Choosing the right sleeping pad can insulate and protect you from a hard nights sleep

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A sleeping pad serves two necessary purposes in your camping ventures.  First, it cushions you from the hard rocky ground.  Secondly it provides added insulation between your sleeping bag and the ground.  Both functions make a sleeping pad a necessary piece of survival gear.  When considering what sleeping pad to purchase it’s important to factor in: insulation, comfort, weight and durability.  Ask yourself the following questions when considering the best sleeping pad to buy.

• Will you be car camping or backpacking? 
• Are you a fair weather camper or a potential four season mountaineer?  If it’s warmer climates that you prefer to backpack in then comfort may be more important than insulation. However, if you are camping in the alpine climates you may prioritize insulation first when choosing the right sleeping pad.
• How comfortable do you want to be?  Conservative campers can spend little on a sleeping pad and offer protection from the ground.  Others prefer a more comfortable sleep and are willing to carry a little more weight for it. 
• How much extra weight are you willing to carry? If you are a car camper weight isn’t much of a factor.  However if you are a backpacker weight is of absolute consideration.
• How much storage space can you afford? 

There are generally four types of sleeping pads on the market: air mattresses, open cell foam pads, closed cell foam pads and self inflating pads.  Here is a brief summary:

§         Air Mattresses have benefits: comfortable and inexpensive; and cons: they are heavy, bulky and poor insulators.  They are great for car camping.

§         Open cell foam sleeping pads: are sponge like pads that are lightweight, inexpensive and better insulators than mattresses; however they don’t do well in moisture, are difficult to pack/compress and are not very durable. 

§         Closed cell foam sleeping pads: are the most insulated, affordable and durable however they are stiff and not the most comfortable

§         Self inflating sleeping pads: water resistant, good insulators, extremely compact but are heavier and slightly more expensive.

See what combination self inflating pad/closed cell foam pad Outside Magazine included in their Gear of the Year awards by clicking here

Choosing the right sleeping pad depends on the individual and their camping preferences.

HOT TIP:  for winter camping be sure to pack two sleeping pads to offer the essential insulation.

Be sure to include a sleeping pad in your backpacking checklist and camping checklist. 

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