I was checking this out as a possible sleeping pad. But I am a newbie camper and know very little about what exactly I should get.
I need something durable. Sometimes we go to the lake and lay out on the jetties. They are pretty flat, but rocky. I am afraid the stones (about 2-5 inches across in the center of the jetty) would puncture anything air-filled unless the material is very durable and puncture proof. We lay on our backs and sides. At the moment, we use a tarp covered with a blanket, but the stones soon make this uncomfortable. This terrain is the roughest the sleeping pad will see. Once we start actually camping, it will be in moderate weather on somewhat even ground at an established campsite.
I was looking at the self inflating, but Im worried about it being punctured. Im also worried that it will eventually become uncomfortable.
Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Also, we are on a budget and are looking for something no more than $30-$40 each.

I have used the Z-lite for years and I love it. It is dependable, cheap, and I always sleep well on it. You will enjoy it.

Trina, I own the Z-lite as well as a regular Ridge-Rest, but I have used a friend's Ridge-Rest Deluxe. Z-lite - this is easily the most versatile of the options as you can fold it into a thick cushy seat, but for simply laying down on hard bumpy ground this pad isn't the best in the world. Durablility won't be a problem with any of these three closed cell mattresses Ridge-Rest - This will provide slightly more padding than the Z-lite, but won't easily make a great seat. This will also be a little tougher to move around as it doesn't have that quick folding accordion feature. Ridge-Rest-Deluxe - This is pretty much the same pad as the Ridge-Rest, but noticeably thicker. It will pack slightly larger than the others, because it is bigger, but it is still lightweight. If carrying it around isn't a big issue this is probably your best bet. It is by far the most comfortable of the three, yet it can take the same amount of abuse. I hope this helps you make your decision!

I was also looking at the Therm-A-rest Ridge Rest Deluxe, which this site has on sale at the moment, as a possible option. Is that also one you would recommend?