To get insulation or not…

If you only need the extra insulation on rare occasions, then you might be better off getting the lighter model and layering a thin, cheap foam pad underneath when necessary.

“If you only need the extra insulation on rare occasions, then you might be better off getting the lighter model and layering a thin, cheap foam pad underneath when necessary.”

That’s what I do. I have the POE Max Compact uninsulated. It’s a bit cold under 45 degrees. Down at 20 degrees it would be very uncomfortable. Your bag won’t help as the insulation will be compressed uder you. A thin foam pad takes the Max Compact to temps below freezing, putting it on par with the Max Thermo. The upside is that you save some weight in the summer when you won’t see temps under 45 degrees.

As a side note, layer the foam pad on top of the POE pad. You’ll get much better performance that way as you don’t have to heat up all the air in the pad to stay warm.

Also, take a look at the Max Thermo-Lite. It looks like the best of both worlds. If I was buying again, that’s what I’d get.