need help with sleeping pad

I am gradually lightening my load and am starting with my sleeping pad. I am considering the following; small prolite 8 oz. maybe coupled with a cut down ridgecrest for added comfort and insulation, approx 15 oz total. The ridgecrest would offer some protection and insulation for the pad. I am 55, in good shape,a side sleeper, cold natured (not much natural padding) I have considered the Neo Air, and the Big Agnes Air Core, but not sold on either. Any others I should consider? I don't think I want to go ul on this particular item since sleep plays such an integral part of the experience
thanks,
leigh

Hammock Hammock Hammock Hammock.. other than that.. Neo Air. The BA is nice and comfy but you had better be ready for the price to pay, its heavy and bulky. Friend on here has one. I have packed with him and even he said the same thing. But for comfort you really should try a Hammock. I don't mean a wally world special but a real hammock. Also talk to someone that is a experienced hammocker about them before jumping into one. Some have special ways to lay and some have special pockets for your feet and some have to be entered from the bottom.. Some can run hundreds of dollars and some of the best can be found for less than $30. But each has it particulars and you need someone familiar with them. Also some can weigh in at more than a tent while some are lighter than the stuff sack for your sleep bag. All in what you want, need and time of the year you are using it for.

I have a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, but of course I bought it at their HQ for really cheap. I like it, I think it weighs 21 oz, not too bad for an insulated blow up full length pad, and it's not that bulky packed.

Backpackinglight carries the Torsolight pad, R-Value of 4 with a weight of 9 oz. Not cheap though, they're like $80.

I will have to second the motion for a hammock! I am sold! Now there is the issue of insulation in the cold
but that can be conquered reasonably if you are willing to experiment.

I have friends with hammocks...my concern is that I sleep on my side, and not sure I could be comfortable in one. Any of you all dealt with that issue?
leigh

Yes I sleep on my side without a problem. I use a Hennessy Explorer. No problems with side sleeping.
I also have one of Prechamans hammocks and I have no problems with side sleeping in it either. Just as
TM said find some on with one and ask to try it out.

ouachita hiker wrote: Now there is the issue of insulation in the cold
but that can be conquered reasonably if you are willing to experiment.

Why is there a need to experiment? You buy an underquilt and you're set.

I just bought the Big Agnes Crystal bag with their insulated Air Core pad. It is a full size pad, so not as light as some, but boy is it comfortable and it fits in the sleeve on the back of the bag so it does not slide around. I have also been lightening my load lately. Even though the pad is not super light, the crystal bag compared to what I was carrying is much lighter. I am all for going light, but I decided that I will sleep as comfortable as possible, especially since I have trouble falling asleep when not in my own bed! good luck

Ah Cold.. NO it is not a "Buy an under quilt and your set"... there are rights and wrongs, just as in Tenting and in packs. There are ways to sleep, yes on your side and ways NOT to sleep. I actually sleep on my belly. Actually I turn over and over all night long lol. But sometimes after a long day hiking sleeping like a banana with your feet raised is good too. There are so many diff kinds of hammocks and types and just as many tarps and tarp setups and yet again as many under quilts and over quilts. There is NO one answer.

Leigh,

I really do not have much experience on pads on the ground, but I do have a lot of experience in hammocks. Trail Monkey made a really nice pad out of metal foil bubble insulation and fleece that is really nice, but I do not know how it would work on the ground.

As far as hammocks go, I have made them for all types of sleepers. You are not limited to a certain way to sleep, and there are many different ways to stay plenty warm. We had a tarp and hammock clinic at Toad Suck Park almost 2 years ago, and I am thinking that it is about time that we have another clinic for all types of backpacking so people can try out everything first.

I think that's an excellent idea
leigh

Good Point Preacher.. We need to start narrowing it down.. Find a place and when. We had talked about a overnight on the BRT from Steele Creek to Erbie. Is this still viable? Steele Creek doesn't really have any good hang spots so don't know about getting there Friday? Any ideas? or we can do Devils Den?

I am open almost anytime as long as I work it out with Amanda . I could do an overnighter at Devil's Den almost every Friday-Saturday, and I agree with Steel Creek not having very many hang sites. let me talk to Amanda and I will open a new thread when I know more.

Leigh,
A good thing to do now would be to come to a few hikes where a lot of us will be and look at different things. I know next weekend on the ERL would be a great time to see a lot of different gear.

There is supposed to be some hammockers at Kyles Landing March 12-14. Didn't know if that's a secret or not, but there should be a few hangers hanging around.

Kyles would be a good place to hang.. Just dont remember that many good trees down there. Least not in the campground. ERL would be a good place to look. Preacha and I both will be swinging.. Nate will be as well. I forget whos hammock he is using. And you would be able to see my NEW PRIZED UNDER and TOP QUILT hahaha. Its awesome.

I won't be able to make either of the above, next weekend I'm
reciprocating on dog sitting for a friend, and the next I'll be driving
to FL for spring break paddle trip. I Definitely want to make some of
the trips though! Sorry I accidentally posted this on the WFA post.

Kyles would be a good place to hang.. Just dont remember that many good trees down there. Least not in the campground. ERL would be a good place to look. Preacha and I both will be swinging.. Nate will be as well. I forget whos hammock he is using. And you would be able to see my NEW PRIZED UNDER and TOP QUILT hahaha. Its awesome.
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