I finally understand the hype around a good sleeping pad

For years I just used a cheap foam pad from a big box store and thought it was fine. Last month on a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the temperature dropped way more than forecasted. I spent a miserable night feeling every rock and root through that thin pad, shivering on the cold ground. The next day I bought a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and it was like sleeping on a cloud, warm and comfortable. Has anyone else had a gear upgrade that completely changed your camping comfort?

3 comments

3 Comments

ninaowens11d ago

Was it the weight or the warmth that made the biggest difference for you? I upgraded to a quilt from a heavy old mummy bag and it was the same kind of revelation... so much less bulk and I can actually move around. That cold ground will teach you a lesson fast.

torres.thea11d ago

So the quilt doesn't slide off?

diana61711d ago

Oh man, that's the universe's way of telling you to stop being cheap. We've all been there, clinging to that old piece of junk because "it still works." Then you freeze your butt off on a mountain and finally get it. That cold ground doesn't just teach a lesson, it screams it at you all night. Glad you finally joined the rest of us in comfort.