[gr8outdrsmn]

What pad do you guys use when backpacking/camping?

[Omegaman]

I use a self inflating therm a rest elk model. It is a little bigger then what I need but when I get a good nights sleep every thing goes better.

[Celticwarrior]

Thermarest ProLite 4 Self Inflating Sleeping Pad - Large, 47737 | Sleeping Pads & Air Beds | Sleeping Gear | GEAR | items from Campmor.

Thermarest, Prolite 4. In summer, I take a 3/4 size that isn't quite as bulky, but for the other 3 seasons it's the Prolite 4.

[crashdive123]

20"X72"X1.5" self inflating Guide Series from Gander Mountain.

[garret]

the sunshade from my car, its padded and thermally insulated to keep you warm, it also folds smaller than a normal padded sleeping mat

[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.

[LaRemnant]

Originally Posted by ColcordMama

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.

It is better than nothing! LOL I wonder though, how do you blow that thing up? Camping by yourself, I would rather one that self inflates or just a foam pad. I like the foam because it can't pop. Yes, you can't store it in a tight bundle like you can the inflatables, but it is armageddon proof, and that is good for me.

Personally, I have the RidgeRest ThermaRest:

http://www.rangerjoes.com/mattress-p...est-p-482.html

[stairman]

I to have a thermorest self inflator. Army surplus, not sure of the model. Air mats are fine for warm weather camping but when its cold they will leach the warmth right out of your body. Of course the less air thats in them the better, or warmer they will be, which is why I switched to a self inflator.

[gr8outdrsmn]

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.

Now i like that idea, haha. Saving money and space is hard to beat!

[ceitidh]

I use an old yellow foam mat, it's comfy enough and can't get punctured, although it looks pretty battered. It lives ready packed inside my bivi with my sleeping bag ready to go.