Oh boy, I probably have more of these than I care admit.
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Funny thing is I still use them all. My fav winer setup for truck camping for example is a low profile tent (easier to heat) and double pads. I use a foam lower and self inflating upper. This gives great insulation and the comfort of a bed.
Self inflating, I won't go much into since you already know their problem, weight/size.
The cheap blue foam pads though light as hell offer little if any comfort and poor insulation. Still they are light enough and so cheap you can always pack one with your primary when it's really cold out or you know you're going to be in a very rocky area.
The Military pads, although I like the ruggedness and rough anti-slip exterior, they really are made for a 20 year old and the comfort level really sucks.
The "Z" is without a doubt the lightest and neatest concept out there. It folds up in a square and has an optional (well worth it) stuff sack making it a snap to put down and take up. It offers relative comfort, not the best for a foam but not the worst. My big negative on this one is it squeeks when you turn at night. I still use my Zs. They are perfect for keeping your BOV for those emergency stay in the BOV nights since they are so compact and stay together so well.
The one I centered on as my primary and IMHO still the best solid foam out there is the Thermorest Ridgerest. Unlike the "Z", it's a very dense foam almost as dense at the Military. Unlike the military it's ridge design adds a heck of alot more comfort for the weight. Although not heavy, it is bulky and the trick to it's use is to roll it then use paracord to keep it tight.
![](http://www.campmor.com/images/sleeping/therm_a_rest/47725.jpg)
Thermorest Ridgerest.
I was actually turned on to the Ridgerest by a guy, check this, who makes his living hiking trails and then writing for magazines. Met him on the trail while I was using a Z which he advised he had tried and went back to the Ridgerest.
IHMO, the Ridgerest is to pads like the Zippo is to lighters. It's still out there cause it works.
Now to your first question about blow ups, well back in the days of Dinosaurs when I was in the military, that's what we used. I'd say they suck but the right expression is they blow and I spent more time sleeping on the hard ground than that thing could stay inflated. Keep in mind, this was MIL spec gear and much heavier duty than say a water float.
The bottomline to any inflatable is for survival you won't always have the luxury of setting up camp before dark or using the light from hell to find every twig or sharp rock that can poke a hole in the things.
Tj