My uncle swore by cheap sleeping pads, I learned the hard way

My uncle told me a $20 foam pad was all I needed for backpacking. Said the expensive inflatable ones were a gimmick. I took his advice for a 3 day trip in the Smokies last spring and woke up on cold, hard ground every night. After that trip I bought a $120 insulated pad and honestly I sleep better now than I do at home. Has anyone else been given bad gear advice by an older relative?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix_martin409d ago

Totally, @gavin_kim same here. Older relatives give the worst advice sometimes.

gavin_kim9d ago

Didn't a buddy of mine swear by a military surplus sleeping bag once?

samrodriguez9d agoTop Commenter

My $20 foam pad works fine for me in summer. Maybe it's a technique issue.