Had a convo with a thru-hiker at Big Bear that made me rethink my whole sleep system

Ran into this guy who did the PCT last year and he told me he ditched his sleeping pad after the first week. Just slept on a foam sit pad and said the ground never bothered him. Said he saved over a pound and a half and never missed the extra cushion. Made me wonder if I'm just carrying all this comfort gear because everyone says you need it. Anyone else ever meet someone who made you question what you actually need vs what you think you need?

3 comments

3 Comments

morgan.mary8d ago

And then you start thinking about how much of our gear is just habit. I met a guy on the JMT who only carried a thin foam pad and a groundsheet for shelter. No tent, no bivy. He said he slept under the stars every night and only used the groundsheet if it looked like rain. I tried it on a few trips after that. First few nights were rough on the hips but after that my body just got used to it. Now I bring a cut down zlite and leave the inflatable at home most of the time. Saves over a pound and I sleep fine.

cameronb528d ago

Stick with what @morgan.mary said, foam pads are way lighter than people think.

robert_smith366d ago

Started doing the same after a buddy talked me into it. Cut my zlite down to just six panels under my torso and legs. Saved a ton of weight and I sleep way better than that big inflatable that always felt like I was on a raft. Took a couple trips to get used to the ground but now I don't even think about it.