Pacific Crest Trail

I'm starting to plan a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, in 2010. I'm currently researching and analyzing new gear and what I used on the Appalachian Trail. The PCT is different enough from the AT, that I'll have to change some gear.

On the AT in 2006, I used a Thermarest Prolite 3, self inflating sleep pad. It worked pretty well, but I would have to turn over about every hour because of pain in my shoulder or hip. That happened mainly in the shelters, while lying on a wooden floor. I had more cushion sleeping in my tent.

Thermarest has come out with a new version of the Prolite 3, now just called Prolite. They have rounded the ends, removing the corners and reducing the weight from 13 oz. to 11 oz. in the small size, which is a 3/4 length mattress at 47" long.

What I find interesting though, is the new NeoAir inflatable mattress that weighs in at a mere 9 oz. It is also slightly more insulative than the Prolite and is 2 1/2" thick. I've read there are a lot of stickers in southern California, making a puncture inevitable. The suggest closed-cell foam pads. If I take a patch kit, at 3/4 oz., I'll still be ahead of the game.

On the AT, I picked up a Z Seat to use under my feet and as a seat when taking breaks. At only 2 oz., I was much more comfortable. I'm thinking more cushion = better sleep = more rest, and it's lighter. So, I just might have to risk having the occasional puncture.