Reviewer:

GVM

Rating:

4

Date:

7/2/2012

Review:

Great combination of size, weight and comfort for the price. Extremely quiet compared with other 2.5 pads that have a foil-like interior. The pump is simple, if not intuitive, and fills up the pad quickly. If anything, Kelty needs to offer a shorter size.

Reviewer:

Kishzilla

Rating:

4

Date:

5/26/2012

Review:

While not as well insulated as the exped pads of similar size and weight, this pad is significantly less expensive, offers a similar internal inflation system so that you dont have to fill your pad with damp air from your breath an issue with most all other air-pads that deteriorates the insulation, and reduces R- value and packs down to a decent size and weight. As far as air pads go for backpacking, this is by far and away the best budget minded option on the market, that provides features only available on much more expensive pads. I have used this pad in temps down to the low 30s with a 30F EN comfort rated sleeping bag and was more than comfortable. I would be willing to use this pad into the 20s without additional insulation from a closed cell pad or something, with the same bag. 2.5 of cushion is invaluable to me as I have a hard time sleeping on standard self- inflating pads like a Thermarest that are not as thick in similar weight ranges. The pad is also longer and wider than standard sized pads when inflated, which is also invaluable to me as I am 63 235 lbs. The side baffles are slightly larger in diameter to help keep you on the pad throughout the night, and despite my propensity for tossing and turning, I find myself squarely on top of it when I wake in the morning, fully rested. It does come with a quick patch in the event of a puncture or if it suffers from a small cut. I dont know how well it seals as I havent had the need for it. The only con that I can think of is that the stuff sack provided is only JUST big enough to get the pad back inside it. It will take a few trial runs and experimenting with rolling all the air out etc, to get it back in, but it can be done. Overall I am very satisfied with this pad, and only rate it a 4 out of 5 because there are better pads out there, but for the money, this one cant be beat. If you dont want to drop $150+ on a sleeping pad, but still want the features of one, buy it, and buy it from ACK, as they have the best deal on it on the net currently.