View Full Version : Which inflatable to get?
chiefams
09-28-2009, 08:37
I have been using a walmart self-inflatable inside my ENO singlenest and it finally died on me after only a few months use. They would not take it back and I though it would be a great time to upgrade into something that might last me a longer time, and give me a greater range in temperatures because winter is coming up. So I am definitely going to be investing in a Speer SPE and I needed some advice as to which inflatable pad would go inside
side note: I have used CCF pads and they make me sweat A LOT. I am a warm sleeper at around 235 lbs so I have a lot of natural insulation :lol:
I have been looking at these two:
http://www.rei.com/product/778147
and
http://www.rei.com/product/778144
Both are in my price range... but the first is considerably warmer- at least according to R-value. Bulk/weight is not really a problem for me. Can I assume that 1.75" thick one would be warmer? I had done some reading a while ago and someone said that the inflatables are terrible for inside the hammocks because of the foam that is in them. I just need to know which one used in conjunction with the SPE, would be better.
EDIT: Or if you have any recommendations of others for me around that price range!
Hawk-eye
09-28-2009, 08:43
Which ever one you choose ... just remember to not use as much air as you'd use on the ground ... let it form around you more and still retain it's bulk as much as possible ... play with it.
Still need extenders on the shoulders and hip areas that SPE really works
Are you set on a self-inflating pad? I used a Big Agnes Insulated AirCore last week in my ENO dn with good comfort. It was only inflated about 1/3 full so didn't take much to inflate. Packs down smaller and somewhat lighter than out Thermarest Pro4 pads we had bought previously. The AirCore was MUCH more comfortable on the ground (confessions of a ground dweller) when inflated to near full than our Thermarests. Not surprising, given that it is more than twice as thick.
http://www.rei.com/product/763953
Only slightly more expensive than the products you listed.
Mustardman
09-28-2009, 11:51
You didn't really mention your desired temperature range, so it's hard to judge what will work best for you.
If you aren't set on self inflating, I can strongly recommend the Exped Downmat. I've used them almost exclusively, down to temps as low as ~20-25 degrees, and they have kept me very warm. Also realize that those little mini pads aren't going to do you much good in temps below about 50, unless you have something to put under your legs.
I used the Big Agnes Dual core on the ground and it worked great. Need to replace it, mine has a link I can't find. That was after I loaned it to someone and had 2 months of use on it. So I guess the lesson is not to loan my gear out.
Does anyone know of a light 2.5 or 3 inch self inflating? Or is that a contradiction in terms?
Light, thick, or self inflating - pick two. :D
Sorry.
I went with a NeoAir medium, 2.5" thick fully inflated, not self inflating but... 13 oz and packs to the size of a Nalgene.
I have yet to meet a self inflater that truly self inflates - the thermarest I used to use still needed blowing up. Expeds have pumps, don't they?
Light, thick, or self inflating - pick two. :D
Sorry.
I went with a NeoAir medium, 2.5" thick fully inflated, not self inflating but... 13 oz and packs to the size of a Nalgene.
I have yet to meet a self inflater that truly self inflates - the thermarest I used to use still needed blowing up. Expeds have pumps, don't they?
No I want it all!!!
That's what I thought. I think the open cell foam or whatever helps it to inflat is heavy. I only used 1 and I remember having to give it a couple breaths. Better than the 16 breath record for my big agnes pad.
warbonnetguy
09-28-2009, 13:32
my inflateables always sprung leaks too, and i would never notice the leak till the middle of the night.
chiefams
09-28-2009, 14:14
Well I have a ccf sit pad and was going to use that under my feet. I was looking to get down to temps right around 30* and I thought that one of these might get the job done with an SPE 4X4
UncleMJM
09-28-2009, 14:23
Here's another vote for the Exped Down Mat (http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/b43HomePageE?openframeset).
They are pricey, bulky, and you have to inflate them yourself.
On the flip side, they come with a pump that works great, in the hammock they only need slight inflation, (as will any mat), and if you have to go to ground, you won't find a more comfortable bed.
Do a good job of shopping before you buy because prices range considerably and last year's model, although much cheaper on clearance, works great.
Nevermind, posting in the wrong thread again
chiefams
09-28-2009, 14:29
The down mats look great... those mats I showed are truly the limit of my price range... maybe I will have to settle for ccf...
I am planning more for late fall and early spring.. not much below freezing for my liking yet. But I will always have my ccf as backup if I need it
chiefams
09-29-2009, 10:44
I know I that I will be using the SPE, I just need to know can the SPE 4x4, loaded with the wings, using one of these pads, get me down to 30*?
just ordered an exped synth pump mat myself -
http://www.backcountryedge.com/exped-sleeping-pads.aspx had the best price and if you register you get a coupon code for 12% off
I got the synth 9 dlx mat for 92$ shipped.
I know I that I will be using the SPE, I just need to know can the SPE 4x4, loaded with the wings, using one of these pads, get me down to 30*?
the R4 insulated inflatable big agnes mats are rated for 15*
i got the exped R6 since I'm a cold sleeper usually and have no doubt i'll be warm enough with it.
Triptease
10-11-2009, 04:25
Light, thick, or self inflating - pick two. :D
Sorry.
I went with a NeoAir medium, 2.5" thick fully inflated, not self inflating but... 13 oz and packs to the size of a Nalgene.
I have yet to meet a self inflater that truly self inflates - the thermarest I used to use still needed blowing up. Expeds have pumps, don't they?
What has your experience been thus far with the NeoAir? Does it "taco" around you like the other vertical-baffled pads can? Does it provide a more flat surface to sleep on? I have a large (25"W x 78" L). Also, if you aren't inflating it all the way (say about 1/3 to 1/2) is it extremely "crinkly"? The only way I can seem to tolerate my NeoAir now is if it is fully inflated, otherwise the crinkling drives me nuts!
Scottybdiving
10-11-2009, 14:09
Has anyone used the non-insulated BA Air Core. I already have one and was thinking about using it as a leg and foot pad along with an UQ. It would also be tolerable if I have to go to ground. It's heavier (22 oz.) than the neo-air (14 oz.) but about 1/3 the cost. I have wanted a Neo-air since they were announced but now that I am no longer planning to sleep on the ground, I can't see spending the extra dough for something that is a contingency.
Mustardman
10-11-2009, 14:39
Has anyone used the non-insulated
:lol:
Sorry, but that combination of words cracks me up. You want to use something non-insulated for leg insulation? I would go with an insulated pad if I were you ;)
Scottybdiving
10-11-2009, 16:32
:lol:
Sorry, but that combination of words cracks me up. You want to use something non-insulated for leg insulation? I would go with an insulated pad if I were you ;)
Yeah, it does read kind of funny. I suppose since the "standard" BA Air Core is just an air mattress, maybe it would not provide the necessary barrier. Even on the ground they are only rated to 35* vs 15* for the insulated. The insulated are only 2 oz and $30 more than the "standard" Air Core.
koaloha05
10-14-2009, 17:25
What has your experience been thus far with the NeoAir? Does it "taco" around you like the other vertical-baffled pads can? Does it provide a more flat surface to sleep on? I have a large (25"W x 78" L). Also, if you aren't inflating it all the way (say about 1/3 to 1/2) is it extremely "crinkly"? The only way I can seem to tolerate my NeoAir now is if it is fully inflated, otherwise the crinkling drives me nuts!
Experimented with the NeoAir in a WBBB. For a full length pad the NeoAir(66"size) was nice if partially deflated. It followed the curve of the hammock without wrinkles along both the length and width axis. Not sure how much loss of R value occurs with partial deflating. Enough that I had a cool butt/hip area. Adding a 1/8" ccf under it warmed it up. Problem was then had no ccf to run cross wise to keep the shoulders warm. For light and compact on warmer nights personal preference for the ProLite X-Small (torso pad) and the thin ccf. Lighter, warmer and more compact package. Crinkling noise has not been an issue in keeping me up or waking me up.
Chocolatier
10-16-2009, 12:46
Was out last weekend in the White Mountains at 40 degrees with a Thermarest Prolite4 in my WBBB and was plenty warm underneath. The Prolite was $64 on sale at REI last month.
I use the Megellan, inflatable, HH, and ENO single, Although it has not been that cold at night down here, comfort wise,,, it works for me....It's bulky for back packing I guess, but I don't back pack,,,, It all fits in the kayak, so I'm good with it.
I have used the Backpackinglight Torsolite with a piece of 1/8'' CC perpendicular to the Torsolite for shoulder/arm protection and and a 150 cm piece of 1/4'' CC lengthwise to protect my legs. This complex setup actually stayed in place quite well and kept me warm down to 35 F. Below that I started to feel a chill from down under.
sorry to bring up an old thread, but to add...
I used a REI camp pad 2.5 in my HH Exped this summer as I already had it and I knew that I would likely have to go to ground at some point on my trip. The only thing I disliked about it was trying to stay on it, i'd either roll off it or it would slide down under me between the slick fabric of my sleeping bag and the nylon of the hammock.
I ordered an Alps Mountaineering 20* bag that comes with a 1.5" self inflator that fits into a sleeve on the back of the bag. Its not the lightest setup, nor the smallest packing, but with the coupon REI Outlet has right now I couldn't not try it, only $80. :D Weather permitting (basically, not snowing or pouring down rain) I'm going to give it a shot between Christmas and New Years. I'll probably stuff a space blanket in the pad pocket on my WB Traveler just in case...