My daughter is asking for a "Lightweight sleeping bag pad in a medium size. If it can roll up nicely that would be great. "
Other than knowing that’s something kinda foamy that one puts under one’s sleeping bag, I don’t know how to pick. There’s a bewildering array of options on the Internet. I’d like to spend <$30. Can someone point me in the right direction?
Lightweight for < $30, you’re pretty much limited to a foam pad such as the ThermaRest Ridge Rest or ThermaRest Z-Lite, or even the old standard (and uncomfortable) blue foam pad. A self-inflating pad would be more comfortable and roll up smaller, but they’re a lot more expensive. Check out [u]REI[/u] for more choices than you’ll ever need.
It might help to know the intended use. If it’s only to be used for car-camping, a thicker, heavier pad would be more comfortable, but if she’s gonna be carrying it on her back for a backpacking trip, thinner and lighter would be desirable. (For instance, I own 4 different pads, each with a different environment in mind.)
Stopped using foam pads years ago, no durability, but great to cut up and use in the garden, under the car, the bike stand, the boat etc. I still use a first gen Thermarest with spider mat but have a whole inventory including seats for out-door concerts. Just broke out three of the biggest honkers for the family showing up tomorrow.
Their [u]current selection of pads[/u] is very limited, but they have one made by [u]Pacific Outdoor Equipment[/u] that’s within Dale’s specified budget, and another by the same manufacturer that’s just a bit over his price. I’ve never used a pad from POE, so I can’t speak as to their quality.