Pad options & opinions.....

[robtattoo]

Does anyone have any recommendations as far as self inflating pads go?
I'm a bigger guy, 250lb right now, & comfort is pretty much my highest priority.
I'd like something under 2-1/2lb & under $150. I'm not averse to buying used, but I don't know what makes or models I need to be looking for.

 

[DishBogget]

I'm in nearly the same boat as you , similar weight and comfort being a high priority. I have been looking at the neoair xtherm as I plan to get into a quilt. However I am open to opinions as well and will be watching this thread. Good luck !

 

[colonel00]

To me it depends on how you sleep. I cannot lay still on my back like some of my buddies and sleep all night. Normally I am on my side in some odd formation. That being said, I went away from the self-inflating pad as they just weren't thick enough. I have been using a NeoAir XLite and I love it. I will also be picking up an XTherm at some point for colder weather. I know there are others that like stuff from other makers like Big Agnes. I guess the question is why are you looking for self-inflating?


Also, is you signature supposed to say "I suck around"

 

[robtattoo]

Hah! I never noticed the mis-type!

I'm mostly a side sleeper & on an uncomfortable pad, I toss & turn a lot. I've been on a cheap Wally world pad for the last few years, but I'm getting older & I don't sleep as well on it s I did a while back. I've tried air beds & have never found a good one yet & foam pads just don't cut it anymore. Self inflating seems to do best for me, but I need thicker, lighter & more compactable than the $20 Wally pad I currently have.
I've looked at both the X-therm & X-light. I like the price & weight of the lite, but I think I'd prefer the thickness & comfort of the therm. Is there a 'compromise' brand that had the comfort of one but at the price of the other, possibly compromising on weight?

 

[colonel00]

Well, I personally haven't used an XTherm but my understanding is the only difference between it and an XLite is its weight and thus thermal properties. I am pretty sure they are the same design, shape and thickness. Really it just comes down to the climate you will be sleeping in and your insulation needs. Keep an eye on the classifieds here or wait for a good deal from a retailer. Where are you located? Odds are there is probably someone fairly close that might be able to let you check out some pads.

 

[GibsonKuenzi]

Thermarest trail pro gives 2" of thickness with a moderate weight, price and packed size.

I have a couple "self inflating" pads, and while they do self inflate given plenty of time, I'm never patient enough to let them run their course, so I always end up inflating them myself anyways.

 

[mtnclimber]

you won't feel a difference between the x-therm and the x-lite. the only difference is the insulating properties and the xtherm uses reflective materials for heat transfer. it has no actual synthetic or down insulation in it, which is great for saving weight! but as far as comfort goes the exped pads have the neo-air x-lite and x-therm beat. I have both and use both depending on the situation.

 

[kodiakfly]

Which exped do you have? I'm in the market for a pad like we're talking about here...I'm a big guy, want warmth and comfort and I'll carry the weight to sleep like I need to, within reason; not carrying a car camping pad. I'm looking at the xtherm, but I'm open to others. Never handled or seen the exped, so I gotta go off recommendations there.

 

[Shrek]

I have the exped ul 9 synmat in long wide. Very happy with it. In its bag with a snozzel bag to inflate it and a repair kit it weighs 32 oz. 3.5" thick and R6 insulation. It's not too bad to inflate with the bag and it's very comfortable.

 

[DaveC]

Exped if you need more warmth , Big Agnes if you do not. If you'll have night time lows under 20F consistently, you want an R5 pad, or more. Keep in mind that the R rating for inflatable pads is accurate if the pads are inflated close to the max. No one sleeps like that, so buy something with a 20-40% higher R rating than you'll want.

Alternate strategy: get a Thermarest Prolite or Ridgerest, HTFU, and pick soft campsites.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The big Agnes q core sl long wide has been my go to pad this past year. It has worked well.

 

[mtnclimber]

Which exped do you have? I'm in the market for a pad like we're talking about here...I'm a big guy, want warmth and comfort and I'll carry the weight to sleep like I need to, within reason; not carrying a car camping pad. I'm looking at the xtherm, but I'm open to others. Never handled or seen the exped, so I gotta go off recommendations there.

I have the UL 7 synthetic and the downmat 9. Any of the UL series or life series stuff won't be as comfortable as the regular downmat 7 or 9. The regular dowmats are Still fairly lightweight though and are definitely more durable and comfy.

 

[orionsbrother]

I'm a restless sleeper, a side sleeper. I'm playing around, starting to move into quilts. I just recently started using a neoair trekker in a torso. I like the width and 2 1/2" thickness for rolling around comfort and it's still under a pound and less expensive. But your legs are on the floor or ground and it's an R3...not a cold weather system.

If you're looking for plush and don't mind the weight, around 2lbs you could get a 3" thick neoair camper in a large, or I think at a little more than 2 1/2lbs an XL. With that you should have a mint and turn down service on your bag or quilt.

 

[ScottP]

I'm a side only sleeper. I ditched the 1.5" REI self inflating for the 3.5" BA Insulated Air Core. Night and day difference. It packs smaller, but is about the same weight and R-value. Harder to inflate unless you get the camp tek battery operated unit. Pretty nice to have.

 

[orelkaddict]

I have the Neoair Xlite and a Big Agnes Q Core SL. I don't ever see myself sleeping on the Neoair ever again? I got to try a UL9 downmat pad for a couple nights this last winter and was pretty impressed with it as well. Being a side sleeper adds another challenge to being comfortable for sure.

 

[n2horns]

Xped down UL7, moved to that for more warmth, had the synmat ul7 prior. like the down better for more warmth.

 

[robtattoo]

Thanks for help guys. I pulled the trigger on an X-Lite on Ebay for well under $100. I figured I wouldn't loose anything if it didn't work out. I've spent 2 nights on it at home. I had to attach it to the underside of my bag so I could stay on it when I turned, but I'm sleeping as well as I do in the bed. Very comfortable & I love that it fits in my pocket!