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I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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I have used the Nemo tensor all season (a previous version) with the pump. I used it in multiple?section hikes, and when it finally sprung a leak along the seam, Nemo replaced it for free.
I also have a second pad, an earlier version of this:?
I prefer the fabric top on sleeping pads, because they are quieter when I roll around.? They are also heavier. I recommend either one of those for comfort.
On Mon, 29 Apr 2024 at 13:39, Ger Murphy via <germurphymail= [email protected]> wrote: I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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I used the old, noisier version of the Thermorest XLite and loved it. ?I believe they have a newer version out which supposedly sounds less like sleeping on a bag of Doritos chips. ?I was so tired at the end of the day I didn’t even notice the sound. ?It kept me very warm on a few hailing/freezing nights and packs down incredibly small. ?It is pricey however.
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On Apr 29, 2024, at 1:39?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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Though my Big Agnes Q-Core is somewhat heavier than what has been suggested, I do like the fact it is 3" thick, quiet, and with my large inflator, I can have the pad ready in about 2 minutes.
TwoDogs
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My wife and I spend about 20-25 nights per year in the backcountry. Our favorite has been the Thermarest Neoair Xlite, short version. Used to weight cca. 8 oz. We went through a few, each lasting cca. 6-7 years. Noise was never a problem. (Winter: regular-sized XTherms.)
Problem is, Thermarest discontinued this. Currently, their lightest mattress weighs 12 oz. They also discontinued their Uberlite series (cca. 6.5 oz. for the short). I talked to them and they said people are upset, so they might bring back some short/light version next year.
Our latest Xlites wore our recently and we managed to get two of the last Uberlites. Can't say yet how well they hold up, we just got them a few days ago.
As for inflation, I always blow them up by mouth, takes about 10-11 breaths for the short mattresses. It's good breathing exercise. Never had a problem with molding or moisture accumulation.
Steven
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Have a look at Big Agnes: I had several and they usually last ver long and are comfy. If cost is an issue, wait until the mid May 20% REI coupon.
Best of luck!
Rick
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I use thermorest. ?Used to use big Agnes’s. ?Had 2 blowup on day 2. ?They did not stand behind their product. ? Stupid move in the backpacking world. ??
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On Apr 29, 2024, at 5:34?PM, shannon macconnell via groups.io <shannonmacconnell@...> wrote:
? I used the old, noisier version of the Thermorest XLite and loved it. ?I believe they have a newer version out which supposedly sounds less like sleeping on a bag of Doritos chips. ?I was so tired at the end of the day I didn’t even notice the sound. ?It kept me very warm on a few hailing/freezing nights and packs down incredibly small. ?It is pricey however.
On Apr 29, 2024, at 1:39?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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I love my Big Agnes Q-core SLX.? Combined with the Lost Ranger bag with sleeve it's terrific.? I like to be comfortable at night and it does the trick, along with an inflatable? pillow.? The fact that you can't roll off the pad is a game changer as far as I'm concerned.? I also use an inflation bag and find it pretty handy.? This will be my 8th season using the Q-core and, knock on wood, it's never sprung a leak.? The downside with the sleep system is if the pad fails, there is no insulation on the bottom of the bag.? I've added a thin lightweight pad, Gossamer thinlight,? this year as an additional protector and a bit of backup insulation.
Hopefully, their product quality has not diminished since mine was produced.
I use thermorest.? Used to use big Agnes’s.? Had 2 blowup on day 2.? They did not stand behind their product. ? Stupid move in the backpacking world. ?? On Apr 29, 2024, at 5:34?PM, shannon macconnell via <shannonmacconnell=[email protected]> wrote:
?I used the old, noisier version of the Thermorest XLite and loved it.? I believe they have a newer version out which supposedly sounds less like sleeping on a bag of Doritos chips.? I was so tired at the end of the day I didn’t even notice the sound.? It kept me very warm on a few hailing/freezing nights and packs down incredibly small.? It is pricey however.
? I hope it's ok to post a gear question.
I did the JMT from Yosemite Valley to VVR in 2022, got stopped last year because of the San Joaquin bridge being out, and have a plan to continue from VVR end of August this year.
I need a new sleeping pad, looked online and ordered the from REI which I will be returning. It was very expensive, and the inflation pump sack is way too much work.
Appreciate if anyone has any recommendations based on personal experience.
Thanks for your help.
Geraldine.
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I'm a sucker for a thick sleeping pad. I have a pretty old Big Agnes one (orange). It's heavy but worth the weight. With a thinner pad, if I sleep on my side, my hips can sometimes bottom out on the hard ground. I like to be comfy—nay, luxurious—at night when I'm exerting myself all day. Treat yo'self!?
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Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Insulation is near zero on a deflated pad. ?The good news is top tier pads are quite durable when treated well. ?Some people prefer foam pads which is a durable low cost option. ?I use a neoair womens (higher r value) and 1/4”foam pad under for puncture protection. ? ?Very durable and going strong after >1000 miles. ? Lower weight costs money. ?High end Pad about 200. ?Backpack 250-300 ? You might look at Adam packs. They are from the UK and might be available to look at locally. ? A 15 year old pack should be replaced. The foam is likely degraded.
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On May 10, 2024, at 2:16?PM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Thanks Tom, that's very helpful.
If there is no difference when punctured, then that makes my sleeping bag decision much easier.
On the backpack, I will look at upgrading to a similar model, however I would have to say it's been working fine for me, and the fact that I get hip bruises on a heavy load; is it just me?), is not necessarily related to the life of the foam. I have always got them on a longer trip.
Thanks for all your help,
?Geraldine.
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Geraldine there are some pack brands out there that have pretty solid frames with low total pack weights. The Osprey’s are comfortable for their weight because the frames are excellent, but they are heavy (I recently refurbished my old Dana Designs Terraplane pack for possible winter trips - it also has a very comfortable frame, but the pack is heavy!).?
Even if it doesn’t solve your hips bruising, a pack like the ULA circuit is half the weight of your Osprey but still with a good frame and hip belt - lighter load must be (slightly) easier on hips. ULA also has the option for “S” shaped shoulder straps that are designed as a better fit for women (I read that ULA’s client base is over 50% women as a result).
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On 11 May 2024, at 7:16?AM, Ger Murphy via groups.io <germurphymail@...> wrote:
? Thanks for all the input and advice on sleeping pads. I really appreciate it and will digest it and make a more informed decision. I would love if REI came to Europe (and Ireland specifically) so I could actually go to a physical store and try them all out. One question I have is on insulation when punctured; is there any measure on insulation when a sleeping pad is deflated??
I was also considering upgrading my backpack as it's quite heavy. I have had an Osprey woman's?backpack that weights 4.5/5lbs for over 15 years but it's very comfortable, and on the first part of the JMT, I still got bruises on my hips from carrying a heavy pack. So I can't lose any paddling as this time I will have to carry for 9 days.
Thanks, Geraldine
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Osprey has some outstanding exceptions that meet or exceed weight advantages of the best of them.? Look at the Eja (Exos) which is under 3 pounds for a full framed pack and a pound lighter than? for the Pro model, all under $300.? Backpacker pack of the year in 2023.
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Hi Geraldine,?
If you are getting hip bruises under a heavy load, it may be a sign that the hip belt on the pack you are using isn't suited for your body type.? That is a conclusion I came to myself after using a Gregory Baltoro for a number of trips and having the same thing
happen to me.? The problem went away after switching to other packs.??
Greg
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Thanks Tom, that's very helpful.
If there is no difference when punctured, then that makes my sleeping bag decision much easier.
On the backpack, I will look at upgrading to a similar model, however I would have to say it's been working fine for me, and the fact that I get hip bruises on a heavy load; is it just me?), is not necessarily related to the
life of the foam. I have always got them on a longer trip.
Thanks for all your help,
?Geraldine.
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Ger Murphy
Derek Koonce
Rick A.
Lange Jorstad