Sleeping Pad for Summer Hiking/Camping in Yellowstone

I think options 1 and 3 combined will give you the best bang for your buck with the most versatility.

It looks like average lows are around 35F? You'll probably be down to 30F with options 1 and 3, except put the Ridge Rest pad on top of the air mattress. The only way to be sure is to test the whole sleep system at the temps you expect.

I decided to just buy the thermarest ridge rest and tack it on my bag. I wish I could test the whole thing out, but I think the coldest it's gotten here in the past week is 70s haha. Thanks for the input.

I assume you'll be hiking in the north of the park, as the rest will still be under snow (most likely). That's the lowest and thus warmest area, but temps below freezing are certainly not out of the ordinary.

I'd go for options 1 and 3, or just bring the ridgerest and leave the air mat at home.

Not sure what part we'll be in, but if it's how you say, then I imagine we'll go north.

Is there any problem with me using a 3/4 Thermarest pad as opposed to a full? I want to reduce the weight, space and cost, so I went with the 3/4 pad, even though my BA bag and pad are the long versions. I sleep on my side and curled up anyway.

Also, any problem with me putting the Thermarest UNDERNEATH my air core pad, as opposed to on top? As a side sleeper, I need the air pad or else my shoulders/hips kill me later. Or I just don't sleep.

I have a kook bay large non insulated pad and I am cold with a 20 degree quilt at 40 degrees. I have on a down coat and fullmupper and lower insulated underwear and down hat.

I add a foam pad under my kook bay pad I am fine.

Ibdontnthink extra clothes help much with a non insulated pad…just my opinion but I say get a foam pad and add to your set up

One of the cottage guys just came out with full length 1/8 and 1/4 in pads for cheap and light weight

Think it was gg but don't quote me

From what I remember of Yellowstone, the ground is almost totally covered with built in insulation. Although I had a foam pad at the time, I'm sure the ground cover adds a lot of insulation, even when wet, which it usually is in May/June.
My wilderness experience there was quite a while ago, it is possible that the designated campsites lately are hard ground, so my experience may not apply.

Yup, go with options 1 & 3.
The ground is always cool and snowstorms are always possible except in August. Bugs can be a huge problem unless you are up around Mammoth & Gardiner.
Go light and stay way out on the trails. You shouldn't run into to many people out there… their packs will be too heavy. You would NOT believe what some folks try to carry and how much they end up cutting back their plans.