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. 

[jrebel]

Bought the exped 9 tt lw.  2.5 lbs.

Can't wait for it to get here next week.  It comes with the schnozzle bag. 

[Magnum_Willys]

You won't be cold with that !  Should be great with a quilt.

[fowl smacker]

I run a sea to summit comfort light insulated pad under my enlightened equipment Revelation quilt and I couldn't be happier.  I sleep hot anyhow, but in temps down to around 40 all I wear to sleep in are shorts, t shirt.  Any colder I usually wear light sweat pants and a long sleeve T.

[swanny]

Bought the exped 9 tt lw.  2.5 lbs.

Can't wait for it to get here next week.  It comes with the schnozzle bag.

Look forward to hearing what you think after you get it in the field. That particular mat just won the "gold" award at the Outdoor Tradeshow in Germany this June.

[Buzz2401]

I've always used a therm-a-rest trail lite. Its a bit heavier then some but sleeping well is one of the most important things when working hard. The small amount of extra weight is worth it.

[dan11011]

Have the Thermarest NeoAir XLite.

No problems. Love it.

[Skyvalhunter]

I have the Q Core which is my second one. Its a great pad as long as you don't end up with small leaks like my first one. But that was more than likely my fault of not keep a clean surface for which it was laid upon. Just as an FYI you should always store your pad unrolled on something like a hanger with the valve opened.

[jrebel]

Bought the exped 9 tt lw.  2.5 lbs.

Can't wait for it to get here next week.  It comes with the schnozzle bag.

Look forward to hearing what you think after you get it in the field. That particular mat just won the "gold" award at the Outdoor Tradeshow in Germany this June.

Pad came in the mail three days ago.  Opened it up and was super impressed with the quality first off.  Blew it up and was even more impressed with the snozzle bag....that thing is amazing.  Using the octopus connection and the snozzle bag I had it blown up in about 60 seconds (4 snozzle bags full).  I really like that you can adjust each air cell individually.  I deflated the middle couple jsut a little and it worked great.  It held me in the middle of the pad as I layed on it.  I left it inflated for 3 days to make sure it held air (which it did).  It is very warm...you could feel the heat as you laid on it.   Me and the kids laid on it intermittenly and had no complaints.  It deflates quick and fits nicely  back in the stuff sack.  I can't wait to use this in the field.  I am 6 foot tall and 260 lbs.  the only way to go is the tall wide....the regular would be way to small. 

More updates to come as I use it in the field. 

[yakimanoob]

whats comfy for me, you might hate.

Hard to overstress this blackpowder's point.  I use (and LOVE) my 3/4 length thermarest prolite.  But given the pads you're looking at, you might hate it.  Invest the time in laying on some before you invest the $$. 


Oh, and it seems like a good time to bring up the old adage that you spend your entire life in your shoes or on your bed.  There are plenty of areas in life where being cheap, frugal, spartan, etc. will serve you well.  But beds and boots are not among them . So do you research but don't be shy about the investment.  It's a helluva lot better use of your money than eating out.

[Tbob]

I use a exped winterlite and love it. Small lightweight and nice R value.

[Troutnut]

I have the Thermarest NeoAir Trekker. That chart posted above might explain why I spent so many nights freezing my ass off in Alaska when the temperature wasn't dropping below the rating of my sleeping bag.

[Skyvalhunter]

You can't just sleep on the pad and expect to stay warm you need a sleeping bag also and good one at that.

[Eli346]

If you get a lighter pad but feel it doesn't have enough padding for you I've cut fir boughs and put them down as a base before. Actually I've used fir boughs for a pad before and they're a lot more comfy than they sound if you get the ends. I don't destroy a tree but take them off of several trees.

[bracer40]

If you get a lighter pad but feel it doesn't have enough padding for you I've cut fir boughs and put them down as a base before. Actually I've used fir boughs for a pad before and they're a lot more comfy than they sound if you get the ends. I don't destroy a tree but take them off of several trees.

Old school fieldcraft there! Works well and isn't scarring on the landscape depending where it's done...

[addicted]

Theremarest regular mummy with the 5.7 R value and a nemo Sonic zero that is essentially both a 0° and a 20°.

15oz pad and 2lb 10oz bag

I ran a Cabela's xpg pad and getaway 15 degree bag before but I was never comfortable. I would be too warm, too constricted or too cold. Heck, I would be chilly outside my legs and sweating between them at the same time. Nemo bag is my favorite piece of gear now. Biggest surprise was how much more comfortable a nicer pad is. I do occasionally pamper myself with a sea to summit pillow too.

[banishd]

I have the neoair xlite and the xtherm. For me it came down to weight/r value. The way I looked at it, it was a pretty cheap way to drop a pound or more in pack weight. I use a $15 down blanket from costco i sewed up into a top quilt to save more weight over bringing my 12 degree sleeping bag. Have been plenty comfortable and warm with that setup, plus it packs down small.

[fillthefreezer]

I didn't read the previous replies, but exped winterlite!!! I run the l/w. Their customer service is great, and in an inflatable pad, that matters..

[yakimanoob]

If you get a lighter pad but feel it doesn't have enough padding for you I've cut fir boughs and put them down as a base before. Actually I've used fir boughs for a pad before and they're a lot more comfy than they sound if you get the ends. I don't destroy a tree but take them off of several trees.

Old school fieldcraft there! Works well and isn't scarring on the landscape depending where it's done...

+1 for this IF you're in the appropriate spot.  Please don't do this near heavy-use areas like trails or known campsites, as there's enough human impact in those places already.  But if you're way off trail and tucked into the brush in a place that isn't likely to see another human for awhile, there's no reason (imho) to be shy about trimming some boughs to make a bed for yourself.  If done right, you'll hardly find a more lovely bed . 

FWIW, I haven't tried white pine, but William O Douglas said they're the best for a backcountry bed, and who am I to argue? 

[bracer40]

If you get a lighter pad but feel it doesn't have enough padding for you I've cut fir boughs and put them down as a base before. Actually I've used fir boughs for a pad before and they're a lot more comfy than they sound if you get the ends. I don't destroy a tree but take them off of several trees.

Old school fieldcraft there! Works well and isn't scarring on the landscape depending where it's done...

+1 for this IF you're in the appropriate spot.  Please don't do this near heavy-use areas like trails or known campsites, as there's enough human impact in those places already.  But if you're way off trail and tucked into the brush in a place that isn't likely to see another human for awhile, there's no reason (imho) to be shy about trimming some boughs to make a bed for yourself.  If done right, you'll hardly find a more lovely bed . 

FWIW, I haven't tried white pine, but William O Douglas said they're the best for a backcountry bed, and who am I to argue?

Possibly from one of my all time favorite books: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41rHS-r8o2L.jpg

[yakimanoob]

Yessir.

[shallowforks]

I run q-core slx wide long. Love it but big agnes released the q-core alx this year to compete weight wise with the x-lite. Dont have one yet but checked it out and its an awesome pad!

[crdmax]

Just picked up the therma rest neo xtherm....only had one night in it but it was comfy, light and packed down smaller than a Nalgene bottle!!! It was pricey but 5.7 R value, it will be worth it this fall/winter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[trophyhunt]

I have a 200 or 300 dollar rei pad and a 5 dollar cheap accordion style pad, I mostly use the cheap pad because of its convenience.  I also pack it along on my hunts to sit on when in the field. Pads are over rated imho.

[milldozer]

I'll throw the REI flash pad out there..  Nothing fancy but an R=3.7 for $100 at 15 oz is pretty damn good.  Much quieter than other pads I've used too.

[yakimanoob]

Pads are over rated imho.

Yeah, I'm definitely on the other side of the fence on that topic.    

[fillthefreezer]

Pads are over rated imho.

Yeah, I'm definitely on the other side of the fence on that topic.   

Sorry Jerry, I'm with ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻 This guy