Winter sleep systems

[nanook ofthenorth]

Hi, I am really struggling with deciding on a warm but light pad system for winter camping, often on snow or on a glacier, in the canadian rockies.

What do people use? I am trying to use my Torsolite but am considering getting a three quarters length Prolite4

[Bruce .]

For me, when it comes to winter hiking, I won't compromise my sleep system for weight.
Sleeping pad for snow condtions: Exped Downmat 7. full length. Warm. all the way down to my toes! and I'm not fiddling around trying to get my feet off the cold cold ground with my pack…….or my boots….or clothes….etc!
I hike in Virginia/West Virgina conditions, 20's to single digits at night.

[nanook ofthenorth]

thanks, I was looking at them. Still weight is important to me so I think I am going to stay away from the downmats for the time being.

[Nick Gatel]

"For me, when it comes to winter hiking, I won't compromise my sleep system for weight."

Ditto!!

[Patrick Young]

I've taken the Big Agnes Dual Core down to the single digits on snow and was tasty warm. Mine was under the stated weight at 31.8 oz for a 20×72 rectangle. It is oh so comfy too.

[Steven Evans]

Robert,
There are bunch of threads discussing sleeping pads, so you can check them out but here's my experience. Keep in mind that I assume you mean "real" winter, and not it may drop to below 32*F (0*C) a couple of times…so let's say nighttime temps of 5*F (-15*C).

1 x Thermarest z-lite – not recommended

2 x Thermarest z-lite – doable, but not recommended

1 x Ridgerest – doable, but not recommended

1 x Downmat 7 short, pack under legs – warm all night long baby!

1 x Montbell 90, 1 x GG Nightlite on top, pack under legs – good combo at a nice weight – will keep you warm.

1 x Stephensons DAM (custom 48" length), 1 x GG thinlite underneath, pack under legs – warm and toasty!

1 x Downmat 7 short, 40 below tent floor underneath, pack under legs – Just used this combo and I don't think you can get cold at any temp.

OK, so I hope that helps you or anyone else out there. For simple overnighters, you can obviously get away with less because 1 bad night won't kill you. But after a few days of bad sleep, it will take a toll – especially in the winter. I use a DM7 short almost always because it is so warm…it helps me push my versalite to much lower temps. If you want to shave more weight, the torso inflatable with a CCF is a nice combo. My montbell 90 and GG nightlite weigh about 13 oz and has my seal of approval for winter use. :)

I should add that if you plan on using your torsolite (a BPL one, right?), you could add a CCF on top and probably be good. Testing it is the key in the end.

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