[Bridog]

Originally Posted by ColcordMama

Okay, go ahead and laugh and point, but I buy inflatable pool floats at the end of summer when the drug and dollar stores cut the price down to $1. They store in a space about the size of a folded Sunday newspaper, are comfortable as all get out and even have their own pillow attached, most have patch kits included if you get a leak, and they ONLY COST A BUCK, so I can keep lots of them on hand. Little kids sleep on the smallest, narrowest ones, the bigger floats handle adults easily and you can adjust the comfort by simply deflating or inflating. And they only cost a buck. Combine one of these with one of those $9 sleeping bags from Big 5 Sporting Goods and for ten bucks you have a complete bed for one person.

Maybe I'm not high tech or survival camping savvy, but I do know how to save a buck and be comfortable at the same time.

While every one else has their half inch inflated mats, you and I have a 3 inch thick mattress =P

Its a win-win IMO

[kevin]

I go with the 12$ closed cell pad from Wal mart.

[Dameon]

I use either the 7 dollar blue pad from wal-mart, or I just recently got a army surplus mat for 5 bucks, seems to be a little tougher, but I have yet to use it since I only use a pad for added insulation in my hammock during the winter months, in the summer I just hang with a light sleeping bag or blanket!

[Jonas]

I have a slightly older version of this mat.
Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad - Large at REI.com

and this amazing lightweight addon.
Therm-a-Rest Trekker Chair - 20-Inch at REI.com

a little more costly than some options but it's been a wonderful bedding system for several years now with no problems, and once converted a nice comfortable chair for evenings around the campfire. I like cheap, lightweight, and comfortable when possible. These might not be cheap but nail the other two!

[AlpineZone]

Originally Posted by kevin

I go with the 12$ closed cell pad from Wal mart.

Kevin, yeah there is more to be said about them to. For 12.00 your also getting a very warm pad to sleep on in cold weather because its closed cell. The bulk is its only con but if its slung on the bottom of your pack it doesnt matter. I have an expensive thermarest but would sleep on one of those in a second as well.

[alaninabox]

I use the therm-a-rest ridge rest that was mentioned before, but I'd recommend getting the slightly more expensive model (like 5-10 more bucks) and get the therm-a-rest z-lite which folds up (hence the z, also note that i'm sure you can find it cheaper elsewhere) and is much easier to pack up since you fold it as opposed to rolling it...which requires straps to keep it rolled tight and always is a pain breaking down camp while groggy in the morning.

[kevin]

Originally Posted by gr8outdrsmn

What pad do you guys use when backpacking/camping?

I use a $10 cheap blue closed cell foam pad from wal mart.

[Cajunlady]

Yeah, go ahead and laugh, I'm a Dollar Store junkie too. My inflatable mats have given me many nights of comfort camping or dodging a hurricane in someone else's home.

If I don't feel like blowing it up I have a small portable inflator. No big deal! Also bought flotation rings for $1.00 as I'm not a strong swimmer and can float my BOB along side me if I need to.

Too, just purchased floating waterproof carrying cases with cord attached. Can wear around neck or use in my bag for storage of matches, etc.

Not the most high-tech products but have yet to complain about them not holding up for me in times of need.

[lpm67]

Ok so maybe I'm a bit of a hick and I do wake up a little stiff but I use whatever nature has provided. Usually pine needles/broughs or sometimes leaf mould covered with a tarp or tent floor. I think now I'm getting a little older/fatter I might have to look at a pad.

[stairman]

I had a closed cell pad, blue from Wallys and it wasent comfortable enough. The self inflator is alot more confortable. The air mats you blow up will freeze you to death in the winter. Been there done that, as I stated before it will draw your bodyheat and youll be miserable. Hot weather their ok.