I know I've outlined my pad history before, but it's been a while and we have lots of new folks. If this is familiar, just skip this post.

Childhood thru teens--no pad at all
Age 20s and 30s-- the traditional blue foam pad
40s and early 50s--one of the earliest Thermarests, with lavish praise for this marvelous invention (unti it "got too thin"
Late 50s and early 60s--a thicker (and heavier) Thermarest.
Mid 60s on--progressively thicker inflatable insulated pads (progressively more insulation, too!
At age 80, I find that my Exped Downmat UL7 is getting a bit on the thin side, although I greatly appreciate its warmth!

Each "upgrade" was due to worsening hip pain when sleeping on my side. It has become progressively worse with age, although I of course complain that my pad is getting too thin!


Of course I still sit on the ground (with a sit pad that used to be for my late dog to sleep on), a rock or a log, so I don't feel the need for a chair.