Should I replace my 10y old Ridgerest?

[Daniel Fosse]

Cooler weather will be here soon. I remember a outing very early last spring that got down to mid 30s (F). I was very cold and didn't sleep well.

10 year old Ridgerest CCF pad
MB Down Hugger #3
Long sleve poly shirt
Micro flece pullover
Colombia titanium pants
Med weight smart wool socks
Polartec Balaclava
Microlight EC2 long underware
Tarp pitched to the ground (flying diamond)

By past experience this sleeping rig should be good for 35F.

Is it possible for a CCF pad to ware out? Maybe this is my issue.

[David Chenault]

If it's visually packed out/flattened it's due for a replacement. If not, not.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I've read of a newwer, thicker version of RidgeRest but when I went to Cadcade Designs' site I could only find the standard RidgeRest.
??

Rich, that's it, the thicker Ridge Rest Solar

[Nobody You Know]

I just bought a Ridge Rest today for my winter camping thing. I saw one that I almost bought, it's the Ridge Rest Solar. It alone has an R-Value of 3.5.

But the Ridge Rest I just bought is pretty thick.

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-comfort/ridge-rest-solar/product

[Daniel Fosse]

Yes its pretty smashed and it's not as ridged as a new one anymore. I guess I never considered the possibility of it going bad until those last few cold nites.

I can't fathom the number of hours I have sat/slept on the thing.

I remember those extra thick ones, but it was years ago when I saw them.

What's everyones favorite CCF pad? Those GG egg crate ones look OK but they look floppy and I need the pad for my pack frame, tube style.

[Aaron Reichow]

There was a model called the RidgeRest Deluxe a few years back. Seems to have been discontinued. Folks I knew with them liked them- thicker, more comfortable, and a higher R value. Didn't weigh much more either.

[Matthew Perry]

How about the new Ridge Rest SOLAR:

http://www.cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-comfort/ridge-rest-solar/product

BF

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

The new RidgeRest Solar is the RidgeRest Deluxe of old but with a shiny new reflective coating that supposedly makes it a wee bit warmer.

[Daniel Fosse]

Holy crap! The regular Ridgerest solar weighs 1lb 3 oz! Is it coated with real silver? My current Ridgerest is 9oz.

I'll pass on that one. Those extra thick Ridgerest pads looked nice but it appears they are no longer made.

Maybe a good old Wally World blue mat is the way to go.

[Jeremy G]

Replace it.

I recently replaced my "squished" Z-rest with a Lunapad from Nunatak and I really like it so far.It is the same "thickness" as the Ridgerest Deluxe, but 12 oz instead of 19 oz. Best as i can tell, the R-Value should be about the same.

http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/accessories/lunapad.htm

Or, do a google search and you can still find the Deluxe for sale at various places.

[Aaron Reichow]

Using a regular length Ridgerest may also be a significant improvement, unless you're pretty short, in which case you could early trim down the Ridgerest Solar.

Solar – Reg
19 oz
R = 3.5
0.75" thick
8.6×20 packed

Standard – Reg
14 oz
R = 2.6
0.63 thick
8×20 packed

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I luckily won a drawing for a complete Thermarest setup at a Sierra Club Outings Leaders course last year.

Thermarest Trail Pro
Cover sheet
Quilt that snaps on the cover sheet
foam pillow

The Trail Pro is now my new winter mattress. If I REALLY need more I'll carry my RidgeRest but it's gotta be below zero for that.

[Daniel Fosse]

I finally got a chance to solve this pad issue. It was in the low 30's this weekend on the trail. I had the same gear as before only this time I brought an extra pad. I cut a Walmart blue pad down to 3/4 length. I took both pads, put the Ridgerest on top of the blue pad and slept roasty-toasty all night.

This solution, however, is 17-18 ounces, which I believe is getting in to the inflatable mat range of weight.

Ah, what to do? Maybe a brand new Ridgerest will do the trick. I really like CCF for its fail resistance.

Anyway, good to know it wasn't a problem with my bag, which would be a whole different and expensive issue.

[James holden]

buy a new pad (yr choice) from REI … if it doesnt work for you return it …

most risk free way

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