Your combined R-value should theoretically work for 29F, so something's off. A few possibilities: Ground temps drop 10-20F below air temp at night, so you were dealing with potentially 10-20F ground temp. The 2.1 R-value pad is pretty low. those budget FeatherStone pads often don't perform to their rated spec. Same with the Paria, decent but not consistent.
My guess: you had a thermal bridge happening where the low-R pad was letting cold through in spots. Pads also lose R-value as they compress over time. For future trips, look at the NEMO Tensor (R-4.2) or Therm-a-Rest NeoAir (R-4.8) in the $100 range. Better yet, get one solid R-5+ pad instead of combining lower-rated ones.
Yeah I have an older Tensor insulated that is 3 inches thick, 4.2 r value, and 20oz, and it also cost around $190 at the time. This Eclipse is just better in every way and doesn't cost more, assuming durability is the same. When my Tensor wears out maybe I'll snag this.
I have an insulated Tensor (previous model) that I love. Also have a couple others that are fine. Setting up in a good spot (the slight slant on my last trip was brutal on my back) helps, and though I'm small, I find the cost/weight of the wide version to be worthwhile.
Besides the pad (I have a Nemo), consider putting whatever extra cloth-like material you've got into a stuff sack (I often use the one for the tent, but sometimes just roll things in a fleece) and put it between the knees.
I don’t think anyone else has mentioned this, but if you’re an REI member there are periodic 20% off coupons for full-price items. If you don’t need this right away that might be something to consider.
Thermarest also just updated the XTherm and the previous version has been available at a steep discount. I got one for 40% off earlier this month at REI. I think they’re now sold out of them but there’s a chance you could find a deal at another retailer.
Have not had a chance to try mine in the field yet but looking forward to it. I have one of the three-season, older versions of the Nemo Tensor and that’s a great pad, too. I also like the Exped Ultra line for backpacking pads.
I have used the Tensor Insulated RW (predecessor of the All Season) and (older generation) X-Lite mummy extensively, and I sleep equally well on both. Therefore, I prefer the X-Lite for it’s lower weight.
I started out with a wide rectangular pad (Nemo Tensor Insulated at 540gr), before realizing I slept just as well on a regular mummy pad (Thermarest Neoair X-Lite at 380gr) or even a torso length pad (X-Lite at 205gr).
Too often people (including myself initially) think they need a wide rectangular pad for whatever reason.
>For people that move when they sleep, I’ll take all the width I can get
And yet, for what it’s worth, it’s this kind of statement that leads many to get a wide pad even if they don’t really need it 😉 I frequently switch sides and yet found I can do this just as well on a regular (short) mummy pad.
If you wanna drop your pack weight, you’ve simply got to try things out.
markbroncco
