/8 R value pad by adding puffy pants and another jacket insulation layer if needed.

 

[Idaboy]

Would trade comfort for weight when it comes to pad.
Depends on rest of your system and if you're a hot or cold sleeper. I aim for better pad for both R value and comfort, and use a 30 degree bag and wear a puffy if needed for my Sept set up

 

[Maidenfan539]

I've paired the Ether lite XT and a chilkoot 15° down to about 15 degrees and was ok. That was with just baselayers on, but had puffy jacket and pants available if needed.

 

[gostovp]

Sounds like a 3.2 R pad is right on the edge for what is needed for temps that might be colder in later September.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Sounds like a 3.2 R pad is right on the edge for what is needed for temps that might be colder in later September.

What elevation are you planning on camping at?

 

[gostovp]

What elevation are you planning on camping at?

Right around 8500

 

[EJFS]

Yeah you'll be just fine, you could always get a closed cell pad like this (good idea anyway to protect your air pad) https://seekoutside.com/matty-mcmat-face/

 

[crich]

Never have I ever said... "man I wish this blow up pad wasn't so hot"

I agree with the above. Thats on the edge for me personally with weather swings.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Yeah you'll be just fine, you could always get a closed cell pad like this (good idea anyway to protect your air pad) https://seekoutside.com/matty-mcmat-face/

Yep you can always stack the 3.2 on top of some other type of insulation to boost the R value. That way if temps are warmer than expected you can just pack the lighter option. I use a 5 panel section of those cheap folding eggcrate type pads for a glassing pad for seating, strapped to the back of my bag it doesn't weight much and I can fully sit on it in the snow. Anyhow, something like that can always be put under your R3.2 under your torso if you have it with you anyway.

 

[Dos Perros]

I think 3.2 has a good chance of being sufficient, especially with that bag. You're not going to freeze to death. I've cut fresh pine boughs before and put them below my pad for a little extra insulation. It would work for 90% of the time. If the weather looks cold take your Exped.

 

[j3h8]

R values stack. The 3.2 may coupled with a cheap folding foam mat will give you 1.2ish additional R value points for a total of 4.4 or so. They are also relatively cheap. On top of that it's added comfort and protection. They are light enough to not worry. However if you are buying already, get a higher rated pad.