Closed-cell foam Sleeping Pad (eggcrate)
Dana:
This is the second piece of my original gear that I still use. I purchased it at a discount department store, and it's served me well. Closed-cell pads are by nature, lightweight comfortable pads. They offer a little padding between you and the ground and their "wavy" pattern does a good job of trapping lost heat and keeping the chill out.
Upside:
Affordable, no frills functional pad. Won't puncture. Can roll up the top ten inches or so under your head and create a pillow of sorts
Downside:
After four years, it's a little mushed down and could probably stand replacing. Doesn't fit in pack, must be lashed to the outside
Christopher:
When you have nothing to start with and you're in a hurry you have a tendency to buy the cheapest and most obtainable equipment you can find. Although it that is somewhat true when I bought my first sleeping pad, even if I have the time to research all the other pads available, I probably would have still started with a closed-cell foam pad. It has served me well and I still use it whenever I go winter hiking.
Upside:
Does not absorb water; is puncture-resistant; unrolls and rolls up quickly.
Downside:
Is not very compactable; has a tendency to remain rolled up even after you unroll it; can still feel lumps through it.
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