The BEST pad for side sleeping???

[TXHunt]

I’m looking for the absolute BEST sleeping pad for side sleeping with 3 big features…
1) comfort for side sleepers
2) durability
3) quiet

This will be for a 10+ day fly in Alaska hunt. I do not want to worry about it getting a hole and leaking. I am mostly a side sleeper moving from side to side through the night. What is THE BEST out there?

 

[*zap*]

I am laying on it. Thermarest basecamp

 

[diamond10x]

Big Agnes rapide or boundary deluxe

If getting a hole is a worry, I’d be packing some sort of ground sheet/pad.

Assuming this is for a drop camp moose or caribou and not a sheep or goat hunt as those suggestions aren’t the lightest but they’re definitely comfy.

 

[camelcluch]

Exped checks all those boxes for me.

 

[skip189]

Went with the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. Went for the biggest size just for comforbility. Has improved my sleeping in the tent so much which I feel makes a big difference.

 

[TXHunt]

Big Agnes rapide or boundary deluxe

If getting a hole is a worry, I’d be packing some sort of ground sheet/pad.

Assuming this is for a drop camp moose or caribou and not a sheep or goat hunt as those suggestions aren’t the lightest but they’re definitely comfy.

It’s for a bear hunt. So while it will come out of my allowance for the bush flight I won’t be packing it on my back.

 

[Legend]

I’m looking for the absolute BEST sleeping pad for side sleeping with 3 big features…
1) comfort for side sleepers
2) durability
3) quiet

This will be for a 10+ day fly in Alaska hunt. I do not want to worry about it getting a hole and leaking. I am mostly a side sleeper moving from side to side through the night. What is THE BEST out there?

Well since you didn't mention any weight restrictions.

EXPED megamat max. Nothing compares. I might take it over my bed. There is something about the stretchy fabric that makes it different than all others.

 

[Quicksilver]

The new thermarest neoloft looks intriguing

 

[*zap*]

Basecamp:
Decent price xl $150.
R-6.
Available in xl- 30" x 77".
Durable material.
Rectangular.
Zap approved after years of usage.

 

[Whaledriver]

BA Boundary. Not ultralight but worth the bulk and weight. I have about 20 nights this year and it has been super comfortable. I have the extra wide and long. I am 6'5" and 230

 

[Yukon Cornelius]

For side sleeping I love the Klymit v-luxe. I’ve used the same pad for 8 years. I bought a insulated version last year and used it the past two seasons.

R-value isn’t the highest, and I bought higher r-value pads, but having used the same Klymit pad for so many years in Alaska I’m sold on them. I’ll share other pad experiences after I’ve slept on a different pad.

 

[LCguy]

Big Agnes

 

[sv315]

I've briefly tried a tensor all-season, xtherm nxt, etherlite xt insulated, and rapide sl insulated, all in wide or wide/long. The etherlite seemed the most comfortable side sleeping, but maybe less warm than similar rated pads. I'd put rapide second, but I don't think the larger side baffles are insulated and that can be noticeable.

 

[doc holiday13]

I've been pretty happy with the Nemo Tensor and side sleeping. I have a discontinued model of a Nemo bag that has a cover over it and its pretty good too

 

[ni7ne]

Is the problem comfort or cold? If comfort, have you tried just putting a cut down closed cell foam mat below the inflatable under hipbone?
When I used a thermarest z lite, I'd just put a single fold in the middle so I had 3x padding under hip.