Winter sleeping pad system

[Nick B]

I’m heading out this weekend into 15F or so night time temperatures. I’ll use a 15F bag and a quilt so I have my top side covered. It is my pad system that is my concern. I have a long/wide Neoair Xlite and I’m worried that will not be enough insulation. In the long term I’ll probably buy an Xtherm or similar but for now I’m thinking of using a length of Reflectix or some closed cell foam (1/8″ or 1/4″) under the pad. The whole system will be inside a Borah Gear Argon 90 bivy.

Have any cold sleepers used an Xlite in Winter, and how did you supplement the pads R-value?

Thanks!

[Edward John M]

You will need more than a thin pad or Reflectix to get the R-value you need for winter. I use a pad rated at 5.5R and I need to use my RidgeRest Solar plus a thin CCF for temperatures that low. For very low temperatures I will use a thick CCF as well as the RidgeRest. Note tho that I’m old with a reduced sleeping metabolism and I have always slept colder than the average but in general it’s poor planning to take less pad than needed for the conditions plus a safety margin.

At least use a thicker pad [ 12 to 20mm] under the torso and thinner under the feet. I wish Cascade Designs made a short wide RidgeRest

[Matt Dirksen]

Where are you going and what are the ground temps going to be like?

I ask because I’ll be out this weekend (in low 20d weather) but I know for certain the ground wont be frozen whatsoever. Although the air temp very much affects air mattresses, the surface ground temp itself will also be a big factor.

The good thing about November (in the northern hemisphere) is the ground is still reasonably “warm”, all things being equal.

But I, too believe that a single 1/8″ or  1/4″ ccf pad might not quite be enough for your ground contact.

I’ve been on many trips  in 15d weather and have been reasonably comfortable sandwiching my XLite with a pair of 1/8″ ccf pads (in November). 1/4″ pads would obviously be even better.

[Tipi Walter]

If I’m heading out in the winter and expect temps at 15F—I take a bag rated at 0F—because bags usually are overrated.  In other words, a 15F rated bag is good to around 30F or 25F.

And who knows, your planned-for 15F temps could dip down to an unplanned 0F.

[Nick B]

I’m heading into the Sawtooth Mts. At this point in the season the ground temperatures won’t be too bad, the air temperature may get down to 15F or so. I’ve borrowed a Thermarest Z Lite to use under my Xlite. I’ll be using a 15F bag with a 10F quilt over the top. It may be a little overkill but I’m a cold sleeper and I can always shed a layer. Thanks for your comments and suggestions.

[MojoRisen]

Here’s is mine. Worked last week down to 10 for two nights.

Sierra Designs \ Cloud 800 35 \ modified \ 900dwn \ 1/4lb added \ 18.4oz
Ghost Whisperer / 20 \ 17.5oz
Gossamer Gear 1/8in foam sleep pad \ 2.5oz
Thermarest Uberlite \ 9oz

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I use mummy shaped 1/8″ closed cell floor underlayment under my FLASH 3 season mattress.

But I do have a winter REI FLASH All Season winter mattress good to around -15 F. If I expect colder weather along comes the floor underlayment pad. Also I lay my insulated pants and other “day” layers under the mattress. It all helps.

If I get a chance for camping in truly frigid weather, around -20 F. and below, I’ll add my Thermarest Ridgerest instead of the floor underlayment.

[Adam G]

I tried an X-lite while snow camping, with a Z-Lite Sol underneath. I didn’t freeze to death, but I was cold and woke up throughout the night uncomfortable. Now I use a WM Antelope, X-therm, and half a Z-Lite underneath my torso (for some reason, my lower half is warm without it). I came to the unfortunate conclusion that pretty much none of my three season gear works in the winter.

[Roger Caffin]

I came to the unfortunate conclusion that pretty much none of my three season gear works in the winter.
ROTFLMAO!

Cheers

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Adam, I just wish every backpacker, especially “SUL” backpackers, would learn the lesson you did regarding 3 season sleeping gear.

Yeah, I can push my 3 season REI FLASH air mattress and  20 F. overstuffed WM Megalite bag to 10 F. by wearing a heavy base layer and insulated jacket and pants plus a fleece balaclava.

But below that? Out comes my LL Bean -20 F. down bag and the FLASH ALL Season R 5.3  air mattress and maybe a Thermarest Ridgerest closed cell foam mat beneath.

[Author]

Posts