Sleeping Pads
 

As I get older its less fun to sleep on the hard ground. I've looked at the self-inflatable sleeping pads and, though expensive, they seem to be getting more sophisticated.
Would something like this work for my better than 200 pound, middle-aged self?
Currently, I carry a comfortable but heavy air mattress.

Check out the Thermarest pads, they are second to none. I just upgraded my old pad with the ProLite 3 from Thermarest, its comfortable, but packs very small and is super lightweight.

-Dave

Yep, another vote for the Thermarest pads. I've had a 3/4 length one for more than 10 years and its still going strong. I recently purchased a Thermarest Prolite 4 for the pillion - I wanted to make sure she was comfortable so everyone stays in good mood - if you know what I mean. Wow it is sooooo comfortable, even the pillion is happy! The Prolite 4 is 1.5 inches thick, the Prolite 3 is 1 inch. The 4 is a little heaver and bigger when packed, but not much difference really, so if you are after comfort and have the room, the 4 may be better. In fact the 4 in regular (full) length is same size (packed) as my old thinner 3/4 length mat, such is the advances in material technology. Not cheap though! I think I will have to upgrade my mat too, just so pillion and I don't have to fight over who gets the new mat!

Skilo

[This message has been edited by SKILLO (edited 24 January 2005).]

I heartily concur. I've used thermarest pads while camping all over Canada in some pretty rough and chilly conditions. Not only are they comfortable to sleep on, but they also help too keep you warm.

They pack small and are easy to inflate and deflate. I would say that if space is a premium, a 3/4 length one will do fine.

Mike

another vote for thermorest.I picked ours up in Kathmandu on 2 seperate ocassions.first on my first trip from oz to london.the second for the cook .she had my one on the return trip .....til ktm and they are still going strong 14 years later.repaired a hole with the tyre repair kit6 years ago. they say not to put extra air in them though i have done this continually.remember to blow it up before having a gut full of beer or you will end up not sleeping on it at all, yes it has happened a few times,.......
steve treloar

I've used Thermarest for a few years and like them. The only criticism I have is that they are a bit slippy and on a slight slope you can find yourself moving off the mat. Some of Thermarests competitors (can't remember names) seem to be trying different surface finishes with more grip. Alternatively I am told that if you put a towel on the mat this doesn't happen. Fundamentals are right on the Thermarest, however. They are tough and reliable.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Boxer:
[B]I've used Thermarest for a few years and like them. The only criticism I have is that they are a bit slippy and on a slight slope you can find yourself moving off the mat.

Forgot to mention in my previous reply that the Prolite models have a non-slip type surface material that seems quite good, certainly better than older type of covers anyway. I don't think the standard thermarest pads use this cover material yet. The Prolite model pads seems to be the next generation, much smaller & lighter, more comfort, non-slip. The original Thermarest now has many competitor brands, but the new Prolite seems to be out on its own for the moment. Problem is that its much more expensive, until the other brands catch up i guess.

Skillo

[This message has been edited by SKILLO (edited 26 January 2005).]

Regarding costs for the Thermarests mentioned, in the US, the Prolite 3 retails for $80 and the Prolite 4 for $90. Like
Skillo said they are really in a category of their own.

With regards to camping gear in general, any time I have tried buying something cheap to save money, I have always regretted it and ended up buying the more expensive quality stuff later.

Its always worth it to get the best stuff you can afford.

-Dave

Dave, That burns me up, I hate hearing how little you guys pay for outdoor gear and bikes and bike gear too for that matter. We get so ripped off in here for that stuff.

Lets see, $90US is about $120AUS, add 10%GST makes it $132, lets say $140 to be generous. I just payed $187 for a Prolite 4 regular length and that was after I bargained for a 10% discount off the normal recommended retail price. Bugger. But what can you do.

Skillo

Looks like I should add 'thermarest' to my list of stuff to buy before heading down under...

Hey guys, check out e-bay. I got about 30 hits last night for thermarest alone. There's even one in Australia right now.
Good luck!

I purchased my BMW modern concept jacket with goretex liner for $186USD. and a gerbings heated jacket for $160 USD.

Thanks for the responses and tips on the Thermarest; I'll check them out.
I don't mind spending a little money on good gear and have well-used stuff more than 30 years old.

A real air mattress is every better than a thermorest. Try this one. Their stuff incorporates a lightweight bag and air mattress together. I like mine.

http://www.bigagnes.com/

john

The Big Agnes stuff looks well made and comfy but only 20" wide. I roll around too much for something that narrow. Otherwise I would be very interested.
BTW: Have you visited Barber Motorsports yet? I spent most of a day there strolling among the greatest bikes ever made.

Heck no, people never visted the things that are close to them. Twelve years in Alabama and its only a couple hours away, but I havent made it down there yet. It is on my list of things to do.

John




[This message has been edited by htdb33 (edited 03 February 2005).]
edited by Grant to fix code...........