Inflatable or Closed Cell Pad for RidgeRunner

[goober]

I have a RidgeRunner on order. I'm 6'4" tall and at that height, some say, a pad is more comfortable than an underquilt, and it also props you up for a better view. Not sure if that's true, but I'll experiment.

I haven't used a pad in a long time. Inflatable ones always sprung a leak pretty quickly. Is this still the case? Would having it in the RR sleeve protect it and make it last longer? How durable are they, and can they be repaired when they leak?

How well does a foam-type pad work with the RR? Does it add comfort like an inflatable? I hate the idea of strapping something on to my light pack, but want to consider all the options.

I'll probably wind up getting a RR-specific quilt, but maybe it would still work better with a thin pad. Any thin foam pads that wouldn't have to be strapped onto my pack?

What's for sure is that changing to the RidgeRunner is opening a can of worms. It's fun learning about it, but sometimes it seems I'm not any closer to coming to a conclusion than when I started.

Any input greatly appreciated!

[Shug]

A soft slightly under inflated pad is more comfortable to me in the RR.

But I prefer UQs.
Shug

[TrailSlug]

I'm not sure why you would need a pad for a better view as you can see out the Ridgerunner with easy without a pad. I too only use under quilts as the closed cell pad I tried froze me to death and was too hard. You should try the hammock before investing in any pad if you are simply looking for a better view as it's not needed in my opinion.

[Campalot]

I'm also 6'4" and 255 . I use a 29*78 in my ridge runner if I'm car camping and it works well as it allows for a little flatter lay .

[Passinthru]

I also am 6'4". I tried several full length under quilts, and some that I made myself, with my Ridge Runner and was never really satisfied with the fit and comfort. The problem seems to be that the Ridge Runner itself is about 78" long and for an under quilt to fit snugly the quilt must be somewhat shorter. That created a ridge at either the head end or foot end where the quilt ended and left me with a slightly short quilt for my height. I tried a custom made (longer) quilt and connecting to the corner loops of the RR left me with a poor fit of the quilt.
I have settled on an inflatable pad and, except for the additional weight, find it very satisfactory.
For our height I think a partial length UQ with a foot pad would work better than a full length quilt that ends up a little short.

My inflatable pad is 30" wide and maybe 78" long. It fills the pocket completely, doesn't shift from side to side and protects me from head to toes. I also use a CCF pad occasionally but do not find it as comfortable. Maybe a CCF pad could be cut into segments and duct taped back together so it could be folded to better fit your pack. The inflatable pad is a little bit of trouble deflating but packs down very small. Mine included a patch kit but so far I haven't needed it.

[DaSpindler]

I've had good luck with a klymit pad. Under inflated works best I think. It wraps around your body better. If fully inflated I feel it makes the RR more tippy.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[OlTrailDog]

I use a AHD Ridgecreek for summer use. A lightly inflated Downmat 7 UL MW (not LW) for shoulder seasons. And a combination for colder or my DIY down UQ.