From: Chris Summers (chrisinhouston@kingwoodcable.com)
Date: Fri Dec 07 2001 - 09:26:47 CST
Do most scouts bring along a sleeping pad? I don't recall if I brought one
in '68?
****
I would imagine 99.9% use some type of ground pad today. Remember that
Philmont can be extremely rocky and at times the ground will be quite wet.
One should try to get the lightest weight pad for the money but keep a few
points in mind.
Scouts tend to be a little rough on their gear so perhaps a self inflating
pad might not be the best way to go as they can be punctured and become
worthless on the trail. Also, people have a habit of blowing a little extra
air into the pad to expand it to the max. This can be a problem in the long
run if you camp in subfreezing weather at a later point as the moisture from
your breath will eventually freeze up on cold weather trips which sort of
defeats the insulating value to say the least. Inflating pads also take a
little longer to set up and pack away, so time may be a factor too.
I usually recommend the youth get a closed cell pad, either a rollup or fold
up (Z-rest). Don't let anyone bring along an open cell pad like the ones
that are often put on hospital beds (egg crate type) as they are useless
when they get wet.
If you are determined to get a self inflating pad you'll have to decide on a
full length or 3/4. I have both but have found as I get older my feet really
appreciate the padding at night and feel better the next morning if they are
well rested. One option is to get a 3/4 self inflating and cut a small piece
of closed cell pad and use the closed cell as a foot rest at night and a
rear-end rest during the day. Velcro can be added to keep it in place at
night.
Regardless don't compromise your tent saftey by spilling any food on your
pad at meal time and then sleeping on it.
YOF
Chris in Houston
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