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Well, the trusty inflatable thermarest suffered one too many abrasions, and despite considerable patching/seam sealer is still leaking air, so it looks like I will be investing in a new pad soon enough. The question is this: inflatable or closed cell foam? I have used the inflatable thermarests for quite some time, and have never had any real issues (until now). I do a decent amount of snow camping/mountaineering, and my main concern is whether a single foam pad will be enough to keep me warm (I wouldn't expect to encounter air temps lower than 0 or -10 F). The bulk isn't really an issue, I already strap my pad to the outside of my pack anyways. If somebody knows what's what, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have only ever used a single closed cell foam pad while climbing/backpacking. My current favorite are ones made of Evazotte: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4442094575

I used a single one of winter thickness on Denali and it worked well. Plus, did you see the prices? Much cheaper than Thermarest and you will never develop a leak.

I love my Ridgerest. Closed cell foam, 14 oz (1 lb, 8 oz for lightest thermarest). It's super durable and about a quarter of the cost of a Thermarest.

woodsxc wrote:I love my Ridgerest. Closed cell foam, 14 oz (1 lb, 8 oz for lightest thermarest). It's super durable and about a quarter of the cost of a Thermarest.

2nd that. Easiest weight savings there is, and one of the few items where lighter is cheaper. For winter snow camping I do like to put a thermarest on the foam for extra warmth.

Amen... a T-Rest Pro-lite 4 (3/4 length) on top of a Ridgerest.... light and comfortable for snow

I used Ridge Rests for many years, but switched to the Evazotte pads. I found the Ridge Rest pads to collect snow in the grooves which I did not like.

Thanks, everybody. The price is definitely right for the foam, and it sounds like snow camping hasn't been much of an issue either. I think I will give them a shot.

woodsxc wrote:I love my Ridgerest. Closed cell foam, 14 oz (1 lb, 8 oz for lightest thermarest). It's super durable and about a quarter of the cost of a Thermarest.

Lightest thermarest is 11oz. Lightest full length is 16oz.

goldenhopper wrote:

mconnell wrote:

woodsxc wrote:I love my Ridgerest. Closed cell foam, 14 oz (1 lb, 8 oz for lightest thermarest). It's super durable and about a quarter of the cost of a Thermarest.

Lightest thermarest is 11oz. Lightest full length is 16oz.

I was sure you were wrong and they were not that light, but it seems they have a series even lighter than that!

9oz. small & 14oz. regular full length!

http://www.thermarest.com/product_detai ... =134&cID=1

I didn't know about that one! I was looking at a ProLite, which is what I quoted the weights for.

jvarholak wrote:Amen... a T-Rest Pro-lite 4 (3/4 length) on top of a Ridgerest.... light and comfortable for snow

Listen to this man!

brandon wrote:

jvarholak wrote:Amen... a T-Rest Pro-lite 4 (3/4 length) on top of a Ridgerest.... light and comfortable for snow

Listen to this man!

I will third that. I've been using that approach for years with good results. I always felt better having the RR as back up if my T-rest got a hole (even though I've never had a hole in a T-rest.)

goldenhopper wrote:

mconnell wrote:

woodsxc wrote:I love my Ridgerest. Closed cell foam, 14 oz (1 lb, 8 oz for lightest thermarest). It's super durable and about a quarter of the cost of a Thermarest.

Lightest thermarest is 11oz. Lightest full length is 16oz.

I was sure you were wrong and they were not that light, but it seems they have a series even lighter than that!

9oz. small & 14oz. regular full length!

http://www.thermarest.com/product_detai ... =134&cID=1

Mmm, sweet !! Must .. buy .. latest .. gear

I see they have renamed their prolite pads too .. gone are the numeric designations.

Have you thought about an Exped DownMat? I used the ProLite 4/Ridgerest combo for winter camping until I received one as a gift. The down mat has a better R value than the combined R value of the two pads, takes up way less pack space, and is lighter in overall weight. The downside is cost and maybe durability (haven't used it much yet).

Just another option.

I've been looking at a ridgerest w/ a prolite plus combo for my wife and I. Is it really worth saving the xtra weight by not getting the reg size on either/both? I've read many just use xtra bags for their feet. I know this is probably personal preference but any more thoughts are appreciated...

Also, seems like the Womens's prolite plus would be the way to go as long as you are not too tall...