Pacific Outdoor Equipment Ether Compact 6 Sleeping Pad

For me, lighter has always been better so I have suffered with the seemingly micro-thin foam pads that were light but uncomfortable. On one very long trip I even did the unthinkable and went without a pad for the sake of saving weight. I will never do that again now that I've found this sleeping pad. I found this sleeping pad to be VERY comfy! Even sleeping on my side I could not feel the pain on my bones pressing into the ground (as I have with every other pad I've used). I am 5'9 and found that by putting my pack under my feet or a stuff sack under my knees, I was very comfortable and didn't miss the lower-third of padding. I liked mine fully inflated but my husband was more comfortable when he let some air out of the pad. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a good night sleep in the backcountry without having to carry too much weight.

The most important feature of this pad that I myself was looking for was its ability to pack extremely small. I am thus far very impressed. It rolls up to the size of a small loaf of bread and is quite light for its large size (I purchased the long pad). In terms of comfort I also have no qualms. After all, this is for camping, and should not be compared to sleeping in a luxury hotel bed. I did have a chance to read some of the other reviews and tend to disagree with the individual who said it's like sleeping on a raft. I could see that if you over inflate it, but to correct the problem all you have to do is let out some air. As an added benefit, they included a patch kit. I certainly was not disappointed by the fact that this pad lacked the self-inflating option. It is much simpler to just use your own breath. Overall, it's a top notch product and perfect for those looking for something very light and very comfortable. I will certainly recommend it to others looking for a great bang for their buck.

This is my bed up here in AK, comfy enough for everynight. For sure, leave it a little soft. Doesn't work inside my sleeping bag but the bag is for a very small woman (me) and the pad (regular) is just a bit too big. Good size for easy moving when packed up. Patch kit is standard. The tube structure keeps me from slipping off.

I think it is funny that people are too stupid to realize if you blow it up too much, you are probably going to feel like Huck Finn floating down the Mississip! Like anything inflatable, it is best to release the right amount of air until your body feels most comfortable. This baby has ample insulation that keeps you off the ground and warm. It fits great in a regular size mummy bag and it a MUST own for any sleeping bag or night spent on the ground. Buy this baby with mind at ease...especially for the price. The included stuff sack and repair kit is nice too as it packs to about 10" L x 3" H...easily will fit your backpack.

This is the second Pacific Outdoor sleeping pad I've purchased. The other was the red, insulated one. They do, in fact, provide the best night sleep I've ever had on the ground. It may be better than my high dollar "posturpedic" I sleep on at home. The key is, as other reviewers mentioned, is to sleep with the mat not fully inflated. At first I disagreed until I tried it floppy, now I've felt that less is definately more comfortable than any other sleep mat I've ever owned, and I've owned them all, looking for a comfortable nights sleep. The insulated version is good down to slightly below freezing before it needs more insulation below it. The reason I bought this one is not only is it featherweight and tiny, but my problem is usually being too warm in my sleeping bag and so letting some cool air under me for summer camping will be a good thing.

"this sleeping pad it feels like you are sleeping on a raft"??? I think Spider has inflated his mat too much. I find that my mat is almost slack when most comfortable. Once you are ready to sleep, before you zip up the bag, reach up and slightly open the valve to bleed off air until the RAFT sensation goes away. This mat has provided more comfort than any self inflating or closed cell mat I've ever owned.

Because of the individual inflating tubes that make up this sleeping pad it feels like you are sleeping on a raft. It also makes it so your weight does not distribute properly so you end up falling off in the middle of the night. It does fold into the size of my fist so it is great for light packing.