Coach Report post Posted October 14, 2009 I tried posting this in the "Gear" forum, but something about my registration wouldn't allow me to. So, here goes. I'm in the market for a new packable ground pad. My last one was a Kelty self-inflating pad that worked well for me but was very succeptible to getting punctured. Anyone out there have experience good bad or otherwise with backpack/bivy ground pads? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnie blaze Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Are you talkin bout a assgasket while glassing? If so, I use the black insulation padding they use to wrap duct work. Its about 1" thick and works great. You can buy it at any hardware store, but most likely a commercial HVAC biz would be a for sure deal. They come in all kinds of sizes...buy a big piece and cut down with utility knife to whatever your butt size is It folds and compacts really nice in your pac and isnt heavy at all. They last bout a year with lots of hours on em. Try it...you'll likey!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Thanks Johnny, but I'm talking about the pad you use under your sleeping bag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmc Report post Posted October 14, 2009 I have used the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite on several pack in hunts with no issues. Word of advise is get one that will cover you from head to toe so your legs won't be cold. http://www.rei.com/product/781089 I do have a Insulmat inflatable mat too but I only use that when close to truck trips (like bed of truck close) in case it gets punctured I won't be sleeping on the cold ground. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Str8Shot Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Therm-a-Rest ...... we have used them for years and countless trips .... they always make sleeping easier and much more enjoyable..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnie blaze Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Thanks Johnny, but I'm talking about the pad you use under your sleeping bag. My bad. I went to a cot, if your not backpacking in, and its totally money! Browning foldable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAM Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Are looking for just comfort or is R-value and weight an issue as well? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZP&Y Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Az1Cam, I have been using the THermarest Prolite for about 2 years. It weighs 1lb and packs down to the size of a Naglene Bottle ( or a hair bigger). R Value =2.2 - Prolite Specs: It's super lightweight but, it is not the most durable on the market. It can handle the pines more than the desert terrain for sure. I always camp with a ground cloth under my Big Agnes tent so far after about 100 miles of trail it's holding up. If I were to do it again, I'd probably buy the Thermarest -Toughskin. Read on - more on that one here. It's designed for more desert camping. Nothing worse than a punctured pad , well maybe a wet sleeping bag. http://www.trailspace.com/gear/therm-a-rest/toughskin/ Happy Trails! AzP&Y Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakehaffey Report post Posted October 14, 2009 I have been using the Big Agnes. It is great! Very light and compact! http://www.rei.com/product/763914 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHT_MTNMAN Report post Posted October 14, 2009 +1 for thermarest Since you mentioned bivy ground pad in your title I'm sure you are wanting light and packable and I've found the thermarests to be very good. I too use a long one from head to toe, it is slightly heavier but well worth it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted October 14, 2009 Thanks for all the input so far - I really like that Thermarest tough-skin. I hadn't seen that before. Anyone try the Cabela's Alaskan Guide self-inflatables? TAM - I'm looking primarily for something comfortable and reasonably light and compact. R-Value is not quite as important to me, I don't bivy a lot in REALLY cold stuff - been years since I did a Dec bivy hunt 24A and my 1.5" self inflatable was plenty of insulation, but only marginally comfortable from a padding perspective. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZWildcat Report post Posted October 14, 2009 I have been using the Big Agnes. It is great! Very light and compact! http://www.rei.com/product/763914 +1 the best I have found. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ RANGER Report post Posted October 14, 2009 I have had a thermarest for about 10 years now. It has been very good. It is inflateable but even without inflating it has a little cusion, so if I pop it I wont be altogether SOL. It is pretty light and packable sorry I don't have dimensions or weight but it has worked well for me. So here's another vote for thermarest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted October 15, 2009 Therm-a-Rest ...... we have used them for years and countless trips .... they always make sleeping easier and much more enjoyable..... Who sleeps on hunts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted October 15, 2009 I love my Thermarest prolite Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
