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.
My thermarest Prolite 4 is almost 20 years old. Has hundreds of nights on it at least 50 nights a year for 10 years but maybe a dozen a year (Avg)the last 10. It has only been loaned out for the last 5. So probably 600 nights or so.
Self inflating are pretty durable if you take care of them. My Prolite has even survived 3 generations of dogs. Which isn't saying much, people assume dogs nails are like razors. I've never lost a tent, bag, inflatable boat or anything from a dog nail. We finally after 30 years of dog ownership got a rip in a couch cushion. That's it.
>I've comfortably slept down to -20f with that pad and an closed cell.
Lol...I almost froze to death on this pad at 15-20F (that's plus 20F) and I'm warm natured. Granted even with a good pad my sleep system that trip was inadequate. On future trips with a foamy under it and a proper 20F bag and extra clothing I was still bleeding heat.
Before this pad I used a thermarest Pro-lite 4 and a ridge rest for about R6 (give or take) in winter. And was always generally comfortable down to negative temps. I assumed R4 was the same as my pro-lite.
This pad is sub R2.
Anyway, I would absolutely Not use this pad with or without a foamy below 40F...it's just not warm.
Having since bought a true R7.5 pad (and using it with a foamy making it around R9) I can actually feel heat radiating back to me on it. It's insane how warm it is.
My advice... If camping below 40F and certainly below freezing, get a real winter pad. And bring a foamy under it when you can.
Sounds like you had a phenomenal system. My no sleep night was definitely with the impression I was using a 4 season pad. It hit home hard I wasn't. At the time I assumed it was my UL setup but as I used it mode I realized it wasnt the only reason.
I've got a ton of winter experience, even back to the days I was just stacking foamies and I've never been that cold.
Coldest I've camped was -30F and I was absolutely fine on 2 foam pads back in 2004 (2 foamies is roughly the R4 Klymit claims) . It wasn't until like 2007 I owned my first thermarest. On that trip, I only had a 0F bag, but I used a vapor barrier and a bivy sack. Plus I used hot water bottles in insulated sleeves slow burn heat all night. But... I was never cold.
Anyway, I was just pointing out while I think the klymit pad is fairly durable and a decent extra pad or summer pad (noise,bulk, weight aside). It shouldn't be bought with the idea it's a 4 or even extended 3 season pad. For me it's strictly summer and I'll eventually upgrade it with something lighter for that use.
Top Sleeping Pads on Reddit
1
Exped
MegaMat Series
92% positive of 454 users
Car camping comfort champ, but some side sleepers find it thin.
ashoradam
