Sleeping pads

[debx77]

I'm looking for a good but reasonable sleeping pads for my bad back . All opinions appreciated

[Cory Hess]

Re: Sleeping pads

We use Alps Mountaineering Comfort Series. They are fantastically comfortable and of high quality. We got them at the beginning of last year and have spent around 20-25 nights on them. They are foam filled auto-inflating. so they don't pack up very small if that's a concern.

[tplife]

Re: Sleeping pads

I think that ThermaRest and MegaMat make some of the best, and you can also get REI and EMS brands, and for a budget, Costco carries some decent knockoff versionis. Look for an R-value of 5.0 or greater to be "thermo neutral". Store them open with the valve loose, like under a bed.

[Irate Mormon]

Re: Sleeping pads

Yup. They are surprisingly comfortable. A cot works well too.

[MacGyver]

Re: Sleeping pads

I'm looking for a good but reasonable sleeping pads for my bad back . All opinions appreciated

I can definitely recommend the Therm-a-rest LuxuryMAP pads. Been using one for a few years and, as a topper on my cot, it's the best I've ever slept while camping.

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Sleeping pads

Can't personally recommend any sleeping pads since I haven't camped any place recently where they are needed but reading nevertheless.

[JoeN]

Re: Sleeping pads

I have a bad back also and no longer sleep on the ground. Actually, I can sleep alright on the ground I just have problems getting up off the ground. I now sleep on a cot with my Therm-a-Rest on the cot. Sometimes I put a blue closed cell foam pad under the Therm-a-Rest for extra insulation and padding. I recently found some 4" self inflating pads at Academy for half price so I bought 2. I haven't used them camping yet but on the floor at home they seem comfortable. Because of my back I can't walk very far or carry heavy loads so I am never too far from my truck. I buy gear for comfort and not for backpacking.

[actad]

Re: Sleeping pads

I have a gel pad on the really firm mattress that came in the travel trailer. Makes it quite comfortable.

When in a tent, I use a Coleman Ridgeline cot. It comes with a foam mattress, and I put an inexpensive closed cell sleeping pad between the mattress and the cot. The cot has suspension which has just enough "give" which is helpful since I have problems with a regular cot.

I do have a Wenzel self inflating pad for sleeping on the ground, but am a bit leery of trying it since I have such issues with hip bursitis this spring. I may try it this summer if the inflammation goes down.