PCT Sleeping Pad

imported
#1

With a normal NOBO start, how warm of a pad is needed if a 20 degree bag is taken the whole way? Is a z-lite or ridgerest type of warmth level ok for the whole trail? Thanks!

AZ

#2

Those are fine. You don’t have to sleep on snow unless something really goes wrong. And the closed-cell foam pad is probably best in the desert, which is pretty tough on inflatables.

Garlic

#3

Thanks, I was concerned that a pad like that might not be warm enough in the coldest sections. From what I can tell that is the Sierras and then Washington at the end? I hope my 20 degrees bag is not too hot at other times. But I was mainly concerend about not having enough insulation underneath and if I needed to add another foam layer like a thinlite while in the coldest sections. Hopefully I get by.

AZ

#4

I’ve hiked the PCT twice with RidgeRest’s closed cell foam pads (the smallest one cut down to torso length) with 20 degree bags and never had a problem - plenty warm.

Also, as Garlic hinted at - air inflated sleeping pads can easily get punctured by thorns in the desert, so I think closed cell foam is the way to go. Furthermore, closed-cell foam is completely waterproof (when it gets wet, just wipe the water off) versus the nylon covers of most air inflated pads which can get saturated - which ends up getting your sleeping bag wet…

two thumbs up from me.

Happy Trails!

freebird

#5

Thanks for the first hand experience Freebird, sounds like I’ll be ok with the “3 season pad” and a 20 degree bag.

AZ

#6

ok freebird,

freebird is also built like an california surfer (just think ‘wet cat.’) If you’re built bigger I would suggest a full length pad for sure. His thin stature and boney body means he has a lot less contact area with the ground. If you’re flabby like me that means a whole lot of surface area on a frozen ground. I suggest a Zrest if you’re lighter and Ridgerest if you’re a bit bulkier.

BigBaby

#7

$5.00 Walmart Ozark Trail Blue Foam Pad. My favorite. I tried all the closed cell pads and to me this is the most comfy. Cheap, durable, and light, yet firm enough not to feel the rocks and twigs. I weigh 185 and am 5’11" all fat except for my rock solid calves. A snowboard leash keeps it rolled on my pack, and when I take a break I just sit on it rolled up and it doesn’t get damaged.

Guino

#8

don’t forget the silk liner for the bag. it keeps your down fluffy and free of hiker grime + oils.

also, it’ll add at least 10 degrees of warmth on cold nights and give you a cool option for hot nights.

closed cell foam for sure. i hiked through in 05’ and did it like freebird with a short pad. i’d do that again, but I would probably swap out for a new one half way through. the foam does loose some of it’s bounce.

x caddis