Looking for a pad for backpacking and hunting. I'm 6'1", 245 and want to be comfortable so I'll be able to sleep well. Looking at one of the Thermarest pads for winter and they are noisy and expensive. Wondering if it would just be better to buy a comfortable pad and then get one of the folding ones to provide additional insulation. What do you experienced backpack hunters suggest?

Exped Downmat is what I am using now, very lite, great r value. packs small!

quote:

Originally posted by eny:
Exped Downmat is what I am using now, very lite, great r value. packs small!

Went to a Exped several years ago a great sleep.

Most likely would have gave up tent camping with out it.

check out the pads from big agnes. they make some that are a bit oversized, but of course bump that will up the weight. They are best used in conjunction with their bags.

I use the Thermarest Neo Air, in conjunction with a Thermarest Z-lite. I tend to sleep on my side, the combination of the two means no sore hips for me. The Z-lite gets strapped to the backpack for the day, as it gets used for an adjustable seat/pad when glassing.

I like this idea and will give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by wsquared:
I use the Thermarest Neo Air, in conjunction with a Thermarest Z-lite. I tend to sleep on my side, the combination of the two means no sore hips for me. The Z-lite gets strapped to the backpack for the day, as it gets used for an adjustable seat/pad when glassing.

I've used one of the Z-lites for years along with a Thermorest pad. A friend who is a mountain climbing guide put me onto the idea. Like already mentioned the Z-lite makes a great pad for glassing and generally laying around. Sometimes I even carry it on a day hunt just for this purpose. It hardly weighs anything.

I'll do you one better. I use a Z-lite with a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core. It's old man comfy!

Ditto with the big Agnes pad

Thermarest 3/4 length with a full length zrest. Two mats makes a difference for warmth, and you can use the zrest when mobile. Termarests are way better on cold ground, they have great insulating properties. I took my zrest, and cut the bottom 2 panels, then affixed some Velcro. That way, I can use the 2 panels as a butt pad, and still attach it for a full sleeping pad.

Big: Great idea with the velcro. Thanks