This review is pending further winter/cold weather testing

A cutting edge 3-Season sleeping pad. Melding closed cell and open cell technologies the Hyper-Lite delivers comfort and exceptional warmth in a very lightweight package. Self inflating in the shoulder and hip areas for comfort and closed cell throughout to provide superior insulation with minimum weight.

Like most outdoor enthusiasts, I've got a pile of sleeping pads stuck behind the couch, stuffed under the bed, and piled in the garage. Some I bought years ago, others people left at my house after forgetful climbing adventures, and some I have no idea how I ended up with. Some inflate, some don't, some are cheap, and some are overpriced weird sleep systems that someone thought might provide the impossible: a good night's sleep on a cramped slanted rocky ledge.

I recently added another sleeping pad to the pile: the new Insul Mat Hyper-Lite Mtn from Pacific Outdoor Equipment. One thing is for sure; it's definitely the strangest looking pad of the bunch.

Insul Mat's Hyper-Life Mtn combines the two basic types of sleeping pad: closed cell and open cell foam. Picture a closed cell pad similar to a ridge rest with an hourglass shaped inflatable section stuck to the top in just the right place to add some extra comfort for your hips and shoulders. Hmmmm.... sounds like a good idea, but is this a revolution in sleeping comfort or just another piece of tech gear you don't need? The pad combines the two basic pad options, and the result is exactly what you'd expect: some of the best of both and some of the worst of both.

First off, the most important thing, comfort. On this front the Hyper-Lite Mtn does well. It looks odd, but the logic works. What part of your body is the most sore after a long night on an uneven surface? Ok, everyone's different, but humor me. Likely your back, more specifically your shoulders and lower back. This is where the Hyper-Lite Mtn wins out over closed cell pads. The inflatable section provides extra comfort where it's most needed. If you like to sleep on your side this is especially noticeable; your hips and shoulders get some added comfort while the rest of you survives on the normal allotment of closed cell padding. Is it more comfortable than a full length inflatable? Probably not... but then again with this pad you don't have to cary the weight of a full length inflatable.

How about warmth? I haven't yet had the pleasure of testing this new toy in "serious cold," so I can't say for sure... but based on temperatures just bellow freezing my guess is darn optimistic. The closed cell foam is at least as warm as other closed cell pads, and the added inflatable section in the area that counts means serious insulation.

Another point in its favor: durability. I like inflatable pads for the comfort, but I like closed cell foam for the worry-free durability. You can toss a ridge-rest down on sharp rock without fear of a devastating puncture. Well, here's the best of both: a pad you can lean up against that sharp stump as a back rest while still getting the comfort of an inflatable pad at night.

Weight? The Hyper-Lite Mtn is lighter than a fully inflatable pad, but heavier than a closed cell pad. Combine the two and you end up in the middle... makes sense.

How about bulk? This is not a slim pad. When completely deflated it's slightly bulkier than a standard ridge-rest, which can be annoying if you're dealing with space constraints (boating, international travel, etc). Combine two materials and you get... both materials.

The bottom line: This pads strongest selling point is likely the one thing I have yet to truly test: it's performance (given its weight) in seriously cold conditions. On every other front this pad splits the difference between the two standard approaches with a result giving you a mix of pros and cons. If you like to sleep on your side, aren't concerned about space, and want a warm durable pad, this pad might finally let you throw out the others you've got stashed behind the couch.