Sleeping Pads

[Kessler10]

This seems to be an item I might spend a bit more on. Found some that are in the $20-$50 range. Then these high tech ones that are in the $120-$150 range.

for example looking at sleeping pad from Sea to Summit. High priced. included the below specs and link.

Or I could go with a basic therm-rest in the $50 range. Is a sleeping pad an item one might consider spending a bit more on? Or all the same. I usually am so tired after a day in the elk woods sleeping is not a problem. But when sleeping directly on the cold ground I thought maybe these higher proceed ones would be a good choice? We all know how important sleep can bee when pushing your body 12-14 hours a day during archery season. So figured maybe spending a bit more on sleeping pad makes sense.

https://www.rei.com/product/882037/sea- ... eeping-pad

181 Air Sprung Cells are formed by a matrix of dot welds and function like individual coils in a pocket-sprung mattress for unrivalled support and comfort
Single-chamber design with medium resolution of Air Sprung Cells for lightweight comfort and ease of use
40-denier ripstop nylon face fabric offers the right balance between weight and durability
Liquid-extruded thermoplastic urethane bonds permanently to shell fabric, virtually eliminating delamination
The Exkin Platinum non-woven layer is virtually silent and reflects back radiant heat to the sleeper
Thermolite insulation prevents air circulation and heat loss due to convection
An antimicrobial treatment is added to the TPU to prevent issues caused by warm, moist air trapped inside the mat
Patent-pending multifunction valve for really fast and easy inflation, deflation and fine-tuning of air pressure
Includes stuff sack, repair kit (containing 6 self-adhesive patches), spare silicone 1-way valve insert

[jmez]

IMO a good pad is well worth the money. I used to use a small, cheaper closed cell type pad and thought it was ok.

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Big Agnes Q core SL. Great decision. It is light but blows up to 3.5 inches of loft. I weigh around 205 and no matter how I turn or lay, I never feel the ground. I can pretty much sleep anywhere, the quality of sleep does matter. I wake much more rested using the better pad than I did before.

[Indian Summer]

I'm a light sleeper and I toss and turn all night. For me a pad is all about comfort. I'll spend any amount of money for a pad that eliminates the lumps and bumps. Of course I want one that's going to keep me warm too.

I use a Downmat Exped 9 and love it. It's an inflatable with down in it. Highest R value of any pad on the market.

[Elkduds]

I'm shopping also. Looking hard @ Klymit for light weight, durability, low cost and comfort. http://www.klymit.com/index.php/product ... -pads.html, check out the clearance items. Good reviews online. Here is a detailed review of all major bands: http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/the ... 1659697249

[mandrroofing]

Exped Imo. I had a neolite Thermarest and switched to a wide exped 7 i need a good nights sleep and i hated my arms falling off the sides of the neolite. You wont regret spending the money on a good pad,you get what you pay for

[husky390]

I've used a BA Q-core for two seasons and love it. Last year I used it with a quilt and it was a perfect combination as I was never cold and didn't slide around on it. That can happen if you use a sleeping bag, easy fix with silicone ribbons though. I have an Exped Synmat 7 and it's a POS. Failed on me the first night I used it and their warranty sucks. I'll never buy anything from them or campsaverdotcom again.

[Lefty]

Im 58 years old; I want/need the best nights rest I can get. Being comfortable and warm makes a huge difference in my ability to hunt hard two days in a row.

If packing in Ill use a closed cell pad. Those cheapos from Walmart I think I paid $11.00 Those are the ad I suggest to my Boy Scouts. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Venture-Produ ... ethod=p13n If I was packing I would use one of those folding, foil backed closed cell pad for about $40.00
However for a camp pad,.. I mostly tent camp at the truck. Last year I spent 70 nights in a tent.
My opinion the high tech lightweight air pads are terrible, they conduct too much cold. Often providing little comfort, They can be made workable in warmer overnight temps. but not something I would use on cooler nights
I use a 1/2" or one inch closed cell pad on the ground for warmth and to level out the rocks, and to protect my pad
then a 2 1/2" x 36 " air inflatable Cabelas pad for comfort. I made add another sleeping bag underneath for more added warmth. Air pads are terrible, they conduct too much cold.
Straight up open cell pads also conduct cold I own three of the predecessors to this pad
http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s ... ping%2Bpad

And two of these
http://www.cabelas.com/product/cabela-s ... ping%2Bpad

My one Cabelas pad has about 450 nights,.. My wife has now taken over the pad ,..

A friend, in their hunt camps they use the big Cabelas cots then a open cell pad with a cheap sleeping bag then their good bags on top.

I would take the $14.00 Walmart pad every time before any top end air pad

[S&S Archery Rob]

Just wanted to toss in my .02 on this one. We dont currently sell them, but last year i invested in a ThermaRest Xtherm sleeping pad. I have a really good 15 degree bag, but never seemed to be able to stay warm on those sub 30 degree nights. I started doing some research on R-value sleeping pads after talking to Steve Speck. Turns out the pad i was using was a 1.7.

The Xtherm is 5.7 i think. Talk about a HUGE difference. I have not had a single night being cold since i started using the Xtherm. It can be a bit noisy, but you get used to it quickly, esp when you are warm and comfortable. Also you cant beat the weight.

I know its expensive, but how much would you pay when you are in the backcountry shivering at 3am? Dont ask me, that doesnt happen anymore.

rob

[Lefty]

Just wanted to toss in my .02 on this one. We dont currently sell them, but last year i invested in a ThermaRest Xtherm sleeping pad. I have a really good 15 degree bag, but never seemed to be able to stay warm on those sub 30 degree nights. I started doing some research on R-value sleeping pads rob

Reading through the specks,.. looking at the materiel and design it appears that is the best air type pad Ive seen. It certainly has the technology of improving comfort and warmth. However I still dont see that pad as much more than an early fall pad and not even close for a winter sleeping pad.
Rob I realize the stated R value for an Xtherm is 5.7. Im sure the technology is in that pad to for a 5.7 measurement. The specs seem bear out my guess that is a static measurement, That isnt what happens when I sleep
"convective cooling, increase stability and eliminate the "inflatable raft" feeling caused by overinflated vertical baffles. In addition, stacked ThermaCapture reflective internal barriers actually direct heat back to your body and cold air back to the ground!"
reflective technology works, but not very well when there is air movement from circulation and body movement.

The dynamics when I sleep I think tosses the reflective and spacial R-values measurement out the window on air type pads.
Now there are some ultralight insulation's out there; some relativity inexpensive foams. The air pads Ive slept on are brutally cold, some part of my body ends up making contact with the ground
Pads with foam inserts are better ( typical Thermarest and Cabelas types Ive mentioned)

The closed poly cell 1/2" pad I use has a true R-4+.And will always provide those ratings, The military closed cell 1 inch foam I use has nearly an R-11 and no matter how I toos and turn, or what is . Two weeks ago I didnt even have sink-age into the snow with that pad, ( and tent floor and extra bag underneath). When we pulled up the tents I showed the scouts why some of them didnt stay toasty warm.

[justinspicher]

I'm also an Xtherm user, had it for about a year and a half now. It is worth every penny I spent on it. I sleep great in the backcountry. I've recently added to it by purchasing a used luxury lite cot and have upped the comfort.

[Lefty]

I'm also an Xtherm user, had it for about a year and a half now. It is worth every penny I spent on it. I sleep great in the backcountry. I've recently added to it by purchasing a used luxury lite cot and have upped the comfort.

Just curious have used it during winter month?

[Viamoutdoors]

Big agnes Q core SL has our vote..

[Lefty]

I need to stand corrected of some of what I stated doesnt apply to normal sized guys. Me being oversized is why none of the other pads Ive tried worked for me ( Everything Cabelas and Sportsman's carries

I was looking at Klymit pads at the ISE show.
The salesman chuckled as I walked by. Being a bit bigger than most archery elk hunters. He pointed to a pad and said
" This pad was designed for guys like you" He quickly "defended his comment"" "a full enclosed pad" "When you roll over only your elbow might bottom out" . The pad was insulated with a Perma-loft type of material
I was really impressed when he said it had a lifetime warranty,.. put a hole in it ,.. send it back. It does weigh more than most backpacking pads.

http://www.klymit.com/index.php/insulated-static-v.html

[pointysticks]

What's carrying it, you or your truck?

I have two pads. The ultralight big Agnes. I inflate it and go to sleep. It's okay. Pretty okay. About what you expect. Warm and serviceable.

Truck camp? Thermarest Dreamtime. Pad and air. Damn near 4" thick and it rivals a decent box spring mattress. It's huge even deflated. I wouldnt make a pack mule carry it.

[Elkduds]

I'm shopping Klymit. They sell refurbished factory returns on Ebay, same lifetime warranty, 1/3 or more off w free shipping. My only question is, insulated or non, Static V.

[VT Sasquatch]

I have a few different ones. I mostly use a self-inflating Thermarest (Made in U.S.A.). When it is really cold I bring an old army surplus closed-cell foam pad and put that on the ground and the Thermarest on top. My Thermarest is only about 1.5" inflated but I want to get one that is a little thicker in the future.

I have a lightweight Cabelas self-inflating pad the is more contoured (to reduce weight) - basically, the same footprint as a mummy bag. It's okay. I had a Cabelas Alaskan Guide pad that was really nice for a while but the glue at the seams came apart and it was trashed.

I haven't tried many brands but the Thermarest are priced pretty well, have a lifetime warranty and are Made in the U.S.A. I don't think I would buy any other brand sleeping pad in the future.

[Elkduds]

I went for the Klymit Static V, uninsulated. Been trying it out on the wood floor @ home. Inflated it is 3" thick, I sidesleep, and don't bottom out. It is plenty long for me @ 5-11, and 23" wide w raised rails along the edges. Comfy, though the surface is bumpy so sleeping bag maintains loft under you in the troughs between the bumps. Feels like thick fabric, valve is good, blows up w 12 breaths. Easily rolls into its stuff bag the size of a Nalgene bottle, 18 0z. Saved some bucks on Ebay, chose a refurbished one in Kings Camo Pink. Has a repair kit in the stuff sack. So far so good. This pad goes under, not inside the bag. Fast shipping, Thanks Klymit.