San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum

Ok Im not what they call a "in shape" person. Although a circle is a shape. I am more of a side sleeper and Im looking for a comfortable pad. I do have some back issues, so I know that I might not find the perfect pad. I rented a REI trekker 1.75 self inflating pad and I tossed and turned all night. I have been looking at some of the air pads.

Here is what Im looking at.
http://www.rei.com/product/810375...-rest-neoair-trekker-sleeping-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/828460/rei-stratus-insulated-air-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/763953/big-agnes-insulated-air-core-pad
http://www.rei.com/product/691240/big-agnes-air-core-sleeping-pad

Im wondering if the neoair vs the others would be better for a side sleeper because of the side to side way it is made. I almost pulled the trigger on the REI pad because of price, weight, and r value. If you have any info lets here your .02 cents!
TIA

I'm also a side sleeper, and, brother, the 2.5" thick Neo Air works for me. I have the greenish-yellow colored version ("limon"). Best sleep I've had on the trail (except for a hammock, but you can't always find a place for a hammock). The Neo Air (at least the version I have) is very light and very compact. One of my top 3 pieces of favorite gear*.

HJ

*Oddly, none of my top 3 favorite pieces of gear is a stove. Embarassed

My wife and I have the Big Agnes Insulated pads (along with the Big Agnes double sleeping bag) and I'd recommend getting the insulated version, or you'll feel like you're trying to heat the entire surface of the ground under the pad, thanks to air convection inside the pads. The Big Agnes version has some sort of fluff inside that slows down the air movement, while the Neoair only has baffles. Check the specs tab on those links. The R-value is 4 for the Big Agnes Insulated, 3 for the REI, 2 for the neoair, and 1 for the Big Agnes non-insulated. Long ago, while a teenager, I though that I'd be smart and I brought an old inflatable swimming pool mat on a winter camping trip. Let's just say that I melted some snow that night!

Also, I'm about 6 feet tall, so I first bought the 78" (taller) version, thinking that my feet would be happier. I found out that it was nearly as long as the tent, so that I couldn't inflate it inside the tent without cramming my face into the corner. I took it back and got the 72". You might even get the shorter 66" petite version if you always sleep on your side with your knees tucked up.

The Big Agnes model also comes with a patch kit. In order to avoid ever needing to use that kit, always clean the area under the tent of pointy objects before you set it up...

Two and a half inches thickness is mighty nice, compared to the bad old days of camping on the ground, but I'm getting spoiled: I'm now wishing they'd come up with a five-inch-thick backpacking version. Ultra-Light, Ultra-Thick, Ultra-Comfy! Very Happy

You should note that the Big Agnes pad weighs a few ounces more than the others, but if you're going ultra-light you wouldn't be contemplating carrying a comfy bed along with you...

I have the long version of the Big Agnes insulated pad and I love it. Previously used REI 1.5 inch insulated and also had to use a closed-cell foam with it. Even with all that my hips would feel bruised and I don't sleep on my side all that much. Surprisingly, the BA is lighter than just the REI and since I don't bring the foam it's much less space in my pack.
I also have the Big Agnes inflatable pillow, but think I may trade that in on the Thermarest inflatable.

Oh yeah, I'm 6'2", about 205 pounds.

Hikin_Jim: Thanks! The only down side to that pad I can see is the price Shocked

Although you get what you pay for is what comes to mind.

jfr: The big agnes is the pad I first thought about, but the REI air pad comes in weighing about 10 ounces less. I want the wide, I didnt care for my shoulders being off the mat when I was on my back. But maybe the 25 inch wide wouldnt matter if I slept even more on my side. And as far as 5" thick, put two together and leave some food at home Laughing

JeffH: Thanks for more input on the Big Agnes. One of the guys I talked to at Little Jimmy had that pad and he loved it too.

mattmaxon: when I read your post I just got done looking at antigravity gears site and they had the Klymit static v http://www.antigravitygear.com/klymit-static-v-sleeping-pad.html but then my brain caught up to the joke Wink

If your done with the tyvek ground sheet, put it in an envelope and send it to me Wink

Thanks everyone for the info!

thermarest prolite plus works pretty well for me (side sleeper, 200 lbs)

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I have been using one of the Prolite Plus pads from thermarest for a while now and I have to say I wish it was a little thicker. I don't like feeling the hard ground when I am readjusting myself on the pad. I did discover this past "winter" (if you even want to call it a "winter") when I was camping at Little Jimmy in the snow that by using a standard ground pad under the Prolite, I can eliminate the feeling of the ground when I am adjusting myself on the pad. Since that trip I always bring both of the pads just for the comfort of having them. As a bonus I can use the standard ground pad when taking breaks on trail so it serves a double function.