rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,666 
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Post by rebeccad on Aug 28, 2021 18:03:33 GMT -8
I’m about done with BA pads. They are undeniably the most comfortable I’ve used… except they leak. Sooner or later, they all leak, and mostly it’s been sooner. I think it’s a design flaw with the “quilting” welds, because every one of my leaks has been at those welds.
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Post by trinity on Aug 29, 2021 10:38:14 GMT -8
I’m about done with BA pads. They are undeniably the most comfortable I’ve used… except they leak. Sooner or later, they all leak, and mostly it’s been sooner. I think it’s a design flaw with the “quilting” welds, because every one of my leaks has been at those welds. I'm sorry to hear this. I don't think I would have chosen to buy another BA pad, but they gave me the store credit, and I couldn't think of anything else I needed from them. It is pretty comfy, and will only be used for car camping, so I think I am going to get into the habit of bringing a spare. |
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Post by nextridgeover on Aug 31, 2021 9:56:24 GMT -8
Been using the q core slx for 5 years now, maybe 6. No leaks to date, no punctures. Heavy but a good nights sleep is worth it to me.
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Post by Coolkat on Sept 1, 2021 4:24:19 GMT -8
I wish I could get myself to trust the air filled sleeping pads. I still use a RidgeRest. One of the reasons is that it's 14oz. I did try a cheap $35 (from amazon) last year but it failed on me the last night of a 10 day hike. On my hike this last August my niece had a BA pad (not sure which model) but man it looked comfortable that goofy thing had to be at least 3in thick. But these are kinda like water bladders for me... I want to but I just don't trust them.
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jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,059
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Post by jazzmom on Sept 1, 2021 5:19:39 GMT -8
I wish I could get myself to trust the air filled sleeping pads. I still use a RidgeRest. In all honesty, I think as long as you're able to sleep on one, the closed foam pads are the way to go. They're easy to use, reliable, durable (indestructible, really), lightweight, warm and inexpensive; sort of can't beat it. I used to try sleeping on one every so often (usually when car-camping when I had other options with me) just to confirm that I couldn't do it anymore... I guess I've been pretty lucky with my air pads. I have (successfully) patched a few in the field, so pretty careful about carrying a patch kit, tenacious tape, etc. I also admit that I don't keep them around for years and years. Probably 3 years of light use, stored inside (i.e., no extreme temps or humidity.) And none of the crazy light but crazy thick and warm ones that seem too good to be true. |
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Post by trinity on Sept 1, 2021 5:31:01 GMT -8
In all honesty, I think as long as you're able to sleep on one, the closed foam pads are the way to go. I agree. I have a friend about my age (mid 50s) who still prefers an old ridgerest, and I say more power to him. But most people I know, myself included, have moved to air pads as we have aged. I still have a Z-lite, but I don't think I'd be comfortable sleeping on it anymore. The other value to inflatables is higher R-value. I don't think I want to use a closed-cell pad in colder temps. |
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texasbb
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Posts: 1,223 
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Post by texasbb on Sept 1, 2021 6:55:53 GMT -8
I'd give my eye teeth to be able to use a foam pad, but my back won't let me. The only failure I've had with an air mattress was a blown baffle, which made things slightly uncomfortable, but kept me warm and padded until I could replace the pad.
I've decided the air pads are reasonably reliable as long as I'm inside a floored tent. I see some people putting them right on the ground...that's just crazy, IMHO.
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