Best winter sleep pad with high insulation value and decent comfort; POE aerogel pad?

I would think the most comfort would be a POE insulated air mattress, with a ccf pad on top of it. I've heard the Expeds are really warm too.

Read the reviews on the POE pads. They are heavy and warmth is patchy, principally under your torso and no where else. They are an okay choice overall, however. If you want something very warm and a better option…check out the Stevenson Warmlite DAM (http://www.warmlite.com/). Their website is a little nutty, but they make good stuff and can customize it to your liking. Exped Down mats also are fairly popular.

With all that said, I think you'd be very surprised at how warm you'd be with a standard 3/4" Gossamer Gear pad…or even two. These choices are lighter, cheaper, and more durable than an other suggestions you'll get with this posting. I actually owned a Stevenson DAM…and returned it for another GG pad. I've never looked back and I've never been cold from the ground. I also hate sleeping on an inflatable raft and find the GG pads far more comfortable.

I had a look at the PO, not used one. My preference is for a thicker mat like the Exped. I have the Exped 7 and find the given rating spot on, much warmer for me than my Prolite 4 (women's version at that. I like the pink colour)
The advantage of the PO would be that if the inflatable part springs a leak you still have some insulation. The disadvantage would be the packed size and for me the lack of extra cushion I get with the Downmat 7.
If your minimum temp will be under 20f , have a look at the Exped 9, also available in xl size (DLX). The pump is a bit of a pain for some. Two solutions; wait for the new built-in pump models ( out already in the UK and NZ) or buy the pillow pump.
I use a PO Max Thermo in warm weather.
Franco
http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/b43HomePageE?openframeset

Thanks Joe, James and Franco – that was really helpful. I'm thinking of either the Exped 7 or multiple GG pads. We both like to side sleep.

Re the Exped Downmat: In summer we don't mind a 3/4 pad with a pack at our feet, but in winter would like nearly full coverage. The Exped reg size at 70 in. is long enough for me to deal with at 6 ft tall. I've read terrific reviews. Considering that we use clothes and insulation layers like Patagonia DAS parkas and Micropuff full-zip pants as part of our sleep system, do you think the Exped 7 will be warm enough for Sierra Nevada winter conditions? We'll be in a 4 season tent (decided on Hilleberg Jannu or Nammatj 3). I think we'd be ok with the Exped 7, and it would be nice to save the eight.

Re the GG 3/4 pad: We'd also like to get rid of our 3 season Thermarest inflatable pads and get a lighter more comfortable summer pad. For winter use, can GG make you a longer pad? Also, how warm will 2 GG pads keep you? I know this is very subjective, and depends on a host of factors like how warm you sleep and your sleep system, but any feedback would be helpful. One possibility to make it easier to use the 3/4 pads in winter would be to use 2 inflatable Thermarest prolite seats we have (about 3 oz each) at our feet.

Also, are there any other GG-like options you'd recommend?

Anyone know the R values on the Exped Downmat 7 and 9?

Just read about the Thermarest NeoAir on another post (expected out in April) – it has an R value of 2.5. The lightweight and its design might make us stick with air pads for 3 season use. Wondering how the Exped Downmat 7 and 9 compare with it for warmth.

The 7 is R 5.9

The 9 is R 8.0

Yup, what Jonathon said. FWIW, I have a Downmat 9 and love it. Super comfy for side sleeping, and super warm. There's a 5-ounce difference between the 7&9; to me, gaining ~25% more cushion and ~33% more insulation (w/the 9) is worth the 5 ounces. I had a post in MYOG sorta recently re: a mod for the pump sack, would save you at least 4 ounces, perhaps more.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=17429

Sorry, don't know how to re-format for good justification (tips?).

If you can, wait for the new integrated pump mats. As Franco said, they are available in the UK now. I have the new Downmat 7 Pump, and it so easy to use. I can have it fully inflated in under a minute.

Mike, you have one of the new Downmats? Any lighter? Any idea when they will be available over here? The stuff sack pump isn't a huge PITA but a 1 minute inflation sounds really nice!

Hi Mike

> wait for the new integrated pump mats.
Details? Photos?

Cheers

I have a new Exped Synmat that has the built in pump…

Simply open valve on the bottom and place your hand over it when you compress it…easy.

Anyone see the pump Downmats anywhere in the U.S. yet?

Mine weighs 924g for the regular size mat. Heavier than the old, but lighter than the old mat plus pump sack. I counted the amount of pumps the last time i used it, and i think it was 40 something. It's a bit like doing fast CPR! It's 10.40pm Saturday night here and i've had a few beers, so i'm not doing it again right now! :)

None for the new pump Downmats that I know of…still cleaning out the old inventory from what I can tell.

Speaking of Exped Downmats. I car camped recently. I was thinking it sure would be nice to have a bicycle tire pump along for my old style downmat. Anyone have any tips?

Downmat 7 R value – 5.9
Downmat 9 R value – 8

Do you think the 7 will be sufficiently warm for a Sierra Nevada winter weekend trip inside a double wall tent considering that we have Patagonia DAS parkas and Micropuff pants (purchased during a fantastic outlet clearance) as part of our sleep system? Just starting to research winter sleeping bags – I can always rent for this trip. Leaning towards bags over quilts as they will be more vesatile for us.