KNOW HOW LEARN FROM THE PROS «»
WWW.CANOEROOTSMAG.COM
CATCH SOME Z’S. PHOTOS: KAYDI PYETTE
[ IN THE PACK ] REST ON CLOUD NINE WITH THESE INFLATABLE PADS SLEEP TIGHT
TOP TO BOTTOM KLYMIT
INERTIA O ZONE If you’re looking for a comfort- able, full-size sleeping pad for trips where weight matters, try Klymit’s new Inertia O Zone. The shipping box it arrived in was so small and light, I was surprised to discover what was inside. Upon inflating, you’ll im- mediately notice that the O Zone is unique. Its minimalist design cuts out the parts of the sleep- ing pad that don’t actively sup- port the body. Sleeping bags are then able to loft into the empty space, increasing the warmth of the bag. I was skeptical of how the pad would perform in colder temperatures, but I was super cozy for a night out at 30°F. $99.95 |
www.klymit.com
WINDC A T CHER
AIR PAD The Windcatcher Air Pad utilizes a six-inch wide “valve” and phys- ics to achieve ultra-fast inflation. Each time I blew into the Wind- catcher—maintaining a distance of about four inches—my breath drew in the surrounding air, am- plifying my efforts. According to Windcatcher, the average person can inflate the mattress in four to nine big breaths—I was con- sistently on the upper end of the spectrum, but still impressed. An additional conventional valve allows for small adjustments to the pad’s firmness. Before ven- turing into the backcountry, pick up a stuff sack for this pad’s pro- tection. Without any insulation, the Air Pad is appropriate for only summer use. $99 |
www.windcatchergear.com
BIG A GNE S
Q-CORE SL Big Agnes’ newest insulated air pad offering is cushy and compact. It inflates to three- and-a-half inches thick, which provides excellent cushion be- tween sleeping bag and ground, even for side sleepers. The outer edges are an extra half-inch thick, which keeps you centered but doesn’t allow for spoon- ing a buddy. Synthetic insula- tion and a coating that mirrors back body heat inside the pad will keep sleepers warm in all but
the coldest off-season ad-
ventures. Even with that added insulation, the Q-Core SL is just 17 ounces. Available in 20- and 25-inch widths, lengths of 66 to 72 inches and also available in a mummy shape. $139-$220 |
www.bigagnes.com
THERM- A -RE S T
NEOAIR DREAM If car camping is your style, you can’t do better than the Neo- Air Dream. This new pad from Therm-A-Rest is made up of three layers: A pillow-top layer, an inflatable air pad and an inch- thick layer of memory foam. It’s as comfortable as my bed at home. Weighing in over four pounds, it’s no lightweight, but such luxurious comfort makes that easy to forgive. Offered in two sizes, even the smaller size will be considered extra-large for trippers at 25 inches wide and six-and-a-half feet long. The Dream’s stuff sack doubles as a pump for inflation, which helps keep moisture out of the air pad and prolong its life. $199.95 |
www.thermarest.com — Kaydi Pyette
jDIGITAL EXTRA: Click here to watch video previews of these sleeping pads.
www.canoerootsmag.com | 27
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