[pct-l] FW: Sleeping Pads

[dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com]

Chuck – I hear you loud and clear. That works with my instinctive approach
to the situation and was close to my original plan. I am not at all opposed
to making a better effort at making what you suggest work.  I will keep the
option open, would sure like to get there.

 

I used to use ¾ ridge but went full length due to cold feet.  I am a desert
person and sleep cold.  

 

Ps. I currently spend about 3 nights a week sleeping in the backyard on my
Ridgrest, although not very well, if that counts. You can ask my wife, she
thinks I am nuts.

 

Thanks for your informed response.  Dave

 

 

  _____  

From: CHUCK CHELIN [mailto:steeleye at wildblue.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 8:45 AM
To: dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] FW: Sleeping Pads

 

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/steel-eye

 <http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09>
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

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