"Ground mats are nice, but you can live without them."
I disagree, well mostly. If you have a giant mat it's not worth it. If you don't plan to do any sleeping on the ground it's also not worth it. However, I have a thermarest that covers about 3/4 to 2/3 of your body (depending on your height), weighs less than a pound, and packs as small as my lightweight raincoat shell. For long backpacking trips it is a godsend. It's hard to backpack for too many days without getting a good night's sleep. Plus it helps to protect your back from getting aches and pains. It keeps you warmer and you can't feel as many rocks and bumps in the ground.
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"Ground mats are nice, but you can live without them."
I disagree, well mostly. If you have a giant mat it's not worth it. If you don't plan to do any sleeping on the ground it's also not worth it. However, I have a thermarest that covers about 3/4 to 2/3 of your body (depending on your height), weighs less than a pound, and packs as small as my lightweight raincoat shell. For long backpacking trips it is a godsend. It's hard to backpack for too many days without getting a good night's sleep. Plus it helps to protect your back from getting aches and pains. It keeps you warmer and you can't feel as many rocks and bumps in the ground.