I know a number of hikers who won't stop at all, and those who do tend to stop only for very short breaks--which is fine when you're trying to make distance in a hurry. I now have to take an hour-long mid-day break on backpacking trips I have to feed my dog small amounts three times per day to prevent vomiting. We therefore have to rest for an hour after his "lunch" to be sure it stays down!

I'm blaming this schedule on my poor sweet Hysson, but I have found that the hour midday rest helps me just as much! Afterwards I feel just as strong as I did when starting in the morning! I probably make up at least half of that hour in improved hiking speed before the end of the day.

Sleeping pads: It's funny how mine became thinner and thinner over the years! Of course it's really that my joints have gotten more sensitive!