RidgeRest Solar

I prefer an underquilt, but when I use a pad, I use a CCF Thermarest Solar in the pad layer of my WB Blackbird.

Foam is a foam. Be it branded as ThermaRest, Decathlon or random Asian (the only difference I noticed with cheap asian stuff that costs <50% of the Decathlon's price was how quickly it gets permanently compressed). Great but bulky (more of an issue for bikers, not the hikers). I used good old Ridgerest in -5C temps with -5C sleeping bags with no issues (it was still too warm for me) but YMMV.

EXPED! DABOMB! I camped in Manistee NF 6 weeks ago. I put my Exped on two RidgRest pads and two older ThermaRest single pads. It added an extra two layers insulation from the ground and my tent. The ExPed is like a mattress at home!

I've not tried a thinlite over an inflatable, but I have used it as a dog sit pad. I found the material deceptively delicate. My 10 month pup stretched out and pulled her paws back, ripping a section (it's grippy and spongy). Personally, if I was going down this route I'd find something thinner but more durable to rips/tears from dog paws. I use a Thermarest Ridgecrest for her now. Like your dog, she prefers to sleep alongside me on an inflatable, but it was too much hassle and risk. She's now learning to stay on the ccf... it is easier to train a pup though.

I exclusively sleep on CCF mats. the best budget, packable and easily available option is the Decathlon MT500. The warmest is the Thermarest Ridgerest but it's bulky. The epxed flexmat, Thermarest Z lite and Nemo Switchback are all good but a bit more pricey. Don't get hung up on R values like you would with an inflatable pad. for some reason CCF mats always feel warmer, i think due to the density of the material. I've slept on ice in the alps with CCF mats. As always though it will depend on the person and you'd need to exercise caution with a young en.

Im not an ultralight camper, i just browse this sub to learn. That being said i am a side sleeper as well. Bought a klymit staticV before i really knew about decent pads, and even though its kind of marketed to side sleepers i found it lacking in insulation and thickness, especially on my hips. My solution was to throw a thermarest ridgerest ccf on top. Super firm and comfy feels like a mattress. Id imagine a lighter weight ccf could still have the same effect. Worth a shot without breaking the bank. Edit spelling

I'm just saying all the ccf pads are essentially the same. Yes the decathlon one is better value than the thermarest or Exped or nemo.