Inflatable Pad Review - Alps Mountaineering

Alps Mountaineering Self Inflatable Pad

3 out of 5 stars.​

I used this sleeping from 2015 until early in the summer of 2019. Probably the most comfortable pad I've ever owned, but it was heavy and took up a lot of space in my backpack. I switched to the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. Read my review here.

Even when perched on my elbow I don't recall any portion of my body touching the ground. The self-inflation will get you halfway there, so completing the task is simple.

This is a very quiet sleeping pad.

The R-Value is 4.2, so it works for three seasons.

Notice the difference in size for these two inflatable pads. The green one, with an R-Value of only 2.2, packs down to the size of a large water bottle. My Klymit (not pictured), with an R-Value of 4.4, packs down slightly larger than this green one. The black one is the Alps self-inflatable pad.

This is a great option for short trips, or camping next to your car. I was overly budget conscious when I purchased this pad, which in this case might have hurt me a bit. I now own an equally comfortable pad, which deflates and folds down to ¼ the size, and is much lighter.

And this is the reason I switched; due to the weight and size of this pad when packed away. After 4 years I finally had to spend a little money to lose weight in my backpack.

About The Author

My name is Jerry. In addition to running a hiking club, I also own and operate a coffee shop & bookstore. Check it out here.