[pct-l] What is the best sleeping pad for under $100?

[Bob Bankhead]

Mags is right - Best means best for you. Also factor in the environment in which you'll be camping. The desert, with all it's pointy, sticky things, is not a great spot for an inflatable. Be sure you have a repair kit along and know how to use it. Camping on snow or wet ground, insulating power, expressed as the R value, becomes more important.

Fortunately, there is a way to try many pads before you buy. Get off the couch and go to the nearest REI, EMS, or similar outdoor store.  Visit many different outfitters. They will all have a selection of mats. Thermarest even provides a special display with one of each of its mats inflated so you can try them all. Use the hard, clear floor - not a carpeted area or padded bench.  Roll around on each type. Try to simulate how you sleep most of the time - side, stomach, or back. Take your time and note the pressure points. The floor may be as hard as a rock, but it's also flat and smooth - something nature does not do well. Try bringing a few small smooth stones with you to try under the mat - see how well it performs. 

Give thought to how you like your feet - apart or together. Mummy pads give up width at the foot and shoulders to save weight. That's fine if you can sleep that way. Otherwise, you'll need the full width pads.

Start with the non-inflatable plain blue - or grey - pad of at least 3/8 inch thickness.

Move up in thickness to the 5/8 inch Ridgerest, Z-Rest, 1-1/2 inch Thermarest self-inflatables, and the 2-1/2 inch Big Agnes Insulated AirCore inflatable.

Maybe you can find someone who has a Gossamer Gear Nightlight foam pad. I tried it one year on the PCT and could not get comfortable; others rave about the egg-crate design. I did enjoy its 60 inch length much more than the standard 3/4 length of 48 inches.


The bottom line is what works for you at a weight you're willing to carry. 


Personally, I'll keep my 20x72 BA Insulated Air Core except when I absolutely MUST keep weight down, then I'll revert to my old friend, the 3/4 length Ridgerest.


Wandering Bob