[pct-l] Sleeping Pads and Tent poles

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

I agree with Ron.  

I would also add that when determining how "ultralight" you are 
willing to go, the main question that you have to ask yourself is "Do 
I want to be more comfortable when walking, or while sleeping?"  It 
really comes down to these two issues in the balance.  Its hard to 
agrue against lighter loads equating to higher comfort during the 
hike.  At the same time, there is a good case for lighter, thinner, 
flimsier gear equating to lower comfort during sleep.

For me, I realize that I am never gonna be able to be as comfortable 
as I want to be sleeping on the ground.  It doesn't matter what kind 
of pad or bag, or other gadget I carry; its still not gonna compare 
to my queen-size Stearns & Foster pillow-top 20-year mattress and box 
spring coupled with my down comforter.  Therefore, if I am gonna be 
uncomfortable sleeping on a 2lb extra thick full-length thermareast, 
I might as well be uncomfortable sleeping on a 9 oz 3/4 length ridge-
rest and be more comfortable while I walk.  Thats just my opinion.

peace,
dude



>>> The 'Pro's' you speak of regarding sleeping pads is right on the
>>> money.
> 
> For the light-weight/ultra-light hiker the weight simply prohibits
> it as an option. <<
> 
> When it comes to lightweight or ultralight gear selection, nothing
> is really off the table. The point is to get to an easily
> manageable comfortable weight. The path chosen to get there will
> vary widely from person to person.
> 
> A full-length pad may fit perfectly fine in a lightweight kit.
> Just because I may not include it or Ray doesn't endorse it,
> doesn't preclude it as a viable option. Remember ultralight is
> less a defined set of specific gear and more an attitude of
> selecting gear wisely.
> 
> -- Fallingwater
> 
> 
> 
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