Did anyone hiking the PCT this past year use the ThermaRest Toughskin sleeping pad? The general consensus I’ve read here and in most guides is that inflatable pads will not last on the PCT due to puntures from cactus thorns and such, but I was curious if anyone had success using the Toughskin. I am in the process of getting my gear for an April 08 hike and wanted to know if it was worth the money. Thanks.
Slainte
I have heard about problems with inflatable pads being punctured on the PCT…I hiked with a Stephenson DAM on the JMT two years ago and didn’t have a single problem…I grant you I was only out there for 20 days…I have since switched to a Big Agnes (the stephenson is just too hard to inflate)…I carry my pad INSIDE my pack…If I am only inflating it after I set up my tent, what is the problem? Would appreciate anyone comments. Thanks “JB”-Bob Davies
Bob Davies
I used a thermarest prolite 3 short (13 oz.?) on the PCT last summer. I have been using the same pad for a couple of years prior to thruhiking with it. I didn’t get any punctures until NorCal. I really abused the pad once I got out of the desert. I never slept on it without my tarptent under it and when using it on breaks I would try to pick areas that were soft so even if there were thorns/sharp rocks under it they wouldn’t have enough pushing force to puncture the pad. I evetually stopped caring about where I sat on it and that’s when I started getting punctures. My first holes were caused by volcanic rocks just south of Etna, Ca… If I were to hike again I would definately use the same pad. I’ve used z-rests and ridgerests and they don’t offer nearly as much comfort or insulation from the cold. After a long day of hiking with a heavy pack on, the thermarest was my savior. I also sleep on my sides alot so the thermarest kept my hip from digging into rocks/hard ground. I always kept a repair kit which consists of denatured alcohol(for prep cleaning), some heavy silnylon with a sticky backing combined with silicon seam sealer(kit weighs under 3 grams). If you get a puncture it takes a while for the seam sealer to dry so it might mean not using your pad for a night. Towards the end of my hike I had a 6 hour leak which left my pad totally deflated after 6 or so hour of sleeping on it. I didn’t mind blowin it back up if I wanted to sleep in. As for the thermarest toughskins, they are very expensive for a pad and they are HEAVY.
Spigot
Weathercarrot was very proud of his inflatable Thermarest that lasted the entire PCT. So it is possible, with great care.
My opinion–I can sleep well with a Z-rest, so I won’t carry the extra weight. My advice–if you haven’t tried the Z-rest, check it out. You can cut it down to your needs, at one ounce per folding section. It’s relatively cheap and durable.
garlic
I also use a Big Agnes ( comfort is everything, ok?)and carry it inside my pack. What I’ve seen with a lot of thermarest users is that they carry them on the outside of their pack, ON THE BOTTOM (!!!) so when they set their pack down, the thermarest takes the brunt of whatever is on the ground.
I quit carrying the thermarest because it is marginally heavier than my BA & is WAY less comfy + it rolls into a tiny package I can carry inside my pack, which protects it and makes my pack look & carry much tidier.
kbatku
I used the largest Thermarest Prolite (25x77) the whole way with no punctures. I carried it on the outside of my GG pack in the desert, wrapped in my tyvek groundsheet for protection.
After AguaDulce, I had a bigger pack so I carried it on the inside. I slept very well every night, even on small rocks and roots without problems.
30-30