Sleeping pad recommendations

texasbbq

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 26, 2014
Messages
283
I need to buy my 25 year old son a good pad for backcountry use. He is an avid backpack hunter and lightweight is always a concern for him but I'd like to get him a comfortable/durable sleeping pad.

Any thoughts? There are so many choices these days I don't know where to start.

Thanks in advance,

BBQ
 

Nessie85

FNG
Joined
Aug 27, 2024
Messages
16
There's a 1000 thoughts on this but I have decent experience doing backpack hunts and it's my belief that a few ounces extra in pad is worth it if the pad is comfy and helps you sleep. Not a huge fan of a 20" wide pad either. Wide and thick is the ticket....I should be careful how I word that in the future..
 

zpearo

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 2, 2023
Messages
221
Hard to go wrong with a wide Xtherm. People seem to love the new Tensor pads too. In any case, wide is the way to go.
 
Joined
Nov 12, 2024
Messages
13
When i was wildland firefighting I used a ridgerest. Not the comfiest, but you’re never going to have to deal with the heartbreak of discovering your mattress won’t hold air at the end of the day. These days I use an older version of the trail scout and my wife has a trail lite. They are on the heavy side, but they can handle abuse. I bias towards durability and comfort on sleeping pads and cut weight elsewhere.

A z-rest sitting pad can be a nice addition to your gear. Strap it under your pack and use it to keep your butt dry when glassing on dewy mornings and put it under your head and torso at night for a little extra padding.
 
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