I like this pad but I also don’t like it. I’m torn 50/50.
This pad does take quite a few breaths to blow up. It takes me 30 full breaths to fill this completely up and I must take at least one break. Is this a big deal? Not really. Would I prefer a pad that takes less breaths? Maybe, if I can find the perfect pad. I’ve read reviews of other pads that take 10-15 breaths.
I got a pump sack to go with this pad thinking it would be helpful, I also like the idea of not getting moisture in the pad. The sack is 5 times the size of the pad when it’s rolled up. I looked at the instructions and you can partially inflate the pad while it’s in the pump sack and it turns into a chair! I tried it and wasn’t that impressed. It work’s but it’s not something I’ve done since the one time. It’s easier to sit on a seat or on the ground. It’s not as easy to inflate as some other sleep pad pump sacks. The last time I tried it, the pump sack flew off the pad mid pump. After that, I gave up on it.
This pad does pack down small and it’s light, only weighing 12 oz without the bag. I have stopped bringing the bag with me on camping/backpacking trips since I do not use it as a chair or to blow up the pad.
When this bag is fully inflated it’s a bit uncomfortable, therefore I deflate it a little bit, which also helps because I’m a side sleeper. A few of my friends have mentioned that it is loud, however it’s not as loud as my other pad.
It can move around a lot depending on the floor material. When I used it with my Zpacks Duplex it was like being on a slip-n-slide covered in lube. When I used it with my Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2P (2017) it didn’t slide around as much, for the most part it stayed in place. I did read that I could put seam sealer on the bottom of it and it would help keep it from sliding around on Dyneema Composite. However, I didn’t keep the tent so I didn’t put the seam sealer on the pad.
The pad is comfortable to sleep on when it’s not fully inflated, however I noticed in the morning it had lost air. I don’t know if this is a malfunction of the valve, and I should contact Thermarest or something that is expected. My other pad does not lose air and it has a different valve.
A huge benefit is the R rating, it’s a 4.2 and it’s great for cold sleepers. I’ve used this in the mid to upper 30s and I never got cold. This is the only reason I continue using it.
Perks: 4.2 R rating keeps me warm in 30-degree weather, lightweight, works well for side sleepers, and it’s not very loud.
Cons: it takes a lot of breaths to inflate, it partially deflates by morning and it’s mummy shaped.
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