Sleeping Pads Will Change Your Camping Experience!

outdoor geargearcamping

Mar 23

Written By Gianluca Todini

Sleeping Bags Will Change Your Camping Experience - The Wildest Road Blog Banner .png

I started using air pads fairly late, always relying on yoga and foam mats.

I was somehow convinced they were an expensive commodity that would only detract from the experience of sleeping in the wild. But after countless nights of discomfort, I finally gave in and tried one. My camping experience has been changed ever since.

So let’s take a look at how you can use a sleeping pad to improve your nights in the Great Outdoors!

# R value

Why do you get cold when sleeping in a tent?

While the surrounding air is a factor, the majority of your body heat is actually lost through the ground you are laying on. The main role of a sleeping pad, aside from comfort, is to insulate your body from the ground.

This is measured with the R value. It is the measure of how fast heat can pass through a barrier, so the higher the value, the slower the passage of heath. The R value is not totally dependant on the thickness of the pad, more on the internal structure and materials, and generally you’ll find this info indicated on the packaging.

To keep it simple, remember these average values:

R 0 - 1: Very low insulation, only good for warm temperatures (above 20°C / 68°F)

R 1 - 2: Low insulation, good for warm to mild temperatures (20°C - 15°C) / (68°F - 59°F)

R 2 - 3: Medium insulation, good for mild to cold temperatures (10°C - 5°C) / (59°F - 41°F)

R 3 - 4: High insulation, good for cold temperatures (5°C - 0°C) / (41°F - 32°F)

R 4 - 5: Very high insulation, good for very cold temperatures (0°C -5°) / (32°F - 23°F)

R 5 and above: Maximum insulation, good for extremely cold temperatures (-5°C / 23°F and below)

Also keep in mind that because a pad will insulate you without providing extra heat, a model with a high R value is not limited to the temperatures I indicated and can also be used in warm climates.

The only disadvantage is that models with very high insulation are usually either light and expensive or heavy and bulky.

# Foam Sleeping Pads

Foam sleeping pads are a good option for sleeping outside without a tent, or simply if you’re on a budget.

They are bulky but light, and because they do not need to be inflated, you don’t have to worry about them being punctured or damaged. High-end models can offer enough insulation for mild to warm temperatures, but remember to always check the R value when possible! Also keep in mind that, because they are not as thick, you’ll likely have the same level of comfort as with an inflating pad.

If you like the idea of a foam pad, the best model I can recommend is the Alps Foam Pad.

It’s light, doesn’t take up too much space and offers a very reasonable level of comfort and insulation, especially for the price. I would definitely consider it for anyone who wants to travel light and doesn’t want to worry about a punctured pad.

# Self Inflating vs Air Pads

A self-inflating pad is exactly that, it self-inflates without needing an air pump.

It does this through a layer of specialised chambers and foam that allow it to suck air inside itself. All you need to do is unroll the pad, open the valve and wait. This usually takes only a few minutes, but might take between ten and twenty the first time, as the foam needs to decompress.

Contrary to a self-inflating model, an air pad requires you to manually blow air into it to inflate it, or to use an air pump.

Let’s see the main differences:

Self Inflating vs Air Pads - The Wildest Road Blog - Sleeping Pads.png

Comfort:
The foam inside self-inflating pads also provides cushioning, adding extra comfort and stability.
In the case of an air pad, you’ll be resting mainly on air filled chambers instead of foam. This makes these models more wobbly and noisy.

Weight and Bulk:
Air pads are lighter because of the lack of foam. They are also easier to deflate and roll, and will pack smaller than self-inflating models. This makes them the best choice if you’re trying to pack as light as possible.
Self-inflating models, on the other hand, are bulkier because of the foam, and more difficult to deflate and roll, as they will start to re-inflate the moment you let them go.
The best way to roll an a self-inflating pad is to start by opening the air valve and deflating it a few times. Remember to always start at the bottom and roll towards the top, otherwise you’ll trap air inside the pad. Quickly fold it in half lengthwise and roll again. The moment you have reached the right size to fit it in the bag remember to close the air valve.

Thickness:
It does not depend on the type, both kinds are made with various degrees of thickness. Just remember that the thicker the pad, the bulkier it will be.

R Value:
The R value tends to be higher in self-inflating models, owing again to the layer of foam. There are however some air pads with much higher R values, but those tend to be high-end and expensive models.

Durability:
Durability will generally depend on the brand, but one can make the point that because air pads are filled only with air their surface is more stretched, making them less durable and prone to being punctured.
Regardless of which one you pick, always keep all sharp objects away from your pad, and make sure that the area you’ll be placing it on is also clear of any potential risks.

# So which one will it be?

Air pads will be the best option for light packers, while self-inflating models are more practical and comfortable, although with added bulk and weight.

We personally prefer to use a Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus self-inflating pad. It’s a good balance between size and weight, with a good level of insulation. It won’t be enough in the middle of winter, but is perfect for mild to chilly temperatures.

A non self-inflating alternative is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. It’s an ultralight pad with a very high R value that makes it suitable to use all year long. You’ll have to be extra careful with it though. As with all ultralight material it is not very durable, and it is also on the pricier side.

You will find options for any situation, just remember to always check the R value of your pad!