Question about why everyone insists on those cheap inflatable sleeping pads

I mean, I get that they pack down small and all, but I swear half the campers I run into on the AT are patching holes by night two. Last month at a site near Shenandoah, I watched three different people wake up flat on the ground before breakfast. How are you supposed to get a good night's rest if you're basically sleeping on a pool toy that pops the second a twig looks at it wrong? I've been using a closed cell foam pad for like 8 years now and never had an issue, sure it's bulkier but I can actually sleep. Has anyone else just given up on inflatables and gone back to foam, or am I missing something?

2 comments

2 Comments

blair_dixon13h ago

Used to think foam pads were old school and not worth the space, but after fixing a leak on my third inflatable pad in a single season I switched back. Now I just strap the foam pad to the outside of my pack and don't have to worry about waking up on the dirt. Still feels like a solid upgrade for the peace of mind alone.

-3

webb.stella13h ago

Ugh, I'm literally at that same point right now lol.