HikeArizona.COM

Wow the last post about sleeping pads took me back to 2002 and some people I have never seen before. I am just wondering besides all of you hammock campers what everyone likes to use I am debating betweeen an Anges air core or a therm a rest trail lite pad anybody have experience with either. I have been using a thermarest base camp size lg pad for years now and at 3 lbs 8 oz I could use a lighter pad. Backpacker Mag seems to like the Big Agnes more what are your thoughts?

big_load wrote:

azbackpackr wrote:

kevinweitzel75 wrote:Side sleeper myself and sold my new thermarest pro lite and bought the Big Anges insulated air pad. Best one yet.

Have heard good things about that one!

That's what I used to use before I switched to the NeoAir Xlite. (I'm a side sleeper, too. I'd probably die if I slept on my back).

I'm a side sleeper, I think. Trouble is, I'm sleeping so I am not sure what position I'm in...since I am not awake enough to notice. I really do not think my Neo Air is very comfy at all.

azbackpackr wrote: I really do not think my Neo Air is very comfy at all.

How fully do you inflate it? I think they work best a bit shy of totally blown up. The same applies to BA air mats.

big_load wrote:

azbackpackr wrote: I really do not think my Neo Air is very comfy at all.

How fully do you inflate it? I think they work best a bit shy of totally blown up. The same applies to BA air mats.

Maybe you're right. I'll try that next time. I tend to try to find all the clothing I have for a pillow, and then there is none left to pile under my feet. I ought to get an inflatable pillow, I guess, so that I can put the clothing under my lower legs and feet.

Such travails we adventurers put ourselves through... ;)

@big_load
What about this section of sleeping pad? Does it look familiar?

http://hikearizona.com/photo=376173

friendofThundergod wrote:@big_load
What about this section of sleeping pad? Does it look familiar?

http://hikearizona.com/photo=376173

How did it wind up there? I thought it came out in oaks along the cliff line in Trap Canyon, along with some of my skin. I'm glad it found a good home.

@big_load
lol...I told Dave1 to let you know I will hold on to it for you...or if you not in love with it, I am putting it in pack and using it for seat cushion.. Either way it will be in good hands..

@friendofThundergod
It obviously likes you better than it liked me. Enjoy! (I've got another one around here somewhere).

@big_load
Oh and I did find it deep in that "secret" canyon you were in...did find a few more things in there.. ;) Your skin may be where part of my nice rain-coat is...gobbled up by the acacia

I will use for sure, already found out it makes a great seat on hard rock, and provides an extra layer to put near hip when I sleep so I can lay on side..

friendofThundergod wrote:did find a few more things in there..

Dang, I need to go back and look some more! Maybe I should set up a base camp and spend a couple days scrambling around. I'm also developing an itch to see Hidden Valley.

big_load wrote:
How fully do you inflate it? I think they work best a bit shy of totally blown up. The same applies to BA air mats.

For side-sleepers, this is a must with any inflatable. Blowing it up too much means your hip can't sink in and you are in this crazy, uncomfortable position all night. To me, it causes more hip pain than just laying straight on the ground.

As an aside, it is weird to think how long it took me to realize how much a ground pad would improve my life. I camped out all field season for at least 2 years before I ever bought my first one.

anyone post this one yet?
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/sh ... cts_id=172

and i did some research on the neo-air.. seems most the complaints were for the horizontal baffles. those mentioned vertical baffles to be more comfy for side sleepers. i have not yet tested one, i guess for the 1-2 times i have gone to ground my prolite torso size still works good. got it for $20 too!