I generally stick to three-season camping, but I have a few nights a year that dip under 15 degrees. I'm looking for a "do it all" combination of sleeping pads that will take me into light winter camping, but not make me too hot on humid summer nights (70 degree lows).
I'm a side-sleeper with broad shoulders and hips, two back surgeries and one shoulder surgery so far (I do a lot of stupid stuff), and one shoulder that's due to be rebuilt this year. I toss, turn, roll and flail, even when "comfortable". This may be blaspheme here, but for me, sleeping pad comfort is much more important than weight. I like the comfort of a semi-firm 2.5" air mattress. I think I'd love a 3.5" well-insulated mattress. I've toyed with the idea of (read: dreamed about) going to an Exped Downmat 9 Deluxe or a Kooka Bay custom down-filled mat (3.5"x 25"x 72").
Are these pads too warm for mid-summer camping when used with just a sheet or light bag liner? How do they do for puncture resistance? Best to combine with a CCF pad? If so, which one? If I get a pack which requires a pad like a Z-lite (I really like the SMD Traveler on paper), is the 3.5" down mattress overkill? Does a Z-Lite provide much in the way of puncture resistance given it's narrower width? Would a 1/8" CCF pad do the trick?
By the way… my current sleep/shelter system:
Double-wall 2-man tent
Pacific Outdoors "insulated" air mattress (2.5"x72"x20", 26 oz.)
20 degree Alps Mountaineering Clearwater Wide synthetic bag
Poly boxers & wool socks. Beanie when absolutely necessary.
This combination usually keeps me comfortably warm to 35 degrees, cool but manageable between 25 and 35 (when coupled with a 3/8" CCF pad), and downright cold below 25 degrees (usually on the bottom side). The "insulation" in the air mattress consists of an 1/8" open cell foam sheet that settles to the bottom of each chamber – probably close to useless. Otherwise, the pad is as comfy as any other 2.5" air mattress. I'm generally good about clearing the site of rocks, twigs, and pointy things, but I've occasionally relied on the "fingers crossed" method of puncture resistance. No holes so far.
Thanks,
FB
