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marsonite
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08/02/2020 03:13PM  
OK, time for new sleeping pads. Kind of tired of issues with pads with slow leaks. I started out with big Agnes over 10 years ago...had two, and both of them have been replaced and now both of them leak. I think it's time to toss them. Switched to expeds about 2012. I know they have been sent in as well once for a leak and another time for a faulty fill valve. Mine is still fine, but my wife's has a very slow and difficult to find leak. I think we got our money's worth out of them, and the companies have been very good about repairing them so this isn't a beef.

Anyway, what are people using now, how do they hold up? Whats the latest and the greatest? I'd be looking for summer pads, spending less than a 100 bucks preferably. Thanks!

Brian
 
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08/02/2020 04:32PM  
I've been using a Kymit Static V pad for several years. It is not insulated. It packs down very small. The inflated thickness is 2.25 to 2.5 inches. Current list price is about $65.
 
schweady
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08/02/2020 06:48PM  
Mine is the Klymit Insulated Static V. The 4.4 r-value is worth the 24 oz weight.
 
SteveElms73
distinguished member (423)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/03/2020 02:20PM  
In all honesty this is the exact reason I've pretty much given up on ground sleeping and gone with a hammock, even for winter camping. I've had BA pads, Expeds and Thermarests and they have all deflated at some point (and always while on a trip). I now use a hammock with a down underquilt and never worry about a bad night's sleep or a deflating pad. Might be worth considering if a hammock would meet your needs?
 
AdmAckbar13
senior member (70)senior membersenior member
  
08/03/2020 03:30PM  
SteveElms73: "In all honesty this is the exact reason I've pretty much given up on ground sleeping and gone with a hammock, even for winter camping. I've had BA pads, Expeds and Thermarests and they have all deflated at some point (and always while on a trip). I now use a hammock with a down underquilt and never worry about a bad night's sleep or a deflating pad. Might be worth considering if a hammock would meet your needs?"


I'm in the same boat; I switched to hammock almost exclusively 7 or so years ago. It's incredibly nice to know that I've always got a comfortable place to sleep at night regardless of the rock, root or puddle situation in the tent pad areas. In the BWCA it's generally not an issue to find decent trees unless you're traveling in an area that was recently in a burn or bad blow-down.

My wife was hesitant to try hammocks for a few years but after our most recent trip sleeping on the ground while on the Superior Hiking Trail she decided that she's open to giving hammocking a try. I picked up a double bugnet from Dutchware gear for us so we can be inside the same netting enclosure to give her more of a traditional tent feel. We'll be trying it out for the first time next week in the BWCA. If she likes it, I don't think I'll ever sleep on the ground again in the wilderness.
 
HappyHuskies
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08/03/2020 04:04PM  
I haven't bought anything recently. All of the pads that I'm currently using were purchased between 2012 and 2014. They have all been used regularly, as I get out at least once a month from late April through late October. I don't do a lot of winter trips anymore, but still get our occasionally.

I guess I'm lucky because I've never had a quality inflatable pad. Having said that I'll probably have one fail on my next trip ;)

Anyway, I'm currently using a Klymit Xlite (torso length), a Klymit Static V uninsulated (full length), a Thermarest NeoAir (torso length), and a Thermarest Xtherm (full length). I use different pads for different trips depending on temperatures, how light I want to pack and how much comfort I want.

For bang for buck it's really hard to beat the Klymit Static V. Comfort is similar to any inflatable pad in my opinion, the weight and packed size are decent, and the price is very reasonable. I bought mine in 2012 and have had no problems.

The Klymit Xlite is a specialty pad that is only worth considering if you're a back sleeper that does not toss and turn a lot, you use a sleeping bag ( I don't think it works well with a quilt) and you're counting every ounce in your pack. I find it more comfortable than a thin closed cell foam pad, but less comfortable than the other inflatable pads that I have.

The Thermarest Xtherm is a nice pad with good warmth and ok weight for the warmth it gives, but I never use it for 3 season camping. Oh, and its a little spendy too.

The Thermarest NeoAir is my most used pad. Pretty light, packs small, works with quilts, and I find it comfortable. Some complain about the crinkly noise it makes when you move. I don't find it an issue, but I'd check to see what you think before buying. Costs more than the Static V.

Not sure what the latest and greatest is. Always new stuff coming out.
 
AdmAckbar13
senior member (70)senior membersenior member
  
08/03/2020 06:21PM  
I'll third the Klymit recommendation. Pior to using hammocks (or in situations where I can't hammock) I've used several Klymit pads. I've got an insulated version as well as an UltraLight version that they put out as a collaboration with the website "Drop" (formerly Massdrop). Neither have ever failed me and I haven't exactly been careful with them. Hard to beat the bang for the buck that they offer.
 
marsonite
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08/03/2020 07:23PM  
Thanks for the advice. I'll look at a Klymit. I did remember that I patched my wife's Exped, and it's holding air currently, but I'm thinking we should have a third pad for backup and the Big Agnes (Agni?) are going in the trash.

I like the idea of hammock camping, but probably only solo. The dog likes sleeping in between my wife and me too much to change!

 
sylvesterii
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08/04/2020 03:02PM  
I really like my Sea to Summit Comfort + SI. It's a little bulky, but man it is comfortable. The nozzle has an "adjust" feature. It's like having a sleep number in your tent! You can pack it back down pretty well too, because the nozzle reverses, so you can squeeze all of the air out and it won't re-inflate.
 
fraxinus
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08/04/2020 04:54PM  
+1 on the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus. Very comfortable, it has two air chambers, kind of insurance against the whole pad leaking, and you can fully inflate the side that goes against the ground and tweak the the top layer for comfort. Pretty well insulated with an R value of 5. The valve works with the Exped Schnozzle Pump Bag.
 
08/05/2020 01:22PM  
Exped fan here. I use my Synmat 9LW year round except for when I'm in the hammock.... that's a more recent thing though.
 
08/05/2020 02:05PM  
I just recently upgraded my sleeping pad before my last trip in July. I typically have a hard time sleeping on trips and really wanted to find something that could help.

My latest pad is a Nemo Insulated Tensor. I have used it on one trip and I am pleased so far. It inflates pretty thick (~3"), packs down really small, and it's very quiet.

I got rid of my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core after one trip. It was plenty thick, but it was very noisy and a bit cold.

I also have a Therm A Rest Prolite sleeping pad that is okay. It doesn't pack down very small and isn't very thick, but it's comfortable.
 
bombinbrian
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08/07/2020 08:46AM  
schweady: "Mine is the Klymit Insulated Static V. The 4.4 r-value is worth the 24 oz weight. "

We just got one of these and will be trying it out in September.
 
08/07/2020 09:41AM  
I've got the Static V (a less insulated one). It's a couple years old and got great years out of those first ones, but I recently had to patch the hell out of it (3 critical fail spots?) since it just decided to critically fail while i was out on Wood Lake a few weeks ago. Went to field patch it, as i found the leaks, but the glue in the kit was bone dry. The adhesive patch didn't help. The whiskey I brought did, however.

Turned right around, patched it legit when i got home, then bought a Nemo Tensor for the insulation and because i'm a side sleeper.
 
mmrocker13
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08/26/2020 12:45PM  
After many years with Big Agnes, last year I switched to the NEMO tensor ultralight (extra long/wide). Quick and easy to fill (the little inflate sack is handy, IMO). Nice and plush (3 inches). Packs down very small--about half the size of our big agnes ones. My husband has a slightly older model and his is kind of "crinkly" from the insulation; mine from last year does not have that issue (and it is not a big deal, honestly...but i know some people are bugged by it)
 
mmrocker13
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08/26/2020 12:49PM  
Aldy1: "I just recently upgraded my sleeping pad before my last trip in July. I typically have a hard time sleeping on trips and really wanted to find something that could help.


My latest pad is a Nemo Insulated Tensor. I have used it on one trip and I am pleased so far. It inflates pretty thick (~3"), packs down really small, and it's very quiet.


I got rid of my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core after one trip. It was plenty thick, but it was very noisy and a bit cold.


I also have a Therm A Rest Prolite sleeping pad that is okay. It doesn't pack down very small and isn't very thick, but it's comfortable.
"


I ALSO switched from Air Core to tensor, and have a prolite. OMG. We are TWINSIES :p
 
08/26/2020 05:14PM  
My Nemo Tensor got a small leak on the bottom on its 50th night in the woods, but I was able to patch it successfully. Pretty sure the leak was user error, although I do baby it generally. Daughter's Tensor is approaching 50 nights and looks like new.

We also have a Klymit Static V that we picked up super cheap to lend to others who might join us and while it's not as light or as comfortable as the Tensors, it's pretty decent for its price.

We have a Nemo Cosmo for my wife to use if we're luxe camping, it hasn't been used much but it seems good - it's just super heavy at three times the weight of the Tensors and twice the weight of the Klymit.
 
TechnoScout
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08/26/2020 09:09PM  
TominMpls: "My Nemo Tensor got a small leak on the bottom on its 50th night in the woods, but I was able to patch it successfully. Pretty sure the leak was user error, although I do baby it generally. Daughter's Tensor is approaching 50 nights and looks like new.


We also have a Klymit Static V that we picked up super cheap to lend to others who might join us and while it's not as light or as comfortable as the Tensors, it's pretty decent for its price.


We have a Nemo Cosmo for my wife to use if we're luxe camping, it hasn't been used much but it seems good - it's just super heavy at three times the weight of the Tensors and twice the weight of the Klymit."


My Thermarest has been flawless since 2007. At least 200 nights on the ground.
 
LilyPond
distinguished member (400)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/27/2020 08:29PM  
My favorite is the Exped Synmat 3D-7. I've slept on this mattress on top of my regular mattress at home every night for over 4 years, plus car and kayak camping. It can literally go all winter without needing a fill-up. Put this on a Helinox cot = guaranteed maximum comfort in a tent. Also heavenly in a hammock. I've owned several Expeds, most heavy use, never a single problem, great customer service.
 
HENK
member (10)member
  
05/04/2021 05:50PM  
I'd stay away from the Klymit. Got the non-insulsated last fall, worked out great on the trial run at home but failed on first trip out this past weekend. Deflated after sleeping on it for a couple hours. Not leaking from the stem...hard to not be disappointed in that. Not sure what I will get instead...the hammock is looking more and more appealing because you never know when the pad will fail you.
 
MReid
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05/04/2021 06:47PM  
HENK: "I'd stay away from the Klymit. Got the non-insulsated last fall, worked out great on the trial run at home but failed on first trip out this past weekend. Deflated after sleeping on it for a couple hours. Not leaking from the stem...hard to not be disappointed in that. Not sure what I will get instead...the hammock is looking more and more appealing because you never know when the pad will fail you."

I've probably gotten at least 60-70 nights on mine with nary a problem (Insulated Static V). You should have tried warrantying it.
 
Lawnchair107
distinguished member (406)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/04/2021 07:14PM  
Exped UL. Nothing but great things to say about my Exped experiences.
 
05/04/2021 07:44PM  
Just picked this up in wide. Sea to Summit ETHER LIGHT XT EXTREME INSULATED AIR SLEEPING MAT
 
05/08/2021 10:35AM  
My son uses a Nemo, it has been good so far. Uses it for sleep overs, scout camping. BWCA/Q trips so it has been used and abused…so far so good over 5 years.

The rest of the family still uses exped, since 2005 ish no issues.

T
 
05/08/2021 08:50PM  
A couple years ago I switched to the Nemo Cosmo XL. R value of 3.3 and weight of 3lb. While it's on the heavy side, it has been a game changer for me. However, I hate the "foot pump".
 
05/09/2021 08:13PM  
I have the Big Agnes Encampment 15 synthetic and the Lost Ranger 15 down bags and two BA pads as well, one insulated and one not. They have served me well. Both been on many a trip and zero issues with losing air. Going up in 2 weeks for another trip and will be bringing the Encampment - although slightly heavier and bulkier it seems to be a touch warmer and roomier. I have found the comfort limit to be in the mid to upper 20s, not sure if we'll see those kind of temps or not. Downside is they are narrow at 20 x 72 inches but they definitely stay underneath you all night. They work well.
 
05/15/2021 11:59AM  
gshaw: "... the glue in the kit was bone dry. The adhesive patch didn't help. The whiskey I brought did, however."


Good thing you came prepared!
 
doorbluff84
senior member (55)senior membersenior member
  
05/15/2021 07:23PM  
Thermarest ZLite - cannot deflate if you don’t have to inflate.
 
Savage Voyageur
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05/15/2021 09:26PM  
After many years in a hammock I switched back to a tent. That means on my upcoming trip I needed a ground pad. I bought a Exped Synmat XP 7 LW and it arrived today. I hope I will get years of comfort from this pad.
 
MossBack
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05/16/2021 10:38AM  
Why the change back to tents?
 
Savage Voyageur
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05/16/2021 11:20AM  
MossBack: "Why the change back to tents?"


I’m tired of the way it compresses my shoulders inward when I’m laying down. Also I really like the room a have with a tent for gear storage. Each have their benefits and downfalls.
 
05/17/2021 10:15AM  
I used various models of the thermarest pad. I've got an expedition pad that I really like for solos but I bring them all for the family trips. A patch kit is just the cost of doing business, I guess.
 
05/17/2021 10:54AM  
With sleeping pads, I always recommend having a backup option in case yours fails. I have an Exped Synmat 7MW and don't expect to have any issues, but I do think that eventually everything will fail. In the case of sleeping pads, it can happen unexpectedly and when you are depending on it. That's why I lined my pack with a foam sleeping pad. I just picked a cheap one up at Walmart and cut it about in half so that it is long enough to put under my torso and hips. It's cheap, weighs next to nothing, my pack is big enough that space isn't the limiting factor, and adding a little stiffness to the back helps slightly. It's a low cost backup option.
 
Flambeau7Lambo
member (10)member
  
05/21/2021 10:39AM  
Many trips bagged with the Nemo Cosmo regular, and I really do love it, packs down small, built in pump, heavy duty material. I was diagnosed with a spinal disorder so I too am in the market for something a little larger but am sad this model is discontinued. Going to look into the Exped recommendations here. Have a pillow of theirs I am a big fan of.
 
HowardSprague
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05/29/2021 11:06AM  
I have a Thermarest I purchased in '95 or so and have had no problems with it at all. Less than ten seconds and it's inflated. Bought a big cushy Exped one year in anticipation of cold weather - very comfortable, but inflating time not worth it.
The one drawback for me for the Thermarest is that I roll over and turn a lot and wind up off the pad. Would be great if it was in a wider size without making it extra long size, as at 5'10" I don't need that.
I think I will be going for the NEMO Flyer. Insulated, self- inflating, and comes in a wide size, regular length.
 
LilyPond
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05/29/2021 09:26PM  
A1t2o: " I have an Exped Synmat 7MW and don't expect to have any issues, but I do think that eventually everything will fail. "


I've been sleeping on the Synmat 3-D 7 MW every night for several years, no problems. Granted, it's on top of my mattress at home, but I also use it camping many times each year. That's 365 nights x several years (so many I can't even remember at this point). For kayak camping I use the Synmat on the Helinox Cot One. If the mattress were to fail, I'd still have the cot---not ideal, but better than the ground. My guess is that most mattress failures in the first 5 years or so are due to ground objects or too much sudden weight. But you're right, everything fails eventually and there may also be a small percentage of manufacturing defects. I've owned several Exped mattresses with no problems ever.
 
Cobra317
member (15)member
  
06/24/2021 02:14PM  
schweady: "Mine is the Klymit Insulated Static V. The 4.4 r-value is worth the 24 oz weight.
"

Klymit, in my opinion, is not a reputable brand in regards to their posted "R-Value" specifications. Their own internal claimed R-Value is simply bogus and proven so even on their own website in their FAQ page as it relates to "What is ASTM".
All major sleeping mat brands (or at least those who sell to REI) are required to test their mats to the international standard test known as the ASTM standard. It's outside, independent consistent static test that accurately provides R-Values. Why is this important? It's massively important to understand the true insulating properties to ensure your sleep system components are working correctly to use the right bag/mat combo in the conditions you intend to use them in. For example, you wouldn't want to use a pad that is < 2.0 with a 30 degree ASTM rated bag in 30 degree temps. The mat wouldnt provide adequate insulation for your bag to work properly as the ground would zap any thermal efficiencies from the bags comfort limit due to the mat rating.
Keep in mind as per Klymit's own website:
Klymit Static V - claims 4.4 R-Value; ASTM R Value rating = 1.9
THATS A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE
 
06/26/2021 05:37AM  
I purchased this a few months ago because of the price, size and thickness and I was curious about the Speed Valve concept. It sort of works, gets it 2/3 of the way full and a few more breaths for the perfect comfort level. Watch the video online of the guy filling it, I haven't been quite so successful yet.

But after a few trips I am very happy with it, it is very comfortable, doesn't leak, inflates quickly and deflates instantly. It is very slightly insulated which should be fine for summer trips. It was even cheaper at the Sierra store near my house.

Thermarest pad
 
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