Military Self-Inflating Sleep Pad

There was a recent discussion about this type of pad and it’s R values here: https://www.reddit.com/r/CampingGear/s/AcsRlx09DN I use those olive green military surplus Thermarest ultralite pads for car camping with achesp closed cell foam pad underneath for my kids. I usually use something beefier for me. The pads can be found online and budget prices (~$15 new old stock), but shipping $ will get you. It’s a good budget combo For backpacking, I prefer the lighter weight closed cell foam pads in conjunction with a newer version of inflatable pad like the Xtherm or in summer the Neo air Uber light.

I've used them, was not impressed. Holds moisture, stows poorly, is uncomfortable.

I have that one, at least the model from 30 years ago when I got it. It’s narrow, long and kind of thin. Been just fine for me.

it's fine for summer use, but will leave you feeling cold in the winter. I would avoid sleeping on snow with it if you can help it. I used it in everything from hot humid summers to sub zero winters. it's similar to all the other heavier self inflating pads you'll find on the market. The self-inflating feature might not work anymore and you may have to blow them up (easy). They don't provide a lot of cushion but it's a lot better than the ground. If you want something smaller and lighter, the market has many options when you're ready. TIL: I used a therm a rest product 20 years ago in the army. Recently, I went camping with a friend who had a therm a rest self inflating, and I was surprised at how similar it was to my old army issue. Now I know why. they don't list R value since it's for a government issued item, but I've seen 3.2-4.8 listed on websites. For reference, an average three/all season pad is around 3-4 and a winter pad is closer to 6-8. Here's the specs: * Shell Material: 100% Nylon * Self-inflating to approximately 1.5" thick * Compact and lightweight (21" x 72" x 3/4" and 1 lb. 14oz) * Genuine US Military Issue * Made in USA * NSN: 8465-01-393-6515

As a jarhead I have intimate knowledge of these, isomats suck. Look at gear trade.com, you should be able to find inexpensive second hand inflating sleeping pads. Look at Facebook marketplace and Craigslist.

thermarest makes the zlite (non-sol) that comes in coyote and grey, also the usmc issues a flat(non-egg crate style) thermarest pad that can be had for very cheap if you live somewhere that has us milsurp. wrt sleeping bags, plenty of mto manufacturers have more subdued colors, coyote is pretty common, some places have camos, others will probably work with you if you message them and are prepared to pay, i dont know much about ir safety in this context though. nunatakusa, warbonnet outdoors, and timmermade are a few examples of this, though if yr really going to be roughing it timmermade prolly isnt the best choice lol

Literally 5+ years on foam mats from Kmart. 2-3 years on a thermarest self inflating and finally in a “normal” bed after buying the firmest possible mattress.