Decathlon makes folding foam pads with an R Value of 2.2 (official ASTM tested) and they cost £20. Love them even tho I have a few expensive inflatable ones too.
Good video IMO. It aligns more with my own experiences than some of the more known outdoor gear testing RUclips channels that seem to "require" very high R-values to "survive" on cold ground or snow.
Currently not as much as I'd like because of some health issues, but I've done a lot of hiking year round including the AT and PCT. Also canoeing. Winter stuff - cross country skiing including camping above tree line and some glacier skiing and hiking. Never been into climbing so no really extreme alpine stuff. Used both closed cell pads and 1 inch Thermarest when camping on snow and both worked fine for me. Used a 1.5 inch Thermarest on snow too which was my highest R-value pad and most comfortable but not that different from the 1 inch one and a lot of bulkier.
I absolutely agree that the Thermarest Rigerest Solar is an excellent piece of equipment and fully serves its purpose in most situations. I still don’t understand why the manufacturer stopped production
Great video - interestingly I have my Z- lite strapped on the side of backpack and use a 500g pad on top of it. Does the job and takes up no extra space.
I use it below my inflatable in winter. If my inflatable fails I still get a ok night and it protects the inflatable from below. In summer I have a 3mm Eva mat below my inflatable
Great video! And amazing views of the great outdoors 😃 This has really inspired me to appreciate the gift of life… I think I need to go to Katmandu to up keep my supplies lol 😂 I may even get that foam mattress you are speaking about in this great video!! So inspiring 😁 #lovelife
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Yeah, I bikepack (not "backpack") and have a quick release strap on my rear rack for the RidgeRest. Two seconds, its off my bike and the perfect mat. Really a shame they quit making the thicker model. I'd love to give that a try.
@@sailingaeolus I do a lot of bikepacking as well, and do similar to yourself. I use a generic version of the z lite and strap it onto my rear rack top surface.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Nice. My RidgeRest is a 25" wide (not the standard 20") and hangs over the rear of the rack by about 10 inches. Looks a bit ridiculous but too much comfort to worry about how stylish I may look whilst bikepacking, and I think the extra weight (compared to 20") is nearly zero. The pad has given me so much comfort and is so tough, I'm very hesitant to go far without it. After watching your video and out of curiosity, I found a z lite for $25 on ebay. I'll give it a try.
Hi Joshua, thanks for the great informative video. I would love a sleeping bag review video if you get a chance? You are incredibly analytical and detailed in your information. Thanks, Aileen
Hi Aileen, thank you very much. That's kind of you to say. On my to do list in the not so distant future is a sleeping bag video (best sleeping bag for side sleepers). I hope you find it helpful. The next video I'm making will be an interview with the daughters of the man that founded MSR. Take care!
A very good review. In my opinion this is very accurate. Your level of experience is very obvious. I always use a closed-cell Thermarest pad conjunction with a Thermarest air mattress, paired together with two custom made elastic straps, particularly for mountaineering. This increases comfort, safety snd redundancy in case a puncture. I usually carry a rolled mat vertically down the centre of the outside of my pack to reduce snagging (as opposed to being carried on top).
Could you please list some of the names of the names of tents you're using in the video? Other than the Namatj. I'm particularly interested in the one that has a diagonal vestibule.
Hmm....that's a good question. Absolutely I'd suggest foam (any brand really). Inflatable and self inflating pads wouldnt last long on sand and rocks like that.
@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Thanks for your answer sir, I have asked 10 hiking influencers, including you sir, all have the same answer and now I am sure to buy a foam sleeping pad, have a nice days sir.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors I always do rock fishing in an island sir, I have only used tarpent twice and I want to move to freestanding tent for 1p, top brands tent is too expensive in my country, so I ordered a tent from a local tent maker sir, I live in Indonesia sir.
Is foldable Ridgerest Solite still available somewhere? Couldn't find it? Rolled version lacks convenience. It's way tougher to pack and doesn't lay out as quickly. Using Z-lite now and deploy it at every break. That's just not possible with a rolled-pad. Z-lite's OK, but it crushes and doesn't support weight as well.
Hi @tomnoyb8301, I just made mine myself by folding the rolled ridgerest solite into the width I wanted, and put some weight on top of it for a few days. It will start to fold naturally (like you see in the video) after a while.
I'm too soft to sleep on a closed cell foam pad these days. My hips and back get sore. And the lower r-value doesn't play nice with my quilt. I do like the combining a cheap & thin EVA pad with a proper air mattress idea. It would give a bit more certainty that I will stay mostly warm enough in the event of a puncture.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors In summer and autumn an Exped Synmat UL Lite with an R value of about 3. In winter an Exped Synmat UL Winter with an R value of 5.
I'd say they are pretty similar. I recently purchased a generic eggshell pad from WALMART, and Id say it was 90% the quality of the thermarest pad (at 1/3 the cost). Granted, there are other factors to consider as well, depending on your value set (eg - sustainability, ethical business practices, etc).
Hi there, i can confidently tell you the nature hike is very, very similar to the thermarest. I used the nature hike version for about a year. It's not QUITE as warm, but it's close. Hope that helps!
Does folding it like that not damage it? Could it be folded then rolled again later if required? I have found a way to sleep fairly comfortably on these pads if the ground is level and not full of lumps etc.
Hi there, well...I guess it depends on what you consider damage. It does crease the pad in the places you fold it, but I personally don't consider that an issue. I really like foam sleeping pads, and it sounds like you do too. Cool! May I ask what sort of trips you do? Cheers.
Hi there, just fold that to the length you wish, then put some weight on them for a few days (such as under a mattress or something). It will permanently crease the foam along the lines you folded it in. Hope that helps!
This video was very informative, thank you, i have a question regarding foam pads. This late August/early September im planning to doing a trip where i can expect night temperatures of around 0-5 degree C/30-41 degree F and maybe a bit lower. Since i usually hike in warmer temperatures i only have a z lite sol. Do you think it would be enough to beef it up with a thin pad with maybe 1-2r value? To reduce bulk i would cut that down a bit so it mainly covers my torso and leave a bit of my feet exposed. I am usually a very warm sleeper.
Hi there, it really just depends on what sort of sleep system you use, so it's hard to answer that. What sort of sleeping bag do you have? I tend to use a hot water bottle, so can get away with a lot.
Love the conciseness of this video. More info in 5 minutes than most have in 15.
Very kind words, @machiej. Thank you.
Decathlon makes folding foam pads with an R Value of 2.2 (official ASTM tested) and they cost £20. Love them even tho I have a few expensive inflatable ones too.
Just bought one and I like it, it is just a little bit bulky but it has less than 300g
Foam is for insulation, air cushion is for comfort 😊
Thank you so much, was having a hard time finding one for goof value
Good video IMO. It aligns more with my own experiences than some of the more known outdoor gear testing RUclips channels that seem to "require" very high R-values to "survive" on cold ground or snow.
Thanks very much frstesiste7670. May I ask what kinds of adventures you tend to do?
Currently not as much as I'd like because of some health issues, but I've done a lot of hiking year round including the AT and PCT. Also canoeing. Winter stuff - cross country skiing including camping above tree line and some glacier skiing and hiking. Never been into climbing so no really extreme alpine stuff. Used both closed cell pads and 1 inch Thermarest when camping on snow and both worked fine for me. Used a 1.5 inch Thermarest on snow too which was my highest R-value pad and most comfortable but not that different from the 1 inch one and a lot of bulkier.
I absolutely agree that the Thermarest Rigerest Solar is an excellent piece of equipment and fully serves its purpose in most situations. I still don’t understand why the manufacturer stopped production
I was bummed too!
Too good and cheap...? Makes it hard to sell $200+ inflatables?
Too expensive but quality worth it.
Great video - interestingly I have my Z- lite strapped on the side of backpack and use a 500g pad on top of it. Does the job and takes up no extra space.
Thank you! That's a great combination you've discovered.
I use it below my inflatable in winter. If my inflatable fails I still get a ok night and it protects the inflatable from below. In summer I have a 3mm Eva mat below my inflatable
Sounds very similar to me!
Great video! And amazing views of the great outdoors 😃 This has really inspired me to appreciate the gift of life… I think I need to go to Katmandu to up keep my supplies lol 😂 I may even get that foam mattress you are speaking about in this great video!! So inspiring 😁 #lovelife
Thank you, Ivy. That's very kind of you to say. :) I hope you manage to get out and enjoy some wilderness!
Never had an inflatable that didnt leak
Great info
Thank you for checking the video out, Mr Dave. Much appreciated.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors My pleasure
One additional comment - the RidgeRest makes for a very handy sofa/sit pad/lay down pad while taking breaks during the day.
Good point!
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Yeah, I bikepack (not "backpack") and have a quick release strap on my rear rack for the RidgeRest. Two seconds, its off my bike and the perfect mat. Really a shame they quit making the thicker model. I'd love to give that a try.
@@sailingaeolus I do a lot of bikepacking as well, and do similar to yourself. I use a generic version of the z lite and strap it onto my rear rack top surface.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Nice. My RidgeRest is a 25" wide (not the standard 20") and hangs over the rear of the rack by about 10 inches. Looks a bit ridiculous but too much comfort to worry about how stylish I may look whilst bikepacking, and I think the extra weight (compared to 20") is nearly zero. The pad has given me so much comfort and is so tough, I'm very hesitant to go far without it. After watching your video and out of curiosity, I found a z lite for $25 on ebay. I'll give it a try.
Hi Joshua, thanks for the great informative video. I would love a sleeping bag review video if you get a chance? You are incredibly analytical and detailed in your information. Thanks, Aileen
Hi Aileen, thank you very much. That's kind of you to say. On my to do list in the not so distant future is a sleeping bag video (best sleeping bag for side sleepers). I hope you find it helpful. The next video I'm making will be an interview with the daughters of the man that founded MSR. Take care!
A very good review.
In my opinion this is very accurate.
Your level of experience is very obvious.
I always use a closed-cell Thermarest pad conjunction with a Thermarest air mattress, paired together with two custom made elastic straps, particularly for mountaineering.
This increases comfort, safety snd redundancy in case a puncture.
I usually carry a rolled mat vertically down the centre of the outside of my pack to reduce snagging (as opposed to being carried on top).
That's a very good idea regarding attaching the two mats via straps. I'll have to give that a go. Thank you for the kind words.
Could you please list some of the names of the names of tents you're using in the video? Other than the Namatj. I'm particularly interested in the one that has a diagonal vestibule.
Hi Bima, sure thing - Eureka Solitaire, MACPAC Minaret (diagonal vestibule), Hilleberg Nammatj, Hilleberg Akto, Hilleberg Allak, MSR Elixir 1. Hope that helps!
Hey Man, where can you find EVA Foam to fit under the Xtherm?
Hi Chad, in New Zealand where I currently live, you can find it at ParaRubber. In other countries, I'm not too sure.
What do you recommend sir for a sleeping pad that is suitable for the beach, where the land has lots of coral pebbles and rocks???
Hmm....that's a good question. Absolutely I'd suggest foam (any brand really). Inflatable and self inflating pads wouldnt last long on sand and rocks like that.
@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Thanks for your answer sir, I have asked 10 hiking influencers, including you sir, all have the same answer and now I am sure to buy a foam sleeping pad, have a nice days sir.
@@ArsaGauri that's great to hear! What sort of trips do you intend to do?
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors I always do rock fishing in an island sir, I have only used tarpent twice and I want to move to freestanding tent for 1p, top brands tent is too expensive in my country, so I ordered a tent from a local tent maker sir, I live in Indonesia sir.
Is foldable Ridgerest Solite still available somewhere? Couldn't find it? Rolled version lacks convenience. It's way tougher to pack and doesn't lay out as quickly. Using Z-lite now and deploy it at every break. That's just not possible with a rolled-pad. Z-lite's OK, but it crushes and doesn't support weight as well.
Hi @tomnoyb8301, I just made mine myself by folding the rolled ridgerest solite into the width I wanted, and put some weight on top of it for a few days. It will start to fold naturally (like you see in the video) after a while.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors - Will try it. Thanks
@@tomnoyb8301 all good, let me know how you go with it please.
I'm too soft to sleep on a closed cell foam pad these days. My hips and back get sore. And the lower r-value doesn't play nice with my quilt. I do like the combining a cheap & thin EVA pad with a proper air mattress idea. It would give a bit more certainty that I will stay mostly warm enough in the event of a puncture.
Thanks Symon, may I ask what sort of sleeping pad you tend to use most often these days? Cheers.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors In summer and autumn an Exped Synmat UL Lite with an R value of about 3. In winter an Exped Synmat UL Winter with an R value of 5.
are these thermarest pads better than the no brand foam pads like the one from Decathlon for example concerning isolation? if yes why?
I'd say they are pretty similar. I recently purchased a generic eggshell pad from WALMART, and Id say it was 90% the quality of the thermarest pad (at 1/3 the cost). Granted, there are other factors to consider as well, depending on your value set (eg - sustainability, ethical business practices, etc).
@ thanks a lot
Hi,the thicker blue Exped pad,is it more comfortable than the thinner, regular thickness so to say,foldable pads(Zlite,Switchback....)?
In my opinion, they are all very similar. The blue Exped is slightly more comfy in my view, but not enough to mention.
Can anyone tell me if naturehike's is similar in R value and or quality?
Hi there, i can confidently tell you the nature hike is very, very similar to the thermarest. I used the nature hike version for about a year. It's not QUITE as warm, but it's close. Hope that helps!
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors thanks! The thermarest are not available in my country but the naturehike do. Thanks a lot!!!
Does folding it like that not damage it? Could it be folded then rolled again later if required? I have found a way to sleep fairly comfortably on these pads if the ground is level and not full of lumps etc.
Hi there, well...I guess it depends on what you consider damage. It does crease the pad in the places you fold it, but I personally don't consider that an issue. I really like foam sleeping pads, and it sounds like you do too. Cool! May I ask what sort of trips you do? Cheers.
@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Ok great thanks, just weekends in the peak district and lake district in the UK mainly.
How did you get the ridgerest pads to fold? They’re pretty thick and resistant to folding, at least the ones Ive seen
Hi there, just fold that to the length you wish, then put some weight on them for a few days (such as under a mattress or something). It will permanently crease the foam along the lines you folded it in. Hope that helps!
This video was very informative, thank you, i have a question regarding foam pads. This late August/early September im planning to doing a trip where i can expect night temperatures of around 0-5 degree C/30-41 degree F and maybe a bit lower. Since i usually hike in warmer temperatures i only have a z lite sol. Do you think it would be enough to beef it up with a thin pad with maybe 1-2r value? To reduce bulk i would cut that down a bit so it mainly covers my torso and leave a bit of my feet exposed. I am usually a very warm sleeper.
Hi there, it really just depends on what sort of sleep system you use, so it's hard to answer that. What sort of sleeping bag do you have? I tend to use a hot water bottle, so can get away with a lot.
How was your trip?
👏👌🇳🇴🤠