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Sleeping pads are essential for a good night's sleep outdoors, providing both cushioning and insulation. While comfort is important, the ability of a pad to keep you warm throughout the night often outweighs comfort.
Here's how to select the best sleeping pad for your camping or backpacking needs:
- Types of Sleeping Pads: Understand the three main types—air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Each has unique performance characteristics and benefits.
- Intended Use: Determine the specific activity your pad will support, such as backpacking, car camping, or winter camping, to select the most suitable option.
- Warmth (R-value): The R-value measures a pad’s insulation effectiveness and its ability to resist heat loss to the ground. Higher R-values indicate greater warmth.
- Sleep System: Comfort at night depends on various factors, including the temperature rating of your sleeping bag. Ensure that your sleeping pad and bag are well-matched for your intended conditions.
- Features: Consider additional features important to you, such as weight, cushioning, size, and ease of inflation.
Activity | Type of pad | Features/Benefits |
Car camping | Self-inflating pad or thick air pad | Lots of cushioning, wide range of available R-values |
Backpacking/bikepacking/ | Air pad or lightweight self-inflating pad | Comfortable, lightweight, packs small, wide range of available R-values |
Minimalist backpacking | Ultralight air pad | Lightweight, packs small, wide range of available R-values |
Thru-hiking | Closed-cell foam camping mat | Lightweight and durable |
Winter camping | Well-insulated air pad or self-inflating pad | High R-value |
- Car Camping: When weight and size are not constraints, opt for a thicker, larger mattress for enhanced sleeping comfort. These pads are often more affordable than their lightweight counterparts and self-inflating pads are a popular choice. Large inflatable air mattresses are also available if you prefer using regular sheets and blankets over a sleeping bag. However, they can be heavy, bulky, and may lack insulation, so check the product specifications carefully. Note that a pump is needed for proper inflation.
- Backpacking: For those who prioritize comfort while backpacking, or when touring by bike, canoe, or kayak, self-inflating or air pads are ideal. These pads come in various thicknesses, durability levels, insulation values, and weights. Optional chair kits are available that transform your pad into a comfortable seat with a backrest, adding a touch of luxury to your backpacking experience.
- Minimalist Backpacking: For ultralight backpacking, where weight and packed size are the most critical factors, an ultralight air pad is the best choice. Some full-length insulated air pads now weigh less than a pound. When shopping, pay close attention to the packed size of the pad options to ensure they meet your minimalist requirements.
- Thru-hiking: Here, low weight is important, but durability for the long haul is also key. Closed-cell foam pads are your best bet. Many thru-hikers pick a "short" or "3/4 length" foam pad to save weight (you can lay your empty pack or extra clothing under your feet for a bit of insulation if needed).
- Winter camping: An insulated, high R-value air pad works well for cold air temperatures. Camping on snow demands extra insulation to keep you warm. Since R-value is additive, it's effective to use a closed-cell foam pad beneath an insulated air pad or self-inflating pad with a moderate to high R-value. The closed-cell foam pad not only enhances insulation but also offers protection against punctures or other damage to the inflatable pad. Additionally, it acts as a backup in case the inflatable pad becomes damaged and cannot be repaired.
For backpacking, ultralight pads are ideal but tend to be more expensive. To save weight, consider pads with a mummy or tapered shape, which reduce volume and pack size. Closed-cell foam pads in shorter lengths are also lightweight. If backpacking with a partner, a two-person lightweight sleeping pad can save additional weight.
Ensure your pad is long enough to accommodate your shoulders and hips. Regular pads are typically 72 inches long, while long pads extend to 78 inches, providing extra insulation for your legs and feet—especially beneficial in colder conditions. Short or 3/4-length pads (usually 47 or 48 inches) are lighter and more compact. You can use folded clothing or your pack for additional leg and foot insulation.
Most pads are 20 inches wide. If you’re larger or move around frequently, consider pads that are 25 or 30 inches wide. Ensure your tent can accommodate the extra width, especially if you plan to fit two wider pads side by side. Some "long" versions are also wider, but wide pads are available in regular lengths as well. Pads with larger side baffles or "rails" can help keep you from rolling off, which is particularly useful for children.
Pads with both high-volume inflation and deflation valves can expedite the inflating and deflating process. Newer models often feature larger "neck" openings for quicker inflation with fewer breaths. Pads with separate inflation chambers or layers offer added security; if one layer fails, the other will still provide cushioning.
For restless sleepers, choose a pad with a textured or brushed-fabric surface to prevent slipping and help keep your sleeping bag in place. This feature can also reduce noise during the night.
Some sleeping bags come with an integrated sleeve designed to hold a pad securely in place. This feature helps prevent both you and your sleeping bag from sliding off during the night. Before purchasing a pad, ensure it fits comfortably within the sleeve's width.
If you'd prefer not to inflate your pad by mouth after a long day of hiking, consider a pad with an integrated hand pump. Alternatively, a compact, bag-style hand pump, which rolls up and weighs just a few ounces, is a practical accessory (sold separately).
For backpacking trips, carrying a patch kit is advisable. Check whether the pad includes a patch kit or if it needs to be purchased separately. Familiarize yourself with the patching process before you head out to be prepared for any necessary repairs, especially if you encounter issues in the dark.
