Closed cell foam vs. air mattress

imported
#1

I’d be interested to know the percentage Thru-hikers or long-distance hikers (use your own definition) who use closed cell foam sleeping pads vs. air mattresses.

My own preference is closed cell foam because of its reliability and simplicity.

Nunam

#2

I’d be interested to know the percentage OF Thru-hikers or long-distance hikers (use your own definition) who use closed cell foam sleeping pads vs. air mattresses.

My own preference is closed cell foam because of its reliability and simplicity.

Nunam

#3

On my thru-hike, I started with a closed foam and as I lost weight and my bones starting poking into the gound through the 3/4 inch of foam, which had compressed after many miles, I changed to an inflatable and slept much better with the 2 inches of cushion. Then again I’m older (58) and not as supple as I used to be. One thing I learned, sleep is important on a thru-hike. Go with what gives you the best night’s sleep. My air mattress weighed the same as my closed foam and even though I carried a repair kit (negligible weight), I never had to use it.

Joe

#4

During my thru-hike, I “observed” that more hikers used air mattresses than foam. No hard numbers, but I would guess like 70-30, remembering pads laid out in shelters.

People obvioulsy make it to Katahdin with either, and as Joe mentioned, the important thing is that the pad you choose “aids” you in getting sleep. If you don’t sleep well, figure out why, and fix that.

If you have been hiking with cell foam and have one, start with that. There are plenty of outfitters early in an AT thru-hike so you can always change to an air mattress if you find you can’t sleep comfortably due to the foam cell pad.

Like I mentioned, this is simply my observation/opinion, no study.

Bison

#5

Bison, thank you for answering the question so directly. That 70/30 split told me basically what I wanted to know. Frankly, the predominance of air mattresses surprises me.

One other question, if you don’t mind. Which type to you use, closed cell foam or air mattress, and why?

Thanks,

Nunam

Nunam

#6

I started with a closed cell foam. The quality of sleep just wasn’t there. I changed to an air mattress in Hot Springs. Big difference. Much better sleep. It also allowed me to put my tent in less than ideal places (rocks, roots) and still sleep well. I never had a problem with punctures and liked the self inflating feature of my air mattress.

Wingo