Sleep mat for backcountry Elk in Colorado

[Bails-UK]

Which is the better Sleepmat option, full inflatable, self inflatable or Thermarest z-lite sol?
I suppose it boils down to weight over bulk, Inflatables/self inflatables are less bulky and suppose lighter, but should they get a pine needle stuck in them, you're sleeping on the deck, but on the other hand with a thermarest z-lite sol, you have a big bulky concertina mat to snag the odd branch and have to fasten to the outside of your pack....... but it ain't gonna deflate should a pine needle stick in it.
Which would you recommend for a ten day backcountry, Colorado bowhunt and it will be last 2x weeks of Archery season.

 

[justinspicher]

I'm using a luxury lite cot. I've been sleeping on it for the last three weeks and love it.

 

[tyeager2964]

I have a thermarest pro-lite plus that has seen some use. It will take more than a pine needle to puncture it but even if it does happen some tenacious tape or duct tape will fix it easily.

I would tell you to pick any of the name brand pads and you will be good to go. You don't need to worry about them as much as you think.

 

[bz_711]

Dave,
I've spent a few nights each on a full inflatable and self inflatable that we own. Both work fine, but the self inflatable is noticeably more comfortable to me...as it has a higher R rating and just feels more like a cushion, vs. the fully inflatable that really is more like a air lounge floatie that someone might have in their swimming pool. Self inflatable about 9 oz more but worth it IMO if temps will be cool at night. Both fit in pack easily and I wouldn't have much worry about getting punctured. Both also come with a small patch kit that I always have with.

I've never tried the Z fold foam pads...I do like the ruggedness of them. If they are comfortable on rocky terrain I'd have no problem using if setting up camp and hunting from there, but do see your worry if bringing camp along on your back each day that they could be rather bulky (and somewhat noisy scraping through brush).

Good luck whatever you choose - odds are you will be so beat down tired - all would work just fine

 

[vanish]

I slept on a Z-lite for years. Its only advantage is durability. For me, it sucked pretty hard compared to an inflatable for actually sleeping on.

If you want good sleep, I highly recommend an inflatable that gets to 2.5-3 inches thick. Unlike the Z-lite, you'll want something under it. I use a floored tent so I already have that handled.

Edit: Depending on what we're doing, we sometimes bring a Z-lite anyway. It is really nice for glassing from rocky/gravelly terrain.

 

[KMT]

Last year I brought an inflatable (q core by big Agnes) and a z-light foam. I simply don't trust an inflatable regardless of brand. Two people I know have had theirs leak in the first night of a week long trip. Both had patch kits. Neither was able to find the leak. Not even after they got home.

 

[norcal-noodler]

Plus 1 on the z mat being a horrible nights sleep - maybe 2 stacked on top of each other ? I'm cutting mine down for a indestructible dog mat.
They also sorta work as a insulation that doesn't slip as much in a hammock.

I've got the Exped downUL and it's a little on the heavy size but massive, super quiet, and almost a R6.0
A good warm nights sleep is important

 

[5MilesBack]

I had a BA Q-core SL that leaked the first time I took it out. Cut that trip short because of that. Been using an Xtherm since and it's been fine on multiple trips. It has a 5.7 R value for insulation and is pretty light.