I use a Thermatest Prolite, usually a short -66"x20x1.5, 15oz R 3.2.
Can get one here
https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Self-Inflating-Backpacking/dp/B07YDMPNBR/138-8618099-6903143?pd_rd_w=VJsKg&content-id=amzn1.sym.1392ad92-d2f6-490a-8c6c-2c5b53785d2f&pf_rd_p=1392ad92-d2f6-490a-8c6c-2c5b53785d2f&pf_rd_r=5XEV0VGVTK5R3V4AFF39&pd_rd_wg=bs1VL&pd_rd_r=9b24eb35-fbf5-487c-a83d-006dbac63878&pd_rd_i=B07YDMPNBR&psc=1
For$88.
72M, 135 lb, 5'6. Side sleeper with bad back, must have firm need a firm. So I speed up inflation with a Flextail as far as it will go then close the wing and add 4-5 breaths in the cylander. Have not been able to get an all air as firm. Put empty pack under feet. Been ok to upper 20s.
To pack:Flatten with Flextail, roll, let out last bit of air, fold in half, then in thirds to get a 10 x 22 ish . Lay in bottom of pack then partway up the back, drop in sleeping bag.
Also have a regular, have not tried the newr 2" thick ones but suspicious of the ribbed look.
I had the exact same thought also brought on by Extra and I have purchased one. It should be here tomorrow. Thanks for the write up. Looks like you did it right. The width, the lack of height and the r value are all I need to know. The durability is a total bonus.
I have an Exped Synmat and it's quite comfortable. It's more "air mattress" than my Thermarest Prolite Plus but more comfortable. So much so I'm insisting my wife use my Synmat mattress instead of her existing Thermarest on our next trip. I can handle the lesser one (I hope).
I think basically if you're spending some money it's always going to be more complicated than "air mattress". I think OP means a classic vinyl sack filled with air. They tend to have poor support, zero vapor management, and are cold (because air convection inside the mattress takes all your heat and moves it to the ground).
Hi everybody,
my trusted Thermarest Prolite Plus has given up the ghost after 10 years due to delamination.
So now I am looking for a new sleeping pad. I am looking for a something with following requirements (descending priority):
\- **length:** min. 195 cm (6'4")
\- **no/minimal crinkle sound:** I have spent a night on a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm NXT and its not for me. Even if it's quieter than the previous version, its too loud for me
**- packed size**: max 5L, ideally similar to a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm NXT, max 5 L
\- **durability:** i prefer durability over low weight, ideally 70D fabric both top and bottom
\- **baffles:** horizontal
\- **R-value:** min. 4, ideally higher
\- **weight:** max. 800 g (28 oz)
\- **thickness:** max. 10 cm (4 inches). Thermarest NeoLoft is too thick for example.
To be honest, I'd just buy a Prolite Plus (Apex) again if the packed size was smaller. I have been extremely satisfied with ThermaRests lifelong guarantee but it seems like they don't make anything that fits what I am looking for.
My biggest issue during research is finding out how much crinkle noise a sleeping pad makes. Most "professional" reviews dont even mention it and opinions on reddit seem to differ wildly.
Currently I have on my shortlist:
\- Exped Dura 6.5R LW: fits all requirements except that it has vertical baffles
\- Big Agnes Rapide SL: looks promising, have read some reports that it might be a bit cold
\- Rab Ultrasphere 5: crinkle sound is minimal and packed size is great. Read that R-value doesnt quite match expectations.
I am unsure about any Nemo and Sea to Summit pads. Open for suggestions.
Are there any other sleeping pads you can recommend? Appreciate all input!
Concerning durability: I've had issues in the past with punctures with thermarest mats with more durable materials. So I'd prefer something that is a bit more reliable. I have read good things about the Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm for example while still having a good warm/weight ratio.
R value: I live in Sweden and spend most nights outside during spring and fall (night temps below 0 C (32 F). I also do one or two winter camping trips per year with temps below -20 C (-4 F) where I use CCF mat underneath. Therefore I'd like a decent R-value.
I should have added the requirement: inflatable. Call me spoiled but I prefer it over foam.
I posted on the ultralight forum as most of the sleeping pads that I have considered are being discussed here. I suppose I have a much higher max weight than what is considered ultralight. And I of course dont mind it being as light as possible.
jakuvold
