Re: Summer Ground Mat

Hi Jimbo,
I don't have any experience hiking on the WCT, but I backpack in similar conditions climate wise.
My personal summer minimum is a rain suit, bivy/20* bag, lightweight thermals ect. and my Ridgerest since it has multiple uses. It adds very little weight, so why not? I have a four season tent I use a lot in colder months.

Windy and damp conditions, plus nightly temp. drops of 30* have caught me unprepared a couple times. If you have already lost significant body heat, your bag will do it's job better if you have a pad.
Sleeping on cold rock is no fun, I always take my pad now.
Hope you have a blast!