Sleeping Pads
Not getting enough sleep on the trail is not only miserable, it can be dangerous. A groggy mind might try to traverse a steep, icy slope without crampons, or read a map wrong and get lost, or make any number of dumb decisions that could end badly. So get enough sleep.
Below I’ve reviewed sleeping pads that I’ve personally used. All of these are full-length pads. In Yogi’s Continental Divide Trail Handbook, Worldwide recommends using a short pad and putting your pack under your feet. I’ve found this technique to be so uncomfortable that it robs me of even the semblance of sleep, so I haven’t included reviews of short pads. But if you’re desperate to shave off a few more ounces, that’s one way to do it.
Lightest
The Thermarest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest weight full-length pad that I’ve used. With an R-Value of 2.3 it’s not the least insulated, but would probably leave you pretty cold if the temperature drops below 30 deg F. This pad comes with a pump-sack, repair kit, and uses Thermarest’s trademarked WingLock Valve. This valve system is great because it allows you to blow up the pad without any air leaking back through the valve, and then offers a full-open mode which allows for fast deflation in the morning. Some complain about the “crinkling” noise made by the NeoAir line of pads, but neither Molly or I have found this to interrupt our sleep in any way.
I spent a few extra bucks for the wide version (25 inches) of the UberLite, because I’ve slept on the normal-width (20inches) and my shoulders are spilling over both sides making it rather uncomfortable. The wide version is a little overkill, I could probably get away with about a 23 in width, but it’s very comfortable and I’ve slept soundly every time I’ve used it.
cheapest
Very early on the PCT I unceremoniously swapped out my trusty REI self-inflating sleeping pad, equipped with grippy rubber patches to keep you from sliding off, for the Klymit Static V2. The V2 rolls up to almost non-existent, weighs an airy 16oz, and inflates with around ten breaths. It’s supposedly designed for side-sleepers, which I tend to be, but it’s an incredibly comfortable pad no matter how you sleep on it.
The first night I noticed the valve was leaking slightly, but this was easily fixed with a dab of super glue, which has lasted to this day.
My only complaint about the Static V2 is the 1.3 R-value. This is not meant to be used when it’s cold, and I’ve started noticing cold seeping in from the ground anywhere below 40 deg F.
warmest
The Thermarest NeoAir XTherm boasts an R-value of 6.9. It also comes equipped with a “pump” bag which is of nearly negligible weight, and easy inflates the pad with minimal effort. Having experienced the too-narrow XLite, I opted for the large version, which I’ve used on multiple backcountry ski trips where I’m sleeping directly on snow and night time air temps drop below 0 deg F. It has always kept me incredibly warm and comfortable.
I use the large XTherm in conjunction with the Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy and it fits just fine. It fills out the bivy and leaves me plenty of room to stretch out (I’m about 5’ 9”, 175 lbs), kept my shoulders, arms, and feet from touching the cold ground.
On some very cold, windy nights above 12,000 ft on the CDT, set-up was quick and efficient with the pump-sack and the Xtherm kept me warm all night.
Again, if you have broad shoulders, I’d highly recommend the large version. The regular width will leave your shoulders and arms draped off either side of the pad.
choosing
If you read my post about tents, then you’re familiar with the scoring matrix . Sleeping pad brands and models are listed on the left, and characteristics of each pad are listed going across to the right. The top row is a weighted factor for each characteristic. I gave R-value and weight a higher importance than price. To the far right final weighted scores are listed, with the highest score highlighted in green.
With an R-Value of 6.9 and weighing only 15 ounces, the regular length Thermarest NeoAir XTherm won the highest overall score. The lowest priced pad was the Klymit Static V2 at only $64.95. And the lightest weight pad was the Thermarest NeoAir UberLite, which is available in a wide version, tipping the scales at 11 ounces.
I’m planning to start the CDT with the UberLite, and switch to the XTherm before heading into the San Juans.
Klymit Insulated State V Lite with the Klymit X Camp Pillow.
Left to right: Klymit Insulated Static V, Klymit Static V2, Alesmith Juice Stand Hazy IPA (empty).