Which Therm-A-Rest?

Anybody know how the Classic and Guidelite compare in comfort?

Thanks

Quote:

Anybody know how the Classic and Guidelite compare in comfort?

Thanks

I have the Ultralite and the Guidelite (both 3/4 length)
I like the size of the Ultralite but find the guidelite more comfortable. I can't imagine lugging more weight when the Guidelite is very comfortable.

Check out this sight for a comparison:

http://www.gearreview.com/padcompare.asp

Quote:

Anybody know how the Classic and Guidelite compare in comfort?

Thanks

Be aware that if you are camping on snow or ice (winter camping or glacier travel), the lightening process for the Guidelite, LE, and some others leaves channels for air to circulate. My 2 inch LE is cooler than my 1.5 inch Classic, for example. The Ultralite (we have 3 of these in the family) is light because of its thickness (thin-ness?).

Your level of comfort is very dependent on your personal sleeping habits. I can get along fine on a 5/8 "blue foam" under most conditions ($5 at your neighborhood WalMart), but many people like the softness of the LE, and a few even find the LE uncomfortable (these folks have Dux-beds at home). If you can, borrow one of each type from friends and try them out at home on a hardwood or (better) tile floor. Pick the lightest you find comfortable on a very hard floor, keeping in mind the possible need for extra insulation if you do some cold-weather camping.

In the comfort department, the Classic wins, hands down.
But, when one is looking to reduce the weight, the Classic is a big loser.
I have the Classic 3/4 and the Guidelight 3/4, so I am speaking from experience.
I have found a good compromise to be the combination of the Guidelite and a full length Ridgerest foam pad. This is also very packable as well, I roll them up together and they aren't much bigger or heavier than the Ridgerest by itself, and that weighs almost nothing.
In snow camping situations I swap the classic for the Ultralight because that extra thickness really does keep you warmer. I put my extra clothes on top of the Ridgerest under my feet and I'm good to -5F or so.

Having owned and compared the Guidelite, Z-Rest, Ridge Rest, and the Ridge Rest Deluxe, the hands down winner is the Ridge Rest Deluxe! It is as comfortable as the Guidelite, and a pound lighter. It is much better insulator in the winter, and wouldn't deflate when punctured. Also, when strapped to the daisy chains, you get an added bonus that keeps the pack upright. Let's not forget that is well over half the cost.

I don't think I have seen that one...Got a website for it?
What is it? Is it their version of an inflateable pad?
How does the weight and bulk of a full length compare to a regular full length Ridgerest?

You've got me curious now...could ya' tell?...: )

The Ridgerest is one of Cascade Design's foam pads. Like their Z-Rest, it is a "waffled" design. As a foam pad, it is more bulky than their inflatables (the ThermaRest series), but it is significantly lighter (and a bit cheaper), and as Larry posted, it never punctures! So no unexpected cold on a winter trip, no unexpected loss of cushioning on hard or lumpy surfaces. On winter trips, it is a good idea to use a combination of a foam pad (whether a Ridgerest or Z-rest, or a plain old supercheap "blue foam" from WalMart) and your inflatable. That way, if there is a problem with the inflatable (and eventually there always is, whether punctures or frozen valves), you still have some insulation from the foam. The foam has fewer problems with spilled hot liquids as well, and it can serve as an emergency splint or neck brace in case of accidents.

The Ridge Rest Deluxe is 18oz., and is easily identifiable by it's green and purple colors. Fortunately they are on opposite sides. It comes in only full length (72in). With regard to what Bill had to say about two pads for winter use, I tried the Deluxe alone last winter on a 15 degree night with my tent set on snow. I had no problems with the cold from the ground. I was using a Western Mountaineering Badger MF (great bag!). By the way, the Deluxe is well under half the price of the ThermoRests. No question that 2 pads will work well, but then why not bring a mattress :)

I just saw yet another Ridgerest variant while at REI looking for the deluxe... I forget what they call it, but this one does look the a ridgerest come inflatable mattress/pad thing all rolled into one. It is bulky as hell, has trapped air pockets in it and weighs a ton. I guess thats why I didn't bother to get the name of it...: )

I think I'll just stick with my Ultralight/Ridgerest combo, it keeps me toasty well below freezing, that's good enough for me.

Thats Down filled air mattress.