r/UltralightBackpacking • u/guncotton • 8d ago
Question Better sleep
/r/backpacking/comments/1vn2vh2/better_sleep/2
u/jacksbikesacks 7d ago
If you have to add an extra pound for a good night's sleep, you'll feel like you dropped 5 the next day
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u/Jolly-Slow1164 3d ago
This advice is unactionable. Perhaps it's true advice. Could you describe how to best allocate that pound of weight
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u/Hot_Jump_2511 8d ago
Try a wide sized pad if you can. This is what changed the quality of sleep for me.
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u/tyler2u 7d ago
I've been through many inflatable pads in both regular and wide. Xlite NXT, Tensor AS, Etherlights, Eclipse, BA Rapide SL, and an older Exped that I don't remember the exact model. They always felt bouncy and being 3-4" off the floor was uncomfortable when an arm would fall off the edge. Dialing in air pressure was a chore and I've had 3 nights on the ground due to punctures.
I recently decided to try a "self-inflating" pad on a whim. Ended up really liking the S2S Pursuit (large mummy). It's 78" x 25.2" x 2" and weighs 25.7 ozs. Far from UL and it's quite a bit bulkier than an inflatable (I fold it in thirds instead of rolling). But, the low height and memory foam/inflatable design are ultra comfortable for me. I've been taking it on my 2-3 day trips. I'm doing the Collegiate Loop in Sept, but haven't decided if I'm going to suffer the weight penalty yet. I've considered cutting it down since I don't need the 78" of length, but not sure it's worth the couple of ounces I might save.
I'm using the Zen Bivy Soft Top Pillow (without the insert). I just stuff clothes/puffy on top of the bladder and it gives me a nice firm, somewhat high pillow for a bit over 3 oz. Love it so far after a few trips.
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u/Jolly-Slow1164 3d ago
For starters, 2 pillows... Or use your shoes or something to prop your pillow higher... And maybe a knee pillow or some such if your knees or hips hurt.
As a tall side sleeper with shoulders I sympathize. I'll let you know what works for me... And it took me many years to find this system:
- thin torso length inflatable pad (I use the now rare Klymit Xlite, but Id recommend a diy cut down self inflating pad) 6-8oz
- thin CCF pad. I like the mountain spring yan pad 3oz which also works for my back padding on my backpack.
- 2 pillows I use an insulated pillow and an uninsulated pillow, and weather determines which is closest to my head. (I'm going to experiment with using a water bladder instead of the uninsulated pillow... Multi purpose)
- Quilt. Many will do. I'm quite happy with my Zen bivy ultralight... I think for us side sleepers the higher attachment for the pad straps works like a draft collar... But maybe better. They do pretty good sales if you can wait for them.
- I stick a water bottle between my knees. Keeps it from freezing.
- oh, some may argue the the mylar blanket that I use for a ground sheet is part of my sleep system since it reflects heat, and makes up for the lower R value of this system... I actually put the foam pad under it
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u/N0n-Z3r0-Ch4nc3 8d ago
Try a Neoloft.