If you have been keeping up with my antics, you know I’m in the middle of a gear overhaul; getting ready for this year’s attempt at the self-supported FKT (or world record) for speed hiking the Appalachian Trail. My goal is to get my base weight for my pack down to 9 pounds. It’s way harder than that sounds. So, I have been buying new stuff and altering some of what I have to see if I can get some of the weight off.
Most recent purchase was of the Therm-a-rest, Z-lite, SOL, sleeping pad. I purchased a small, meaning it fits just the torso area of your sleeping bag, saving on weight. So, what does it weigh? 10 ounces supposedly. The current sleeping pad I have is the Klymit Static V2. Very comfortable and totally did the job, but 6 ounces heavier, coming in at one pound.
My friend and hiking buddy, Greg Wilkerson, suggested I buy the Therm-a-rest, siting his use as being pretty comfy and commenting on its lack of weight. Also, I looked all over the REI website researching stats and such and nothing comes in as light weight as the Therm-a-rest at least on their site. So, I was sold. I should have this new piece of gear by the 8th. Looking forward to it.
Also, I would say this was a pretty reasonable buy as well. I purchased it on the REI website for only $43.04.