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That REI employee changed my mind about sleeping pads

Was in the Denver store last week grabbing fuel canisters and overheard a clerk talking to some guy about R-values. She said most people just buy whatever pad is on sale and end up cold. I've been using a hand-me-down Therm-a-Rest for like 8 years and always wondered why I wake up stiff. She explained the foam ones lose insulation over time. I checked mine and it's an R-value of like 2. Now I'm looking at new pads but can't decide between inflatable and self-inflating. Anyone else realize their gear was way older than they thought?
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2 Comments
bennett.patricia
Fair question, but have you ever been camping somewhere that dipped below freezing and woke up with your back feeling like a block of ice? It's not about being a little cold, it's about not getting any real rest.
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the_jamie
the_jamie9d ago
I mean, is a slightly cold night really that bad though?
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