Non-crinkly robust sleeping pad

Try a Xlite NXT. Thermarest reduced the crinkly. I have a prior version Xlite. With a 1/8 CCF pad underneath it seems to eliminate the potato chip sound everyone complains about. Or at least to me it does.

Thx.  Anyone tried the BA Rapid SL?  Seems fairly robust on the YT videos, with a killer price on Moosejaw right now.  About the same weight as the trekker.

I’m with Baja Bob, just stopping by to say the NXT is noticeably quieter.

I just purchased a BA Rapide SL in the regular/wide size. An Xtherm has been my go to pad for years. I was getting fed up with the crinkle and I’ve only found it moderately comfortable. I’m 6’ and pushing 200#.

I just used the new BA pad on a 4 day desert trip and loved it. It’s not a light pad, but reasonable for those of us willing to carry a bit more to sleep well. It’s 24oz in the reg/wide size without stuff sack or pump sack. It’s far and away the most comfortable pad I’ve ever used and I slept better than normal. It’s also very quiet – I noticed ZERO noise used on a Xmid floor. It does in fact feel quite durable. The fabric is 30d, but somehow feels tougher than the 30d top of my Xtherm. I like the valve system much more than the new MSR valve. I hope the pad proves to be as durable as it feels.

The only downsides for me are the added weight (I’m happy to accept that given the comfort) and the included pump sack sucks – heavy (!) and it doesn’t work well. Plan on researching other options if you buy this pad… I sewed a new one from silnylon.

I’ve also had a Nemo Tensor Insulated before and while it was comfortable, it felt very fragile. While I generally try to keep my medium-sized dog off my pad, she snuck onto it once and promptly popped it when she stood up. And not just a pinhole, but a tear that I was unable to fix in the field. The Nemo was relatively quiet but was a bit squeaky – like rubbing a balloon. The BA is even quieter.

Hope this helps!

Thx for the feedback on the Rapide – confirms my indirect impressions from watching the YT videos. I did order their other inflation sack for $30 extra.  The provided one is best described as weird.  Also your experience the the Tensor is consistent with mine – it does not puncture, it tears, and you are sleeping on the cold ground for the rest of your trip.

Yeah, my Tensor popped/tore on a beach with large cobbles. After giving up the repair, I padded the ground as best I could with what I had and settled in for a fun night. At least it was only for one night!

I really hope the Rapide proves to be durable. If so, I believe it will be the unicorn pad I’ve been searching for.

I has similar issues with sleeping pads until I found the Sea to Summit Ether Light range.

They explicitly set out to produce a quieter and more reliable mat, using a high-end welding technology that is far stronger than the industry standard method. When I spoke to them a couple of years after launch they still hadn’t experience a weld failure in the field.

The strength of the weld enables a sprung cell construction that’s unusually quiet and comfortable. It’s stable right to the edge so I’m far more likely to stay on the mat all night. It has a great pillow attachment system, and an excellent field-serviceable valve.

I particularly like the lozenge shaped option which is the best I’ve experienced yet for side sleepers. No knees hanging over the edge – yay! They include it in their women’s range, but it’s just as good for men.

The downside is that the welding system requires a fabric that’s a bit heavier than the hard-core ultralight competition. So on the spec the R value seems a bit disappointing for the weight. But the excellent cell construction means that it’s comfortable when fully inflated. Other mats I’ve used could only be partially inflated for comfortable side sleeping – you don’t get anywhere near the theoretical R value and I would end up with cold hips. For me, the Ether Light works out warmer in the field than higher rated mats by other makers.

If you value reliability, comfort and quietness over the last word in gram-weeniness, the Sea to Summit is the way to go…

what’s your womans etherlight weighing (without stuff sack)? I have the small mens mummy and it’s wonderful. it’s 15.7oz

Yes S2S Etherlite XT insulated was on my list.  At 6ft the womens’ large is just short enough that my feet are likely to hang off the edge.

The mens comes in two varieties, mummy and rectangular.  Difference in weight is not large but still meaningful 4 oz.  Any thoughts on the tradeoffs?  The mummy seems to be wide where it counts (shoulders) and not too tapered at the feet.  Tempted to order one and compare it to the BA Rapide.  Hate to order things just to check them out but my local REI has moved to minimal in stock inventory so they kinda force my hand.

My Nemo Tensor Insulated has seen many nights with no reliability problems, but it’s not warm enough for me.

My newer Exped Ultra 5R is warmer, just as comfy and non-crinkly, but very little experience so far. Might be worth a look.

— Rex

Rex – I experienced a series of weld and valve failures with Exped pads before I gave up on them. They are quite good at replacing them under guarantee, but I hope for your sake that they have improved their quality.

Boyan – I took home the women’s lozenge and the men’s mummy to try on appro. For me, as a side sleeper, the lozenge shape was much the most comfortable. But sleep is very personal, and a back sleeper would have different needs. I suggest you simply try them all from a supplier that accepts returns.

Thank you all for the advice. I have ordered a Rapide, Ether lite XT rectangular and EtherLite XT mummy. Hopefully one of them is a keeper.

While in REI I tested the Nemo Switchback for those situations where I am sleeping by my Jeep in a cot or on a quick overnight to a place with iffy terrain. I was impressed at how non slip the orange surface was and how softer it felt relative to my Wally’s generic knockoff. However the Wally pad is a full two inches wider than the Switchback and Zlite which makes all the difference to me. So I ordered the Featherstone El Cordion at 74×22 inches. Hoping that it is as non slip as the Nemo though I expect it to be closer to the Wally/Amazon generic knockoff. Their quilts are well reviews so I am hoping that the pad is decent too.

have  you checked exped? I have one of their older models, and a new down filled mummy style for cold weather use. I find them very comfortable and no noise whatsoever.  No issues or failures either

https://www.expedusa.com/collections/sleeping-mats/products/ultra-3r?variant=42048943587545

I really like my regular wide Neo Aire X-Therm. And that “crinkly” sound everyone speaks of…

I never hear it once I’ve taken my hearing aids out for the night.

The rapide SL and EtherLite XT mummy arrived today. I had not noticed that the Rapide SL only comes in 20 inch width which is an automatic no-go for me. The fabric of the EtherLite is not substantial enough for my taste. Both are going back and the hunt continues.

Anything non crinkly with 50D fabric? I am more than willing to carry 6-8 extra oz if that means I am not sleeping on the ground.

Can’t edit my response above so here is a correction – Moosejaw had only 20 inch wide pads which I did not notice at the time of the order.  The only place that seems to have the 25 inchers is the BA website itself.  I have ordered one from there.  Also contemplating ordering an Exped Dura 3R, they are on the heavier side but look to be nearly bomb proof. Some reports of noise that I can either confirm or refute yet.

I replied earlier about having the Rapide SL. I bought the 25” width directly from BA. Agree that I couldn’t imagine having the 20”, even with the thicker “side rails”.

REI now has the regular wide Rapide SL back in stock, just in for use with 20% off member coupon!

If you want something heavy duty, there is always the Stephenson’s Warmlite down filled air mattress. Basically, a vinyl inflatable pool toy close to 5 inches thick filled with quite a bit of down. Largest one weights about 28-30 ounces and the biggest downside is they want $400 for one now.

Hi Boyan

The Ether Light has a 40D fabric of the highest quality, which is regarded as heavy for lightweight backpacking. For me, the only drawback of the Ether Light is the weight.

For example it’s substantially heavier than the 30D of the NeoAir XLite, which is the proven thru-hiker’s favourite.

Properly used, the chances of failure should be minimal, so why do you feel you need something more?

Much above this weight, and I’m thinking that you’re closer to car camping than lightweight camping?

Recently picked up the Rapide SL in long-wide.  (REI 20% off sale.) After 3 nights on it for me I’m not a fan.  Honestly don’t like the raised outside baffles.    Also not as warm as I thought it would be and not significantly more comfortable than what I have been using.  It’s going back.

What I have been using is the Exped Ultra 5R mummy style pad.  21 oz for a long-wide which is pretty good.  I don’t know if the deniers meet your requirements, but would recommend.  It’s definitely not crinkly!