Backpacking Sleeping Pads
video description
I also use a military foam pad for backpacking, which is not too bad, especially if I dig a hip hole and a shoulder hole in the dirt under the pad. In my North Florida world of sand spurs and green briars, foam's ability to just ignore punctures is worth a lot, especially when setting up camp in the dark. I will probably get a lighter backpacking pad for long hikes, but for sure it will be a Therm-a-rest inflatable. The one I have has endured a lot of use and held up very well. And no, I don't work for Therm-a-rest. LOL
Date: 2020-08-18
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Comments and reviews: 9
mharrigfeld
I know a lot of people like the inflatables, but I prefer the foam pads. They are bulky, but bomb-proof. I strap mine vertically on my pack and don't roll it, but fold it like an accordion so it's doesn't stick out as far. At the end of a long day of hiking, you just roll it out. :) I use the Thermarest Ridge Rest which is a bit thicker to help with comfort and has silver coating on ones side to reflect heat if needed.
Thanks for all your videos and sharing your experience and knowledge. It's great to get different perspectives and ideas.
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I know a lot of people like the inflatables, but I prefer the foam pads. They are bulky, but bomb-proof. I strap mine vertically on my pack and don't roll it, but fold it like an accordion so it's doesn't stick out as far. At the end of a long day of hiking, you just roll it out. :) I use the Thermarest Ridge Rest which is a bit thicker to help with comfort and has silver coating on ones side to reflect heat if needed.
Thanks for all your videos and sharing your experience and knowledge. It's great to get different perspectives and ideas.
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Thomas
Thanks for the review. I have only ever used foam mattresses, my favourite being the Thermorest z-lite. I am reluctant to use inflatables as I am worried about springing leaks while on the trail. What has your experience been with air leaks? How frequently do they occur and how do you deal with them when they occur? (BTW I work in Europe, so the max duration of my trekking vacations is about 4 weeks.
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Thanks for the review. I have only ever used foam mattresses, my favourite being the Thermorest z-lite. I am reluctant to use inflatables as I am worried about springing leaks while on the trail. What has your experience been with air leaks? How frequently do they occur and how do you deal with them when they occur? (BTW I work in Europe, so the max duration of my trekking vacations is about 4 weeks.
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Teddy
I swear I'm not a sissy. I slept on the same old shitty mattress from age 6 to about 22 or 23, springs digging in my back and hips and all. That being said, I just can't sleep on foam pads. I really need the inflatable. The first time I slept on a foam pad I kept thinking I slipped off it because I could still feel every root and rock under me.
Inflatable all the way!
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I swear I'm not a sissy. I slept on the same old shitty mattress from age 6 to about 22 or 23, springs digging in my back and hips and all. That being said, I just can't sleep on foam pads. I really need the inflatable. The first time I slept on a foam pad I kept thinking I slipped off it because I could still feel every root and rock under me.
Inflatable all the way!
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Pyssy55
You don't need such a wide foam pad because you aren't very wide a person yourself. Trimming the pad to suit your size will make carrying the bag easier. On a cold ground you can use a wider blanket under the pad to keep your sides warm.
Getting a hole in an inflatable pad is a disaster, but no problem with a foam pad.
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You don't need such a wide foam pad because you aren't very wide a person yourself. Trimming the pad to suit your size will make carrying the bag easier. On a cold ground you can use a wider blanket under the pad to keep your sides warm.
Getting a hole in an inflatable pad is a disaster, but no problem with a foam pad.
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Jay
I was thinking about getting the small just for the weight savings and I think that's what you have there. I may be wrong. How did you like sleeping on a 47 pad? Did you prop your feet up on your pack or something? Did your feet get cold?
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I was thinking about getting the small just for the weight savings and I think that's what you have there. I may be wrong. How did you like sleeping on a 47 pad? Did you prop your feet up on your pack or something? Did your feet get cold?
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Soaring
Great video for beginners to watch. I also bought one of the cheap foam pads to start with and recently bought an inflatable and love it. I have the Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad. No regrets on spending the extra money.
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Great video for beginners to watch. I also bought one of the cheap foam pads to start with and recently bought an inflatable and love it. I have the Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad. No regrets on spending the extra money.
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StreetDogSteve
I've been using a thermarest ridgerest for 10 years. It survived 5 years in the army and 3 and a bit years through 24 countries. I think i'm finally going to upgrade this year: P But i'm still not sold on the inflatables.
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I've been using a thermarest ridgerest for 10 years. It survived 5 years in the army and 3 and a bit years through 24 countries. I think i'm finally going to upgrade this year: P But i'm still not sold on the inflatables.
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Ben
Thanks Dixie! Looking at purchasing my first inflatable. used my Thermarest on both Thru-hikes. but looking at doing some international section hikes and need to cut weight (always the dilemma): ) Love your feeds and vids!
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Thanks Dixie! Looking at purchasing my first inflatable. used my Thermarest on both Thru-hikes. but looking at doing some international section hikes and need to cut weight (always the dilemma): ) Love your feeds and vids!
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AU
Another Disadvantage of any air pad is if you use your mouth to blow it up, eventually it grow mold inside of the pad from your breath. Hold it up to the light to see. Dixie, you have great videos! Keep up the great work!
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Another Disadvantage of any air pad is if you use your mouth to blow it up, eventually it grow mold inside of the pad from your breath. Hold it up to the light to see. Dixie, you have great videos! Keep up the great work!
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