Picking a mat

[Where's Bruce?]

My daughter-in-law wants a nice sleeping pad for tent camping...what's right for this and versatile for all weather? She wants one that doesn't conduct cold like many air mattresses.

 

[Akshphntr]

I like my big Agnes insulated. This is my first year using it but it's comfortable, reasonably priced and warm. Pretty light too. I am a little dizzy after blowing it up but thats cause it's pretty thick.

 

[TEmbry]

NeoAir Xtherm if she doesn't toss around much at night. Best Warmth to weight ratio on the market.

 

[Darren Best]

If she wants the lightest - Neo Air Xtherm - less than 1-1/2 lbs for the largest size, R rating of 5.7

Maximum comfort and warmth, weight be damned - Exped Mega Mat 10 - 5-1/2 lbs, R rating of 9.5, 30 inches wide and 4 inches thick

Balance between warmth, comfort, light weight and compactness - Exped Downmat XP9 - under 3 lbs for the largest size, R rating of 8

 

[colonel00]

My first question is where and in what scenarios is she going to use it? Will she be backpacking several miles in or is she just car camping?

 

[Stid2677]

My sleeping pad choices depend on how they will be used, so a little more info is needed to make a recommendation.

One tip is to use one of these.. Camp-Tek Microburst inflator, it is very light and attaches to the mouth piece on pads to inflate them. Not because I'm too lazy to blow them up, but to keep moisture from my breath degrading the insulation of the pad.

It makes an awesome stove stoker and pack raft inflator as well.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Mostly packing so UL preferred.

 

[Stid2677]

Big Agnes Insulated Aircore or Ther-A-Rest Women's NeoAir™ XLite, my wife and I both use the NeoAir Xlite the women's model has more insulation.

 

[Rucker61]

I've got a NeoAir for sale in the classifieds: http://www.rokslide.com/forums/showthread.php?12097-FS-NeoAir-XLite-Regular&highlight=neoair
I just want to see how much more comfortable the wider one is.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

What're those huge mats I see guys like Aron packing around? What's up with those?

 

[DeepMauka]

Those are thermarest pads. Ridge rest is the name I believe. They make one that folds up like an accordion too instead of rolling up like a burrito. I like them cuz they are super light, and where I am, I don't need the r value, just protection and comfort from rocks.

 

[Lawnboi]

Another plus on the foam pads under a nice thick inflatable is if you pop the air pad, cold weather won't totally ruin your night. Foam pads have a lot of uses as well, seat, umbrella, wind break,pillow. I use a big Agnes qcore insulated sl. I used only foam till I got this one so take it for what it's worth. If it's real cold I'm bringing my inflatable and my foam, if it's milder, then I'll only take the inflatable now.

I use a thermarest z lite for my foam pad. Foods like an accordion. We have also butchered one to make nice camp seats and pillows

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Thanks guys, order an inflatable and Ridge Rest. Oughta cover it.

 

[Stid2677]

Just a tip on pad repair,, AquaSeal UV, dries in seconds and will seal most holes in pads, Tyvek Tape is another handy fix.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The Big Agnes Q Core SL has worked well for me this year....it is fairly new though. Previous to that I have had good experiences with the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, the Exped Synmat UL7, and the Stephensons Warmlite.

 

[n2horns]

I have been happy with Exped synmat ul 7, not too loud and comfy.