Car Camping Sleeping Pads

[mscot]

Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. Didn't seem to fit into Off Topic.

Anyway.

Time for a new sleeping pad. I'm trying to decide between the following two (but I'm open to other options if you have them).
I'm looking at these two pads b/c they are closest to an air mattress and have decent R values - I do not want a lightweight blow up pad at this time.

So, has anyone tried either? Thoughts? Something better out there?

https://www.rei.com/product/870757/rei-co-op-camp-bed-35-self-inflating-sleeping-pad

https://www.rei.com/product/896042/therm-a-rest-luxury-map-sleeping-pad

Leaning towards REI since it's $40 less. I'll be buying the largest size - not b/c I'm tall but b/c I want the extra width.

 

[MaddoxPics]

I backpack and have a pair of sleeping pads, but I found I wasn't as comfortable on them in the back of the 4R as I was in a tent. The wife felt the same way so I ended up searching for awhile and ran across these "beds."

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENUILB8

It's a tight fit, but it does work in the back (full size), and during the day I can sit it on the ground and use it as a couch. I also use it in our tent too when we car camp just for more comfort.

It does take up a fair amount of space. I typically sit on the floor area in the back, then push the front seats back against it. That way I can still use the seat area, and still have the entire back.

We pack lightly so usually we don't have to worry about space, but if you do I wouldn't recommend one.

If you are set on sleeping pads, I would look at Big Agnes. I did some product testing for them and found their sleeping pads were by far more comfortable than Therm-a-Rest (which is what I use for backpacking trips).

I believe this is the one I tested for Big Agnes: http://www.bigagnes.com/Q-Core-SLX

 

[dee87]

I backpack and have a pair of sleeping pads, but I found I wasn't as comfortable on them in the back of the 4R as I was in a tent. The wife felt the same way so I ended up searching for awhile and ran across these "beds."

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENUILB8

It's a tight fit, but it does work in the back (full size), and during the day I can sit it on the ground and use it as a couch. I also use it in our tent too when we car camp just for more comfort.

It does take up a fair amount of space. I typically sit on the floor area in the back, then push the front seats back against it. That way I can still use the seat area, and still have the entire back.

We pack lightly so usually we don't have to worry about space, but if you do I wouldn't recommend one.

If you are set on sleeping pads, I would look at Big Agnes. I did some product testing for them and found their sleeping pads were by far more comfortable than Therm-a-Rest (which is what I use for backpacking trips).

can we get pics of this in your car?

 

[SaulG]

Always go custom

Welcome to SOLACE

 

[MaddoxPics]

can we get pics of this in your car?

The upper section folds, which makes the back to the "couch" formation. I usually leave it long to help give some protection from the seat metal areas, but you could double it up and have extra head support like a pillow. Being 6'2 I prefer the head protection.

 

[m85476585]

If you are set on sleeping pads, I would look at Big Agnes. I did some product testing for them and found their sleeping pads were by far more comfortable than Therm-a-Rest (which is what I use for backpacking trips).

I believe this is the one I tested for Big Agnes: Q-Core SLX

There are definitely differences in comfort between similar looking pads.

My favorite are Nemo pads. Something about the baffle design and stretch of the material makes them extremely comfortable for me. I'm about as comfortable on my Nemo pad as on my regular mattress. I used to have an Astro Insulated pad which I probably slept on 40-50 nights. I sold that and upgraded to a Cosmo Insulated pad that I've used about 10 nights. The Cosmo pads are great, and the built in pump is way better than blowing them up manually. The built-in pillow is too bouncy to use alone, but it's fine with a thin polyester fill pillow on top (I use a cheap one from Alps Mountaineering).

I have a Thermatest Neo Air Xlite for backpacking, and although it's light, it's not super comfortable. It either feels too stiff it it's fully inflated, or too soft if it's less inflated. When it's fully inflated the material and baffles don't really stretch, so it is very firm. I've probably used it a dozen nights.

On one camping trip someone brought an old pad where the baffles had come apart, so it was like a long tube instead of a flat mattress. They did not sleep well. Baffles are important!

 

[MaddoxPics]

I have a Thermatest Neo Air Xlite for backpacking, and although it's light, it's not super comfortable. It either feels too stiff it it's fully inflated, or too soft if it's less inflated. When it's fully inflated the material and baffles don't really stretch, so it is very firm. I've probably used it a dozen nights.

Agreed. I have that issue with my Xlite as well. I deal with it, and after a long day of backpacking I probably could sleep without it lol.

 

[m85476585]

Also, just to be clear, I haven't tried other Thermarest pads. The Xlite pad is ultralight, so it uses different materials than their other pads, so the feel could be completely different. It might be helpful to go to REI where they have a bunch of pads inflated and you can try them out.

 

[nb rob]

I have the thermarest mondo king, and it's amazing. And self inflating.
when I take the rear seat bottom out, it fits perfectly.

Of course, the downside to self-inflating is wrestling it back in to it's bag. I've settled on a two-step process that works really well.

 

[DRO-T4R]

If you are set on sleeping pads, I would look at Big Agnes. I did some product testing for them and found their sleeping pads were by far more comfortable than Therm-a-Rest (which is what I use for backpacking trips).

I believe this is the one I tested for Big Agnes: Q-Core SLX

We have the Q-core SLX pads for backpacking. Super light, VERY comfortable. But they are LOUD to sleep on. I'm not sure why. On our last trip we had friends in their tent about 30 feet away, and they complained because the noise every time we moved around on the pads was waking them up.

 

[Soul-Surfer]

I've tried both of these pads that you are looking at and think for the price you cannot beat the REI camp bed 3.5. It rolls up easy enough when you are finished, sleeps warm and offers enough thickness for me being a side sleeper. The top of the pad is comfortable too if you sleep directly on it on a warmer night to.

For lighter carry I use a big Agnes sl- qcore and really like the warmth but on my last trip out to Utah I managed to spring a leak and with no foam internal I was left on the ground. With a self inflating even with a leak you will still have warmth and cushion in place to you can repair.

 

[MaddoxPics]

We have the Q-core SLX pads for backpacking. Super light, VERY comfortable. But they are LOUD to sleep on. I'm not sure why. On our last trip we had friends in their tent about 30 feet away, and they complained because the noise every time we moved around on the pads was waking them up.

Interesting, I never heard any noises from mine, but I will say my wife snores so I probably wouldn't have heard them anyways.

Your friends would hate me as I use Tyvek for my footprint with the Copper Spur, and if there's a breeze there's noise.

 

[SwayzeExpress]

Forgive me if this is the wrong forum. Didn't seem to fit into Off Topic.

Anyway.

Time for a new sleeping pad. I'm trying to decide between the following two (but I'm open to other options if you have them).
I'm looking at these two pads b/c they are closest to an air mattress and have decent R values - I do not want a lightweight blow up pad at this time.

So, has anyone tried either? Thoughts? Something better out there?

https://www.rei.com/product/870757/rei-co-op-camp-bed-35-self-inflating-sleeping-pad

https://www.rei.com/product/896042/therm-a-rest-luxury-map-sleeping-pad

Leaning towards REI since it's $40 less. I'll be buying the largest size - not b/c I'm tall but b/c I want the extra width.

Big Agnes systems are amazing - I discovered them when taking my about to have a baby pregnant wife camping by lake superior and she was extremely comfortable. Definitely look at the way they inflate, one style takes forever.

 

[mscot]

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely going to stick with a self-inflating that has some foam in it. Seems like that will be better for side sleepers.
I'll check a couple of these other suggestions and hopefully i can get to REI before I'm ready to buy. Have a couple trips in September.

 

[Zone zero]

I've been camping out of different trucks and SUVs for years from Cherokees to a fullsize blazer, what I found works best is go to Walmart.com and order 4-6 inch memory foam mattress they go from twin to queen size. I cut them to fit the back of each vehical I've used it's literally better than my bed at home.
The next best thing to do is add screen to the window this can be done on the cheap with magnets and nylon screen.
I'm 6.0" and I can sleep in the back with my wife and 50 lb dog no problem.
I'd post an image but it won't let me. If you want email me directly and I can shoot you some info and pictures [email protected]

 

[Darren]

I believe that Therm-a-Rest pad you linked in your first post is the one I've always had. Actually, I replaced my original one a few years ago. As I recall, it was $70 at Sports Authority when I bought it. I thought my original one was closer to $40 at the time. Anyway, below is what I've used for 677 nights in my 2002, and 16 nights so far in my '17. I probably don't need the bottom pad, but I use it since I have it. This setup has always been super comfy for me. Just the top pad alone would be sufficient, but this is definitely softer.

I have a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core (and BA bag and tent) for backpacking, but since there is more room and less weight restrictions in a 4Runner, more padding gets used.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

I believe that Therm-a-Rest pad you linked in your first post is the one I've always had. Actually, I replaced my original one a few years ago. As I recall, it was $70 at Sports Authority when I bought it. I thought my original one was closer to $40 at the time. Anyway, below is what I've used for 677 nights in my 2002, and 16 nights so far in my '17. I probably don't need the bottom pad, but I use it since I have it. This setup has always been super comfy for me. Just the top pad alone would be sufficient, but this is definitely softer.

I have a Big Agnes Insulated Air Core (and BA bag and tent) for backpacking, but since there is more room and less weight restrictions in a 4Runner, more padding gets used.

How do you remove the seat bottoms for more room?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[n2advnture]

I have the thermarest mondo king, and it's amazing. And self inflating.
when I take the rear seat bottom out, it fits perfectly.

Of course, the downside to self-inflating is wrestling it back in to it's bag. I've settled on a two-step process that works really well.

I JUST got this one but haven't used it yet. :thumb:

 

[swanny]

Here you go..
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/trailheadhotel/

 

[Wrighter]

Have you considered a hammock?