Sleeping Pads

[failghe]

I think I want to try a sleeping pad. Do I want the foam pad or the self-inflating pad? Why?
I have used the large air mattress for a few years now and it does get to be in the way inside the tent sometimes. And it seems colder when the weather is cooler.

[woodzman]

Personally, I like an inflatable open cell foam pad for use in warmer weather. They're plenty warm, waterproof and you can adjust the amount of air inside to your personal comfort. For cooler to cold weather, It's hard to beat a closed cell foam pad. They're not as comfortable, but you don't get as much heat transfer through to the ground, so they tend to keep you a lot warmer. I backpack most of the time, but if bulk isn't an issue and you don't have to worry about getting it wet, a thick foam pad minus the cover makes a comfortable bed. They don't hold up as well as the others, but they generally cost a lot less.

[BigBackyard]

I agree with Woodzman. Air mattresses can be horribly cold! For the best of both you could put the foam pad under the air mattress.

Pads are not comfortable. You need to clear and pound the ground well to make sure that there is nothing poking up.

[paloma]

I agree that foam pads don't take as much space as the air mattress, and a lot warmer too for colder weather, however, even a small pebble can make it uncomfortable.

[Newanderthal]

try the Thermarest self-inflating pads. They're about 1.5 inches thick and extremely comfortable.

[2coastcamper]

Originally Posted by Newanderthal

try the Thermarest self-inflating pads. They're about 1.5 inches thick and extremely comfortable.

I agree! I've got the green one.

[Refrigerator]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vv_...layer_embedded

[Grandpa]

As an old man, I prefer the thermarest 2" trail comfort. I also have the big agnus insulated air core. I let my son use the Trest last summer and we switched back and forth each night. I really couldn't tell the difference on ground cold, both worked well but the BA has to be blown up. It Also is a 2 1/2 inch which gives my tired old body a little more comfort.

The kids do just fine on the $5 blue mats at walmart. Good insulation from the ground and their bodies don't need the comfort mine does.

[Judy Ann]

Originally Posted by Refrigerator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vv_...layer_embedded

Fridge, you're dangerous!!! You'll make gearheads out of all of us.

[Refrigerator]

Yea I own every thermarest model they have made and some I have triplets of.