If you’ve ever slept on the ground, you know the need for a good sleeping pad. The issues are cost, size, weight and comfort. There are plenty of sleeping pads on the market — with varying costs, brands and thickness.

I did a fair amount of research on sleep pads so I could find one that was cost-effective, but offered plenty of comfort and was the right size for solo backcountry expeditions.

I finally settled on REI’s Trekker 1.75 self-inflating pad. While it’s certainly not the thickest pad available, it offered the right balance of what I was looking for at a reasonable cost of $64.50. The regular size is 72 in. by 20 in. I am 6 feet tall and the length was adequate. The pad’s width is fine for me, but larger campers may find it a bit limiting.

It doesn’t take longer than a few minutes to self inflate and an extra breath of air will give it the support you need. Packing the pad is very simple and can be done pretty quickly. It’s packed dimensions are 4.75 in. by 21.25 in. and it weighs about  40 ounces.

REI includes a protective bag and velcro straps so you can really tighten it down before you put it on your pack.

I’ve spent a few nights on this pad in the desert and I have no complaints. For its size, price and weight, it’s certainly a good deal and helps you get a good night of rest.