[pct-l] Neo Air on sale

[Hootie Martin]

Charles,
Inflatable pads are a good option on the PCT with correct care.  In 2006 I
used a Big Agnes inflatable and I still have the same pad and now it has
nearly 3000 miles on it without a single hole or need for repair.  Let me
preface my statement with these notes; First, I never used/use my pad for
anything other than sleeping.  It doesn't come out out breaks as a seat
cushion.  Second, I always use a Tyvek ground sheet under the pad and
usually took a few minutes to prep the ground by sweeping the area of
possible thorns, sharp rocks or sticks that might cause problems.  This has
worked well for a number of years and the pad is still very functional.

I will say that several folks I hiked with in 2006 used therma-rest pads and
had a number of leaks, however, they typically used these for seat cushions
during breaks and did not appear to take the same level of prep-care to
minimize the possibility of placing the pad on top of sharp rocks, thorns or
sticks.

The Big Agnes pad is not ultra-light, but then again, I had no concerns
about the additional weight as it provided me with exception sleep and
frankly, I don't really care about counting grabs or ounces as the
ultra-light guys/gals do as I typically had no issues in pulling 30+ mile
days.

Hootie


Charles Doersch states:

And I have an additional question to all who have used Therma-Rest
successfully on the PCT. I had neck surgery that makes it pretty difficult
for me to make hard-foam alternatives workable for me.

1. How did you manage or prevent the easy puncturability -- which
apparently
really comes into play in Southern Cal?
2. Was there an easy way to find the leak & patch on the trail (hopefully
not involving immersing in water)?

I know that Eric the Black apparently uses inflatable pads -- so it must
somehow be do-able.