R Value quantifiably impactful...w/out bag upgrade???

[prm]

A Kifaru Woobie over the bag makes a tremendous difference. It also serves as a great way to stay warm when glassing. Keeps feet warm too.

 

[180ls1]

I just went with an XTherm at 7.3 and haven’t had to think about it. The weight penalty is marginal compared to the XLite 4.5 which is just 3oz.

If it’s in your budget the new pads NXT pads are even comfier.

You will notice a massive difference in comfort going from a sub 2 pad. I wouldn’t honestly consider anything less then a 4.

This is a great suggestion. Just grab one and be done with it forever. It'll make a huge difference.

 

[texag10]

A Kifaru Woobie over the bag makes a tremendous difference. It also serves as a great way to stay warm when glassing. Keeps feet warm too.

I've done this, woobie over an enlightened equipment quilt. Cuts out any drafts to the quilt and was toasty warm below the rated temp of the quilt despite my tendency to be cold.

 

[huntsman22]

and the doobie is even better.....

 

[CJ19]

and the doobie is even better.....

how much warmer is the doobie than the woobie? is it significantly bulker to pack? i am trying to decide which one to buy.

 

[huntsman22]

Significantly warmer, and significantly bulkier.

 

[Wiscgunner]

Most of your warmth is lost through the ground not out the top through the bag. I encourage everyone to play with their system and test their gear. I sleep warm so 50 degree bag is fine for me in 30 degree weather IF I have sufficient ground insulation. If my gournd insulation is poor a 20 degree bag is not warm in 30 degrees but rearrange my ground insulation in the same temperature and now I am almost too hot with the same bag I was just cold in.

When I get a new pad or bag, I set up in the yard once cold weather gets here in Wisconsin. Depending upon where I am going, I will sometime take a Nemo Switchback foam pad to go under my air pad to avoid punctures. Absolute night and day difference how you layer your pad system!
Warmer weather - just a summer pad on the grass (foam if rough ground is expected under air pad).
Cooler weather - higher R value air pad
Cold Weather - foam pad, air pad, e-blanket over the air pad reflecting my heat back to me.
Really cold - air pad on ground, move foam pad on TOP of air pad. This is the warmest setup in my system. The foam does not conduct the cold like the air in a air pad ad the reflective side reflects my heat back up into me. Colder still - put the e-blanket inside the sleeping bag but I personally hate this feeling and noise.

I am a side sleeper and prefer a thicker pad which will inherently cool more. The e blanket on top of the air pad is not as warm as the foam pad on top but more comfortable on my back sleeping on my side.

Air pads, especially ones with exposed sidewalls really just are full of cold air and pull the heat out of your body. I just prefer to rearrange my system to adjust the R value of the system rather than have an arsenal of different sleeping bags and different air pads and so on.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Some good info here.

Like @Wiscgunner i mix and match pads depending on weather. I own an isulated air pad but prefer my sea to summit ether light for nearly all trips. 22oz and r value of 3.2. I will mix and match it with a foam pad on certain trips.

My lightest foam pad is a matty mcmattface that is cut to match the dimensions of my sea to summit. I have a z light and ridge rest. Both add progressively more bulk and warmth. I have been very comfortable using the ridge rest and S2S pad in temps down to 0.

A quilt or over blanket would also help stretch your bags temp rating quite a bit.

Finally, I have used a watch cap and puffy vest to sleep in as well and been toasty in temps wel. Below my bags rating. Adding clothes is a great way to adapt your system. My feet sweat and stay warm so I benefit more from a puffy vest and cap. My buddy’s feet are ice cold so he runs a set of 3oz down booties on all trips.

 

[camelcluch]

Just had a buddy go through this. 0* bag and summer pad. He said he froze. He bought an Exped ultra 7 with the same bag and said he was hot. Cold in milder temps before the new pad. Pad makes a big difference.