Re: Bedpad Options - Therma Rest or cheap air mattress

In a message dated 8/31/2002 3:58:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
colnagodriver-/E1597aS9LQAvxtiuMwx3w@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:


> 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.
> Let me know what you think about these as bedpads.
> 

Chris,
I have used both closed cell foam and Thermarest pads for a number of years. 
I have become a big fan of the Thermarest 3/4 Ultralight and it has gone with 
me on every backpack for the last 3 years. The closed cell foam has been 
relegated to extra layer duty for deep winter overnites. The ultralight's 
ability to pack small outweighs the extra weight for me. I have yet to see a 
failure of any of my Thermrest pads for any reason (knocking wood). OK - one 
night my ultralight full deflated, but I hadn't closed the valve fully. More 
importantly, it still provided enough support to sleep.

Thermarest makes a repair kit, but I don't have one, nor have I had to use 
one. The pad is very east to deflate and fold. (one trick I recommend is 
closing the valve once deflated, or the pad will expand inside the stuff bag 
and be a real b$&*$# to get out.). It also provides reasonable insulation 
from cold ground. I only need reinforcements (my old closed cell pad) when 
sleeping on snow or ice at which time I use both, closed cell on bottom, 
Thermarest on top.

You will get mixed opinions, but I recommend the 3/4 Ultralight. I have to 
report that every AT thruhiker I met this season eyed the pad jealously at 
bedtime.  ; )

Jim S.


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