Depends. @skyler_thomas had the right idea.

Exactly, you can't show skill if the gear is actively fighting you. Saw a guy try to win a race with a grocery cart once, same idea.

Smart move. That spread probably helps the salt work in deeper too, not just the air flow. Might have to steal that idea for my next one.

Honestly, that blog @felix_henderson54 mentioned seems off. My old blue foam pad from a decade ago still works fine for summer trips, it just feels different. The real upgrade with a Z Lite isn't about the foam failing, it's the closed-cell design. That Walmart pad probably compressed flat under your hips after a few months. The Thermarest just stays put and keeps you off the cold ground way longer.

Oh man, my buddy had the exact same thing happen with his rig last year.