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Do you have a great sleeping bag but you still feel worn out in the morning and your back is sore? The best sleeping bag may be useless without a quality sleeping pad. When lying in the sleeping bag it gets compressed under your body weight and insulation and comfort underneath you are lost.
So a quality sleeping pad is just as important as a good sleeping bag whether you are on an expedition of on a family camping trip. It cushions you from small stones and branches and insulates you against heat loss to the ground
Selecting the best sleeping pad for camping
When you are looking for the best sleeping pad, you need to consider similar criteria as when looking for a sleeping bag.
- warm: (R-value): good insulation from the ground
- durable: the mat is used outdoors it should last
- lightweight: less to carry – gets you further
- packable: already enough stuff in your pack
- comfortable: well-rested for the next day
- no noise: when the mat squeaks with every movement you don’t rest well
- slip: the best sleeping pad does not help if you are half the night next to the mat
Insulation – The R-value
Besides being comfortable when lying down on, the most important feature of a sleeping pad is proper insulation against cold from below. The thicker the more insulation, but also the surface texture and the structure play a role. A Honeycomb structure, for example, provides higher insulating performance. To identify the insulation properties of mattresses, the so-called R-value is used, which stands for the thermal resistance of a material or how a material conducts heat. The higher the R-value of a sleeping pad, the better the insulating.
- R = 1: for 3 seasons, warm nights
- R = 2: for 3 seasons, temperate nights
- R = 3: 3 to 4 seasons, cooler nights
- R = 4: 4 seasons, suitable for winter
- R = 5: alpine winter bivouacs
- R = 6: extended winter trips
Different sleeping pads for different requirements
- Foam pad
- Self-inflating Pad
- Very comfortable Air Pad
Foam Pad
Foam pads are the simplest sleeping pads, they are made of polyethylene foam (PE). Pay attention that you buy one made of high-quality closed-cell foam. If the foam is of lower quality they wear out quickly and thus loses its insulating effect. Higher quality mattresses made of closed-cell polyethylene foam and are more elastic and pressure-resistant. They also do not soak up water when getting wet.
Foam mats are generally very tough and are less sensitive to punctures, stones and the like. Foam pads differ in terms of insulating performance depending on thickness and the surface. A dimpled or waffle structure creates voids between the mat and sleeping bag, which increases the insulation factor. They are cheap to manufacture, thus cheap to purchase. They are, however, not the most comfortable when compared to self-inflating pads or air pads.
Advantages:
- Foam pads are lightweight and robust, cheap to buy.
Disadvantages:
- Bulky when packed
- Provide less insulation than the latter two.
Self-inflating sleeping pads
The most popular sleeping pads are self-inflating mats. They use a combination of open-cell polyurethane foam insulation and air for cushioning enclosed in an air-tight envelope. For transport, the sleeping mat is easily rolled up while the air is pressed out of the foam and the channels. To use it, simply open the valve, allow air to enter and the pad will inflate itself to its original shape as the pores and channels are filled with air.
Compared to conventional foam pads, the self-inflating mat offers the advantage of greater thickness, more comfort, and insulation from the cold ground. The insulation pad should be at least 2 fingers thick, but anything more than 4 fingers thick will not increase sleeping comfort notably anymore. But not only the thickness is responsible for the sleeping comfort of the mat. The structure and material of the foam play a crucial role too. The best sleeping pads may target the foam to certain regions of the body for support while it is a little softer and more compliant in other areas. Don’t forget to consider the weight and packing dimensions. Look at the surface texture to minimize slippage especially when used on not entirely flat ground or if you are a restless sleeper.
Advantages:
- Self-inflating sleeping pads provide good insulation and are comfortable to sleep on
- They can be rolled up tightly and strapped to your backpack
- Even when punctured, the mat will still provide some insulation
Disadvantages:
- They are a bit heavier than foam mats and cost more
Air Pad, the most comfortable sleeping pad
These air construction sleeping mats are the most comfortable ones for backpacking. They are modern high-tech camping mats, which are made from air-tight, extremely lightweight laminates. The air chambers of those mats are filled with down or microfiber so they provide much higher insulation (R-value) than foam mats or self-inflating mattresses.
However, they need to be handled with more care, as they can be punctured or ripped easily. When damaged they deflate and their insulation is gone. Make sure you use them with a protective pad (groundsheet, tarpaulin, etc.) If you going remote or at a very low temperature you must have a repair kit or even a spare sleeping pad with you as the repair kit won’t help with large-scale damage or valve problems.
Advantages:
- Air pads provide very good insulation to weight ratio and packing size
- They’re very comfortable sleeping on
Disadvantages:
- They must be actively inflated
- Care must be taken to not accidentally puncture them
- High price.
Sleeping Pads Summary
Chose a sleeping pad wisely depending on your physical needs, too thin is useless (though still better than no mat). Look for a good compromise between function and comfort.
You want the pad to be:
- Lightweight
- Small packing
- Good protection against cold
- Protection against rocks and hard ground
- High lying comfort
Tips
- Before pitching your tent, unpack the sleeping pad first as it takes a while to inflate
- Careful when inflating by mouth with frost, moisture in your breath may cause ice crystals that damage the foam
- On long trips or remote, have a repair kit with you or even a spare pad in the group
- In hot weather leave the valve open to avoid damage by heat-induced pressure, keep it out of the sun
- Never store the mat rolled up over a longer period, always spread it at a dry place with the valve open
- 【Extra Wide & 3" Thick Sleep Support】 The self inflating pad for camping is up to 78*27*3 inches, after inflating keeps you away from the uneven ground and hard rocks. The innovative egg-shaped air cells and built-in pillow are designed to relieve back and neck pressure, allowing you to freely adjust your body balance and comfort, whether on your back or your side, ensuring maximum comfort and warm for your sleep all night!
- 【Only 30s Step to Inflate & 1s Deflate】 Including an innovative built-in foot pump- Just pedal 30-60s to fully inflate the camping mat, which is convenient and easy, no longer need to inflate with your mouth, hands or carry a pump, and it only takes 1 second to quickly deflate. With the upgraded version of the air release valve with no leaking film, you shall never worry about air leaking!
- 【Durable 40D Nylon & Super Comfortable】 Camping sleeping pad made of outdoor grade material 40D nylon and inner TPU sealing coating, durable, hard wearing, no tearing and easy to clean. Ergonomic design allows you to sleep soundly even in rough outdoor environments. Our inflatable camping mattress have undergone strict quality inspection, so please use them with confidence.
- 【Ultralight & Easy to Carry】 The ultra-light self inflatable sleeping pad weighs only 1.54 pounds, and it's just the size of a water bottle when deflated and folded, only 10.6*3*3.9 inches. With inbuilt pillow also saves you the trouble of carrying an extra pillow. It can easily fit in your backpack and take it with you. Perfect for hiking, camping, backpacking, traveling, climbing, hiking and other outdoor activities.
- 【Get One More for A Twin Bed】 Our camping pads are equipped with buttons on the side, you can easily connect other ones together to create a double bed, making a wider relaxing space for more comfortable sleeping. Perfect for you to go out camping with your families and friends. Meanwhile, it comes in different colors on each side, more fashionable than others.
![Gear Doctors® Self Inflating Sleeping Pad [Waterproof] - Insulated Sleeping Pad - Self Inflating Air Mattress Camping & Backpacking - Memory Foam Camping Mattress - Camp Sleeping Mats (4.3 R-Value)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/417fpxbvIqL._SL160_.jpg)
- 𝐌𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭: With Oxylus self inflating sleeping pad Say goodbye to sleepless stressful nights due to restlessness caused by a lumpy, thin, or flat camping air mattress. Now, thinly-cushioned, easily deflated, and poorly insulated sleeping pads no longer have to rob you of precious sleep.
- 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐭𝐡, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, & 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Thanks to the specialized thermo-insulation 4.3 R-value foam of our insulated sleeping pad backpacking compact sleeping pad units, you don’t have to run out of trunk space. Measuring a measly 8 x 12 inches and weighing only 2.2 lbs, our packs fully inflate to a hefty and comfortable 72 inch by 20 inch by 1.5 inch sleeping pad.
- 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧: Inflating and deflating our sleeping pads is as easy as 1-2-3. How easy? easier than air mattress camping Just twist the pad’s leak-proof valve and unroll your pad, air starts filling up the pad’s open cell foam. You only need to add a few more puffs of air and your pad can hold its firm shape for days! perfect sleeping mats for adults, sleeping pads for floor
- 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥: Not only will our sleep pad ’s 75d micro coated green polyester stand up to the test of time thanks to its resistance to water and U.V rays, it has a skin-friendly hypoallergenic outer coat so you’re assured of a comforting itch-free full night’s rest like a camp bed.
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:our camping mattress Manufactured with the latest high-performance materials technology based on the highest industry quality standards for our sleeping mat camping, we stand by our product’s performance even in the most extreme weather conditions. How confident are we of our product’s ability to take whatever mother nature throws its way? We’ll back it up with 24/7 customer support for the life of the product! Just reach out to us and we’ll be sure to get back to you within 24 hours.
- Extra Thick Camping Pad: TOBTOS sleeping pad is wider and thicker than others on the market. It can be up to 6 in thick once full of air, which is our biggest advantage. It can stay away from the hard ground and sleep comfortably in any sleeping position
- Camping Grade Material: This sleeping mat is made of 40D nylon coated with TPU coating, providing extreme pressure-bearing. The edge of the camping mat is heat-sealed, so you don't have to worry about air leaks or tears, even under harsh conditions
- Lightweight & Portable: The air mattress can be folded into a compact 10.6"x4.7" size and weighs only 2.36 pounds, just enough to fit in your backpack without adding any burden to your trip. It can be used as camping gear for backpacking trips or for overnight use by guests at home
- Ergonomic Design: The camping sleeping pad is equipped with a one-piece pillow that fits to the curve of the head and neck. The sides of the pad are higher than the middle position, it helps to give better support and balance, thus providing effective protection against turning over
- Easy to Inflation: No more blowing your camping pad with your mouth! It has a built-in foot pump that allows you to inflate it by foot in 1 minute. You can adjust the firmness of the mat by adding or releasing air according to your preference
- 【4‘’ Ultra-Thick Double Sleeping Pad with Pillows】Camping sleeping pad is designed with a larger size and thicker: 79.8” X 53.5” and 4 inches extra thickness after inflating, which provides generous space and strong support, big enough for 2 person, won't touch the ground no matter how you flip, camping pad built-in pillows are suitable for every sleeping position and gives you every comfortable and warm sleeping night.
- 【Fast Foot Pump to Inflate & 1s Deflation】Sleeping mat has a built-in foot pump that can be fully inflated with foot pressure in just 1-3 minutes. No need to pack an extra pump to save backpack travel. Besides, self inflating sleeping pad two double layer valves on the pillow can effectively prevent air leakage and achieve rapid deflation. Note: Please make sure to close the 2 valves on the back of the pillows before pumping air.
- 【Durable & Comfortable Camping Mat 】Our 2 person sleeping pad is made of ultra-tough 40D nylon and TPU coating for durability and tear resistant, making the mats suitable for a wide range of outdoor environments. Plus an ergonomic pressure-dispersing water ripple design and one-piece pillow, air pad providing ultimate comfort whether you are lying on your back, side or stomach.
- 【Ultralight & Portable, Easy Storage】This camping mattress pad is compact to be easily folded back in the 12” X 5.9” carry bag, and at an ultra-light weight of 3 pounds, inflatable sleeping pad can easily fit into your backpack, perfect for camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing and traveling without any burden on you. Besides, this backpacking sleeping pad is easy to clean, if there is any dust or dirt, just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- 【Risk-Free Purchase】Yuzonc at your service! We hope you are happy with this camping sleeping pad! Owning it will bring you more pleasure. We're committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience. Just go outdoor and make memories with Yuzonc!
- High quality sleep & comfortable camping: say goodbye to back pain and sleep soundly with our 4 inch camping sleeping pad. Designed to improve sleep quality, bring the included pillow for added comfort. Don't sacrifice comfort on your next adventure - choose our sleeping pad for a truly restful experience
- Advanced built-in foot pump: compact camping mat is equipped with an inbuilt foot pump, allowing you to fully inflate the sleeping pad in 30-40 seconds by stomping with your foot, more convenient, labour-saving than blowing by mouth or pressing by hand
- Unique connectable design: our inflatable camping mat is designed with snaps on the sides, so you can connect two sleeping mats together to create a double bed for extra wide space. the perfect companion for multi-person trips
- Compact & Portable: AKSOUL camping sleeping pad is easy to carry, compact and small in size, making it convenient for travel and camping. It won't take up space and ensures a comfortable night's sleep anywhere you go
- Excellent & reliable quality: by virtue of the premium 40d nylon & tpu, this camping mattress is durable, and capable to withstand the weight of 440lb after inflated. Puncture-resistant and durable, it's the perfect choice for all your outdoor adventures
Last update on 2025-03-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API