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Appreciation post: I know everyone says you need a fancy sleeping pad for cold weather, but my old foam one worked fine.
I used it on a trip near Flagstaff last November when it got down to 28 degrees, and I was warm enough with just my 20-degree bag. Has anyone else had a good run with basic gear when everyone says you need to upgrade?
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andrew71mo ago
Totally get what you mean about the foam pad. I saw a thread a while back where a bunch of people were saying the same thing, that the R-value ratings get overhyped. If you know how to use your bag right and pick a good spot, that basic gear can work way better than people think. It's all about the whole sleep system, not just one piece.
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nancy1541mo ago
Honestly andrew7, you're spot on. I froze my butt off one trip with a fancy high R-value pad because I set up in a frost hollow. Next time out, I just used a basic foam pad on flat, dry pine needles under some thick trees, and I slept way warmer. Tbh, a lot of it comes down to site choice and knowing how to layer up inside your bag. People get so hung up on the gear numbers they forget the basics.
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Yeah, that's a good point about the foam pad... my old blue one has been through so many cold trips. Last winter I was out in the Adirondacks and it got seriously cold, but I just put a cheap fleece blanket under me inside the bag and slept fine. Sometimes you just make the simple stuff work if you're smart about it.
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