pad and bivy question

I have a similar setup that I just started using. Haven't had it out with my POE Ether pad yet though (I have been using my Z-Lite/Prolite combo since it's been cold), but I think my pad might fit inside my bivy (not sure yet though). At any rate, I bought a Gossamer Gear Thinlight 1/8" thick pad to go under my POE mattress since I am paranoid about getting a puncture. It's almost 5' long and weighs 1.8 oz (on my postal scale). Perhaps that is an option for you.

Hey Mike,
I ditched the prolite and went to a cut down z-lite (1/3) glued to 2/3 of a GG thin-lite pad – for ~6oz I get full body length and really excellent thermal properties.

I'm a side sleeper too, and what I figured out is that my "pressure points" are really on my shoulder and hip. So, as long as the z-lite section is exactly big enough to handle those two pressure points, the padding for my leg area is not really necessary. Anyway, with this setup I feel confident putting it directly on the ground with my bivy on top.

Just my 2cs… ;-)

Cheers, James.

Back in the bad old days before thermarests were available at affordable secondhand prices in the UK, I used to kick a couple of depressions in the ground for shoulder and hip before pitching the tent over the spot.

Of course this is more feasible on Englands green and pleasant rain soaked sod than on the sun kissed land of the free. ;-)

I have Ti Goat bivy and I put my mummy Big Agnes pad in it and sleep on top. It is nice since I can't fall off the pad. For a ground cloth I use the Gossamer gear polycryo sheet, 1.5 oz, and have had no problems.

Frank, do you use a full size mummy pad? Also, do you find that having that thick of a pad in the tigoat bivy compresses your sleeping bag too much?

No and maybe.

I use a 60 inch BA IAC pad and I may have noticed some minor compression of my bag, Mont-Bell UL SS DH #2 (14 oz down at almost 3 inch loft)but i have't used it long enough.

I have also ordered more of a bug Bivy (that has extra coverage at the feet and Bathtub floor) for use with a tarp.

$69 on Ebay

http://www.bearpawtents.com/bug.html

Haven't gotten it yet.

I ordered the Ti Goat mostly for bug protection and in case there is any splash under the tarp, but the splash hasn't been an issue.