Backpacking sleeping pad??

[jrebel]

Looking for a GREAT sleeping pad for my sleep system.  Just purchased an Enlightened quilt today and am looking for a pad.  Most of my hunting will be from horseback though I also want something I could pack with.  The two I have in mind are the Big Agnes Q-core Deluxe and the Exped downmat xp9 with pump. 

Anyone have experience with the two mats above???  or reccomendations on other mats that would be comparable......it will be used in late october around 7000 feet elevation with temps from 40 - 0 degrees. 

Thanks in advance.   

[Stein]

I have a Q-core, it is comfortable and well insulated.  The two drawbacks are it is heavy and takes a ton of air to pump it up.  Both are not a big deal and I don't have plans to replace it.

[kselkhunter]

I don't have the Q-core so can't comment on that, but do like the quality of my other Big Agnes gear. 

[blackpowderhunter]

i run a big agnes pad.
if weight isnt an issue i bring a closed cell too.
there are some "ultra light" inflatables, but the last thing i want is to get a puncture.  mine and my girlfriends big agnes pads are going on 3 seasons without (knock on wood) a leak.
just go into REI or something and lay on a few, whats comfy for me, you might hate.

[kselkhunter]

Looking at it again, I didn't realize how heavy that Q-Core pad was. Or the price range.   Something else to think about, I use the previous design of this and love it:
https://www.thermarest.com/cots/cots/ultralite-cot

[jrebel]

Looking at it again, I didn't realize how heavy that Q-Core pad was. Or the price range.   Something else to think about, I use the previous design of this and love it:
https://www.thermarest.com/cots/cots/ultralite-cot

There is no R value in the cots so a person would need a cot and pad which become very heavy.  Is 2.5 lbs really that heavy.  My quilt is a little over 2 lbs so the total system would be 5 lbs.  Some sleeping bags weight that much.   

I'm new to this light weight gear so only questioning weight to learn. 

[jrebel]

I take that back....the q-core delux long wide is less than 2 lbs.  1 lbs 14 oz.

[Miles]

Do a google search.  There are charts and articles comparing weight, R-value, comfort, and other factors of today's pads.


There's tons of stuff out there like this:

[wallab]

A few years back I started using a standard 3/4 length thermarest on top of a lightweight cheep foam pad.  The combination is inexpensive, warm, and surprisingly comfortable.  Plus the foam pad helps protect your thermarest and makes a nice camp chair.

[trapp01]

I've used my Klymit static v. I like it because it's not so damn narrow as I toss and turn a lot in my sleep and tend to roll off the narrower pads.  It packs down small and doesn't really use that much air. I've used it a bunch on snow when I'm climbing with a feather lite zero degree bag and never got cold. Plus it's only like $60

[johnnyaustin44]

I ran a q core SL in wide long with my EE quilt and love the combo. Stay warm and comfortable. As a bigger dude I battled a bit trying to find the right pad and this one so far has fit the bill. The extra ounces I feel are made up ten fold in actual comfort. I did have a slight leak happen where the valve came out of the pad. Sent in in to big Agnes and they replaced it no questions with the q core SLX which is updated with a different valve system that was easier and faster to fill the pad.

[kselkhunter]

Looking at it again, I didn't realize how heavy that Q-Core pad was. Or the price range.   Something else to think about, I use the previous design of this and love it:
https://www.thermarest.com/cots/cots/ultralite-cot

There is no R value in the cots so a person would need a cot and pad which become very heavy.  Is 2.5 lbs really that heavy.  My quilt is a little over 2 lbs so the total system would be 5 lbs.  Some sleeping bags weight that much.   

I'm new to this light weight gear so only questioning weight to learn.

Correct the new models don't have the thermal reflector built in like my old one does.  That is an option now for the thermal shield as an accessory.  Weighs 2.6 ounces, and adds 10-15 degrees.  And not sleeping directly on the ground helps in terms of thermal loss.

But I don't use a quilt. So keep that in mind. I turn too much in my sleep and quilts didn't work for me.  I use a 1lb 9 ounce sleeping bag (20 degree bag).  On short trips I use the Thermarest NeoAir X-lite.  On mid-duration trips I take the cot instead.  On long durations (7-10 days) I take both the cot and the NeoAir as comfortable sleeping is important for me to stay out that many days in the backcountry.  If cold weather is expected, I take a liner for inside the bag that adds around 8-10 degrees.   

You're probably fine with the quilt and Big Agnes Q-core.  I was just surprised what those things cost and weight so threw out another option. 

[teanawayslayer]

I've been using the klymit xl pad sold at camofire for the past 4 years. Takes no time at all to inflate. Everyone I have brought with me over the years have had various pads. All have got holes in them. Not mine! 69 bucks often on camofire

[SemperFidelis97]

I have slept comfortably on the insulated Klymit in temps into the mid 20's, I run an EE Prodigy quilt as well.

[Magnum_Willys]

I have the downmat 7 and like it.  I would not get the pump it adds needless weight.  Get the snozzle bag with it it takes a minute to fill up the mat.  Its a minimal weight bag you can use for storage also.