TL;DR I’m a little older now, just doing 1-2 nights couple times a month. Also certain corrective sports surgeries/injuries creeping up. I want to go as light as possible but have needs for the body.

Does the toll of carrying an extra 10-16 ounces outweigh the comforts that may come from it?

And my base weight is ~15 lbs.

I did my first overnighter recently in 8 years. Felt so good to be back out. My backpacking will be more “stop and smell the roses” kind of vibes vs. going as utterly light as possible and crushing tons of miles. With that, really prioritizing good sleep and also body maintenance.

I slept on the Big Agnes Rapide SL which was really comfortable and 25 ounces (long/wide). I’m a side sleeper and twist around a lot. Sucks the rails aren’t insulated but nonetheless it was solid for the body.

I tried out a Gossamer Gear Thin Pad and it just really isn’t for me. Even from a durability standpoint just seems misaligned with my ethos. Sucks to think I’ll be buying a new one every 6 months or less. That’s what it seems like at least

Now I’m considering adding a Nemo Switchback (short) which comes in at 10.5 ounces. Thinking could throw it under the BA pad to beef up the R-value and also just cowboy camp on it with the pad and use it to stretch in the morning. Stretching is critical for me.

Is this ultralight blasphemy? A Chair Zero is in the mix too on certain hikes.