[B52gundog]

I use the Therm-a-rest Trail Lite Regular sleeping pad. Bought it for hiking/backpacking good distances so needed it to be durable, lightweight, and easy to pack. I like it. Only trade-off is it's narrow so I roll off of it sometimes.



Lesson learned: I melted a 1" sized hole in my new Thermarest after only using it a couple times. What happened was it rained and we got to a primitive camping area and we set our backpacks down to start a fire. We used a flat rock as a base (instead of wet ground) to start the fire in the middle of the fire pit. Once we got the fire going it started making loud popping noises and things were flying out of the fire. Pieces of the rock under the fire where exploding. About 20' away was my pack with my Thermarest secured to it. A piece of hot flying rock landed on my Thermarest and melted right into it. I was miffed cause I'd recently spent $70 on the darn thing. Even with such a big hole I was surprisingly able to use a patch kit to fix it. So, it works as good as ever now. REMEMBER: Don't subject extreme temperature changes to wet porous rocks, ha ha. Luckily, nobody got hurt.

[Unswydd]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes, I think that as one gets older a thick pad is best. I use a Big Agnus 2.5 pad. It's very nice and comfy!!!

[lpm67]

Originally Posted by Unswydd

Yes, I think that as one gets older a thick pad is best. I use a Big Agnus 2.5 pad. It's very nice and comfy!!!

Arent you sweet focusing on the old not the fat. By the way fat is great for buoyancy on the water...which is good for me as I cant swim.

[AlpineZone]

Originally Posted by B52gundog

I use the Therm-a-rest Trail Lite Regular sleeping pad. Bought it for hiking/backpacking good distances so needed it to be durable, lightweight, and easy to pack. I like it. Only trade-off is it's narrow so I roll off of it sometimes.



Lesson learned: I melted a 1" sized hole in my new Thermarest after only using it a couple times. What happened was it rained and we got to a primitive camping area and we set our backpacks down to start a fire. We used a flat rock as a base (instead of wet ground) to start the fire in the middle of the fire pit. Once we got the fire going it started making loud popping noises and things were flying out of the fire. Pieces of the rock under the fire where exploding. About 20' away was my pack with my Thermarest secured to it. A piece of hot flying rock landed on my Thermarest and melted right into it. I was miffed cause I'd recently spent $70 on the darn thing. Even with such a big hole I was surprisingly able to use a patch kit to fix it. So, it works as good as ever now. REMEMBER: Don't subject extreme temperature changes to wet porous rocks, ha ha. Luckily, nobody got hurt.

I have that exact mattress as well. Its more then thick enough for 4 season camping and is very durable,comfortable. I bought a carry bag for it as well which gives me a little more room inside to toss some more gear if needed.

[Dang]

I am actually looking at a couple of these...

[Erickmo]

i use an ozark trail sleeping pad that i got from wallmart... its warm, lightweight, and easy to roll up and carry. plus its bright blue- if you get lost its good to have bright colors for when people come looking for you... for $5 you cant go wrong

[Erickmo]

ps if you decide to go light gear bivy style camping... u could very well find some green spruce or pine to put between you( or your sleeping bag) and the mat, giving it more cushion, and even more heat retaining qualities... plus since its foam you dont have to worry about its getting a hole or popping. In an emergency situation say your tent is destroyed you could find a way to make a shelter out of it.

[crazydave]

Originally Posted by B52gundog

I use the Therm-a-rest Trail Lite Regular sleeping pad. Bought it for hiking/backpacking good distances so needed it to be durable, lightweight, and easy to pack. I like it. Only trade-off is it's narrow so I roll off of it sometimes.



Lesson learned: I melted a 1" sized hole in my new Thermarest after only using it a couple times. What happened was it rained and we got to a primitive camping area and we set our backpacks down to start a fire. We used a flat rock as a base (instead of wet ground) to start the fire in the middle of the fire pit. Once we got the fire going it started making loud popping noises and things were flying out of the fire. Pieces of the rock under the fire where exploding. About 20' away was my pack with my Thermarest secured to it. A piece of hot flying rock landed on my Thermarest and melted right into it. I was miffed cause I'd recently spent $70 on the darn thing. Even with such a big hole I was surprisingly able to use a patch kit to fix it. So, it works as good as ever now. REMEMBER: Don't subject extreme temperature changes to wet porous rocks, ha ha. Luckily, nobody got hurt.

should be fixable with one of the repair kits.

I use the 3/4 staytek with the chair kit which makes it nice when sat by your stove or fire

[Democracyman]

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad - Small at REI.com

and

Gossamer Gear : : ThinLight? Insulation Pad

This is a thin foam pad, you need this thin pad for just in case your
inflatable pad pops, also it increases insulation a good amount.

If you want comfort get one of these

Camping Sleep Pads / Air Pads at REI.com | 100% Satisfaction Guarantee | Free Shipping to REI stores

I suggest getting a winter version if you will be using it in winter at any
time and of course always carry a thin regular foam pad for it just in case
it deflates and it helps a lot with insulation.

My light set up is the light thermarest and the heavy is a winter rated
inflatable mattress. This system works pretty well for me.

[kevin]

I use a $12 closed cell foam pad from wal mart.