Members NetStar Posted September 2, 2009 Members Share Posted September 2, 2009 if you go with a self inflating camping pad don't get a cheap one. therm-a-rest is the only way to go. thicker the better if you're car camping. Yeah I was going to say: "Thermarest - Good. Blow up air bed - BAD" The air in those just goes stone cold over night and you sleep on 6 inches of freezing air, not good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members narwhal Posted September 2, 2009 Members Share Posted September 2, 2009 I was in Great Basin Park in june, and it was cold even in a 20 degree bag. But that was at 10K feet. Maybe I'm just used to the Mojave heat. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members solewheelin Posted September 2, 2009 Members Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have a Z-rest and a ultralight thermarest, and I never use the thermarest. Way too much of a PITA to deflate and roll up. I agree that thermarests are terrible. Hardly any cushion. The foam they use is not dense enough. Z-Rests are a gimmick too. Not enough cush and it collected little puddles of moisture. And the accordion style is just plain wierd. Go with the extra thick ridgerests. Theyre the best I have found, You just need a nylon strap to keep it rolled up. But for car camping, if you want to be REALLY comfortable, I would suggest 2" or even 3" (your choice) thick foam wide enough for the 2 of you. you can roll it up pretty tight and its way more comfortable than a bed. You can get foam in any fabric store. Might be like 30$ though but its so worth it for the comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members solewheelin Posted September 2, 2009 Members Share Posted September 2, 2009 The air in those just goes stone cold over night and you sleep on 6 inches of freezing air, not good. No, that air is actually a form of insulation and your body heat will keep that air warm. I promise. Even sleeping on a picnic table is warmer and more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. Thats another old trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dap99 Posted September 3, 2009 Members Share Posted September 3, 2009 I think the first thing is you gotta know if you are a cold sleeper or hot sleeper. I sleep cold so a 20deg bag in the summer/fall works for me, but on colder fall nights, I need to get a 0deg bag (haven't gotten one yet). A hot sleeper could easily get away w/ a 40deg bag in the summer. Not me.As for sleeping pads, again, you should consider how you sleep. I sleep on my side so the Thermarest stuff tends to be too thin b/c my hip will go into the ground. So I have one of these: Oh, and that brings up full-length vs. 3/4 length. Since you're not really backpacking and more doing the car camping thing weight isn't a big deal.I backpack and try to go pretty light. I wish I could use an ultralight foam sleeping pad, but I won't get any sleep that way so I cut weight in a lot of places and my pad is my 'luxury' item. Oh, and some whiskey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TravvyBear Posted September 3, 2009 Members Share Posted September 3, 2009 I went camping not to long ago, we didn't use sleeping bags, just some blankets and a pillow, our tent was set up in the worst possible spot. Anyways, since I can't give you any advice, I will say, have fun and be careful. Also, it's more fun to stay in an area thats not a designated camp site, or at least it was for us. Don't let ants get in your rice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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