I use Big Agnes aircore ultra and its comfortable but its not super duper light (I got it on a super discount). Light enough for me but there are probably better options if you are willing to pay for them.
Im a big tall guy with wide shoulders so sleeping on a thin pad I kind of get "folded up."
You could probably go down to 3" and be fine to while opening up to more lightweight options.
At Philmont, even in summer, you’re going to be dealing with elevation, cold ground and nights that can dip into the 30s. In those conditions, an R-value around 4.0 or higher is a safe target if you want consistent and comfortable sleep yk.
A tent doesn’t provide insulation on its own so your pad is doing almost all the work underneath you. That’s why an insulated air pad makes a lot more sense than an uninsulated one for this use case…I’d recommend:
- the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (regular or MAX) OR
- the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra
If you’re on a tighter budget, the REI Flash Insulated would probably be better. There are these [ultralight sleeping pads](https://alaskanarrows.com/5-best-ultralight-sleeping-pads-for-backpacking/) that you can also look into
Klymit is durable. It's like 70D.
But my dog has a big Agnes aircore insulated and it's holding up. Probably 40D outer
I've got a Rab hypersphere 7.5 down filled and it's 20D outer. Also holding up but it only have a few trips, so time will tell.
Klymit is heavy, not warm but durable. It's my summer pad.
I have a Big Agnes Air Core pad. Coupled with a Sea to Summit pillow it packs down to the size of a large beer can and is more comfortable than most hotel beds.
I have a little pump (believe it’s called Little Giant) that inflates and deflates it for me easily, and in a pinch can be really helpful for starting fires!
AI says they have an R value of 1.5 to 2.0. That makes them suitable for warm weather camping only. A single pad like this is not suitable for a Sept/Oct trip in Nortern NY. Remember that a sleeping bag compresses under your body weight, so you need a warm pad to insulate you from the ground if it's cold. Doesn't matter what your sleeping bag is rated at.
R-vauies are additive, so you can stack them to get extra warmth. Or you can put them under a warm sleeping pad to make it warmer. I have a z pad that I put under my R4.5 big agnes pad when it's very cold
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MegaMat Series
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Car camping comfort champ, but some side sleepers find it thin.
dinnerthief
