Sleeping Pad advice

hey, im currently shopping a neoair. Where is this sale you speak of?

http://www.campsaver.com/itemMatrix.asp?groupcode=thr0039&MatrixType=1

Campsaver has them 25% off today (3/2/10).

Andy Stroman is keeping us in the loop in the gear deals forum.

acronym 3/2/2010 4:01 PM

"Could I get away with the NeoAir and a foam pad underneath it for snow camping? What would you all recommend?"

Lots of differing opinions on this one, just look around the forums. It works for me (NeoAir regular and Ridgerest) down to the teens, but not for others at all.

But I just recently bought a DAM from BPLer Bender Newbie. Great price, and it's actually lighter than the NeoAir regular and Ridgerest combo I was using. Even with the BA pump. Should get a chance to use it this coming weekend.

For below freezing temps with the NeoAir–don't try it without a really thick–at least 3/8"–CCF pad. I got cold in an unsupplemented NeoAir at 40*F.

Just came back from snowcamping mt. baldy in socal, this past weekend. Temperatures hit a low of around 24 degrees. My buddy slept fine with a 0 degree bag, and his neoair, with no other pad under it. He was wearing primaloft pants, and I think a softshell top.

I slept fine with my neo air, and a cheap walmart blue foam pad under it. I was using a golite ultra 20, but was also wearing primaloft pants and jacket. So yeah I think you can get away with a neo air in subzero temperatures so long as your bag is warm enough, or you are wearing insulating clothing.

I've also been plenty warm with just a neoair at below freezing. In fact, my wife and I both felt warm enough and we were using sleeping bags only rated to 40 deg. We did have on a layer of clothing and down slippers.

One thing to consider is how inflated you like your pad. A fairly deflated pad can decrease pressure points, but also decrease insulation and create cold spots. In cold weather I completely inflate my pad. Then after the air inside has had time to cool and thus lose pressure, I top it off as fully inflated as possible. In the summer I often get in my sleeping bag and let air out of the pad until my hips just barely are off the ground..

That's what I was thinking. I went ahead and ordered it. I have a synthetic bag good down to 0 F, so I think I'll be alright. I may get a foam bad to use under it. I appreciate the advice.

Consider putting the foam pad on top of the Neo-Air. It will likely be warmer that way.

Cheers