Whether on the trail or camping at your favorite campground, having the right sleeping pad can have a profound effect on the quality of your outdoor experience.

  
If you have spent any amount of time camping you are likely familiar with one of nature's more peculiar events. That is, the amazing ability of roots, stones and pinecones to materialize on the very piece of ground upon which you have pitched your tent. So, what to do? Reclaim your right to a good night's rest by selecting an appropriate sleeping pad!

Now, years ago, the old, grizzled woodsmen would simply plunk down a bearskin, roll up in it and catch their 40 winks. And I suspect sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue were instrumental in their eventual extinction. Today we enjoy the benefits of numerous choices in sleeping pads and mattresses. Perhaps too many. So let's take a look at the more common choices and their pros and cons. With a little help you too can get a great night's rest with gear to meet your specific needs. And being well rested makes any adventure more enjoyable.

Sleeping pads are intended to perform two primary functions. First, they separate you from the chill of the ground. An insulating pad is required if you want to achieve your sleeping bag’s temperature rating. Especially as temperatures decline. In fact, in freezing conditions you may want to use two pads for extra insulation. Secondly, a sleeping pad should provide added comfort on hard, uneven ground. And, since both functions vary from pad to pad, matching a pad to your expected needs becomes especially important.

Air mattresses: Very comfortable and adjustable. Best suited to car camping in temperate weather. On the down side, they are not good insulators, are bulky and rather heavy and can puncture fairly easily…usually at around 3 in the morning.

Open cell foam pads: Inexpensive, comfortable, light weight and better insulators than air mattresses. However, the cell structure is open allowing the absorption of water. Open cell foam is also less of an insulator, bulkier and less durable than closed cell foam.

Closed cell foam pads: Inexpensive and durable with excellent insulating ability. Lightweight. Roll up into a compact bundle due to their thinner profile. On the other hand, due to their thin cut they don’t provide as much cushion and they are rather stiff.

Self-inflating pads: Lighter than air mattresses but a bit heavier than open and closed cell foam pads, the self inflating pads incorporate the best of the other pads. They consist of an open cell foam pad encased in an air tight and waterproof cover that is air adjustable for firmness. Although they are more expensive, a bit bulky and not the lightest of the bunch, their insulating ability and comfort make them one of the most popular choices.

When weight is a concern keep in mind that many pads are available in short lengths. Some are also tapered to help reduce weight. and some have different thicknesses available. 

Selecting a sleeping pad, like most gear, is a compromise of function, comfort, weight and cost. No pad is all things to all people. That’s why I own several. Consider your own needs in weight vs. comfort vs. bulk when selecting your pad. Personally, if I could have just one pad I’d choose the self-inflating type. As I get older I find the little bit of extra weight is not a concern to me…especially considering the added comfort and a good night’s sleep. But, let your own requirements be your guide. Weight, or rather the lack thereof, is everything to the minimalist. For others the goal is comfort. Only you can decide what will work best for your situation.
 
If you would like more information on sleeping pads and other gear drop by our eBay Store and check out our selection of equipment. We'll help you get a good night's sleep on your next outdoor adventure.

Thanks for reading,
Mark