People tend to always think sleeping bags when they prep for sleeping on the trail. While bags are important – so much so we have another 101 article on choosing the bag right for you – the pad under your bag is equally important when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
When choosing a pad, you’ll want to consider a few key factors.
1. Pad Type
When shopping, you’ll find variation of 3 basic types on the market: foam, air, and self-inflating.
Foam Pads
foam pads can be a great option because they are inexpensive, extremely durable, can offer decent warmth, and are lightweight (for example this Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight is only 14 oz). They can also be worn on the outside of your pack (often strapped to the bottom) since their material does not put them at risk of puncture. For this same reason, they can also double as a sitting pad outside the tent while at camp. A downside is they are less comfortable than most air and self-inflating options and are bulkier to carry.
Air Pads
Air pads, which you manually inflate, can be a great option because they are simple to use, are the smallest of the pad types to carry, and come in a variety of R-ratings. Cons of air pads is they can become quite expensive depending on the weight and r-rating and they are prone to puncture. Many use puncture resistant materials, but we always ALWAYS recommend bringing a patch kit just-in-case. This will hopefully save you from trying to sleep on a flat pad.
Self-inflating Pads
Self-inflating pads use an open-cell foam layer within them to self-inflate when you open a valve. They are usually more durable than air pads, and unlike air pads you won’t have to risk going light-headed blowing them up after a long hike. However, they are generally bulkier and heavier than air pads. They are also subject to puncture.
TIP: For additional comfort, insulation, and/or protection for your air or self-inflating model, we often place a foam pad under our other pad. This will require you carry an extra pound or so, but judge for yourself if it’s worth the weight.
2. Size
Pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of needs. Most are sized in inches and/or centimeters so it’s easy to match what you need based on your height. We always recommend going a few inches over your height to accommodate shifts during sleep. Also consider shape and width. Some are contoured for a mummy bag, others have a more traditional rectangular shape.
3. Insulation (R-Value)
So what is R-value anyway? It measures the pad’s ability to Resist heat flow through it. Values range from <2 to 5.5+. The higher the value, the better a job the pad will do with insulation. Unless you plan to be in extreme conditions, we typically recommend your main pad be within an R-value range of 2-4. When paired with a quality sleeping bag, this should keep you comfortable down to nighttime lows of ~32 degrees F.
4. System
System – The pad is a component of your overall sleep system and should be treated as such. Make sure your pad compliments your overall system which is comprised of your pad, your sleeping bag, and the clothes you sleep in. An amazing pad won’t make up for poor choice of bag and clothes. Conversely, a poorly selected pad can result in a bad nights’ sleep even when paired with an amazing sleeping bag and clothing selection.
Need more help on where to start when purchasing a pad? Here are some quick recommendations of pads we love:
Best Air Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
Best Budget Air Pad: Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad
Best Self-inflating Pad: Nemo Flyer Sleeping Pad
Best Budget Self-inflating Pad: REI Co-op AirRail Self-Inflating
Best Foam Pad: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight
