Reader Reviews

Rating: 2 / 5

I purchased this product based on the rave reviews on the Gossamer Gear site. :) Well I would give it a 2. I didn't get cold, so I guess it served its purpose. It was not all that comfortable. I personally like my old Therm-A-Rest Z-Rest much better. I find the NightLight over priced and far from spectacular. The pack size of the NightLight is also quite large comparatively.

Rating: 4 / 5

Light. Warm enough; add a thinlight or torso-length inflatable when it gets cold.

Comparing the NightLight's R-value to other pads, it appears that the Nightlight has the highest R-val for its weight, normalized to the inch. Even insulated inflatables and self-inflaters don't come close. Bulk is the main downside of this pad, IMO, particularly if one wants to use it in the pad sleeve of a pack.

I give it a 4 b/c it doesn't serve well alone, in colder weather and it is a little bulky. It would be nice if it could be folded similar to a Z-Rest. However, on the plus side, it is warmer, IMO, than the Z-Rest and definitely more robust as the Z-Rest compresses and deforms rather easily in comparison to the NightLight.

So, it might be nice if a thicker, warmer version of 3/4 length NightLight pads were made to extend the lower range. How to do this w/o adding too much bulk is the issue.

Rating: 5 / 5

Here's our review of the Nightlight pad.

If you're going SuperUltraLight and want the best tradeoff of weight to comfort, this pad is it! I find this pad almost as comfortable as a Torsolite but about 1/3 the weight. It's a little heavier than a Gossamer Gear Thinlight but is MUCH more comfy. A great compromise. And it is FAR more durable than a Z-lite.

I'm 6'2" and this fits my torso just fine. I put my pack under my legs when using it. Sure, a torso pad is a little extreme and they aren't for everyone (this pad will never beat my Big Agnes Aircore for comfort), but if you're really pushing pack weight, look no further.

I also use it in a winter system with a full length foam pad to add a bit more comfort and warmth in the torso area.

Last, it's $16! You can get one just to try out Torso pads!

Edited by djohnson on 03/26/2007 08:01:17 MDT.

Rating: 2 / 5

I traded in my 3/4 Ridgerest for this one because I'm a side sleeper who rolls around a lot and wanted more "cush" than the RR provides. Well, I got that alright with the extra 1/8th inch of thickness and the design, but found the NL to be mildly uncomfortable to sleep on with the egg crate side up. Turning it over to sleep on the smooth side was marginally better, but the lumpy texture still came through.

I saved 1-1/2 ounces in weight, but went up a ways on bulk. I carry my pad in the bunge cords of my Mountainsmith Auspex, and there's a limit to its stretch. The NL just fits.

I felt warmer on the NL than the RR, but that's a very subjective thing. The only real test would be sequential side-by-side testing on the same night.

Will I take it on the JMT with me again this summer? The jury's still out on that one.

Edit 9/19/07

No, I did not take it on the JMT. I agree with Brian - it just isn't comfortable enough. I've downgraded it from 3 to 2.

I've gone over to a Big Agnes Insulated air Core 20x72 at a whopping 24 oz. However, the 2.5 inch thickness gives this side sleeper everything he needs in both comfort and insulation for 3 seasons. I'll make up the weight difference somewhere else.

Edited by wandering_bob on 09/19/2007 11:41:32 MDT.

Rating: 4 / 5

In my book, this is an Ultra Light sleeping pad. I am sure others will use 2 ounce torso pads, but that would not be conducive to good sleeping in any way for me.

The durability is better than expected. While used as a seat on downed logs or granite, it would take on deep impressions in the foam that looked to be permenant. But after some time, they dissappeared. It also seemed like it would get dirty more easily than a Ridge Rest...but mine has remained remarkable clean after 5 nights in very dusty conditions. The material grips both silnylon and the slick ultra light nylon of my sleeping bag very well....no seamgrip needed on the tent floor! It is slightly bulky, but secured to the outside of the pack, its low weight made it unnoticable while on the trail. I prefer to use the scalloped side face down, and do not notice any lumpiness.