Backpacking Sleeping Pad

The one I had was, honestly, not much better than sleeping on the ground. It just wasnt worth the space to carry it with me.

 

I use a thin foam one. Holds up really good and seems to be as comfortable as the air ones.

 

I just dug hip holes and just slept on a blanket on canvass on the ground when I was young. If you will dig little holes for your hips and in my case shoulders it is pretty surprising how comfortable the ground can be. Your body isn't flat and if you will work with that you don't wake up in the morning feeling like someone beat you up in your sleep. Now I sleep on a really nice double height air mattress that is almost as comfortable as home.

 

Ya you can make a half decent bed with not much effort working the ground

 

Great idea, gonna have to remember this one.

 

Another option that I have tried with some real nice results is a hammock. There is a bit of a learning curve to them but once you get used to them they are a great sleeping platform. I have one with a built on mosquito net that is very comfortable. The secret to sleeping in a hammock is to sleep in it at a diagonal rather than straight. This lets you sleep flat on your side, back or even your stomach. If you set it up right with a tarp cover it is great rain or shine and in a sleeping bag even nice on cool nights.

Hammocks are especially nice here because of the insect issues. Fire ants are no joke and they can and WILL find a way into a tent and make your life a misery. If the weather is nice a hammock can be a sleeping system that you can carry in your coat pocket.

You can make your own for very little. I made a nice one out of two pieces of rip stop nylon sewn together to give me a double layer and then just tied a knot in the end with a loop to attach my lines to. The nylon came in a 60" width and I made it our of two pieces that were about 12' long. It will hold about 600 lbs and is folded and stored in a gallon zip lock bag.

 

LOL, I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one to discover the value of movers blankets. I have a big one in my truck for emergency use. They are priced right and warm as can be for dry cover.

 

LOL, That is EXACTLY where I got the72" X 80" camo moving/utility blanket that I carry in my truck. For 11 bucks you can't beat it. They are giving away the smaller ones right now with any purchase. Their wool blanket is dirt cheap and works fine once you air it out and get rid of the funky smell. That is what is in my wifes car.

 

I have a Harbor Freight app on my phone that has every weeks freebies and sale coupons. There is always a 20% off coupon on it. They get the stuff right off my phone. It's great and you don't ever have to carry your catalog with you. I also have a similar app for Hobby Lobby that always has a 40% off coupon that I use on 550 paracord.