Reconsidering my EXPED choice

[realunlucky]

Bruce sounds like you need a Sat phone if a sleeping pad can immobilize you

 

[Daniel_M]

Plan for the worst, hope for the best. If you leave the house with the assumption whistle pigs are going to ruin your trip, you'll never make it out the door.

 

[Shrek]

I've had two back surgeries myself and know all about the pain but I assure you that until the nerves are severed and my legs don't work I'll get myself out. One thing the military did for me was show me that I could endure much more than I thought I could. I walked into my surgeons office and after surgery he commented that after seeing the damage he didn't know how I walked at all. Bruce , when your life is on the line if your mind is right you can march through hell. If you decide you can't then you're done. Not saying it would be easy but if you walked in I'm betting that despite you inflaming the nerve you could walk out.

 

[Beendare]

I've used a bunch of those pads and Exped has been the best.
Sure its heavier, the fabric is more durable- thus the extra weight....less chance of failure

 

[Kevin Dill]

I'm also a guy who over-thinks and considers ways to avoid issues, even where there is no issue. That said, I've taken an Exped DownMat to Alaska the past 8 or so years and spent well in excess of 100 nights in the backcountry. I've had no leaks and no problems at all. I think there are lots of things that can go wrong with my gear, but I can't build redundancy into everything. I will say that I sleep on a LuxuryLite cot and that dude is the best thing I ever found for extended trips. I'm off the ground along with my pad and bag...what an amazing difference.

 

[Kevin_t]

I carry backup purification , fire method, knife, light, a few extra rounds, and usually some comfort to add in to a bomber CCF pad, or a backup plan for a comfy pad. All totaled , it is barely over one lb and maybe less at times. It allows me to stay in the field longer should something go wrong and to me that is better and less effort than a hike out. I would argue, that with a cot you already have a backup plan, although possibly a cold one.

The older heavy Exped pads are pretty bomb proof.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Jusywow

I've had two back surgeries myself and know all about the pain but I assure you that until the nerves are severed and my legs don't work I'll get myself out. One thing the military did for me was show me that I could endure much more than I thought I could. I walked into my surgeons office and after surgery he commented that after seeing the damage he didn't know how I walked at all. Bruce , when your life is on the line if your mind is right you can march through hell. If you decide you can't then you're done. Not saying it would be easy but if you walked in I'm betting that despite you inflaming the nerve you could walk out.

Do you diagnose all your patients before seeing them doctor? Nuff said.

I carry a DeLorme Inreach Explorer just in case...a snake bite, head injury, or any other time sensitive emergency can always occur and I prefer to be prepared. If I ever encounter somebody else in need while in the field, I can help. My 28oz EXPED does seem pretty bullet proof so perhaps I am overthinking it again, just the same, I'm gonna look into those cots. Thanks all.

 

[good2eat]

2 words. Tenacious Tape. Get some and stop worrying

 

[aggieland]

Anyone compared the Exped downmat to the Xtherm Max?

 

[PA 5-0]

2 words. Tenacious Tape. Get some and stop worrying

^^^^^^ This stuff can fix anything. To include a large gash on ur hand from one of these fancy new scalpel knives.

 

[ChadS]

Another full believer in Tenacious Tape here. Stuff is great.