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.
I would also pick an emo. I have one of the tensors, I think the insulated one so I can use it in snow. It's pretty comfy. I think I found another one of those (or very similar sleeping pad) at the resale section of REI, and ended up having to repair a half inch gas, but some sealant and tape over it, and it's held up fine. So OP, if you want cheap but good, consider if you're willing to repair gear that other people are getting rid of because of repairable damage.
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
