Winter sleeping pad?

[Danacus]

I am going on my first winter camping trip next weekend and am wondering what most people use for a winter sleeping pad?

 

[Oldsmores]

I use two full length Z-rests, but I'm a wimp.

 

[whcobbs]

Winter sleeping pad

This "most person" uses a (thin) blue foam pad, 3/4 length, over a full length eggcrate style Evazote pad, Mt Washington II. I don't get cold from below and the combined pads coiled up in a cylinder are the "frame" for my ultralight frameless pack. Probably a more popular combo is to substitutesome sort of inflatable (Thermarest) for the blue foam.

Walt

 

[kmac]

thermo-rest and foam pad

In January I camped out and used my full length therma-rest and I was chilly, I decided the next time I would double up, maybe using a foam pad and the therma-rest. The temp that weekend was about 5 degrees and windy. What's your bag rated?
kmac

 

[Chip]

I use 2 full length, wide pads. RidgeRests don't insulate well, so in the winter I normally use a self-inflating (3lbs) Therm-a-Rest Expedition Large under a light-blue foam pad (1 lb) I got at Walmart. If I need to shave 2 pounds off the total carry weight, I'll use a RidgeRest (1 lb) over the Walmart pad. This combo isn't as warm, but it's half the weight and there's no worries about springing a leak. 2 pads regardless. Bag rating and loft don't help against the ground. Have fun !

 

[DougPaul]

Previous threads which may answer many of your questions:
"Winter Sleeping pad choice"
http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5598

and "Tent Heaters" (ignore the parts about heaters--there are some comments about pads)
http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10397

Doug

 

[jfb]

I usually just use a full length Therm-a-Rest LE pad and don't worry about developing leaks. I also have a 15 mm Evazote pad and a Therm-a-Rest Camp Rest which I would more likely use car camping. You should try to use something with a R-value of 5 or more.

 

[TomD]

Pads

I use a Ridgerest with a full length regular Therm-a-Rest on top of it. A friend of mine uses a DAM - down filled air mattress- but they are heavy. I highly recommend something like our two setups. The last thing you want is to freeze your --- off because your pad isn't thick enough.

 

[Lawn Sale]

I use a Ridgerest and Prolite 3 short, only because I have them and that combo seems to be the best I have for winter.

I don't find the combination bad, but it's not my top choice either, I also wish it had a little more insulation and protection.

 

[focusonbalance]

For me a dreamy night is spent on my 20 year old blue closed cell pad (lightweight) and a prolite 3. I'm a cold sleeper and have not slept cold yet in any conditions, of course my feet are always in booties

 

[percious]

I use a Prolite 3 in conjunction with a Thermolite pad.

Link:

www.advancedmountainproducts.com/products/thermolite.

The secondary pad is great because it has so many other uses.

-percious

 

[Reekee]

Closed Cell a Must

What ever you get for comfort will be fine but a closed cell foam pad is a must in winter. A thermarest is NOT enough. You can put a -30 bag on a thermarest and still get very cold, even in a leanto. So what ever you do buy the cheap blue foam pad for winter. I put mine on top of my thermarest. I think it's great you're asking these questions. Too many people have to learn the hard way. Like me!

 

[mubb]

What ever you get for comfort will be fine but a closed cell foam pad is a must in winter. A thermarest is NOT enough. You can put a -30 bag on a thermarest and still get very cold, even in a leanto. So what ever you do buy the cheap blue foam pad for winter. I put mine on top of my thermarest. I think it's great you're asking these questions. Too many people have to learn the hard way. Like me!

I always thought it worked better the other way around. closed cell on bottom, thermarest on top...

 

[focusonbalance]

That's what I was thinking. Closed cell then Thermarest.

 

[DougPaul]

I always thought it worked better the other way around. closed cell on bottom, thermarest on top...

Some people seem to think so.

I'm not convinced that the stacking order makes much difference.

Doug

 

[Jasonst]

What ever you get for comfort will be fine but a closed cell foam pad is a must in winter. A thermarest is NOT enough. You can put a -30 bag on a thermarest and still get very cold, even in a leanto. So what ever you do buy the cheap blue foam pad for winter. I put mine on top of my thermarest. I think it's great you're asking these questions. Too many people have to learn the hard way. Like me!

You are most certainly not alone on this one! I spent a chilly night on the snow my first winter overnight and thought my bag was to blame. Then when I broke down camp and saw the outline of my bag in the snow under the tent, I realized my mistake. Lessons learned!

 

[sleeping bear]

You are most certainly not alone on this one! I spent a chilly night on the snow my first winter overnight and thought my bag was to blame. Then when I broke down camp and saw the outline of my bag in the snow under the tent, I realized my mistake. Lessons learned!

I did the same thing! My parents bought me a 0 bag some years ago when I first decided I enjoyed hiking and camping. For my first run I camped in the back yard sans pad (maybe 20 degrees). I FROZE!

0 degree bag my ____! Then it was kindly pointed out to me that I needed a sleeping pad to insulate me from the ground. Ooooooh, whoops. Then I was introduced to a therma-rest, and my outdoor sleeping has been forever changed.

For winter now I use a ridge rest and a 3/4 length therma-rest.

I've heard that the Ridge Rest is supposed to be the warmest because it traps a lot of warm air in the voids between the ridges and your bag.

 

[Reekee]

Stacking

Some people seem to think so.

I'm not convinced that the stacking order makes much difference.

Doug

Doug you're right, it doesn't make a difference with the cold but for me I slide around less on the foam than I do on the therma-rest. I do laps when I sleep. Stay warm, Reekee

 

[blownaway]

Using only a thermarest

I get cold when I use only a thermarest as well. I have a full length guide light and still need a z rest 3/4 length as well...Might have to try the blue pad a lot of you have suggested.

Some local guides only suggest using a Crazy Creek Chair kit (as a pad) and stuffing your pack and extra clothing underneath....Burrr!!!!

 

[KenC]

I use the 2 pad method in cold of winter. A Z-rest or ridgerest and and untralight therma-rest has worked to sub zero temps with no problems at all..

Having the Z or Ridge is helpful for sitting around outside or even a comfy seat in a hut. Shake the snow off and presto it's ready to slide under (or over) the other.