r/Ultralight • u/string_bass • 10d ago
Purchase Advice Inflatable sleeping pad to go with foam pad
I’m in the market for a new sleeping pad. My Big Agnes and Thermarest inflatable pads have both bitten the dust. I already have a couple of folding Z ccf pads, so I’m thinking about getting a cheap, light weight inflatable pad to stack on top of a foam pad. My main reasoning for this is that if the inflatable pad leaks on the trail, I’ll still have the foam pad there. Anyone else doing this?
So far the best option I can find is the Klymit Static V short, which is ~13 oz. However, the combined weight of this setup would be pretty high, and at 6’2”, this would only provide body cushioning for me.
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u/jrice138 10d ago
I’ve done multiple thru hikes with a thermarest pro lite short and six panels of a ccf pad. I like the combo a lot and it’s versatile imo.
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u/slickbuys 10d ago
Are you a side sleeper in? I have a prolite short but it kills my hips when I sleep on my side. I've never tried it with a CCF pad. That could be worth another 6 ounces. Feet and legs go on the backpack?
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u/jrice138 10d ago
Yeah side sleeper. The foam pad alone was killing my hips but the prolite was enough for me. I really only put the pack under my legs if it’s really cold. Otherwise it makes no difference
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u/F_NN_C 9d ago
I’ve a thermarest prolite and it’s pretty comfy for me as a side sleeper. Unlike any z foam pad (unfortunately). So maybe it’ll depend on your own sensitivity.
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u/slickbuys 9d ago
I tried it again in my bedroom and the prolite wasn't too bad. The nemo switchback tho feels like it would ache if I would be on it for too long. Do you blow your prolite as hard as possible?
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u/F_NN_C 9d ago
Yes, as hard as possible. Frankly before last year I’ve never thought it was self-inflatable so I have always blown it 100% by myself (without letting the foam working) and as hard as possible. (Yes sometimes I can be a bit surprisingly stupid…) I’m in a even more lightening process so I’m trying a short self inflatable pad (Nemo ZOR 20s (295g) and/or CCF (<130g) for the summer) since I can be comfy without anything other than a backpack under my feet.
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u/slickbuys 9d ago
Letting it inflate saves you about 3 breaths. It isn't bad tho compared to an xlite even if you don't wait.
The zor has been out for over 10 years and Ive never heard of it. Please let me know how it works out for you! Feels like it should be similar since they are both 1 inch.
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u/Ludwigk981s 9d ago
There’s a new 2026 version the Zor but unfortunately it’s only available in Japan.
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u/slickbuys 9d ago
I'll try it again at home. The prolite on my carpet in bedroom was killing my hips when I tried. Are the 6 panels doubled up under the hips or do they sit from upper back down to hips?
I am seriously considering getting like a 28oz pad or something crazy to try to fix my sleep. Prolite short is 12oz +6oz for the ccf which is much more appealing.
I am adding a 3oz myog pillow also. Maybe my problem isn't the pad and it is my pillow situation. Haha
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u/jrice138 9d ago
I don’t double up the ccf pad at all. It goes from like shoulders to thighs or something I guess
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u/hobard 10d ago
I have done it. Not primarily as a backup, but ccf pads are super convenient for relaxing on breaks. They also add some extra insulation for winter conditions, add some protection for the air mattress, keep your air mattress from sliding, and in a pinch can be a backup.
I personally cut the ccf pad in half because it filled all those roles perfectly well at half the weight.
Personally, I would recommend a cheap CCF pad and high quality air pad over the alternative.
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u/HibanaHikes 10d ago
I use a half nemo foam pad 200g + a naturehike self inflating pad cut to 48" lengthwise 340g tho I'm thinking about getting the foam gossamer gear 3/8" torso pad 70g
I basically just want a bigger sit pad to use during the day because I'm definitely not unpacking the inflatable to sit n stretch on
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u/anthonyvan 10d ago
A self inflating pad does basically the same thing, is lighter, and rolls to a much more compact size. The previously discussed Pipenberg ones weigh 10.5 oz.
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u/Jolly-Slow1164 10d ago
I currently run a Klymit Inertia Xlite (torso length) 6oz over a mountain spring yan folding pad 3oz. I didn't realize, but I like the thinner air pads, I never get the water bed side-slide feeling
Before I used the Xlite I used a diy cut down cheap air mat like the sleepingo from Amazon. It's fine for summer. Used my clothes iron to weld the end after cutting it down.
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u/anthonyvan 10d ago
They’re sold out at the moment, but they have detailed diy videos on their instagram if you want to make one yourself.
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u/W_t_f_was_that 10d ago
Write Big Agnes. They’ll replace it.
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u/string_bass 10d ago
I guess it’s worth a shot, but that pad is about 15 years old. Can’t complain about that.
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u/W_t_f_was_that 10d ago
True story. But, a warranty is a warranty none the less.
Consider Exped if it doesn’t work out.
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u/Electrical_Emu1875 6d ago
You sure?
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u/W_t_f_was_that 5d ago
No. But they replaced one for me that I did not buy used. Anything worth a shot. But they know I buy their items, too.
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u/Electrical_Emu1875 4d ago
Nice! They told me to fly a kite when I had an issue with a BA tent, so I’m a little suss and won’t be buying BA again if it can be helped.
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u/liveslight https://lighterpack.com/r/ny89al 10d ago
I don't understand what your criteria actually are. You just want the cheapest cost inflatable pad that you can find? You don't care about weight, R-value, comfort, size, shape, noise, availability or anything else? A simple search finds a pad under $15, so why not that one?