News You Can Use-Sleeping Pads

Dear Philmont Trekkers and Parents,

​We talked about sleeping pads at our first clinic earlier this month, but here's a refresher. One of the most important gear choices you can make, if you do not have one already, is your sleeping pad. You pad is almost as important as your sleeping bag and can really make a difference in the quality of sleep you will get while on the trail. Pads come in all shapes and sizes and in different styles too, so it's good to do your research before you purchase. First off, sleeping pads fall into two categories-inflatable and self inflatable. The self inflatable aspect of a pad is a little bit of a misnomer. These pads are insulated with closed cell foam, so when you set up your tent, pull out your pad, open the valve, and a few minutes later, just a few puffs will make the pad nice and firm. Usually inflatable are more bulky and heavier than their cousins, the inflatables. Inflatables take lung power to inflate, are generally lighter and less bulky in weight. Inflatables typically have more loft too, which for me equates to a good night's sleep.The warmth of a pad, or it's ability to check the cooler ground conducting your body heat through the pad, is called the pad's R-Value, kind of like the insulation within the walls of your home. The higher the R Value, the warmer the pad. An R-4 pad is a four-season pad, while an R-2 pad is just a summer pad. No another twist, there are male-specific and woman-specific pads. The difference is length. A regular length can vary from 66-72 inches and a long pad is 78 inches. Pads also come in different lengths-20 inches for a standard pad and 25 inches for a wide pad. It doesn't stop there, either, pads are either rectangular shaped or mummy shaped. For Philmont, I would suggest standard widths and lengths with an R Value of 3.2 or greater. A pad with a lesser R-Value may be cold at night.

My favorite pads are inflatable because they generally are less bulky, weigh less, and have more loft than their brethren. Here are several pads that I suggest you consider for our trip:
1. Big Agnes Q-Core SL- This is just the Sealy Posturepedic pf pads!
2. REI Flash Pad- All the attributes of a lighter pad and a reasonable price
3. Big Agnes Insulated Air Core
4. REI Air Rail
5. Thermarest ProLite Plus
6. Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
7. REI Stratos Sleeping Pad

I recognize and appreciate that cost may be a factor, so the pads recommended take this into consideration. Since selecting a pad is first and foremost about comfort, come down to REI and spend some quality time checking them out! Then research you preferences and shop for the best value/price you can find!

I hope that you will find this to be news you can use!
Mr. Brown