Buoyant sleeping systems?

I've heard of folks crossing the Colorado on large thermarests, but I've only used one as a supplement.

I once crossed the Colorado during high flood season at Spanish Bottom, just above Cataract Canyon. We put everything in a large drybag (1 each) and tied a rope to it which we looped around our shoulders. We inflated our pads inside for a little extra flotation. Then we swam like crazy. Went more down the river than across…but we did make it! Then enjoyed a fastpack of the Maze/Ernies Country. An amazing trip.

But during low water I've known folks to swim across with only a thermarest. I bet a Big Agnes air pad would be even better. (High water not recommended! The rangers would't approve either- it said specifically on our permit "Colorado crossing not advised due to extreme high water")

Ha! Good times!

Doug

Carol Crooker used one to float her backpack in a small water crossing. Others use the arctic dry pack that can be inflated for a water crossing.

In reading your post again, you are talking about as a pfd I think.

>could also serve as temporary floatation devices.

Why only temporary? You can float and fish in luxury in your snug warm boat. Page 9 of the Stephenson’s Warmlite catalog has two photos of people floating in their sleeping bag/down air mattress combo. The first is tethered to shore on a partially frozen lake with a duck swimming by. Now there’s a cure for rocky ground! (People offended by or not old enough to view naturist photos should probably not look at their catalog.)

Or forget about the flat-water or small river experience. Shoot the curl on a canvas surf mat!

Thanks for the tips, guys. I always appreciate the information & shared experiences.