Choosing The Best Camping Sleeping Pad

Choosing the best camping sleeping pad made easy, with this guide for supporting your sleep system for the great outdoors when camping, backpacking and hiking adventures, including our choice of sleeping pads

A good nights rest is essential for an enjoyable camping trip: sleeping pads alongside a good sleeping bag is essential camping gear for many outdoor enthusiasts.

There are various types including the popular thermarest sleeping pad that you will find here. However, its worth knowing what sleep system will suit your camping needs. Some go with a sleeping pad whilst others prefer to use an air mattress.

The two main functions for a sleeping pad is to provide insulation to reduce heat loss, and comfort between you and the floor.

Backpacking - Camping Sleeping Pad Types

These are simple mats that do not require any inflation. They are lighter and more durable than their air filled counterparts, as they are made with less materials and cannot obtain air leaks. However, they are generally not as comfortable as air filled mats and open cell foam because they are thinner and the material is more solid.

The closed cell foam insulates well because they only have small cells that restrict air. This is positive for keeping out cold air but as stated above, provides less comfort.

These are one of the cheapest options when choosing a camping sleeping pad.

An open cell foam camping sleeping pad will offer more comfort than the closed foam due to the cells being open and allowing air between the foam to provide cushioning for the body.

These are not the best for cold weather camping because of the air flow and will not have protection from getting wet because they will draw in air and water.

Car camping or base camping trips are more suitable for these pads because the extra weight/size for backpacking and hiking will not prove to be the best option.

The self inflating camping sleeping pads interior is lined with foam chambers that can be made compact, allowing the pad to be rolled tight when packing away. When the valve attached is opened, the pad is filled with air, because the expanding foam inside draws in the air making it self-inflating.

The self inflating sleeping pad is popular amongst the backpacking community due to the comfort and how well they pack.

These pads are more durable than an air mattresses and more compact than foam pads. These can weight a bit more than the cell foam types, and cost more.

The outer section is made with a plastic covering or nylon that prevents wet or damp getting inside.

The negative for any inflatable is they can leak. Dependent on where and how you are camping the idea of repairing your pad may be discouraging.

Our Camping Sleeping Pad Choice

This weighs just 14oz. and packs down to the size of a 1-liter water bottle, not self inflating although a few puffs from the lungs will have it inflated. The NeoAir Therm A Rest Sleeping Pad or you may call this an air mattress, won the backpackers editors choice for 2009.

These come in 4 sizes and 4 prices. Definitely not the cheapest, starting from $130 $170, however these really do pack a punch for warmth and compactness for backpacking. We think the only reason anyone wouldn't want one of these is the price, otherwise they are many a backpackers lightweight choice.

The Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest Sleeping Pad is the standard closed cell sleeping pad that costs between $20-$35 dependent on size.

These weigh 14 oz regular size and are used by many for insulation under an inflatable pad. Although, this can be used as part of a basic sleep system, similar to a roll mat but better quality and insulation.

The ridge rest regular is also another cheaper option. If your wanting comfort rather than simple protection this may not be your best option.

The popular Therm-A-Rest ProLite Camping Sleeping Pad weighs 16 oz (regular) thats a little heavier than the closed foam cell pads, but the comfort is considerably more and worth the extra cash.

Cost $60 - $120 in 4 sizes, smallest the cheapest. Rolling this 3 season self inflating pad up will make it more compact than a closed cell foam.

There are many choices when deciding how best a sleeping system suits your needs. We would advise you to do your research to find out which sleeping pad will work best for you.

The top brand is thermarest made by cascade designs, you may find st agnes is also quality. However, we would be unable to rate other brands because of the poor reviews given even though they are the cheap camping sleeping option.

We hope this guide has shed some light on your options; wishing you happy adventures.

To find information about choosing a sleeping bag you may find the guide here for camping sleeping bags useful.