Had to pick between a $40 inflatable pad and a $150 foam one for my back issues

I was dead set on the inflatable because it packs down so small. Then I slept on my buddy's foam pad for one night and woke up without that usual lower back ache. So I went with the foam one even though it's huge to carry. First trip out I strapped it to the top of my pack and it worked fine but I felt like a turtle. Anyone else make the switch for comfort and regret the bulk?

3 comments

3 Comments

lilyg8322d ago

My buddy @elizabeth900 actually duct taped pool noodles to his foam pad last year to stop it from smacking his head.

reesemiller12d ago

Man that pool noodle idea is actually pretty clever. I had a similar problem with my pad slipping off my pack and whacking me in the back of the head. What finally worked for me was getting two really long cinch straps and criss-crossing them around the pad and the pack frame. I also turned the pad so the valve was facing down against the pack, which somehow kept it from shifting as much. It took a few tries to get the tension right but now it stays put even on rougher trails. The whole process was a pain but once it's locked in you forget it's even there... mostly.

elizabeth90022d ago

Did your foam pad come with that strap kit or did you rig it yourself? I ask because my buddy Mark had the exact same dilemma last summer and he went foam too, same reason with his back. He strapped his to the top of his pack like you and on the first big hike it kept slipping sideways and hitting him in the head every time he turned his neck. He ended up having to stop and re-tie it three times, which drove him nuts. But he says the trade-off is worth it because he can actually sleep now instead of waking up in pain, and he eventually bought a better compression strap that keeps it steady. I guess it's one of those things where you just have to accept the bulk and find a way to make it work.