Re: Bedpad Options - Therma Rest or cheap air mattress

chris parton <colnagodriver-F5Bj5G+ccuY@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I'm thinking about purchasing a new bedpad.  I've ruled out closed 
cell foam, so I'm down to a new Therma Rest (Guide Lite 3/4) or a 
cheap inflatable air mattress that we have on the shelf in the 
garage.  I haven't weighed this one yet, but it seems fairly light.
> I'm curious if any of you carry an air mattress when you pack.  
Obvious advantages are:  cheap, easily replaceable, fairly light.  
Obvious disadvantages:  ease of puncture, no way to repair, could be 
cumbersome to pack up and get all the air out, no insulation from 
cold ground temperature.

Hi Chris,

In addition to being pretty cushy, I think you left out one of the 
really big advantages of a 3/4 length Thermarest. When deflated, it 
is very much smaller than a similar length and width closed cell foam 
pad, which means that it takes up way less space in the pack. So you 
are getting compactness and comfort for the price of several more 
ounces of weight. It's a compromise I sometimes don't mind making.  

There's a world of difference between a Thermarest or other 
backpacking inflatable ground insulation and just an air mattress.
If the air mattress in your garage does not have some sort of 
insulating material between the top and bottom layers, air currents 
that set up between those layers will make it really cold to sleep 
on.   Best,  Don L.