Opinions please, how wide a sleeping mat for you?

“I need to buy a sleeping bag pad. Just wondering what you all out there prefer for size. Is 20 inch to narrow, I will be using a mummy bag? What minimum width would you use? Does anyone tend to roll off them? And I see there's 3/8 thick as well as 1/2 inch. Does that extra 1/8 inch help on a hard packed dirt type floor?

I just don't want to buy 3 before I find out what's suitable.

Just wanting some thoughts from you all. Thanks for your time”

“I just don't want to buy 3 before I find out what's suitable

if you get yours from rei, you can buy 3, and send back the 2 you dont like

i'd say, measure yourself at the shoulers, add a couple of inches, and get that width, or a little more”

“you have the age old trade off between size, weight and comfort. If weight is not an issue, like for car or cabin camping then give priority to comfort.

Does any one roll off them? I'm a roller and thrasher. I was constantly rolling off mine. I have switched to a hammock so I won't be doing that any more. Given the limited size offerings in the backpacking styles and the fact that I roll off I can't see the couple inches making any reasonable difference so cut down on the weight.

My critical issue for sleeping pad was length. I need a full length pad due to feet issues.

The thickness is largely dependant on the density of the foam. Have fun.”

“Even though I’m very wide at the shoulders I only use a 20” width pad because I sleep on my sides. I never sleep on my back. Even with switching from side to side I never fall off my pad. Like the rev said length is more of an issue for me. Being a side sleeper and having wide shoulders, the support under my head is all important. I'm more concerned about a good pillow than I am with the pad.”

“My wife and I both use a Big Agnes air pad, 2 1/2 inches of comfort; and it rolls up to in my sleeping bag compartment on my pack. I've tried the others, but love this one.”

“I use the full length 4 season thermarest. Like ramlinrev, I need full length, my tootsies insists on being on a soft pad. Unlike him, I have learned to lift and rollover when asleep and scarcely awaken while doing so. The width is not that big an issue for me. For long hikes, 200 miles and more, I use the thermaridge for weight, ease of use (don't have to blow the damn thing up) and foldability:)”

“Also depends on type of camping. Look at r value and keep insulation in mind. I have learned to sleep without a featherbed on the trail so all I need now is a thin closed cell pad. I still like the inflatables but they tend to be heavy. I only use 3/4 lengh pads but am not sure of width. I used to use one that was the shape of my torso so it was very narrow. I put my feet on my pack. I have recently moved to a hammock but still have to revert to ground sleeping.”

“Yogi likes inflatables. Where's the surprise in that? Lol.”

“I always get the king size, lol. Motel 6”

“It depends also on how wide YOU are....”

“I just don't want to buy 3 before I find out what's suitable.

*giggle*
*snort*

Start with a light 3/4 Therm-o-Rest, or a Wal-Mart blue foam.”

“Gear whores.... gotta train 'em up early...”

“Yep , wally world has a nice wide one you can cut down untill you find the size thats just right for ewe.....”

“thanks for all the responses. I've a 20 inch so will try that, it's 1/2 inch blue/black foam double layer.”

“Big Agnes rocks!!!”

“Twenty inches is wide enough if you are on relatively flat ground. If you are on a slight slope forty inches isn't wide enough.”