Let’s Talk About Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long promises a comfortable night’s rest in the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Made by Cedar Ridge, this pad aims to strike a balance between affordability, durability, and portability. It boasts a self-inflating design and a lightweight construction, making it appealing for budget-conscious backpackers and campers alike.
I was searching for a sleeping pad that offered a decent level of comfort without adding significant weight or bulk to my pack. My old closed-cell foam pad was proving to be too uncomfortable for longer trips, and I needed something that would provide better insulation from the cold ground. The low price point of the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long made it an attractive option to try.
Upon unboxing, I was pleasantly surprised by the packed size and weight. The 75D polyester fabric felt relatively robust, and the included stuff sack and repair kit were welcome additions. The initial build quality seemed decent for the price, although I did notice a slight chemical odor that I hoped would dissipate over time.
Compared to higher-end self-inflating pads from brands like Therm-a-Rest or Sea to Summit, the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long is noticeably less refined in terms of materials and construction. However, those pads come with a much steeper price tag. I chose the Cedar Ridge pad because it seemed like a reasonable compromise between price and performance.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While it didn’t feel as luxurious as some of the more expensive options, it seemed like it would provide a significant improvement over my old foam pad at a price I was willing to pay. The self-inflating feature was a definite plus.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long on a three-day backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The terrain was varied, with rocky sections and softer, forested areas. Overnight temperatures dipped into the low 40s (Fahrenheit), providing a good test of the pad’s insulation.
The pad performed reasonably well in the cold and slightly damp conditions. While it didn’t completely eliminate the feeling of the cold ground, it provided a noticeable barrier and kept me warmer than my old foam pad. Inflation was relatively quick, although I did need to add a few breaths to achieve my desired firmness.
The pad was easy to use right out of the box. The valve was simple to operate, and the self-inflating feature worked as advertised. I didn’t experience any leaks or deflation during the night, which was a relief.
My only issue after the first use was that I felt a slight “hammocking” effect due to the pad’s rectangular shape. My hips tended to sink down a bit, which put some strain on my lower back.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long has held up reasonably well. I’ve used it on multiple camping trips and even as a makeshift mattress in my car during a road trip. The 75D polyester fabric shows no signs of rips or tears, despite being used on some rough surfaces.
The pad’s durability has been surprisingly good. I’ve been careful to avoid sharp objects, but it has withstood normal wear and tear without any issues. The self-inflating mechanism still works reliably, although it does seem to take slightly longer to fully inflate than it did initially.
Cleaning and maintaining the pad is relatively easy. I simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use and allow it to air dry completely before storing it. The repair kit included is a nice touch, although I haven’t had to use it yet.
Compared to my previous experience with foam pads, the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long is a significant upgrade in terms of comfort and packability. However, it doesn’t quite match the performance of more expensive self-inflating pads in terms of insulation and support.
Breaking Down the Features of Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long
Specifications
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long features a lightweight 75D polyester fabric on both the top and bottom surfaces. This provides a decent balance between durability and packability. The pad uses a self-inflating open-cell foam core that provides a 1.5-inch thickness when fully inflated.
The dimensions of the “Long” version are 77 inches in length and 25 inches in width. This provides ample space for most users. The pad weighs in at 3 pounds, making it a reasonably lightweight option for backpacking. It is designed for camping applications.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the pad’s comfort, weight, and packability. The 75D polyester fabric is reasonably durable for its weight, while the 1.5-inch thickness provides a basic level of insulation from the cold ground. The rectangular shape maximizes surface area, but it can also contribute to a “hammocking” effect.
Performance & Functionality
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long performs its job adequately, providing a noticeable improvement in comfort compared to traditional foam pads. The self-inflating mechanism works reliably, although it may require a few breaths to achieve optimal firmness. The pad provides a basic level of insulation, suitable for mild to moderate temperatures.
The pad’s strengths lie in its affordability, ease of use, and decent packability. Its weaknesses include a somewhat thin profile, a tendency to hammock in the middle, and a basic level of insulation that may not be sufficient for colder conditions. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly self-inflating pad, but it doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long features a simple, rectangular design. The build quality is decent for the price point, with reasonably durable materials and a reliable valve. The pad weighs 3 pounds, making it easy enough to carry on backpacking trips.
The pad is relatively user-friendly, with a simple self-inflating design that requires minimal effort. There’s no real learning curve involved. Some users may find the rectangular shape less comfortable than tapered or contoured designs.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long should last for several seasons with proper care. The 75D polyester fabric is reasonably durable, and the included repair kit can address minor punctures or tears. The pad is easy to maintain, requiring only a quick wipe down after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long comes with elastic bands for securing the pad when rolled up, a stuff sack for storage, and a repair kit. There are no other customization options available. It’s not really designed to be heavily customized with third-party accessories.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious campers.
- Lightweight and packable, making it suitable for backpacking.
- Self-inflating design simplifies setup and takedown.
- Noticeable improvement in comfort compared to traditional foam pads.
- Decent durability for the price.
Cons
- Only 1.5 inches thick, which may not be sufficient for all users or conditions.
- Can experience “hammocking” in the middle due to the rectangular shape.
- Basic level of insulation, not ideal for cold weather camping.
Who Should Buy Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long?
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long is perfect for casual campers, budget-conscious backpackers, and anyone looking for a simple and affordable sleeping pad. It’s also a good option for car camping or as a backup pad.
This product should be skipped by users who need maximum comfort, superior insulation for cold weather, or a more supportive and contoured design. Those looking for premium materials and long-lasting durability should also consider higher-end options.
A must-have accessory would be a small pillow for added comfort.
Conclusion on Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long
The Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long is a decent entry-level self-inflating sleeping pad that offers a good balance between price and performance. It’s not the most luxurious or high-performing pad on the market, but it provides a significant improvement over traditional foam pads at an affordable price.
The price is justified for what you get: a reasonably comfortable, lightweight, and easy-to-use sleeping pad that’s suitable for casual camping and backpacking.
I would personally recommend it to anyone on a tight budget or looking for a basic, no-frills sleeping pad. If you’re ready to upgrade your camping experience without breaking the bank, the Cedar Ridge Venture Air Sleeping Pad Long is worth considering. Go ahead and give it a try – your back will thank you!