Air airpads really ready for the back country?

[IdahoSkies]

It has been a long time since I have shopped for a new sleeping pad, and now I find my self in the market.

Technology has changed a LOT in 15 years (when I last look for a pad). The biggest change seems to be the increase in "air-pads" of all kinds. After being left with a self-incflating thermorest that would not hold air I have not been to keen on air/self inflating pads, but the closed foam pads are just so bulky.

last time I shopped air pads where heavy, fragile and prone to leaks. They were pretty much for RV and car campers. That seems to have changed entirely while I wasn't looking.

Are the "air-core" pads really ready for prime time? Are they dependable enough to really trust in the back country? Or am I really still consigned to a pad the size of my backpack?

 

[ScottR]

Yes they are, pretty much the entire East mans' staff uses some form or fashion air core style. I have beat the tar out of my Neo Air by thermarest.

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[Don K]

Great thread on here on sleeping pads you might want to check out. It helped me decide on a pad that I just bought. Now if I can draw the NM tag I would be golden

 

[IdahoSkies]

I was reading that thread and some others on some other backpacking sites. That's one of the reason's I brought the issue up. I guess now I need to figure how much to lighten my wallet by to lighten my pack.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Here ya go

http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/6608-Sleeping-Pad?highlight=Sleeping

 

[IdahoSkies]

If an insulated aircore deflates will the insulation provide some protection against the ground temperature, or is the insulative property of the pad dependent on it being inflated?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

If an insulated aircore deflates will the insulation provide some protection against the ground temperature, or is the insulative property of the pad dependent on it being inflated?

It only works inflated.

 

[ScottR]

Hot Bond works well in the backcountry, and you can easily use it with just about any stove.

 

[squirrelduster]

I have the Big Agnes air insulated pad.
I have used it a fair amount and it's pretty comfortable. I have not had any problems with the pad leaking but it's always been inside my Marmot Grid tent.

 

[Don K]

Scott,

Goggled "Hot Bond" and got some interesting responses

 

[arwaterfowler]

Scott,

Goggled "Hot Bond" and got some interesting responses

Good thing I read your post. I was about to Google it at work this morning.

 

[woodtick]

I will never go back to foam!! My BA insulated air core is the only thing I carry anymore, if your worried about holes in the pad carry some goat tuff tape. This stuff is incredible and I've used it to repair torn shells on my down jackets, tents and even cheap Cabela's rain-wear and it bonds solid in a few days and remains very flexible.

 

[Elkhunter96]

I upgraded to insulated this last year and will never go back. What a world of difference. Either a synthetic or down one are the way to go.

 

[Don K]

goat tuff tape.

Thanks for the Idea and heads up on that

 

[Apparition]

Well now, now I have to google hot bond.

 

[ScottR]

Thermarest sells it I believe.

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