Can't help you on the Apex.. after 3.6 I switch to down. But I can tell you that 6.0 of CS Apex is 4.92 CLO which is 4.33R so in the lab at least... that's how you compare apex to R-value.
By that measure- brand spanking new they should be comparable- but one reason I don't use Apex any more is it tends to break down and lose a few degrees over time.
Synthetics are great in the summer, but around 30* I switch to down. (this is coming from a guy who sells synthetic quilts BTW)
As fer pad vs Synthetic Apex... I work with Primaloft Gold now which packs about the same as down.
All these pads would be at least half if not even a full 1/4 the size of a 6.0 CS UQ as far as pack size and may even be comparable in weight.
A quick peak at a full length 6.0 apex from a common vendor lists 32 ounces... the exped double I posted above is well under that for example and about the same price.
While I won't make any arguments generally (especially here) about
having to go to ground... there are times when it's nice to have the
ability and some trips it may be required.
So even if you're a fairly dedicated hanger then a pad may still end up in your pack. Even car camping in my area it's not uncommon to find a ban or stay at a state park site without trees to hang.
If you're just jumping in or not quite sure and still have one foot on the ground and one in the air... a pad works for either, an UQ only works for one... so until you've fully committed a pad is a safe bet for a beginner.
If you're really talking cost- hard to beat refletix or a blue foamy. And if you're really talking ideal- not sure why you'd waste money on a 6.0 CS when it could be put to a nice 20* down quilt. Taking a quick peek at Enlightened for an easy apples to apples of their UQ... the 20* down is $240, the Apex in 20* is $180.
Also- if it's truly cold- or you happen to get caught on an unseasonably cold night- taking a pad to ground may allow you to pick up a good 20* and make for a warm night.
So both 30 ish degree options (R4.x pad and 6.0 Apex) and an unexpected 20* night creeps in... you're SOL with the UQ (you could try stuffing some clothes or leaves in it) but with a pad you are probably good to 15 or so.
Many backpackers report taking the R3.2 Neo Air Xlite into the 20's for example... so for me the pad has that added safety net as well when you're taking a trip at the margins of your gear.
The downside to a pad- you need at least a wide (or some kinda SPE setup) and without a double layer they can cause quite a bit of squirming and frustration to use in a hammock.
Perhaps the biggest upside to a pad... in a few months when folks are gearing up for spring and summer trips...
You can pick a pad off the shelf at REI or amazon and all the quilt vendors will have 12-16 week lead times!
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