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Feb 26
2008
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Sleeping PadsPosted by South Cox in south cox, sleeping pads, eastmans bowhunting journal, bowhunting, bivouac, back country, archery   |
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Besides providing a more comfortable nights' sleep, sleeping pads provide another important function; insulation. I vividly recall one bivouac trip I made. In an effort to shave a couple of pounds or so off of my packs weight I decided to leave my pad at home. Several hours into the night, with chattering teeth I realized what that second function was. Since that time, technology and innovationhas reduced the weight and bulk, now providing several options at around and just under a pound.
The closed cell foam pads offer the lightest option at just under a pound, but doesn't provide quite as much cushion or insulation as the self inflating models. For cold weather camping the insulation factor becomes more important. Cost is about $20-$40 depending on if you buy one of the blue foamies at Wal-Mart or a fancier one at a backpacking store. If you are short on space in your pack, keep in mind that you may save a little weight, but you pay for it in bulk.
For the past couple of years I've been using the Therm-a-rest Prolite 3, a full length ultra light inflatable pad. I've been really happy with it, but recommend carrying a patch kit if you are hunting in rocky terrain. I really wouldn't recommend sleeping straight on the ground with this pad, use a tarp or ground cloth if you are not using a bivy or a tent. It weighs in at 1 pound 4 ounces and sells for about $80 bucks. You can save 7 ounces and go with the shorter version, but I've found I don't sleep well when my heels are resting on the ground. This phenomena, when I shared with my hunting partner, I was later soundly cursed for. The following year his pack weighed 7 ounces more after I'd pointed out my problem, he suddenly became acutely aware of his sore heels as well.
A company I just became aquainted with at the Outdoor Retailers Show last month is Pacific Outdoor Equipment. They make a plethora of sleeping pads-- foam, inflatable and hybrids. They have some pretty slick designs, check them out @ pacoutdoor.com
Another option for an inflatable is the Thermo Lite by Insul Mat. It weighs about an ounce less than the full length Prolite and will save you about $15 bucks.
The next blog I'll cover stoves. Give me a shout and let me know if there are some specifics that you'd like to see covered, I'd be happy to cover it...just post a comment to this blog entry with what you are interested in.
-South
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written by timmyklopo, February 27, 2008
written by JGO, February 28, 2008
I greatly appreciate your blog. I was going to attempt to shave weight by going padless but, I'll learn from your mistakes. I will purchase a stove within the next month so your next post is very timely. Taking price out of the equation, what is the lightest weight most durable, highest performing stove on the market? For the average Mtn. West hunter, how much value is found in a stove that is compatible with multiple fuel types (not headed to Eurpoe with the thing)? Which is the best fuel type in terms of energy produced? Easy to find? Light weight? canister size (packable)? What is the downside to the ultralight alcohol set up? What is the best ignition system? Do you ever really use the simmer setting? I'll hold further questions until after your next post.
Regards,
J
written by jamaro, March 03, 2008
South is probably running around the mountains but I have done a ton of research and Jet Boils seem to be the latest and greatest... You might want to swing over to Youtube and do a search on Jet Boil there a quite a few videos on the Jet Boil.
Take Care
Jason
written by Lips, March 11, 2008
written by Toasteo, March 13, 2008
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