Sleeping Pads
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Inflatable Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
The product category of inflatable sleeping pads is trending towards larger, warmer, and more comfortable pads – with very little weight penalty. This market report surveys available products and provides use case guidance, context tips, and feedback heuristics for optimizing comfort.
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Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.
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How does a Quilt’s Pad Attachment System Influence its Heat Loss Resistance?
This study quantifies how quilt pad-attachment geometry affects convective heat loss. Using a controlled thermal surrogate, standardized wind exposure, and time-constant (Ï„) modeling, we compare pad strap to sheet-and-shingle systems. Results show that tighter pad coupling preserves a substantially higher fraction of still-air thermal resistance, especially under modest side winds.
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Episode 130 | Bivy Sack Camping
Discover Ryan’s discreet bivy sack camping methodology for alpine environments, encompassing essential gear, requisite skills, and a critical analysis of tent practicality. Embrace the experience of open-air slumber.
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Episode 120 | Using Quilts in Cold Temperatures
In episode 120 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to continue our study of how to sleep warm in cold temperatures, focusing on the gear that makes up your sleeping system.
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Episode 119 | Sleep Warmer: Evening Routines
In episode 119 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about bedtime routines and practices for sleeping warm in the backcountry.
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Episode 113 | Pad Pumps
In episode 113 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we talk about current PAD PUMP trends in the ultralight cottage industry, the challenges faced by small businesses during the holiday season plus a few interesting stocking stuffers.
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Staff Picks 2024
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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Episode 101 | Take Less, Do More, With Glen Van Peski
In episode 101 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to talk to Glen Van Peski about the life lessons we can learn from ultralight backpacking.
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Gossamer Gear Thinlight Sleeping Pad
Gossamer Gear Thinlight closed cell foam (Evazote) pad info, shopping links, reviews, and more.
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Backpacking Light Staff Picks: Our Favorite Gear
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
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NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad.
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Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)
The Publisher’s Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.
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2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
First annual Members Choice Awards – what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?
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Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
One of the most comfortable pads we’ve ever tested, especially for side sleepers and those who toss and turn through the night. One of the few pads also available in…
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Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is the gold standard for long-distance hiking due to its durability, compactibility, and comfort.
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Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad
The Nemo Switchback is one alternative to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL that provides a little more thickness for those who seek just a touch of additional comfort and warmth.
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite is the lightest inflatable sleeping pad on the market. It uses thinner materials and requires more care, and we recommend it for more experienced users. Combine…
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is the most popular inflatable pad on the market, and offers a good balance between comfort, warmth, durability, and compactibility.
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Nemo Chipper Review
The Nemo Chipper (MSRP: $19.95, 5.6 oz / 160 g) is a closed-cell foam sit pad made from scraps created in the production of the Nemo Switchback and other closed-cell foam sleeping pads.
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