Sleeping Pads - Weight vs Comfort

[Beendare]

Well the other factor with some of the UL pads is utility. Some of the fabrics used to make these UL pads doesn't take much abuse.

Its all a tradeoff....but i've gone from a Ultra Light mentality...to one of packing a little more weight for the added durability. A deflated pad doesn't do you much good. Pads like the Expeds are a little heavier...but they are tough. I go as light as possible on summer backpack trips.......but on hunts durability matters.

 

[oenanthe]

Been using a Neo Air a 3/4 length pad since 2010 on all weight senitive backpack hunts.

I've been using a small X-Lite now for the last couple years up to and through my annual Oct. Kodiak island goat hunts.

I'm going to disagree (mildly) with both of you. I tried the 3/4 length X-lite (8oz.) and couldn't stand the way my feet fell off the end of it. My feet and knees just weren't happy. This after years of using 3/4 length pads like the Z-lite, Prolite, and so on (with my pack under my feet). I exchanged the 3/4 length X-lite for a full-length version (12 oz.) and am completely happy with it. About 50 nights so far.

My standards have changed a lot over time. 30 years ago I was happy and slept well on a cut down 3/8" foam pad laid down on some rocks. Nowadays that would leave me fearfully grumpy in the morning. The days efforts take a larger toll than when I was younger - correspondingly I need more and better sleep to recover. The 4 oz. extra for the full-length pad is worth it to me.

 

[Jimss]

I just returned from turkey hunting...camping out in my pickup topper. I brought my old therma-rest that blows up and has extra padding. It was around 20 degrees at night and I was plenty warm. I'm not getting any younger and need a little more padding! I usually use my Neo-air and am wishing I brought it. My neo-air has never disappointed me for comfort! It is also ultra-light weight and compact for backpacking. Guess which one I'll be bringing next time!

 

[4ester]

I've used the original foam Z-lite in the past and thought they were ok. Last year I picked up a Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated and I can honestly say I slept so much better on the inflatable.


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