I started with inflatables, not self-inflators, so nothing to go back to. But I like my inflatable (not as much as my hammock, but that's another thread...). While I do keep my pack in my tent (when ground dwelling), I've never liked the idea of using it as part of my sleep system, so I've always used full length pads. Actually, because I'm not a fan of 20" wide pads, I actually use XL pads that are 25" wide. They provide me with about as good a sleep as I can get on the ground (never great, I'm a tosser/turner), and are therefore worth the extra weight for me.