UKC

I'm sure I can't be the only climber with some back injuries so I'm hoping people might have some helpful suggestions

I have a mountain hardware sleeping mat, it is good but may not be the best for a back injury.

My back is bad enough that I have to bring a hot water bottle and do half an hour of stretching before I can do anything.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a particularly good sleeping mat? My only current plan is to invest in a jetboil for the old hot water bottle and take painkillers.

Karen

In reply to karen2: Exped Downmat or Synmat? I can move in the mornings after a night on one...
And brufen of course
b

In reply to karen2: Probably best taking advice from a back specialist, but in terms of comfort I really rate the Exped down mats.

Bought one for the mrs this winter (she tends to sleep on her side, so the usual thermarests are pretty uncomfortable) and it's amazingly comfortable. Think it's about 3 inches think, yet weighs/packs the same as my thermarest.

Bit of a faff inflating it (especially if it's -10 outside and blowing a gale and you just want to get warm!), but totally worth it if comfort is a priority).

Think I paid about £110.

In reply to professionalwreckhead:

I have and Exped Synmat UL, which works for me. However, everyone's different so really the only way is to see if you can borrow one to try.

In reply to karen2: I have an Exped Downmat XL for basecamp use and its incredibly comfortable. Takes just over 2 minutes to inflate it, which is better than I thought, and so far has survived a fair amount of abuse.
Worth trying out a 7cm version and 9cm (mine is 9cm) to see whether you find any noticable difference.

In reply to karen2:


There are numerous 4 star hotels that offer pillow menus if that helps? Failing that, you can get cheapo lightweight airbeds that might be useful?