[pct-l] FW: Sleeping Pads

[Kevin Cook]

Another answer... don't sleep on the ground. I switched to hammocks several
years ago and will never go back. Granted, I don't mind sleeping on the
ground, and bought a new NeoAir for my thru hike, but given the option, I'll
sleep hanging from the trees ;)

On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 8:44 AM, CHUCK CHELIN <steeleye at wildblue.net> wrote:

> Good morning, D.Nielsen,
>
> This is probably not what you want to hear, but you may want to consider a
> different approach.  As someone considerably older than you I know that
> with
> age the body loses its flexibility and its ability to adapt, but another
> reason the typical foam pad seems harder is because as the years accumulate
> we probably sleep on the ground less often, becoming more and more
> accustomed to the decadence of the bedroom.
>
> I have several RidgeRest and Z-Rest pads but I find they are overkill in
> terms of size and weight.  Instead I typically hike with a cheap-o, ¾
> length, 3/8” closed-cell foam pad.  Insulation is adequate, and adapting to
> that level of cushioning – or lack thereof -- is relatively simple and
> easy:
> During the months prior to a hike I sleep every night on a carpeted floor
> rather than in a cushy bed.  When the day arrives that I begin hiking the
> transition to ground-sleeping on a thin pad is nearly seamless.
>
> Prior to a hike most of us train our legs to hike with a pack; preferably
> we
> train our lungs to process thin, high-altitude air; we harden our feet on
> rough trails; we adjust our dining expectations to adapt to common trail
> food; we carry training packs that often weigh more than our hiking packs
> to
> develop our shoulders; we probably drink far more water than does a
> sedentary person; and we accept a much lower bar-height of personal
> hygiene.
> In order to save considerable weight, bulk, cost, and frailty, why not
> train
> one’s self to adapt to our proposed sleeping environment?  The typical
> answer is, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly do that.  I need my rest!”
>
>
> Steel-Eye
>
> Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye
>
> http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09
>
>
> On Sun, Feb 13, 2011 at 8:28 AM, <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >  _____
> >
> > From: dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com [mailto:dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2011 9:22 AM
> > To: 'pct-1 at backcountry.net'
> > Subject: Sleeping Pads
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Looking for suggestions on sleeping pads for a back that is going on 50
> and
> > has some miles on it.  Currently use full length Ridge Rest but it seems
> > harder all the time.  I am willing to carry a little extra weight on this
> > item in order to sleep better.  I like the durability of the Ridge Rest
> and
> > hate to give it up.  Was thinking of coupling a short ProLite  with it as
> I
> > need the cushion at my hips and chest but need some padding at my knees
> and
> > want insulation full length. Would like to know if anyone has tried this
> or
> > have other suggestions, particularly if you are in my age group and/or
> have
> > back issues.  Thanks
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-L mailing list
> > Pct-L at backcountry.net
> > To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
> > List Archives:
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>