Inflatable Sleeping Pads: Finding Comfort when Sleeping on the Ground (Updated)

[AK Granola]

I finally bought a Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT (had to look up the name of what I bought – jeez), back in March. I bought a regular which is super long and takes up almost all the lengthwise space in my Marmot Tungsten tent. Fits better in my TT Notch Li. My primary sleeping bag is also too long, so at least the toe end rests on the mattress instead of on the floor.

The pad is very comfortable and the 20 inch wide is fine for me (I’m 5’7″ and 160 pounds). As with all my sleeping pads, I put any extra clothes or gear alongside, so if my arms drape off in the night, they land on something that also provides insulation from cold ground. I’m a flip flopper when I sleep, and the mattress is not especially slippery. It really hasn’t bothered me. I am finding that it adds a wee bit more warmth than my old Uberlite, which I loved to death, alas.

I do use a Gossamer Gear thinlight pad underneath. That thing is so useful in so many ways that it’s totally worth the (minimal) weight and bulk. For sitting on rocks at 40F, so much nicer to sit on something that protects against the cold and wet. Sitting on a wet picnic bench, or damp ground, or sand. And of course protection for the inflatable pad. Heck, cut into pieces it might be a good First Aid item too.

I just inflate the Neoair by mouth. It never takes 5 minutes; I can’t imagine why people need 5 minutes to blow up a mattress unless they are physically impaired in some way. Lifelong smoker maybe? Heart issues? Even at 10,000 feet, it’s just not that hard and I’m not a super athlete or anything. If you can hoof it up a 3000 foot climb you can blow up a mattress, no devices needed. Plus deep breathing is good for you. I’ll change my tune if my health declines I’m sure, so no shade on those who need them as an assistive technology! I hate filtering water far more than I dislike inflating my sleeping pad, as far as camp chores go.

So far the mattress is sturdy, but time will tell. I am more careful than I used to be about site selection and clearing sharp rocks. If it fails, I’ll make do and survive.

 

[AK Granola]

For pillow creep – I just use a tshirt or a jacket to attach the pillow to the mattress; just slide it over the top as if you were “dressing” the mattress. Might not work for very small people with tiny tshirts.

[Terran Terran]

Unless they have tiny pads.

[Brett Peugh]

As a tall side sleeper I am interested in the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR.  I currently use the Exped 3R and was wondering if anyone had thoughts.  Thank you.

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