How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Where will you use the pad?
Decide how you’ll use the pad. Weight and packability will matter more if you're backpacking than if you're car camping. If you're winter camping, pick an insulated pad with warmth (or a high R-value).
What are the different types of sleeping pads?
- Air pads. Pros: Comfortable, lightweight and packable. Cons: Generally more expensive. Can be punctured or ripped.
- Self-inflating pads. A combo of open-cell foam and air. Pros: Often quite warm. Made in a variety of thicknesses and styles. Cons: Heavier than a simple foam pad.
- Closed-cell foam pads. Pros: Cheapest option. Almost indestructible. Cons: Not super comfortable.
Decide on the warmth (R-value) you need
- Sleeping pads are rated by R-value; a higher number means more insulation.
- Match your choice to the season and weather.
- Pads with an R-value less than 2.0 are suitable for warm weather whereas those with an R-value 5.5 and greater are ideal for extreme-cold-weather.
What dimension do you need?
- Pads vary by weight, cushioning, length, width, ease of inflation and more. At a minimum, your shoulders and hips need to fit on a pad.
- Regular (typically 72 inches long) and long (typically 78-inch) pads will insulate your legs and feet.
- A short or 3/4-length pad (usually 47 or 48 inches) weighs less and packs smaller.
