Z lite vs GG NightLight/ThinLight combo

http://www.tenpoundbackpack.com/gear-lists/sleeping-pads/

Lots of pads with specs and r values.

I guess this is how the R values would overlap… would the doubling just create a 2.27+0.45 = 2.72 R value, which is more than the Z lite but the 0.45 would provide much less insulation in upper and lower areas?

you have multiple options beyond the nightlight/1/8" combo- I add a sit pad of the same config as the nightlight, that gives me 40" of torso coverage (30" is too small for me) and then add a 1/4" gg pad (double the r value of the 1/8" pad and much hardier- the 1/8" pads tear pretty easy in my experience)

no problem w/ pads sliding around, but I do know some folks adhere small velcro patches w/ pretty good luck

you'll find you use the sit/kneel pad quite a bit and that combo is still lighter than the zlite

You really don't need both. The zlite is the most heavily and commonly used for good reason. It doesn't pick up duff and stickers like the GG pads and the zlite is warm enough to sleep on thru snowstorms under a tarp as I did . I used a tyvek then later just a poly cro ground cloth. You will find as you get farther into the trail that simplifying is best.

I like simplifying, but I'm interested because the combo is half the weight of the Z lite and provides a better R-value in the torso area. I agree it's not the only option and I'm open to others. I do like the simplicity of just carrying one pad though

I've been using the Gossamer Gear NightLight torso and 1/8 ThinLight combo since 2007. The only thing I add in cooler weather is an additional GG sitpad which is basically another section of the Torso Pad. I'm a side sleeper so I use the sitpad turned sideways under my knee area of my leg which keeps my legs off the ground except for my feet. As my down quilt usually has plenty of room at the bottom when I'm curled up on my side anyway, I bunch the extra under my feet. I sleep pretty warm cowboy camping in a 20F down quilt, these pads, and my lightweight bivysack down to high teens in just lightweight thermals.

I used this on the PCT in 2009 and was perfectly fine for a trip that ended at Canada on Octber 2 in 4 days of off and on snow. I took the same combo on the AT 3 years later and will use it again on my future CDT hike.

As for comfort, that is a selective thing. I sleep about as well as I ever did on any other pad i've owned including 1" inflatable thermarests. After a couple of short backpacking trips in spring or a couple of days of continuous trail, I start to sleep about as well as I do at home (meaning, I wake up, go to the toliet, flip onto my other side and repeat a couple of times during the night). Campsite selection is part of comfort. As a tarp user and someone who prefers to cowboy camp, I don't often camp on heavily impacted campsites where the ground has been compacted by years of use into the hardness of concrete. Softer ground is… well, softer no matter what pad you are using.

As I use a frameless pack (ULA CDT), the torso pad is the support inside my pack against my back where it fits well (sitpad is stored with the torso pad). The 1/8" thinpad is rolled up and strapped to the outside of my pack and I'll sometimes use it for breaks.

Did you use the sit pad with the combo on the PCT?

Yes the sit pad went the entire distance on the PCT. I tried not using it on the AT and had several times in September and October where I wish I had it along as I resorted to using my hiking clothes under my legs to stay warm. I suppose I could have used my backpack under my legs, but I usually store the rest of my gear and food in it.