As any intrepid adventurer knows, when you’re embarking on a camping trip, winter excursion, or other daredevil journey, it’s important to be prepared for anything. That’s why we always recommend bringing along a reliable sleeping mat. Whether you’re facing humid summer conditions or bone-chilling winter temperatures, a good sleeping mat will protect you from the elements and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. After all, as anyone who has ever tried to sleep in a tent knows, the cold can quickly gather in the deepest parts of the ground. Even if your tent has heating, you’ll still need a sleeping mat to insulate you from the cold and prevent heat loss. So next time you’re packing for your next big adventure, don’t forget to throw in a sleeping mat – it could save your life!
In the wild, there are many perils that can prevent a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s the howling of wolves, or the snoring of your tentmate, there are a myriad of sounds that can keep you up all night. But perhaps the most vexing problem of all is finding a comfortable spot to rest your head. The ground is hard, and rocks and roots can make it difficult to get comfortable. Not to mention, the temperature can drop quickly at night, making it essential to have a way to stay warm. A good sleeping pad will insulate you from the cold ground and help you stay warm throughout the night. It will also provide some cushioning, so you don’t have to lie on the hard ground. As a result, a premium sleeping pad can be an essential piece of gear for any wilderness traveler who wants to get a good night’s sleep.
Air Vs Foam Pads
The two primary types of sleeping pads are air pads and foam pads. Foam pads are bulkier but more cost-effective, easier to set up, and have multiple uses. Although air pads cost more, most backpackers find them to be much more comfortable than foam pads. The main drawback of air pads is that they can rip out in the field. So, you should always carry a repair kit.
Always check your sleeping area before setting up camp. Sharp objects (such as rocks, sticks, cacti, etc.) can pierce air pads.
Always carry Tenacious tape just in case. However almost all of the air sleeping mats come with a repair kit.
Which Sleeping Pad Features Are Important to You the Most?
Warmth:
A sleeping pad’s R-value indicates how well it will keep you warm against the chilly ground. The warmer the pad, the higher the R-value.
For trips in warm climates, sleeping pads with R-values of 0 to 2 are recommended.
For most 3-season backpacking conditions, R-values of 2-4 are effective.
R-values of 4-6 are beneficial in conditions near or below freezing.
For cold sleepers or those who plan to sleep on snow, a pad with a 5+ R-value is ideal (or you can add a foam pad under your air pad).
Our Suggestions if warmth is the key factor.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX
Weight:
Weight savings opportunities abound here because your sleeping pad will likely be one of the bulkiest items in your pack. Hiking will generally be more comfortable the lighter your backpack is.
Our Suggestions if weight is the key factor.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
Price:
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good pad, but many backpackers, are willing to splurge a little for a high-quality pad they intend to use frequently.
Our Suggestions if price is the key factor.
NEMO Tensor Insulated
Klymit Static V2
Thickness:
You want a pad that is just the right thickness so that you can change the firmness without having to bottom out, but not so thick that it feels like a pool float. If you tend to sleep on your side, having several inches of cushion is especially crucial.
Our Suggestions if thickness is the key factor.
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
Noise:
The crinkly noises that air pads make are one of the most common complaints among users. For light sleepers who move around a lot during the night, this can be especially disruptive. While some pads are noisier than others, all pads will make some noise. But the noises do tend to get quieter with time.
Our Suggestions if noise is the key factor.
Klymit Static V2
Important Sleeping Pad Factors
An air pad can be inflated much more easily with pump sacks. The majority of pump bags can also be used as stuff bags, and some of them can even be used as dry bags. Pump sacks are useful for preventing breath moisture from getting into your sleeping pad. This is crucial during winter trips when breath moisture can freeze and lower the insulation value of your pad.
Length:
The main pressure points for sleeping pads are the hips and shoulders, so it’s crucial to use a pad that will be comfortable in those areas. Short, torso-length pads are used by some ultralight backpackers who then hang their legs off the end to reduce weight. If you don’t have the right equipment to support your feet and knees, this puts your body in questionable alignment. A full-length pad that cushions their entire body and keeps their feet warm is preferred by the majority of backpackers for comfort.
Width:
Your preferred sleeping position will have a significant impact on the width you choose for your sleeping pad. Standard width pads work well for side sleepers, while back sleepers prefer a little more width to prevent their arms from sliding off. Nearly every pad on our list above has a wide size option.
Packed size:
These days, the majority of air mattresses collapse into a very small package. You might need to attach it to the outside of your bag if you select a large sleeping pad. For people who use foam pads, that’s not a big deal, but exposing an air pad to a puncture on the outside of your pack could be a huge mistake.
Shape:
To reduce weight, many backpackers opt for mummy-shaped sleeping pads, but some people find that fully rectangular pads provide better sleep. A rectangular pad will likely be more appealing to those who enjoy spreading out while they sleep.
Things to notice before buying online:
Check the online seller’s return policy before making a purchase, but you can almost always return an unused sleeping pad within a specific time period after making it.
Suggested products
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