I am shopping for a pad for my son (14). There are no reasonable local outfitters where we can test gear, so we are subject to educating ourselves as best we can online. Specifically we are looking for something the same weight or lighter as a decent foam pad.

I have looked closely at the Peak AC Elite 2/3 from Pacific Outdoor Equipment. I like this for the price and weight, but have read some bad as well as good reviews on this product. At 11 oz and $80 and 2.5" thickness it appears to be a good deal. But I have been unable to purchase this online at any retailer for 2 months (which sends up a red flag in my book).

Are there any other similar products out there? Weight and comfort are paramount, but it still must be "reasonably" priced. Any ideas on what else I can look at? or what is happening with this product?

How about a NeoAir in small? 9oz, on sale here for $65: http://www.backwoods.com/therm-a-rest-neoair-mattress.html

I would get something like a Z-rest or a good ol' blue foam pad. They are light, much less expensive, won't go flat (teen agers....) and will always have some utility.

Good Grief! Give the kid a large piece of bubble pack, and if he wants to buy something more, tell him to get a newspaper route.

--B.G.--

He has a Thermarest foam pad which he bought with his own saved money two years ago. He intends to donate it to the troop when he replaces it with a different pad. He is looking for something more, and I am helping guide him on this. He has in fact, saved up and will be buying this with his own money. During the Christmas break, he and I went backpacking, but we don't have a respectable outfitter locally, so we drove a couple of hours our of our way so we could find a decent outfitter, where he could try out gear before he spent his money on it.

He will be going to Philmont this summer. We are paying for his trip, but he is paying for much of his own lightweight gear. He also wants to go to summer camp in June, so he is mowing his grandparent's yards (2.5 acres combined) every week to pay for his own summer camp (we told him we could only pay for one activity).

Just trying to make sure he doesn't get ripped off by buying cheap gear.

Edited by BuffaloSkipper on 02/06/2012 14:11:24 MST.

Christopher, thanks for the idea on the Neoair. Not quite sure how I missed that one--must have flown under the radar somehow. Without a local outfitter, it is sometimes hit or miss to find a new (or old) piece of good gear. It is postings by people here on the forums from where I find what to look at.

You can still get the Peak Elite AC from Amazon, it's the full length not the 2/3 and looks like it's currently twice what I paid for mine. The Classic AC is available for around $25.
Personally I've had some issues with the AC Elite I have, leaks along welded seams that are patchable but a pain to deal with. I'm replacing it this spring with something else.

Big Agnes and Exped have some similiar type pads that weigh a few ounces more, with the BA pads being more reasonably priced. Maybe something like a short ProLite or the BA Air Core if you are looking for reasonably priced verus weight.

A couple of years ago my kids started complaining about using foam pads so I ended up buying them REI 1.5" self-inflating pads. At 27 ounces they are heavy but work well, I don't worry about kids walking on them with shoes, and I got them for 50% off during a sale.

Doug,
That is a great price for a NeoAir short and may fit the bill for him.
It's hard to find a lighter inflatable pad at a better price.

I tried ordering one of those last week and they were out of stock. I called them and they said they would not get any more in at that price, but maybe that was incorrect.

If he wants a longer pad, it looks like it's going to get harder to get the old style NeoAir's because it looks like they quit making that style.

I like that fact that he wants good gear and that you are willing to help him with that. Sometimes people assume kids can't take care of gear (and some don't), but at his age he should certainly be capable of selecting good gear and taking good care of it. Good for both of you. Hope he has a fantastic trek.

Doug I have a Big Agnes clearview pad in a 3/4 mummy shape. I used it once and it already has a leak in it somewhere. The little whipper snapper can have it for free if he wants to pay shipping. Its easy to find the leak and seal it. I could probably send it out this week. Send me a PM.

I've had good luck with the BA insulated air core for scouts. It had sturdy enough fabric that tent mates are unlikely to damage it by walking on it... Its also very comfy and only $70 at REI when its on sale. I find it warm enough for 3 season use.

What exact model of Thermarest pad is your son currently using, and what doesn't he like about it? Not enough cushion, not enough warmth, or both? It will be easier to suggest improvements if we know exactly what gear's not working for him right now.

He has this pad.



It is the Thermarest RidgeRest (large). It weights about 14 oz, but is just 1/2" of foam. He is looking for something for equal weight which would provide additional comfort. Warmth is not the issue.

I was at my local backwoods this past Friday (morning) and they had some neo airs in small. I could check to see if its in stock tomorrow for you. I wouldn't mind shipping it your way, as a fellow scout I'd love to help.

The NeoAir is definitely a pad to consider: very cushy, lighter than the RidgeRest, but not quite as warm. Another pad to consider might be the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad in the Petite size (20" x 66"). It might be a bit more durable than a NeoAir, is cushier and warmer than a RidgeRest, and REI has them for sale for $85. It weighs a bit more than the RidgeRest at 22 oz, but that's still a reasonable weight for an inflatable pad. Most other inflatables will weight quite a bit more than a RidgeRest, unfortunately.

"Good Grief! Give the kid a large piece of bubble pack, and if he wants to buy something more, tell him to get a newspaper route."

Come on Bob, be fair.

When I was a teenager I slept on the ground in my sleeping bag without a ground sheet or pad in good weather. Didn't know better. Worked out fine too.

I just picked one up from Campsaver for $51 after using the 20% off coupon. Petite is 66 inches long by 20 inches wide nice and comfortable. If he needs longer go to REI outlet & grabe their BA Sand Mountain special buy for $59.

http://www.campsaver.com/insulated-air-core-sleeping-pad

Coupon code is 2C9J2-JX9TA

Thank you all for the offers and information. I am taking up Zach on his offer of free pad. That was very generous of you Zach! It has a slow leak, but it is important for my son to also learn how to maintain/repair gear, in case he gets stuck somewhere. I will keep a close eye out on the NeoAir for me. I usually hammock, but sometimes go where hammocks are not allowed (like this weekend, where hammocks are prohibited in Florida state parks--bummer).