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Post by hikerjer on Apr 8, 2023 8:32:58 GMT -8
I’m looking to supplement my Thermarest NeoAir inflatable sleeping pad with a closed cell one. I haven’t really kept on the new models out there. Which one would you recommend?
Thanks.
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Post by trinity on Apr 8, 2023 8:43:24 GMT -8
Supplement for what? Padding? Warmth? Protection from punctures? Backup? If your prime concern is punctures, a Gossamer Gear Thinlight is a good option, but adds very little padding or warmth. For something a little more robust, I'd take a Thermarest Z-lite SOL torso length pad. There are also options from NEMO and Big Agnes that I have not tried. |
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 8, 2023 12:27:43 GMT -8
Maybe supplemental was the wrong word. “Alternative” or “extra” might be more appropriate.
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Post by dayhiker on Apr 8, 2023 12:33:11 GMT -8
If you are snow camping I would use an ordinary smooth pad, as wiping off snow can be impossible, with a ridge rest.
Though if it is under another pad maybe not a concern.
Rain might be a problem too, though in summer I sometimes carry it inside a very large pack, nice weather of course not a problem.
They last for awhile so not sure about models I haven't bought one for a long while, I do have one from REI that is wider, but thinner than normal and have one that is thicker than normal, but harder to roll up. I have cut them up for padding on cross bars, though pipe insulation covered in duct tape works better. I have small squares I used to use for changing clothes when whitewater kayaking / sometimes for putting on boots for skiing.
I take a half pad in case an unexpected night out skiing crossing country.
I have a multi mat from EXPED, it is very thin even folded, so not used much , car camping, maybe a heavy ground cloth though a bit small for that. Kinda of nice for moving around tent, very small amount of padding (warmth?)
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driftwoody
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Post by driftwoody on Apr 8, 2023 12:41:42 GMT -8
Maybe supplemental was the wrong word. “Alternative” or “extra” might be more appropriate. While backpacking or on long dayhikes I almost always carry half a Z-Rest pad. It's a robust sit pad and emergency ground insulation. |
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Apr 8, 2023 13:04:04 GMT -8
Zrest folds up nicely and gives some comfort but there’s no way I could rely on just that for sleeping on
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Apr 11, 2023 11:06:10 GMT -8
For three season use, I have been using a Zrest Sol for a supplement or back-up to my more ultralight inflatable. I have DOWN and UP sides firmly written in Sharpie because it is also a sit block, hiker couch, mud room floor for swag change...whatever. That one side can pick up stickery stuff needing a brush off. Last summer trip, it saved my sleep when I could not find on trail the leak that my Nemo Tensor pad had. For my hips and backs it wasn't pleasant but bearable sleep on just a CCF pad alone.
I have two. One regular length and one cut down to mid thigh length. My Nemo Tensor has about zip for R rating as an insulator. If it is cold. I have used it on top of the Tensor. The Tensor alone can actually help cool things down on hot summer nights for me. Like a heat sink.
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Post by leadbelly on Apr 12, 2023 5:08:36 GMT -8
I use a Ridgerest pad, looks corrugated, for additional R value in the winter, put that between the inflatable pad and tent or shelter floor. Used to be an alternative; as I have gotten older, I don't sleep as well on closed cell foam pads as I used to, I'm much better with the inflatable. and an inflatable pillow. Getting soft.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Apr 30, 2023 6:21:46 GMT -8
I have a Nemo Switchback for that. I carry it on the outside of the pack when I use it so it does get exposed to rain but I find the way the pad dots so neatly fold into themselves that it doesn't seem to get too wet as long as the folded edges are not facing up. What I like most about it is that when you sandwich it between two flat surfaces, the ground and your inflatable mat, the egg carton pattern on both sides traps a lot of insulating air. Used like that it has a higher working R value then it is rated I believe. It is rated to weigh 14.5 oz. So far seems to be pretty tough too.
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