Foam pad or Air?

[EWG]

Looking to do a guided Mt Washington trip in March. I firmly believe in taking gear to spend the night even if it is not in your plan. So, that being said, do I bring a self inflating barrier (sleeping bag) pad or the cell foam military type barrier pad to sit/lay on? I have both. Also bringing a gortex bivy sac.

[Brad]

Most folks I see on the trail have the folding cell foam pads.

[BlueDog]

I have one of the air ones, but as Brad said, most people I see on the trail (the serious backcountry and thru-hikers) seem to carry the foam ones that fold up like an accordion. Not sure if one has an advantage over the other, or if I just fell to the allure of the newer fancier model.

I would go with what is more comfortable for you and what your requirements are for packing it out (weight, size, etc).

[Bill O]

Is the guide only recommending one pad? On Denali you carry two, foam and inflatable.

If you only need one pad I'd go with foam. More durable and zero chance of failure. If an inflatable pad fails you are in big trouble.

[EWG]

Thank you all for your input

[kaseri]

Best thing I have used for winter trips is the Exped Downmat.