I had back surgery last July, this is my first trip back.
I'm looking for a new bed roll. I always single portage and travel light. This year I'm wanting to sleep on a good bed roll, willing to spend the money, I want the lightest--thickest bed roll...
Any suggestions will help me, I have always used the half sized thermarest, ...thanks

quote jaynsee: "I had back surgery last July, this is my first trip back.
I'm looking for a new bed roll. I always single portage and travel light. This year I'm wanting to sleep on a good bed roll, willing to spend the money, I want the lightest--thickest bed roll...
Any suggestions will help me, I have always used the half sized thermarest, ...thanks "

Have you ever tried a hammock? I haven't had back surgery but I do get a sore back sleeping on the ground, no matter what mattress I've tried. Since switching to a hammock - no more aches and pains.

There are lots of excellent mattresses but the good, thick ones are way too bulky and heavy to pack on a BWCA trip for me.

EXPED 9 Down

My husband has had four surgeries on his back. We both use Exped sleeping pads - the Downmat 9 Deluxe version. For years we used Thermarest pads and always had sore hips or shoulders. We bought the Exped's and never looked back. It is the most comfortable pad ever - and I am sure a lot of other members will agree. You have options with the Exped line - down or synthetic - and different sizes. We bought ours at REI. They are a bit pricey - but well worth every penny.

Nemo Airpad

Or the one I got:

Exped Synmat UL-7

Exped SynMat 9

Exped Synmat Basic to save weight - can get a 2oz external minipump or use your mouth. Basic now comes in short, medium and long.

Fabulous sleep!

Exped Synmat 9 DLX. I have a bad back. Thicker and Wider DLX model, and weighs under 3 lbs. I'm very happy with it. For the last 4-5 yrs. I've used it in May, and at deer camp in December. The Downmat version is a tad warmer R-Value and a bit pricier. I've not been cold on it yet.

+1 for the Synmat 9. I have a 7 LW but in your case the 9 would offer a bit more comfort.

As endorsed on this and several other threads

Exped!!!!

Another vote for the Exped. I have the Downmat 7 and have used it in all 4 seasons. It is by far the best sleep I've had on any pad. I sleep as good or better on that then I do on my super expensive bed at home :) It folds up to the size of a half a loaf of bread and is very light. They aren't cheap but when you think of it, what would you pay for a decent night's sleep in the bush? Well worth every penny in my book :)

I've used the pad in a hammock as well and it works great!

Exped 7 or 9 depending on how thick and warm (9) versus how light (7) you want it. Also the down filled ones are a bit warmer but more expensive than the synthetic fills. I forget how the weight and pack size changes.

Big Agnes insulated airmats are a bit lighter and smaller in the pack but just a tad less cozy than the Expeds. But still way more cozy than what you have been using. I use a Big Agnes, my wife has a Exped for a bit more warmth.

I remember the days of getting a great nights sleep on a thin bit of closed cell foam. I'm very glad some companies have stepped it up and developed these more comfortable pads as I've gotten older.

For what it is worth I've had 2 Big Agnes pads as well. I'm a huge Big Agnes fan (have 2 of their bags) but both of the pads I had failed me within a year. I ended up exchanging my last one for the Exped and it's been great. (Just my experience with the Big Agnes pads...)

Sounds like the Exped 9 it is...

Thanks for the help...