Gossamer Gear ThinLight 1/8" Insulation Pad

I took this 1/8" pad on a 10 day trek on the John Muir Trail in August 2008. I intended to use it for a bit of ground insulation, but I ended up using it for a lot more.

We all want to get comfortable when taking a break on the trail, but often that is hard to do. Sharp rocks and pine needles, pebbles, etc. -- ouch. The answer: this pad.

I packed it at the top of my pack, folded up, and grabbed it whenever I took a break. I would sit on it or lie on it: instant comfort. It took a bit of wear and tear from this use, but that's OK -- better wear and tear on it than on me.

At only about 2 oz., this is a no-brainer. My base pack weight was about 19 lbs., not including food and water (but including a bear canister), and the pad was a very welcome addition.

I'll use it again next summer when I finish up the JMT.

I use a short length of this for: sitpad, insulation booster, and tent surfing prevention.

I find a length bit of this waterproof insulation generally very useful. About 50g, or a bit over a meters worth. Torso length. Good to use as a sit pad on breaks .

It is also exceptionally good at stopping my Ether Light mat slipping around on the DCF tent floor at night, AKA tent surfing. Makes it stick like glue.

And of course it adds insulation value. So it's all good.

Background

Various sit pads and sleeping mats.

A little thin for use as a sleeping pad by itself (for me), this shines when used in addition to the Gossamer Gear torso length pad. On most nights I tuck my empty backpack under my feet at night to provide a little insulation from the cold ground. In frosty conditions I carry a small square of this material to be used under my feet and legs as I sleep. Works great! This is not for cushion and comfort, this is merely to stop conductive heat loss. So simple, so light. Nothing to break, pop or leak.