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I'm curious if xtherm users usually supplement the pad with a thin CCF pad to protect from punctures. I'm looking for a new pad and I keep going back and forth between the xtherm large and synmat winterlite MW. I had the synmat UL 7 but would always supplement it with a 1/8" CCF due to the lighter material used, which adds 3-4 ounces of weight. I'm wondering if I can get away with using the xtherm and not have to worry about using the CCF pad. I think the new ones have a 50d bottom.
Two years of use with 70d bottom. I have only used a sylnylon bottom bivy, sil net tent or polycryo under mine. Only time I punctured was on the top because of my carelessness. Can't speak to the new lighter bottom. I could see using a ccf pad if on harder rougher ground.
I supplement my therm in very cold weather w a 3/16 ccf pad for a little more R value. I've found the therm to be pretty durable
I've used a ccf pad under mine as a groundsheet for the last few years, and also bivied with mine without ccf on sharp rocks without a puncture. My friend has slept hundreds of nights on his without a puncture. I think the 70d is quite durable. I also just used this pad with just a cuben floor beneath on a 6 day ski traverse that included single digit temps a couple nights and I never felt the least cold underneath. This has been almost my only pad for the last few years, and besides being a tad more narrow than I would like, its been an amazing bit of gear. I think of the xtherm as a game changer, for sure. If its really cold, I'd recommend inflating it a couple of times before bed. Its a lot warmer as the pad is fuller.
Used to be 70D bottom, not anymore
"Used to be 70D bottom, not anymore"
Yep, I'me thinking 50d may be tough enough not to have to supplement with a thin CCF still whereas my Exped Synmat UL 7 was 20d and worried me. It may have been fine but I was worried using it alone. My idea behind getting the xtherm (large) is it weighs close to the same as my UL7 (regular) with CCF pad so long as I don't have to use a supplemental pad and its a lot warmer. If not, the Exped Hyperlite MW w/CCF pad might be another option. I like the the xtherm is a bit warmer though.
For 3-season trips, I don't supplement my NeoAir or Exped pads with any additional protective ccf padding. I just try to clear my sleeping area of any thorns, sticks, sharp rocks, etc and hope for the best. So far, so good.
On cold winter trips, I do bring a thin ccf pad, mainly just as an insurance policy in the event I should spring a leak. a little extra R-value never hurts either. No ground insulation on a 10* night would be brutal…
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