Ridge Rest Question

Discussion:

Ridge Rest Question

m***@public.gmane.org

2003-03-12 22:12:25 UTC

Hi All,

I've been following the Ridgerest thread with some interest. I've been
using the inflatable 3/4 version for some time now with great success
(and great sleep). However, my late spring thru early fall baseweight is
now hovering around the 9.9 lb mark (40 degree bag, Tarptent for 1) and
if I could get a good nights sleep on a Ridgerest I'd make the switch to
shed even more weight and start using a Breeze or G5 pack. The pads are
cheap enough that I'm willing to try - so here's my question: If I got a
Ridgerest 3/4, do the fringe ultralighters in the group trim the pad
further? I'd think you could shape it like a mummy bag and still have an
effective pad - but I have no experience. I don't want to come across as
fanatical about weight but am always open to saving a few grams.

Also, at this point I buy into the marketing hype that the "ridges" help
trap warm air. It this at all true or a bunch of bunk, and if false,
would a blue pad from Walmart work just as well as a Ridgerest?

Thanks in advance.

--
Mike Maurer

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Andy Mytys

2003-03-13 00:10:22 UTC

Permalink

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
Hi All,
I've been following the Ridgerest thread with some interest. I've
been using the inflatable 3/4 version for some time now with great
success (and great sleep).
if I could get a good nights sleep on a Ridgerest I'd make the
switch to shed even more weight...

Good luck. This is exactly why I still pack my Therm-A-Rest UL 3/4 -
a good night's sleep. I just can't get comfortable on a RidgeRest,
unless it has a Therm-A-Rest on top :)

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
If I got a Ridgerest 3/4, do the fringe ultralighters in the group
trim the pad further?

I don't see why not.

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
Also, at this point I buy into the marketing hype that the "ridges"
help trap warm air. It this at all true or a bunch of bunk, and if
false, would a blue pad from Walmart work just as well as a
Ridgerest?

I believe that the RidgeRest is more comfortable than a Walmart blue-
foam pad. I also think you get more insulation, although I don't
know how much the "ridges" have to do with that as much as material
and thickness.

The only thing I've been able to "trap" in the ridges is condensation
from my breath, as I'm a side/stomach sleeper. Then you wake up at
night and bail, bail, bail out your RidgeRest.

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procab

2003-03-13 00:52:16 UTC

Permalink

I have a G4 pack and wasn't comfortable on the Z-rest pad GVP
recommends so I fold a 30" long section of Ridgerest into thirds in
order to fit in the . The 30" length is enough to support from
shoulder to tush and my legs rest on top of my pack. Inside my pack
is my trash compactor bag with my clothing laid out flat to provide
insulation for my legs.

The G4 pad pocket will also accomodate a 40" length of Ridgerest
folded into quarters if you desire a longer pad. The only downside to
using the Ridgerest vs Z-rest is the Z-rest nests much thinner when
in the pad pocket which brings the center of gravity of your pack
closer to your body.

It's a compromise I accept for the extra comfort at night.

Take care,
Robert

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
Hi All,
I've been following the Ridgerest thread with some interest. I've been
using the inflatable 3/4 version for some time now with great

success

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
(and great sleep). However, my late spring thru early fall

baseweight is

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
now hovering around the 9.9 lb mark (40 degree bag, Tarptent for 1) and
if I could get a good nights sleep on a Ridgerest I'd make the

switch to

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
shed even more weight and start using a Breeze or G5 pack. The pads are
cheap enough that I'm willing to try - so here's my question: If I got a
Ridgerest 3/4, do the fringe ultralighters in the group trim the pad
further? I'd think you could shape it like a mummy bag and still have an
effective pad - but I have no experience. I don't want to come

across as

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
fanatical about weight but am always open to saving a few grams.
Also, at this point I buy into the marketing hype that the "ridges" help
trap warm air. It this at all true or a bunch of bunk, and if false,
would a blue pad from Walmart work just as well as a Ridgerest?
Thanks in advance.
--
Mike Maurer

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Jerry Goller

2003-03-13 00:54:48 UTC

Permalink

I don't know about that, but I do find them amazingly uncomfortable to sleep
on. I can feel every ridge on the pad in a Big Agnes bag. REI sells a 3'8"
Evazote pad (blue, $16 for the 75" X 24"). I've sorted through them and
found pads as long as 77". You can cut them down to any shape you chose and
stack them for what ever temps you think you will be facing. For winter, I'm
currently using one cut to a mummy for a Big Agnes bag and a second pad
(1/2") cut into a mummy shape, as well.
Jerry

<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/> http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the
most comprehensive interactive gear reviews and tests on the planet.

-----Original Message-----
From: maurer-***@public.gmane.org [mailto:***@earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 3:12 PM
To: Backpacker Light Pals
Subject: [BackpackingLight] Ridge Rest Question

Also, at this point I buy into the marketing hype that the "ridges" help
trap warm air. It this at all true or a bunch of bunk, and if false,
would a blue pad from Walmart work just as well as a Ridgerest?

Thanks in advance.

--
Mike Maurer

Yahoo! Groups Sponsor

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m***@public.gmane.org

2003-03-15 13:31:29 UTC

Permalink

Post by procab
I have a G4 pack and wasn't comfortable on the Z-rest pad GVP
recommends

I also have a G4 (great pack!). When i bought the Zrest i bought the full-size (10 sections) and cut it into a 6-section piece and a 4-section piece. I fold the 6-section piece and put it in the mesh pocket, and use the 4-section piece inside the pack, two sections across the back and one section 'wings' on each side. This provides some shaping and my trash compactor bag fits inside this shell nicely. When i sleep i have options -either reassemble it as a full-length pad or, more commonly, double up from shoulders to hips and use my pack under my legs. This makes a very comfortable pad, MUCH more so than a single layer. This setup also gives me sit pads for two, or a sit pad and a cooking platform. For winter camping i still bring my therm-a-rest UL 3/4 pad, and use it under the z-rest. Luxury!

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Gregg Spoering

2003-03-15 15:14:31 UTC

Permalink

You can also use a thermarest 3/4 pad- mine is 1 1/2" and works fine in the G4

Post by m***@public.gmane.org

Post by procab
I have a G4 pack and wasn't comfortable on the Z-rest pad GVP
recommends

I also have a G4 (great pack!). When i bought the Zrest i bought the full-size (10 sections) and cut it into a 6-section piece and a 4-section piece. I fold the 6-section piece and put it in the mesh pocket, and use the 4-section piece inside the pack, two sections across the back and one section 'wings' on each side. This provides some shaping and my trash compactor bag fits inside this shell nicely. When i sleep i have options -either reassemble it as a full-length pad or, more commonly, double up from shoulders to hips and use my pack under my legs. This makes a very comfortable pad, MUCH more so than a single layer. This setup also gives me sit pads for two, or a sit pad and a cooking platform. For winter camping i still bring my therm-a-rest UL 3/4 pad, and use it under the z-rest. Luxury!
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procab

2003-03-15 18:41:28 UTC

Permalink

I was surprised that a Z-rest is heavier than a Ridge Rest (1 oz), so
your system is 9 oz heavier than mine, although yours has greater
flexibility.

I may employ a variation of your system for my father. He wants a
full length pad for our JMT hike this summer. I was going to set him
up with a Ridge Rest in the pad pocket and a Wal-Mart blue pad inside
the pack for his legs.

If I replace the blue pad with a Z-rest in the pad pocket, as you
suggest, and put the Ridge Rest in the pack it would assuage my
concern about the center of gravity changes created by the Ridge Rest.

Thanks for your input,
Robert

Post by m***@public.gmane.org

Post by procab
I have a G4 pack and wasn't comfortable on the Z-rest pad GVP
recommends

I also have a G4 (great pack!). When i bought the Zrest i bought

the full-size (10 sections) and cut it into a 6-section piece and a 4-
section piece. I fold the 6-section piece and put it in the mesh
pocket, and use the 4-section piece inside the pack, two sections
across the back and one section 'wings' on each side. This provides
some shaping and my trash compactor bag fits inside this shell
nicely. When i sleep i have options -either reassemble it as a full-
length pad or, more commonly, double up from shoulders to hips and
use my pack under my legs. This makes a very comfortable pad, MUCH
more so than a single layer. This setup also gives me sit pads for
two, or a sit pad and a cooking platform. For winter camping i still
bring my therm-a-rest UL 3/4 pad, and use it under the z-rest.
Luxury!

Post by m***@public.gmane.org
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procab

2003-03-15 21:08:09 UTC

Permalink

Post by m***@public.gmane.org

Post by procab
I have a G4 pack and wasn't comfortable on the Z-rest pad GVP
recommends

I also have a G4 (great pack!). When i bought the Zrest i bought