Question on using a 20″ wide foam pad under a 25′ inflatable

While you can develop cold spots, I don't think it's worth it in all but the coldest conditions. (from an added weight, bulk, cost perspetive)

If you want simplest/no worries setup though, then move to the wide CCF.

Thanks Todd for the reply.

The extra weight would be about 5oz, extra bulk is definitley a consideration, cost is not a big deal as got to spend my Rei dividend on something, and have a crap load of gas canisters already ;-)

With the 6 R, I wouldn't think you'd need to double up. What temps you preparing for? : )

I have an extra $10 CCF for doubling with my winter setup. I was under the impression that doubling up matts was more about saving cash than optimizing. If $ wasn't he issue I'd just get a warmer primary pad.

On the empty 5 inch side you could lay down extra clothes if you're woried about it.

I too use a 20 inch ccf pad under my 25 inch wide inflatable and this system puts me at 7.5R which works down to -20F. Plus, the ccf pad becomes part of my tent floor so I won't have to squat and sit on the cold ground inside the tent. Then at night it's moved under the inflatable.

a 20" (inch) pad isn't going to add much insulation to a 25' (foot) inflatable…. but it should be just fine for a 25" inflatable! :)

If I remember correctly Exped has slightly larger outside baffles. Given that, you probably already have higher insulation on the outside than the inside. I don't think you are going to see much of a difference between the 20" and 25" pads unless you are already really close in the amount of insulation you will need. The bulk of your body will be over the 20" pad. Those 2.5" on each side will most likely only be touched by the sides of your arms.

When paired with an inflated, would a Ridgerest Solite have any advantages over a flat CCF pad of approximately the same R value?

[if the answer is no…]

The bulk of the Ridgerests is a bummer. Ridges serve some cushioning purpose, but if you're just using it to thermally bolster your inflatable (and serve as a margin of safety should the inflatable fail), Then you don't need that bulk.

So, I'd get a 25" CCF, just cause I'm the kind of person who likes to make sure her bread is buttered all the way to the edge of the crust, but I'd take my REI dividend in the form of a check and get a plain, flat CCF pad from MEC (Any other good sources? GG doesn't have long enough and wide).

That would give you more bang for your bulk!

I'd like to see the Z-Lite in a 25" width.

Thanks all for the replies, much appreciated.

In winter I like having a full length ridgerest with me as if my pad blows (has never happens in 25 years though) I can fold the ridgerest in half and with pack and clothing at the bottom I should be warm enough.

I am often out in -15f so like to take a high r value setup.

I am sure rhe Synmat ul 9 will be fine with a 20 inch pad under it but need to test it out with the ul7.