Backpackin'

Imagine the luxury of a rectangular shaped, 72 inch long, 3.5 inch thick sleeping pad. Ahhhhh, how terrific that would be at the end of a 20 mile day. Oh, alright, at my age, a 10 mile day.

Anyway, now imagine that deep cushion with an R-value of 6, better than the Exped Downmat 7 Deluxe and more than a pound lighter.

A pound!

In fact, this mat is only 2 oz heavier than the much-vaunted Neoair and more than twice its warmth.

If you're like me, right now you're probably going gimme, gimme, gimme.

You get these custom made by Bender at www.Kookabay.com. I don't know how much they cost. I didn't ask. I don't care. I'm getting one. No, two, for when we thru-hike the AT.

Basically, as Bender told me in an email, he can make just about any design sleeping pad, with down or synthetic insulation, that you can dream up.

And keep it light in the bargain.