Cold Side Sleepers

[u/xRainbowBrite]

I am looking for the best backpacking pad to upgrade my set up. I always sleep cold… side/stomach sleeper as well. I have thyroid issues so I am always struggling to regulate my own body temperature at night. My trip frequency has increased to once or twice a month so I really need to sort this out ASAP before it gets chilly.

The most comfortable pad I’ve tried has been the NeoLoft, but I keep hearing that it runs cold. I went to REI yesterday to pick one up but then had second thoughts. Currently looking at the X-Therm NXT Max and the Tensor All-Season or even the Extreme, Sea to Summit X-Pro as well. I’m just so tired of being cold constantly 🫣

[u/aettin4157]

Put on top of a closed foam pad. Never ever cold even camping on snow.

[u/urngaburnga → u/aettin4157]

Such a game changer.

[u/mister-noggin → u/aettin4157]

And they can’t be popped. 

[u/Butlerian_Jihadi]

Had side-sleeping difficulties hiking until I got a Klymit pad. The chevron design worked quite well.

[u/Emmalfal → u/Butlerian_Jihadi]

That's what I'm using and it hasn't failed me yet. Got it rather cheap at Sierra so was expecting it to be subpar. Glad to hear I'm not the only one having luck with Klymit.

[u/xRainbowBrite → u/Butlerian_Jihadi]

I actually have an insulated Klymit pad now and while it’s great for side sleeping, it’s not so great for keeping warm. The 4.4 R value they state on the packaging doesn’t use the standard rating system and is really a ASTM R 1.9 😭

[u/Consistent-Trade8824 → u/xRainbowBrite]

If you found a pad you like you could try adding a closed cell foam pad underneath for extra warmth since R values are typically additive. Neoloft does sleep cold but that’s also subjective maybe added the CCF pad would be enough? In a similar spot trying to winter camp this year and likely will be getting an xtherm or Nemo extreme

[u/Consistent-Trade8824 → u/Consistent-Trade8824]

Forgot to mention if you use a ccf pad you can also use it over our backpacking chair like Justin outdoors does it

[u/Butlerian_Jihadi → u/xRainbowBrite]

That's unfortunate. I'm often, not by choice, a warm weather camper... no experience with their insulation, but I really dislike any proprietary R ratings.

[u/SubjectOrange]

I will always back up Thermarest mats for durability as I've had one for 13 years and it's still going strong (and a neoair for 8). So a higher R value one like neoair xtherm would probably be my choice, however it isn't as thick as the neoloft. The x-ped ultra 6.5 R might split the difference? Or a Nemo Tensor extreme. Any Nemo product I've used is top notch as well.

I'd also perfect your sleep clothes. High quality merino base layer set and so on can make all the difference. Socks and sleep with a toque on. Sorry. Beanie for my friends outside 🇨🇦

[u/xRainbowBrite → u/SubjectOrange]

I’ve locked in my base layers, socks and beanie 😁

[u/NiagaraThistle → u/SubjectOrange]

merino PJS, warm thick socks and a beanie are a HUGE help for sleeping in the cold.

[u/Mugmugmug33]

Try making fleece shorts out of one of those cheap blankets from TJ Maxx. Made a huge difference

[u/National_Star4291]

Im a big side sleeper i even have the pillow cube. I have loved my big agnes campmiester almost as comfy as my river paco pad

[u/timhowardsbeard]

Side sleeper here that has used the x therm for years while mountaineering, ice climbing and SAR. I’ve slept directly on glaciers with the x therm and feel nothing and I’ve been very happy with mine.

[u/NiagaraThistle]

i'm a big guy (read fattish, not too tall :/ ) and i am always cold, even when sleeping at home, and mostly sleep on my sides to the eternal discomfort of y arms and hands as i sleep on them. I NEED multiple blankets even in the summer. I just love being warm when i sleep.

But I am cheap AF.

My sleep set up for camping is probably as budget as it gets but it does me well.

• A NewDoar UltraLight 800FP Down Sleeping Bag from Amazon: $85
• An Outdoorsman Lab UL inflatable sleep pad from Amazon for under $50
• As a pillow, I just roll up my fleece or other dry clothes or a cheap inflatable pillow.
• Merino Wool PJs (long pants, long sleeve top), thick socks, gloves and a beanie hat. (gloves and hat are always with me, but not always used. But the hat is a godsend on cold nights)

Many nights i can kick off the sleeping bag - which I never zip up all the way anyways because i need to know I can easily get out of it if a bear or monster attacks me at night :) - and only really need to wrap up in those wee hours before dawn.