Lets talk sleeping pads

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:08 am

Ok Im not what they call a "in shape" person. Although a circle is a shape. I am more of a side sleeper and Im looking for a comfortable pad. I do have some back issues, so I know that I might not find the perfect pad. I rented a REI trekker 1.75 self inflating pad and I tossed and turned all night. I have been looking at some of the air pads.

Here is what Im looking at.
http://www.rei.com/product/810375/therm ... eeping-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/828460/rei-s ... ed-air-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/763953/big-a ... r-core-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/691240/big-a ... eeping-pad

Im wondering if the neoair vs the others would be better for a side sleeper because of the side to side way it is made. I almost pulled the trigger on the REI pad because of price, weight, and r value. If you have any info lets here your .02 cents!
TIA

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 9:12 am

I'm also a side sleeper, and, brother, the 2.5" thick Neo Air works for me. I have the greenish-yellow colored version ("limon"). Best sleep I've had on the trail (except for a hammock, but you can't always find a place for a hammock). The Neo Air (at least the version I have) is very light and very compact. One of my top 3 pieces of favorite gear*.

HJ

*Oddly, none of my top 3 favorite pieces of gear is a stove.

jfr · Post by **jfr** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:10 pm

My wife and I have the Big Agnes Insulated pads (along with the Big Agnes double sleeping bag) and I'd recommend getting the insulated version, or you'll feel like you're trying to heat the entire surface of the ground under the pad, thanks to air convection inside the pads. The Big Agnes version has some sort of fluff inside that slows down the air movement, while the Neoair only has baffles. Check the specs tab on those links. The R-value is 4 for the Big Agnes Insulated, 3 for the REI, 2 for the neoair, and 1 for the Big Agnes non-insulated. Long ago, while a teenager, I though that I'd be smart and I brought an old inflatable swimming pool mat on a winter camping trip. Let's just say that I melted some snow that night!

Also, I'm about 6 feet tall, so I first bought the 78" (taller) version, thinking that my feet would be happier. I found out that it was nearly as long as the tent, so that I couldn't inflate it inside the tent without cramming my face into the corner. I took it back and got the 72". You might even get the shorter 66" petite version if you always sleep on your side with your knees tucked up.

The Big Agnes model also comes with a patch kit. In order to avoid ever needing to use that kit, always clean the area under the tent of pointy objects before you set it up...

Two and a half inches thickness is mighty nice, compared to the bad old days of camping on the ground, but I'm getting spoiled: I'm now wishing they'd come up with a five-inch-thick backpacking version. Ultra-Light, Ultra-Thick, Ultra-Comfy!

You should note that the Big Agnes pad weighs a few ounces more than the others, but if you're going ultra-light you wouldn't be contemplating carrying a comfy bed along with you...

Post by **JeffH** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 8:59 pm

I have the long version of the Big Agnes insulated pad and I love it. Previously used REI 1.5 inch insulated and also had to use a closed-cell foam with it. Even with all that my hips would feel bruised and I don't sleep on my side all that much. Surprisingly, the BA is lighter than just the REI and since I don't bring the foam it's much less space in my pack.
I also have the Big Agnes inflatable pillow, but think I may trade that in on the Thermarest inflatable.

Oh yeah, I'm 6'2", about 205 pounds.

mattmaxon · Post by **mattmaxon** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 4:22 am

jfr wrote: ↑Two and a half inches thickness is mighty nice, compared to the bad old days of camping on the ground, but I'm getting spoiled: I'm now wishing they'd come up with a five-inch-thick backpacking version. Ultra-Light, Ultra-Thick, Ultra-Comfy!

I'm holding out for an Anti-gravity pad or hover pad oh yeah and an anti-gravity hover pack!

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:33 am

Hikin_Jim: Thanks! The only down side to that pad I can see is the price

Although you get what you pay for is what comes to mind.

jfr: The big agnes is the pad I first thought about, but the REI air pad comes in weighing about 10 ounces less. I want the wide, I didnt care for my shoulders being off the mat when I was on my back. But maybe the 25 inch wide wouldnt matter if I slept even more on my side. And as far as 5" thick, put two together and leave some food at home

JeffH: Thanks for more input on the Big Agnes. One of the guys I talked to at Little Jimmy had that pad and he loved it too.

mattmaxon: when I read your post I just got done looking at antigravity gears site and they had the Klymit static v http://www.antigravitygear.com/klymit-s ... g-pad.html but then my brain caught up to the joke

If your done with the tyvek ground sheet, put it in an envelope and send it to me

Thanks everyone for the info!

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 8:36 am

mattmaxon wrote: ↑I'm holding out for an Anti-gravity pad or hover pad oh yeah and an anti-gravity hover pack!

Heck, why stop there, go with transporter beams and we won't even have to hike anymore.

On a more serious note, if you really want comfort, try a hammock. Best night's sleep on the trail I've ever had bar none.

With regard to the Neoair, it's insulative qualities are pretty good. I've slept on one down into the high 20's at night and had no sensation of cold beneath me.

HJ

Ze Hiker · Post by **Ze Hiker** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 10:24 am

thermarest prolite plus works pretty well for me (side sleeper, 200 lbs)

hist(vMax/posZ,bins=10,range = [1,4]) x ... ntsize=16)

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:09 pm

Zé wrote: ↑thermarest prolite plus works pretty well for me (side sleeper, 200 lbs)

I have both the Prolite Plus and the NeoAir. I bought the Prolite Plus for a winter trip a couple of years prior to the NeoAir. The Prolite Plus is definitely warmer, but there's no comparison when it comes to comfort. The NeoAir is hands down the more comfortable for me. Some people don't like the NeoAir because it sounds "crinkley" when you move around. Doesn't bother me.

The NeoAir is also super compact and ultra-light. It's one of my top three favorite* pieces of gear.

HJ

*My top three favs:
1. NeoAir pad
2. Isuka map case
3. Western Mountaineering Summerlite sleeping bag

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:19 pm

I have been using one of the Prolite Plus pads from thermarest for a while now and I have to say I wish it was a little thicker. I don't like feeling the hard ground when I am readjusting myself on the pad. I did discover this past "winter" (if you even want to call it a "winter") when I was camping at Little Jimmy in the snow that by using a standard ground pad under the Prolite, I can eliminate the feeling of the ground when I am adjusting myself on the pad. Since that trip I always bring both of the pads just for the comfort of having them. As a bonus I can use the standard ground pad when taking breaks on trail so it serves a double function.

robnokshus · Post by **robnokshus** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:30 pm

I use a regular old Thermarest pad and I am normally pretty comfortable.

If you sleep on your side a lot, consider digging a "hip trench" before you throw down your groundcloth or tent. It's pretty much what it sounds like; a horizontal depression an inch or so deep where you suspect your hips will wind up. The ground just doesn't give like a mattress and the inch or two of lift you get from your pad won't keep you hip bone from connecting with the ground. The hip trench just gives your hip a little somewhere to go.

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:35 pm

The problem with digging a "hip trench" is that camp site may get a little chewed up. The next guy's tent may not line up with yours and such. I guess I understand the idea and all, but I'm a little uncomfortable with people digging up sites. I guess if you put the dirt back afterwards, it's no big deal.

HJ

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 5:20 pm

Ok REI got some more of my money

I bought two pads. http://www.rei.com/product/810375/therm ... eeping-pad and this one http://www.rei.com/product/828460/rei-s ... ed-air-pad. First thoughts of just using in the house is the Neoair is better. I was really hoping the other would be better. Maybe just for price reasons. On the REI pad I feel like I have to blow it up full. The side tubes are 2.5 but the center tubes or more like 1.75. The neoair I put the same amount of air in and found myself letting a bunch of air out. I think the side to side tubes feel a bit better too. I did look at this one http://www.rei.com/product/829851/therm ... eeping-pad but the price and the mummy style I dont think will work for me because I move around so much.
Ill see how things go in the next few days. I hate buying one knowing I will take it back, but at least its just in the house on carpet. Its a big chunk of change so I have to be sure.
Thanks for all the input so far.

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 8:14 pm

I've had my eye on that x-lite, but dang is it expensive. My regular NeoAir will have to do. I'm a side sleeper, and I roll around a fair amount, but the mummy style pads have never been a problem for me. YMMV of course.

HJ

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 6:14 am

Hikin_Jim wrote: ↑I've had my eye on that x-lite, but dang is it expensive. My regular NeoAir will have to do. I'm a side sleeper, and I roll around a fair amount, but the mummy style pads have never been a problem for me. YMMV of course.

HJ

yes very expensive

jfr · Post by **jfr** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:15 pm

Buying two and returning one after trying them out on your carpet at home seems fair enough; it's basically in "as new" condition. Also, I think you'll probably like that trekker pad. It appears to be made from stronger material than the x-lite. Did you get the 25x47 version? That sounds like it might work if you like being in that fetal position on your side.

When I think of how expensive these pads are, I try to justify the expense by comparing it to a night in a hotel. Without the mini-bar.

And now, just when you thought you had everything comfort-related for sleeping, I'm here to remind you that you probably should get one of these:
http://www.rei.com/product/830617/exped-air-pillow
or maybe one of these:
http://www.rei.com/product/799192/cocoo ... ite-pillow

My wife and I bought one of each, figuring that we could trade them back and forth to check them out, and we each liked one. She prefers the exped and I use the cocoon. She's a side-sleeper and I do a bit of everything. I've used my extra clothes as a pillow for years, but they are nearly always lumpy, or you end up with a zipper or a seam making indentations on your cheek. Not anymore! And they roll up with the air mattresses, so you never even notice them.

When you start shelling out $$ for an inflatable pillow, you know that you've reached a new plateau in your endless quest for more gear.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 5:44 pm

No I didnt get the short. I tried a short pad one time and I didnt like the feeling on my knees if my legs were straight. I think I will sleep on the neoair when I goto bed

And yes I did have my eye on the coccon pillow 8)

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 10:49 am

The short but thick air pads aren't worth it in my opinion. The short vs. regular Neo Air has a weight difference of about 1 ounce as I recall. Not a material difference to me. But the edge feels a little weird since it's 2.5" thick. With a 1" thick pad, I don't notice it too much, but with a 2.5" thick pad I do.

HJ

jfr · Post by **jfr** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 6:29 am

I just read about the Instaflator and the microburst on another forum, and I thought you might want to check them out.

Now, I don't mind blowing up air mattresses. I usually read my book while lying in the tent, slowly filling the pads one breath at a time, never breathing too fast or getting lightheaded. But the part I hate is thinking about all the moisture collecting (and condensing) inside the pad. You know that it's got to be getting nasty in there, but you can't see it. Or so I think. I can't smell anything evil when I deflate the mattress, so maybe it's only pure water inside. But that still doesn't change the fact that you eventually begin to carry around more water weight.

I don't have either one of these nifty inventions, but I'm going to buy one of the instaflator's today, as I'm heading to SanG tomorrow morning to do the 9 Peaks Challenge. For three bucks! I'll let you know how it worked when I get back. I like that I can get one right now at the local pool supply place and don't have to pay shipping. Leslie's stores are all over SoCal. People on the net have reported that they work on the Neoair and Big Agnes pads.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 7:06 am

jfr wrote: ↑I just read about the Instaflator and the microburst on another forum, and I thought you might want to check them out.

Now, I don't mind blowing up air mattresses. I usually read my book while lying in the tent, slowly filling the pads one breath at a time, never breathing too fast or getting lightheaded. But the part I hate is thinking about all the moisture collecting (and condensing) inside the pad. You know that it's got to be getting nasty in there, but you can't see it. Or so I think. I can't smell anything evil when I deflate the mattress, so maybe it's only pure water inside. But that still doesn't change the fact that you eventually begin to carry around more water weight.

I don't have either one of these nifty inventions, but I'm going to buy one of the instaflator's today, as I'm heading to SanG tomorrow morning to do the 9 Peaks Challenge. For three bucks! I'll let you know how it worked when I get back. I like that I can get one right now at the local pool supply place and don't have to pay shipping. Leslie's stores are all over SoCal. People on the net have reported that they work on the Neoair and Big Agnes pads.

I pass by two Leslies pools on the way home. I think Ill get one as well. I saw a video on it by Jason Klass, looks like it worked good.

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:29 am

I guess I'm a curmudgeon -- looks like too much faffing about to me.

Blowing up a Neoair is a bit of a pain, but it's not that big of a deal, and it beats carrying a heavier pad.

HJ

Post by **JeffH** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:20 pm

I'm interested to see how it works too. Takes a while to blow up my mattress but oh the comfort when it's done.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:27 pm

well Im home and picked up two. They were .99¢ at that price its worth a shot. Ill post back later on the results, or my faffing.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:56 am

Ha! laid on the Neoair that was already inflated to watch a movie with the kids, woke up 3 hours later! I think it was very comfortable! Ill try the instaflator later.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:25 pm

Ok for 1.5 oz its not bad. It took two times to fill the large neoair. For .99¢ I will carry it just for that little bit of ease to inflate the pad. as always YMMV 8)

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:56 am

yobtaf wrote: ↑Ha! laid on the Neoair that was already inflated to watch a movie with the kids, woke up 3 hours later!

I think we'll call that the Yobtaf "seal of approval."

HJ

Burchey · Post by **Burchey** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:54 pm

Hikin_Jim wrote: ↑ *My top three favs:
1. NeoAir pad
2. Isuka map case
3. Western Mountaineering Summerlite sleeping bag

summerlite FOR TEH WIN

Post by **Hikin_Jim** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:18 am

Burchey wrote: ↑summerlite FOR TEH WIN

One pound, three ounces with a 32F rating and stuffs down to almost as small as a loaf of bread. What's not to like?

Combine it with a NeoAir pad, and you've got a 32F sleep system that comes in at two pounds. NICE.

HJ

jfr · Post by **jfr** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:40 pm

yobtaf wrote: ↑Ok for 1.5 oz its not bad. It took two times to fill the large neoair. For .99¢ I will carry it just for that little bit of ease to inflate the pad. as always YMMV 8)

Well, I used the Instaflator last weekend. Four nights in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Two pads inflated per night. Two rounds of inflation per pad. No problems whatsoever. Only took one or two actual breaths to get the pads up to full pressure. I also chopped off those extra inflation adapters that come with it since they're only good for pool toys (so now it's even lighter).

Hikin_Jim wrote: ↑I guess I'm a curmudgeon -- looks like too much faffing about to me. Blowing up a Neoair is a bit of a pain, but it's not that big of a deal, and it beats carrying a heavier pad.

I hate to say this, Jim, but your pad IS getting heavier. Have you ever seen the spit valve on a trumpet? Maybe you should install one on your Neoair!

A few more inflation cycles using nice dry mountain air with this Instaflator and my pads will dry out inside, and will weigh a lot less than the weight of the device. And I'm going to believe this despite all evidence to the contrary!

Just the same, I still miss lying around, relaxing in the tent, blowing up the pad the old fashioned way. Maybe I'm a bit of a curmudgeon, too...

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:54 pm

ah me too. I thought it worked great. did the same cut off the extra's and away we went.
Kinda looks like a cheech and chong prop