Self Inflating Sleeping Pads

“I just purchased a Sierra Designs Wild Bil Long, 3D Sleeping bag and it's a mummy shape.

Fit's up to 6'6" and I'm only 6'0".

Should I get a Mummy sleeping pad or would a regular shape one work just as fine?

Should I also buy a Long or Regular. Most regulars are only 6' and I would like to have a little extra room so my feet arent practically hanging off.

Any suggestions/ideas?? Thanks”

“I really need a comfortable pad to sleep well. I am the proud owner of about 6 sleeping pads (most of which are self-inflating) because I keep trying to get it right. The problem is that you have a four-way trade off with comfort, weight, cost, and durability.

I am now using the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core which gives me the comfort and light weight. However, it is not good below freezing. A 3/4 length closed cell foam pad on top of the air core solves that problem and can be used as a chair or back-up ground pad.

Word of warning, only use your sleeping pad in your tent...otherwise you risk puncturing it. I have had two pads get leaks while being used in my chair kit. Bummer!”

“are you backpacking or carcamping?”

“Mine is a Jack Wolfskin full length self inflating pad. It haven't given me any problems yet...knock on wood.....but if I were to do it over again I would purchase a regular cell foam pad...less to worry about getting a flat, and I can toss it on any ground without fear.”

“Never use your pad in a chair kit, good advice from Phil.

I used my Big Agnes down to 3F a few weeks ago, but had to add a layer of flexible insulation between the bag and pad and really needed more.”

“self inflating egos are good too :)”

“Yo Chad,

First, have you used any kind of pad before? If yes, what was it?

If no, you have many options here. If you don't care about weight, go with the full length. You will probably sleep better with one of these guys. I second what a few said above on the Big Agnes pads. I have the 3/4 BA Air Core and sleep great on it. Check this guy out...

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47780427&parent_category_rn=40001452&vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

If you are not an REI member, I suggest signing up. You will get 20% off this purchace, which basically takes care of your 15.00 membership fee.

This pad will work well if you are hiking in the spring thru fall months. You might want to upgrade to a down filled pad if you are planning on hiking in the winter months.”

“Pamela--I'll be backpacking so I want it lightweight.

WoundedKnee-I have never used any kind of pad before.

I just purchased the Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Sleeping Pad - Regular last night for $85 but don't know if this is the best kind for the $...also, it's only 72 inches long and that's basically how tall I am so I was thinking of moving up to their Large to give me a couple extra inches but it's not a mummy and my sleeping bag is.

Thanks for all the responses and info.
last edited: 3/01/07 9:09:14 AM”

“Chad, i got one of those pro-lights recently as well....havent tried it out yet.”

“my buddy swears by them. I was going to get the REI Lite-Core 1.5 Self-Inflating Pad - Regular but it only measures 72 x 20 x 1.5 inches (which is the same dimensions I have in the Pro-Light but I think I might go up to the large in that)”

“Why does anyone NEED a full size pad?
That's what your backpack is for, to use under your feet.”

“StoveStomper-- so you are saying-stick with the Regular size pad?

How about mummy or no mummy shape when it comes to having a sleeping bag that is mummy?

Thanks”

“I think the mummy sizes save a bit of weight, but that is it.”

“I use the 3/4 sized pads.”

“That's gross”

“SS, I tried that. 3/4 Thermarest and the pack under my calves and feet. Wasn't comfortable especially where the pack was. My full-length BA is the same weight as my 3/4 ultralite Thermarest (1 pound) and gives full-length comfort.”

“I may try a full length again. Trying a different stove now that saves me a few ounces.”

“Chadl, like Phil, I have about 8-9 diff pads. I use a 3/4 pad Prolite 3 or 4 the most. My GG Vapor Trail backpack has a nice pad on the back that works for me.

The mummy shaped pads do save some oz but you have to get used to them. My feet just would not stay on mine mummy pad. Took me a couple of nights to get used to it.

There is no one pad that works for all. I say start with a ProLite or Wal-Mart closed cell blue foam.

This weekend, I will be using both a 3/4 ProLite 3 with a cut off blue foam as extra use in my chair kit. I did get a leak in my ProLite 4 from using it in my chair kit.”

““I use the 3/4 sized pads.”
spirit coyote
9:43:56 AM
3/01/07


It helps that she is only 4 feet tall. ;-)”

“stovie, thats my set up now, the prolite and a cut piece of blue foam from walmart as a chair and if need be, a little extra padding for sleeping.”

“cool--thanks for the help everyone.”

“for what its worth, I use the 3/4 Prolite - in winter i supplement with a z rest. I sleep comfortably all year round like that - sometimes i put my pack down under my feet, but its more to keep the pack safe from salt seeking critters than it is for comfort.

But - its all about personal comfort.”

“OK. I tried figuring this out myself but am still confused.

What's a 3/4" ....is that their Regular?”

“Don't listen to Roan. He doesn't know what he is talking about”

“wait, i think i know what a 3/4 is. Not the length but the thickness of the pad?? Am i right?”

“No, you were right the first time.”

“so a 6'1" should get a regular you think...even though it will be a tad smaller than me??

or, should I bump up to the Long....
last edited: 3/01/07 10:53:53 AM”

“You should be fine with a regular”

“““I use the 3/4 sized pads.”
spirit coyote
9:43:56 AM
3/01/07


It helps that she is only 4 feet tall. ;-)”
StoveStomper
10:15:42 AM
3/01/07
ignore this user

Stovie...your gonna get it!!!”

“cool. thanks!

So now I have my tent, pack, sleeping bag & pad.

Next big purchase are the hiking boots!”

“I love my Merrell boots from REI. Light and airy, vibram brand sole for excellent grip on just about everything. Usually about $80. I have wide feet so if you do, too, they are worth checking out.”

“ditto on the Merrell boots. I really really like mine. I went through three diff brands (love the return policy)before getting the Merrells. They were the only ones that fit well AND held up to the abuse.”

“As people chime in about footwear, take note of the different brands.

A good pair of boots, I feel, is the most important item on your list. You visit REI or simular store and have your first pair fit to your foot. Take the time in the store walking around in a few different pairs.

You ever want to meet at the REI in Oak Brook, shoot me an e-mail. I will meet you there.”

“Almost forgot...good trip on the books for April down to Mammoth Cave. This would be a great trip to start you off if you can make it.”

“Thanks again. I'm really close to the Niles location but if I do ever make it to the Oakbrook one I'll let you know.

I'll have to check the dates on the Mammoth Cave trip b/c I'm driving to Florida the first week of April.

Chicago-NC-FL-----

on the way back--FL--Tenessee-Chicago

Would like to camp/hike at least 1 of these days. Time is limited though.”

“use a stuff bag as a pillow and put that at the end of the full length pad. that will give you extra length at your feet. I need a full length cause my feet have circulation problems and I need the extra insulation there”

“I'll have to go check those Merrell boots out.

Thanks for the tip Ramblinrev”

“"Take the time in the store walking around in a few different pairs" - WK

This includes the simulated rock slope that REI has by the footwear section. Get on that thing and jam your toes or heel back/left/right/forward in all directions. Also remember to bring your usual hiking socks with you.”

“Exactly what TT said. If you do not have socks, buy a pair there and use them.,”

“any favorites on hiking socks?”

“I use smart wool”

“I like wool, too. Not the thick rag type (which are great around my office this time of year) but slimmer. Actual hiking socks and not wool dress socks. I think I got all of mine from Costco.

Then I use a pair of thin all-nylon Gold Toe dress socks as my wicking layer, under the wool socks. Make sure you take the Gold Toe's off when you get into camp when its cool, they'll make your feet cold quickly.”

“Back to pads. What about the Pacific Outdoor Equipment Insulmat lite(?)? Hybrid of closed cell and self inflating on the torso. Regular runs 19 oz. Any feedback?”

“I have a mummy shaped Insul-Mat blow up that has fiberfill inside. It works pretty well down to around 32-35. It gets chilly after that.”

“I like the Insul-Mat. I have a Max Thermo, which has the fiberfill Stovey mentioned. Had a regular. Am lending that to someone, since I just got a three-quarters length version of it.

I sleep cold, so in the colder seasons combine it with a blue closed cell pad. I made a flannel "cover" that both can go in.

You do need to blow up this Insul-Mat, it's not self-inflating. No big deal.

Seems pretty tough. And around 3" of comfort.

I used to use a chair kit and lost it. Now had a separate chair that's ready to go.

I use my backpack up above my shoulders as something of a pillow.”