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...........

Thermarests are great, but if you're looking for packabilty some of the newer camping inflatables are about half the size of a thermarest, warm, and comforatble. Not much room for rolling around tho.

Thermarest; mutts nuts.

I use to use thermarest but now have a EXPED down air mattress, its an inflatable matress that is filled with 700 fill goose down and really keeps the cold out for frosty nights, in summer it means a muchlighter sleeping bag is needed and it is more comfy than thermarest. packs up smallish 12" x 5" the open size is 178x52x7cm. they do a larger model 198x66x9cm. It comes in a padded waterproof stuff sack that also incorporates a pump to inflate the mat as well as being usable as a pillow when stuffed with clothing. the chambers contain baffles to hold air and down in place so it keeps its shape when lay on and is about 3 times warmer than comparable mats. weight 810 grams. really good bit of kit. cost about £80.00 UK.

Theres a small company here in the UK thats selling some good (much much cheaper) versions of thermarests. All good quality, but you can pick up a 3/4 length one for £15.

they also have some nice looking sleeping bags

check them out at http://www.alpkit.com

Exped Downmat 7DLX
 

Forget the thermarest the exped mats are the bees knees! I got one at Ripley 2010 after a terrible first nights sleep on a thermarest trail lite.

They have excellent insulation but the comfort factor is what sold me. They are relatively expensive but I'll easily get my monies worth out of it. And how much is a good nights sleep worth?

The current/new models now have a great little built in pump and the stuff sack doubles as a pillow. Furthermore, it all packs down very small. If these factors are important to you don't waste your time buying and trying others like I did just go straight for the exped - you won't regret it.

xXx

Really old thread, but can anyone tell me how the Exped down mat is in hot weather? I imagine the down does really good in the cold, but would it make sleeping in hot weather uncomfortable?

I camped this weekend on my exped downmat, in our UK heatwave (it was still 30c at 6pm), fine no problems, its not a fabric that you get sweaty on (well I don't anyway), its not a plasticy finish, nor is it heavily flocked.

Way late on this reply. I'm 68 with many years of back problems, but I still want to bike camp. I got a Thermarest Mondoking 4" think pad a few months ago. It's almost as nice as my mattress at home. For its size it doesn't weigh very much. I pack it into a waterproof duffel and it is so deceptive because it looks large but it feels so light. Anyway it took care of my back problems on the trail.

The Big Agnes Q-Core comes in a 25” width with larger tubes on the side which assist in keeping you centered. I’ve been a Thermorest user for 25+ years. But, I recently switched to the Q-Core. It is way more comfortable and packs in about 1/4 of the space. I sleep the entire night without waking on it. They are expensive, but for me, well worth it.

If you go that route, be sure to get the inflation bag which saves you from passing out when filling it! It works well. Also, they squeak a bit when you move. I’m gpoong to try putting a Coolmax rectangular sleeve over it to see if it quiets it (and to be able to comfortably sleep on it on warm nights with no sleeping bag.

Left-field sleeping pad idea
 

I've been using the Exotogg for a while now (full disclosure - I developed it). At the launch weekend at the Overland Event recently we were camping, and my airbed decided to give up the ghost on the first night. Although it's primary purpose is as a thermoregulating vest, I designed it to be adaptable and multi-use; so I laid it out flat and used that as a sleeping pad. It worked fine and saved my back. The next night it was used as a pillow, which also worked well.
It inflates with about 4 breaths, weighs 12 oz (340g) and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. Give it a try if you're looking to stay comfortable whilst packing light. https://exotogg.com

Sleeping gear
 

Had thermarest sleeping pad for long time agree with all are now trying there ultralite cots jury’s still out but seems better on old bones

Can I even quote my own message?? :stupid: Anyway, here's a recent webbikeworld review that explains the Exotogg concept better than I could: https://www.webbikeworld.com/exotogg...ll-of-promise/

Sleeping pad
 

I used the Klymit static V ( $48 from Amazon) on my Appalachian thru hike and was quite impressed with it. It is lightweight and packs down really small. The V-shaped air chambers spread your weight well and I used it without fail for most nights of the 5 month trip. I also used a superlight foam yoga mat under the pad for added insulation and to protect the pad from being holed.
I may be throwing a spanner in the works here, but I remember a lot of hikers using that distinctly orange thermarest pad and complaining of the noise that the thing would make when they moved around on it.
I recommend going into a outfitter to try out a few different pads and see what best suits your body type.

Thermarest?
 

I don't know... I got a leak in my Thermarest, Damn thing was only 40 years old. Guess I'll buy another one.

No don't. Get a synthetic 9cm Exped. I've done years of unsupported long distance trekking and I would quite happily sleep on that instead of my own bed - it's that good.

Expeditor Mega mat?
 

Hi
I'm asking about the Exped MegaMat. I know they're not super light weight but I'm old, 6'5" 100Kg and have a bad back so happy to carry the extra weight and bulk. Has anyone used these and are they comfortable?

Thanks

Snowdog

I've been using an Exped 9DL (thick and wide) for about ten years. So extremely comfortable that I've used it in preference to a bed.

Thermarest works for me too.

I've got a few prolites. They are okay but for days or even months on end, they don't offer enough support and comfort for me anymore.

I use the Thermarest NeoAir. And the XL version. It packs REALLY small and it's ridiculously thick and comfortable. The only downside is that it isn't self inflating.

You can buy a pump (£35 though) although these get mixed reviews. I do a lot of running and fitness so I blow mine up manually. It still takes 20-25 BIG lungfulls though.


https://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/Therm-...SABEgJtzfD_BwE

FYI, the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX comes in 6 sizes, the widest being 40” wide.

I too have found that we need more comfort as we age. The 2 inch thick Thermarest that used to serve me well across Europe was no longer comfortable so put it on E-bay. Replaced it with the Trangoworld Comfort Air, much better. At 65 cm wide, its good for side sleepers, and at 9cm thick provides better support.
At about 800g, not the lightest, but quality is good and comes with an integrated pump that means I don't have to blow humid air into it that eventualy breeds bacteria and fungus. details here.

www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/trangoworld-confort-air/136403736/p

Old thread but happy to add my 2 bits.

At we have each thermo rest 3/4 lite pads for backpacking for many years, I have a newer very tiny nemo pad, collapsing bunks, a large... Huge double thermo rest camp pad, and as of 3 years ago a double EXPED pad. On anything backpacking or motorcycle travel we take the EXPED, even when out solo. It my be a little large than our single pads but the luxury of a double bed when solo is worth it. Mid 50ish here. It's been comfortable from warm summer to frosty mornings.

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