Standard ¾

I use my full length R4 self-inflating pad all year long. For sub-freezing temps I add a 3/4 length R3.2. I use a 20oz "emergency blanket" (tarp with mylar side) as a ground sheet for bivouac, tent footprint, and emergency shelter.

We use Thermarests or their equivalent from like REI. ¾ sized ones to save some bulk.

I've had great success with Thermarest, REI, and Exped self inflating mattresses. All have good customer support too. I wouldn't ever bother with an all air mattress. Poor insulation, rotten in cold. Get a FlexTail pump.

When I was younger I got a 3/4 length therma rest sleeping pad for a backpacking trip to save on weight. It worked it was fine for the trip, I'm really short anyway and didn't notice. 12 years later I used it again and let my bf use the full body one because he had never gone real camping before. Oh man, I can sleep through a lot and pretty easily. That was the most uncomfortable I've been in years sleeping on the ground. Get one. You'll regret it.

I'll hype my Thermarest self inflating pad. I think it's 3/4". It was expensive when I got it, but I've used it many times over 30 years and it's still working well. It could be more comfortable. But I carry it on a pack. It's worlds better than not having it.

So…I went from an inflatable mattress…no insulation, to a cot, with a thermarest self inflating mattress. Better, but I found the cot to be so confining. Ditching the cot and using the thermarest on the ground was 100% better.

I started on the old school thermarest shortie, then a full length, then switched to a big agnes inflatable--which i liked but went through two of them with bad valves. Switched to a nemo a couple of years ago, and love it. It's a little "crinkly" sounding, but otherwise well worth it. Good choice :-)

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.