Rab

Stratosphere 5.5 Sleep Pad

Decent pad - awful stuff sack.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I'll start by saying that the pad itself is decent. The only big downside to me is that the baffling structure is made up of straight lines, making it a bit less comfortable than those with more of a hexagonal shape. But I'd say that's somewhat of a minor discomfort as someone who sleeps on their back and doesn't move much in their sleep anyways. And well... you're camping. You're not in a luxury hotel bed and don't expect the best sleep of my life. And I'm okay with that. However, the biggest downside to this pad has been something I never really considered before... And I'll preface by saying I've used a number of stuff sacks in my day. I'm in the backcountry to some degree most weekends of the year. I know how to properly pack down a self-inflating pad and get it into it's stuff sack. But HOLY MOLY this pad is so hard to get into it's unique little sack. I do genuinely like the design they went for with for the little bag, it's unique!! And a cooler concept that stuffing something in from the top down (this one has a sideways opening + elastic bad closure) - but GOODNESS it is SMALL. It needs like an extra millimeter or two of fabric to make it easier. I'd rather the bag be bigger and then have compression straps to squish it down. You really have to get *all* of the air out of the pad, which is not impossible and I've only gotten better at it with practice, but it's still a struggle. As I'm packing up camp I go "oh well, I'll worry about this when I get home. Everyone else is already packed up." It seems like such a small issue, but it's been infuriating for some reason (and I'd say I'm a really patient person in general, so I don't know why this little thing is such a bother). As someone who tends to pack their backpacking pack pretty chock-full, having a piece of gear in there that isn't quite wrapped up properly, makes my backpack all wonky and is just a bit frustrating. And in the winter... forget it! I did get this pad because the R value was high enough for all year use, but I can see myself getting infuriated with cold fingers or gloves on trying to pack this thing up. I picked it up at the beginning of summer, so we'll see how that goes. Anyways, I'm not typically one to leave reviews anywhere, but I'm hoping this feedback gets back to Rab and they can improve on the next iteration. I know they're new to pads, so I took a risk in purchasing this one (I didn't see too many reviews out yet when I purchased this right around the time it launched). It's a minor issue, and I'm sure they'll improve in the future! I'd also like to say that I do appreciate the elephant's eyes on the pump sack! So fun and cute! We love a product with thoughtful design! As well as the pump sack's general shape/functional design. And I do like that they tried something different with the actual stuff sack too! They are on to something - it's just a hare too small. I'd also say that this pad is pretty heavy. But it's my first real winter pad, so I guess that's expected. I'm in great shape, and certainly not an ultralighter at this point in my life. (But I am getting to the age where my back/scoliosis is thinking it might be time soon) So if you don't need the R-value warmth, and are packing your things in on your back, it might be worth getting a lighter pad for summer (depending on the climate/altitude you camp in). Would I purchase it again? Honestly, I picked this up on sale, as a cheaper alternative to the Xtherm - and I kind of wish I'd had the money to splurge on that one instead. It seems more comfortable and a staple in most people's gear, and like they've worked out all the kinks. ...but it's twice the price, even without the sale. I've also slept on some of my friends' Big Agnes insulated pads, and have *loved* those! Comfy, insulated, and less pricey than the Therma. Hope this helps someone!