REI Co-op  Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

For two years now I've been using one of the lightweight Thermarest foam pads. They're an excellent value for the warmth, weight, and comfort. However, on a recent trip we didn't have much of an option as to where we could sleep, and our campsite was solid dirt. Not rocky, not full of roots, just flat dirt. I discovered just how much of a side sleeper I really am when I woke up many times throughout the night to adjust my position due to hip pain. Despite the lack of comprehensive online reviews (none so far) I bought the Flash inflatable pad based on my love for all of the other Flash products released by REI thus far. My observations: The material isn't quite as confidence inspiring as the Big Agnes material of a comparable weight, but far more so than some of the materials used on the Exped and Thermarest inflatable pads. But at the same time you get a full sized pad for the same weight as the Big Agnes pads, for a much lower price. I bought a repair kit for six bucks and I'll be careful with it - it's not a sit pad and probably shouldn't be used in direct contact with the ground. The measurements that I took while it was deflated & (mostly) flat are L: 73.5", W: 24". This means that it will be closer to its advertised measurements while inflated than some brands, which don't seem to measure up to their specs. It took me 10-12 breaths to inflate it to my liking (very firm). The time I got it done in 10 breaths I was pretty light headed. The one way inflate valve was great. It will allow you to take your time inflating it if you get winded easily, or are at high altitudes. I tried it out on my hardwood floor to duplicate hard surface camping. I immediately noticed warmth radiating back at me. I first laid on my side and felt around my leg/hip joint (the problem area with the foam pad) while laying in a natural, comfortable position. I noted a little less than an inch between my hip joint and the floor. This shouldn't be a problem for three season camping. It might not even be an issue for four season camping, but I can't speak to that yet. While lying on my back, the larger air tubes on the outside cradled me, and made me feel like there was no way I was going to roll off without some effort. I couldn't say the same for all of the other pads I tried out at the store. This is an excellent feature. For reference, I'm 5'11" 175lbs male with an average build. Bony hips and shoulders. The material feels pretty non-slip, but I haven't had an opportunity yet to try it out on an incline. (I try to avoid that in the backcountry anyway, but sometimes you don't have a choice.) Rolling it back up was a cinch. The deflate valve let almost all of the air out instantly. I folded it along the existing creases and rolled it up from the inflate end to the deflate end, and had no issues fitting it into the included stuff sack. The packed dimensions were: diamter 3.5", length 8.5". It's two ounces heavier than my foam pad, but will easily fit inside my pack. I can now strap tent parts to the bottom of my pack, freeing up a ton of room inside. The savings in volume, as well as the addition of comfort, more than make up for the addition of two ounces. I have already recommended this pad to freinds (one of whom has already purchased one). I think it provides great comfort and excellent design for the price. I can't wait to use this thing in the Yellowstone backcountry this summer!

I returned this pad twice. In my first pad, one glue bar melted so the side two 'bars' balooned together into a giant, uncomfortable bulge. This was right after a 1.5 week trip to Joshua Tree (CA) in July - so perhaps it was the heat? In my second pad, I would inflate it but it would slowly deflate as the night went on. I woke up 3 times in the night to re-inflate the pad. I can't tell where the leak is coming from, but it is extremely slow, and I can only guess it has to do with either of the two valves. If there was a hole, it would deflate very quickly. This pad is amazingly light, and small, and comfortable - BUT! seriously, it just doesn't seem to be reliable enough.