Gossamer Gear NightLight Torso Length Sleeping Pad

Hands down the best lightweight sleep pad out there. I've carried one of these on the last 2 thru hikes I did, and wouldn't even think of carrying anything else. Yes, after 2800 miles on the Continental Divide Trail it was flat when I got to Mexico, but I slept on it every night for 4 months.

Unlike a Z-Rest, these pads actually hold up their shape and cushion. I went through 3 Z-Rest pads on the Pacific Crest Trail before I stumbled upon Gossamer Gear.

The short length takes getting used to, and some folks will complain about the spartan size/thickness of this pad, but those folks know who they are. If you like your Thermarest, stick with that delicate balloon. If you're shaving ounces from your packweight and have the knowledge to use ultralight gear, give this a shot. Those new to ultralight might want to start by lightening up somewhere else first!

This is one of the best pieces of gear that I've owned, bar none. It's durable, comfortable, and very easy to pack and carry.

One trick is on the user tips section of the GG website ... buy the 3/4 length and cut 4 sections, then put them together with velcro.

One other trick that many people miss is that I carry a pillow to sleep on. When I'm sleeping on really hard ground my poor old hips can't take it anymore ... I put the pillow under my hip (sleeping on my side) or my tailbone, under the 4th section of the pad that I cut.

Then I use my clothing bag as a pillow for the night.

Very effective at giving you a great night's sleep.

Used the Nightlight Torso on 1500 miles of the PCT this summer. I also used it as my frame in my packing system.

The pad flatted out very quickly (after about 2 weeks use) and after about 800 miles i bought some cheap blue pad to go under my hips b/c it wasn't cutting it anymore.

Buy it for the 4 ounces but don't expect it to stand up to long term use. I would use again but with the addition of a section of blue pad that also works for a sit pad. Plan on replacing every time you do shoes on a thru-hike.