Self-Inflating vs. Closed-Cell Pads

“For backpacking do you prefer using a self-inflating sleeping pad or a closed-cell foam one? What kind do you use and why?”

“I carry one of each. The closed cell foam is light, but my old bones need the self inflating pad.”

“I used to carry both the standard Thermarest Long and a closed cell foam pad. Then I got the Thermarest LE (same weight as the standard) and love it. Two inches thick and very comfortable. 2 lbs., 5 ounces. If I had to sleep on a closed cell foam pad or the hard ground, I wouldn't go backpacking.”

“Got me a "Big Agnes" Air Core. All air, no foam.”

“I started carrying a 3/4 Z-rest when my thermarest had a blow out. Oh sure I fixed it, but that was one cold night.”

“The thermarest is the great. Don't leave home without it. Instead of rolling it up to pack on the outside, a couple of years ago I started folding it flat and sticking in my pack next to my back. It doesn't take up much room and is out of the way.”

“The last camping trip I went on the friend I went with must of thought I was a real pain in the as$ cause I didn't bring anything--he lent me his blue closed cell foam pad OW! BRRR!

I went to Popular the next day and bought a 3/4 ultralight thermarest, now I use it WITH the soft egg carton foam stuff (throw out after 5-6 trips)

one bad experience is all it takes”

“I like the RidgeRest closed cell because my bag stays on it better than the ThermaRest ultralight long. It's lighter by 10 oz. I cooler weather, I'll stick with the Thermarest.”

“skiracer, I am slippery whether I use the thermarest or not :P”

“The Thermarest LE has a top side that is no-slip. It really works great for keeping the bag on the pad.

Now that I have the Thermarester chair cover, I hope I won't start slipping off again. I'll find out this weekend.”

“A 3/4 ultra-lite Thermarest does fine most of the time but when camping on frozen ground or snow I also bring a full RidgeRest to put under it for extra insulation.”

“Wished I had gotten a closed-cell pad instead of a self-inflating one...now I worry about getting a hole everytime I lie down on it.”

“Two advantages of closed-cell, weight and versatility. I can curl it up to make a seat with a backrest out of two logs. I can place it on a gravel bar to lounge on. Try doing that with self-inflating. Also, it weighs under a lb. (prefer Ridge Rest, it's a little sturdier than the generic blue pad).”

“I have the 3/4 length Thermarest Classic. I can't seem to stay on it. The daman thing crawls out from under me.

I have now gone back to my green military pad. Now I will have to find a way to use the green pad with my thermarest chair.”

“check this --
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/sports_and_leisure/sleeping_pads/fullstory.html
The Thermarest seems to be the item of choice, but myself I use a 3/4 pad from Canadian Shield. It is bulky but has taken me through two years with no problems, no noticeable moisture, no cold, and never a sleepless night.”

“Leatherneck, I used on of those green military pads for years. I think they are better than the blue pads, they 'give' a little more...still uncomfortable though

stanlee, lifes too short to worry (about anything)”

“A 3/4 ultra-lite Thermarest pad in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Both the Thermarest and a full length blue pad in the winter.”

“I must say Gear slut, I am somewhat frieghtened yet, at the same time, strangly attracted to you .”

“I've been using both a full-length ultralight TR and a 3/4 standard with staytek for about three years. Neither has sprung a leak yet and I'm pretty abusive with them. I lay on granite, fold in half to create a backrest against a stumb, etc. But whenever possible, I put a tarp under the sucker to prevent puntures. Also carry a patch kit just in case.”

“Therma-rest. Comfy, warm pretty light. Lighter than a Posturepedic queen with a pillow top anyway.”

“Just get your self a nice woman, sleep on top of her.

I don?t use a pad unless the weather is bellow freezing. I like a firm mattress, so the solid ground does not bother me. Before I put up a tent, I remove all rocks and sticks from under the tent. While doing this I make sure that there are no gullies or any other ground formation that may trap water. In cold weather, you can just stuff leaves under your tent. I think I got that idea from Nigal. I think of it like this, if it isn?t a necessity don?t bring it. You can also think like this, Phil?s Thermorest LE weighs 2.5 lbs, my Eureka Gossamer weighs 2.8 lbs, You tell me what is a necessity.”

“Tea -

You are 16 and weigh 106 pounds.

Please check back with us in 10 years and tell us if a pad is a luxury or not.”

“Tea, at 16 you can probably sleep in a tree and it wouldn't bother you.”

“I use a self-inflating and love it. I heard that the closed-cell pads were good for camping on snow to keep away the cold.”

“Biz, if my self-inflating gets a leak and I'm forced to sleep on a cold, wet and hard ground, or even worst...snow, I'll be a real SOB the next whole day.”

“i had used a ridgerest pad for years and was relatively satisfied with the comfort factor, but hated rolling it up and lashing it to the outside of my pack....i recently switched to a full length thermarest ultralight and i will never look back....very comfortable, lightweight, and most importantly (to me) it rolls up compactly enough to stick inside my pack....”