A Sleeping Pad Keeps the Camper Warm
A sleeping pad has a significant impact on staying warm when camping outdoors. It insulates the sleeper from the cold ground and keeps them warm throughout the night, in all seasons. The choice of a sleeping pad depends on the season, insulation needs, pack size, and weight.
Many underestimate the importance of the insulation provided by a sleeping pad, even though it is the most crucial sleeping gear right after the sleeping bag. The insulation of sleeping pads is measured by the R-value. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation and the warmer the sleeping pad. For fall-spring camping, an R-value of 3 is recommended, and for winter camping, at least 5.
Sleeping pads can be divided into two main categories: foam pads and inflatable pads.
Foam Sleeping Pads
Foam pads are durable, long-lasting, and affordable. They do not easily get punctured and do not lose their insulation over the years. Small holes caused by sparks do not render the pad unusable. Foam pads take up a lot of space when stored and are usually attached to the outside of a backpack. For some, foam pads are too hard.
Inflatable Sleeping Pads
Inflatable pads pack down significantly smaller than foam pads. There are self-inflating and pump-inflated pads. The inside of the pads can have additional insulation materials, such as synthetic fibers or down. Sleeping pads come in different thicknesses and have various insulation values.
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads
Self-inflating pads are filled with foam. They start to inflate on their own when the valve is opened. Often, you need to blow or pump a little air into the pad. We recommend using a pump sack instead of blowing to avoid moisture from your breath getting inside the pad. Self-inflating pads are about 2.5 – 4 cm thick and are suitable for spring-summer-fall use. Store the pad with the valve open and loosely to keep the insulation from compressing and to maintain its elasticity.
Insulated Pump-Inflated Sleeping Pads
Thicker pads with insulation inside are suitable for late fall and winter. We recommend using a pump sack instead of blowing to avoid moisture from your breath getting inside the pad. Pump-inflated pads are 5 – 9 cm thick. Many find that thicker pump-inflated pads are the only option regardless of the season.
Choosing a Sleeping Spot and Other Considerations
When using inflatable pads, make sure there are no sharp objects at the sleeping spot that could puncture the pad. Foam pads are less sensitive to the ground conditions, although your body will still react to bumps and slopes. You can use a space blanket under the sleeping pad for additional insulation.
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