Pacific Outdoors Hyper Elite Sleeping Pad

Juston, I was eyeing that pad before I got a KookaBay DAM. Nonetheless, I'll be very interested in what you have to say about it.

I can tell you that the stuff sack will be ripped to shreds by overhanging branches. Those same branches will also frequently get snagged by the stuff sack cord.

The foam between those diamonds on the surface will get ripped off if you sleep in a quilt, especially if you toss about at night like I do.

The pad has never felt cold, although I've hardly any experience in really cold temps.

I am a bit skeptical about the claims this pad makes. My identical looking pad was rated at being 4 ounces heavier. I also swear I remember seeing a lower R-value on the POE website a few months ago. I asked what changed. They said they're now using some organic oil to make their product more environmentally friendly, but otherwise it's the same as before.

All in all, I think it's a decent pad and one I'll keep around. Still, I'll be looking at getting a Kookabay DAM so I can put my pad fully within my pack and avoid the whole snagging problem.

Eugene,

Thanks for your input. I'm a quilt user, so you have me a little worried about the durability of this sleeping pad. Only one way to find out I guess.

Do you think it's possible to roll this pad and use it for a frame inside your pack?

I think the pad would be durable enough to last for years of normal use or maybe one thru hike. Of course I think it'd be better of POE got rid of the diamonds or bonded thin fabric on top. Hmm…maybe I'll do that, plus a strip of tyvek on the bottom surface near the head to protect it against trail debris…maybe a strap and buckle as a substitute for the stuff sack. I already got really lucky and had a long thorn get stopped by the foam before puncturing the inflatable section.

It's an awfully thick pad to put inside a pack. I doubt I'd be able to fit my quilt + 1 week of food + a down jacket into my ULA Catalyst if the pad was in there too.

Thanks for your feedback Eugene. I'll give it a go when it comes in. I'll post some pics of it inside various packs that I own for comparison. It will have to wait until winter to see some serious use. I want to try it down to at least zero.