Sleeping pad

[JM]

Has anyone ever used a small sleeping pad? My brother is looking for a sleeping pad and I found a good deal on a Thermarest neo-lite that's 47 inches long and was curious if they were comfortable and kept you warm?

[SGTDuffman]

I use a Therm-A-Rest NeoAir, but it's a regular, so I couldn't say. I know that I've worked my way off it in my sleep though and I don't like my feet hanging off the end. Are you looking at the small because of weight and size or just price? Any of the NeoAir stuff compresses down to about the size of a Nalgene bottle and weighs less than a pound. If you ever have problems, Therm-A-Rest is in downtown Seattle.

[HighCountryElk]

I use the NeoAir Trekker Torso, It is the green model. I used it during early archery elk season last year and it worked great. It does a great job at reflecting your heat back at you and provides great support since it is so thick. I'm a side sleeper so the extra width is nice. It allows you to roll side to side without rolling off the pad or needing to scoot back to the middle as often. I must admit that I was not excited about my feet hanging off so I also took a two foot piece of foam pad and put it under my feet when I slept. The foam also doubled as my camp chair. The One downside to the neoair is they are a little slick and can be loud to sleep on. The green version has a more plush surface than the orange Xlite. The Xlite is like laying on a mylar potato chip bag.

[kentrek]

i use a short an i sleep fine,i wouldn't use it during winter tho..

im not very picky on sleeping conditions tho after spending loads of time with the z pad

[JM]

I appreciate the responses but I should have asked the question differentlly. I also own a standard sized neo-air and I sleep like a baby on the thing. I was more curious if some of you use a small sleeping pad? If so are they comfortable and do they keep you insulated enough from the ground?

To answer your question SGTDuffman it is more of good deal for a light weight product. So I am looking at it for both the weight and the price.

[Skyvalhunter]

I use the Big agnes so it is a must to have the good pad under it as that is the insulation. I just upgraded to the thicker pad.

[packmule]

Yes, I have used a short 48" thermarest closed-cell foam pad a lot and have no complaints.  It is comfortable and provides all the insulation I've ever needed.  In the past couple years I've switched to an inflatable pad because it weighs about the same and takes up less room in my pack.  But I didn't switch because I wasn't comfortable or got cold with the short pad.  Good luck with your decision.

[kentrek]

I use the Big agnes so it is a must to have the good pad under it as that is the insulation. I just upgraded to the thicker pad.

made this mistake this last summer..def dont use a short pad with the big agnes bags

[SGTDuffman]

Well if price is your main concern NeoAir is probably not the way to go. If you're a public servant/military though, much of the cost can be mitigated. The NeoAirs are incredibly small and light though. I guess if I knew your budget it'd be more help. If you are in any way engaged in the "industry" though, you could probably also get discounts through another company. I'm talking working in a sporting goods store, or sporting goods manufacturer, belonging to some sort of outdoor club, retired or former military, etc. If you suspect any of that may be the case shoot me a PM and I'll try to direct you to some companies, or at least give you an idea of what kind of discount you'd get.

[Skyvalhunter]

I use the Big agnes so it is a must to have the good pad under it as that is the insulation. I just upgraded to the thicker pad.

made this mistake this last summer..def dont use a short pad with the big agnes bags

Also if you purchase the thicker pad it makes the sleeping bag more restrictive. I then had to purchase a wedge which zips on the zipper making it wider. I went with the long pad even though I am only 6' 4"

[MLHSN]

I've used a short pad.  I put my empty pack down and stack my clothes on it for a pillow.  That puts my head about 8-10 in. over the edge of the pad.  I sleep in the fetal position which just puts my feet a little over the edge.  Works great for me and saves a quarter pound. 

[fillthefreezer]

I've used a short pad.  I put my empty pack down and stack my clothes on it for a pillow.  That puts my head about 8-10 in. over the edge of the pad.  I sleep in the fetal position which just puts my feet a little over the edge.  Works great for me and saves a quarter pound.

the people i know that use the short pad usually go pack at the food end with puffy jacket for pillow

[Karl Blanchard]

Get a Big Agnes insulated air core!  Its the cadillac of sleeping pads.  Heck I got a thermarest that I don't use anymore I'll sell ya!

[JM]

Get a Big Agnes insulated air core!  Its the cadillac of sleeping pads.  Heck I got a thermarest that I don't use anymore I'll sell ya!

Text my brother and let him know what you've got. Who knows what you did with that pad though?

[Karl Blanchard]

Get a Big Agnes insulated air core!  Its the cadillac of sleeping pads.  Heck I got a thermarest that I don't use anymore I'll sell ya!

Text my brother and let him know what you've got. Who knows what you did with that pad though?

   The bad part about you and your brother being on here is everything I want to type to you gets censored for some reason

[Bluesdude]

Get a Big Agnes insulated air core!  Its the cadillac of sleeping pads.  Heck I got a thermarest that I don't use anymore I'll sell ya!

I have the insulated Air Core also. Love it. Bought a 0 degree BA Storm King Down Bag that has a sleeve on the bottom.  The Sleeping pad goes inside the sleeve, no more sliding off the pad! 

[luvmystang67]

I use the short NeoAir pad, packs TINY which is nice, doesn't take a lot to inflate which I appreciate.  My pack has kind of two parts (Eberlestock Blue Widow with Spike Duffel).  I put the pack under my feet to keep that part off the ground or bottom tarp of the tent (reduces any condensation that might touch the bag near my foot area) and put the spike duffel full of clothes for a pillow.

Warmth wise, I was able to use it at 5500 feet above leavenworth for the high hunt this year with my 40 degree down bag.  In under armor and socks I was warm enough to sleep comfortably all night and I"m sure temperatures dropped below 40 at night.  FWIW.

[nearlycanada]

I finally said screw the budget and got a pad that was very light weight, insulated, I don't slide off, and compact.  The Exped SynMat UL 7 Air Pad.   As I got older, I found the sleeping pad one of my highest priorities.  The pad is totally awesome and has given me the best sleep this last year I have ever had in the backcountry.  It weighs in at 16.2 oz.  Only a pound.


I found it on sale for around $130 with coupons.   Then I ended up with 3 styles of thermorest's I never used, so I just passed them on down to the grandkids.   

[lghtnquik]

Yeah skip all the flimsy Thermarests go for somrthing like a Klymit Static V or Exped

[Jingles]

Can't help with any of those air pad I just use 2 saddle pads

[xXx Archery]

klymit Inertia XL

[JPhelps]

I hate my Z-lite.  Upgrading to an inflatable this year.

[wilsongideon]

use a zlite short pad...its passable for quality, beats the hard groud just enough to keep you from freezing. going to get an inflatable this year just for a little more comfort. I can spare a pound for comfort.

[lghtnquik]

Love my Static V plus it packs small comes in Kings camo, not that it matters, and only 18oz all for $50

use a zlite short pad...its passable for quality, beats the hard groud just enough to keep you from freezing. going to get an inflatable this year just for a little more comfort. I can spare a pound for comfort.

[colockumelk]

On the recommendation of another member here is my next pad. This thing is Tue Cadillac of the Big Agnes line. It weighs 16oz is 3.5" thick, has an R rating of 4.5 and is good down to 15*.  It's the Q Core SL.
https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl] [url]https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl [/url]

[X-Force]

On the recommendation of another member here is my next pad. This thing is Tue Cadillac of the Big Agnes line. It weighs 16oz is 3.5" thick, has an R rating of 4.5 and is good down to 15*.  It's the Q Core SL.
[url]https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl]https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl] [url]https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/qcoresl [/url]

it is so comfortable it's almost as good as sleeping in your own bed.
And it's quiet unlike the Neoair

[trophyhunt]

Love my Static V plus it packs small comes in Kings camo, not that it matters, and only 18oz all for $50

use a zlite short pad...its passable for quality, beats the hard groud just enough to keep you from freezing. going to get an inflatable this year just for a little more comfort. I can spare a pound for comfort.

I looked at the web site for the static v and I like the prices for sure, my question is, what pad is better a inflatable or solid pad?? Thanks

[colockumelk]

I like the inflatable. Way more comfortable, compresses down way smaller and provides better insulation.  My Z-Lite weighed less than a pound but took up a bunch of space. No compressability.  It was also 3/4" thick so provided almost no insulation or comfort. It really was a waste of space. 

The Big Agnes Q Core SL while it weighs 3oz more. It also compresses down to the size of a nalgene bottle, is 3.5" thick, provides insulation and feels like I'm sleeping on a sleep number bed.  I would go with an air bed.

[nearlycanada]

Insulated inflatable air pad.    Exped or Big Agness   

[fillthefreezer]

only reason for a foam pad nowadays is if your putting it under an inflatable to add r value cus its cold as F

[JackOfAllTrades]

only reason for a foam pad nowadays is if your putting it under an inflatable to add r value

I switched from a closed cell foam pad last year to an REI Stratus insulated inflatable and will never go back. It weighs just a tad more but is worth it for comfort and a little more R value than the Thermarest Ridgerest.
 
-Steve

[colockumelk]

only reason for a foam pad nowadays is if your putting it under an inflatable to add r value cus its cold as F

   

[trophyhunt]

The big Agnes q isn't priced too bad, the only thing I'm wondering is the weight, 29oz seems kinda heavy for a sleep pad. Is that a normal weight or is it a bit heavier because of the quality? Thanks

[colockumelk]

Yes 29oz is way heavier than I would want.  That's why I would want the Q-Core SL which comes in at 16oz.  If your on a budget look at the Insulated Air Core which weighs 20oz.

[fillthefreezer]

Yes 29oz is way heavier than I would want.  That's why I would want the Q-Core SL which comes in at 16oz.  If your on a budget look at the Insulated Air Core which weighs 20oz.

the reg size qcore SL is actually 19oz on my scale. a little misrep. but still as good to go as the orig qcore from indoor testing side by side

[JPhelps]

I plan on getting the Q core SL in a 25" wide long mummy.

Should be way better than the zlite

[kentrek]

I plan on getting the Q core SL in a 25" wide long mummy.

Should be way better than the zlite

until it pops on day one of a 7 day trip 

kidding of coarse

[JPhelps]

I plan on getting the Q core SL in a 25" wide long mummy.

Should be way better than the zlite

until it pops on day one of a 7 day trip 

kidding of coarse

That has always scared me away from the inflatables but I sleep so crappy on the zlite I don't care any more.

My weight savings will be erased by the rake I bring for site prep

[kentrek]

I plan on getting the Q core SL in a 25" wide long mummy.

Should be way better than the zlite

until it pops on day one of a 7 day trip 

kidding of coarse

That has always scared me away from the inflatables but I sleep so crappy on the zlite I don't care any more.

My weight savings will be erased by the rake I bring for site prep

the new materials being used are pretty tough so i wouldnt lose any sleep over it..im still waiting for my current pad to pop so i cant start using my upgrade..

[JackOfAllTrades]

Site prep? What's that?  I hit this spot a couple hours after dusk last year. I brushed my boots sideways for a few swipes and set up for a nights sleep. I was TIRED! With something between the pad, as a tent floor or a layer of Tyvec, I'm not too worried about tearing a hole in my inflatable.
 
-Steve

[fillthefreezer]

until it pops on day one of a 7 day trip 

kidding of coarse

my wifes standard qcore got a leak last year first night of elk season. we were able to patch it in the field and she slept on it the next 8 days
it may or may not have gotten returned to rei as leaky and replaced with an SL 

[dreamingbig]

I have the REI stratus and it works great.  A cheaper alternative that still provides comfort, decent R rating and pretty compact/light.

[colockumelk]

Yes 29oz is way heavier than I would want.  That's why I would want the Q-Core SL which comes in at 16oz.  If your on a budget look at the Insulated Air Core which weighs 20oz.

the reg size qcore SL is actually 19oz on my scale. a little misrep. but still as good to go as the orig qcore from indoor testing side by side

Well some of us are vertically challenged and dont need the regular size and can get by with the midget version which weighs 16oz.  But your right the full man size pad is 19oz.  Sorry I forgot that unlike me most people are tall enough to ride the scary rides at the fair

[fillthefreezer]

Well some of us are vertically challenged and dont need the regular size and can get by with the midget version which weighs 16oz.  But your right the full man size pad is 19oz.  Sorry I forgot that unlike me most people are tall enough to ride the scary rides at the fair

i just wanted to clarify as its heavier than advertised...