Sleeping Pads
You can have the best camping gear that there is to keep warm. But if you don’t have anything to isolate you from the cold ground it’s all for nothing. The ground will suck all the warmth out of your body in no time. This is where a sleeping pad comes into play. Sleeping pads are pretty straightforward. They protect you from the cold underneath you and give you the comfort and luxury of sleeping on air or foam. There are generally three types of sleeping pads. Closed cell foam, air, and self-inflating.
Closed Cell Foam Pads
Foam pads are one of the best options for warmth but are bulky and not as compact as air pads. They are usually carried outside your pack. Punctures are a non-worry. Prices range from a cheap $10 roll-up pad from Walmart to a higher-priced foldable z-shaped model.
Air Pads
Air pads are a good option for comfort. There is nothing like sleeping on air. Firmness can be adjusted by releasing or adding air. When it’s warm outside you use a non-insulated pad. They weigh a little less, and they’ll take a few ounces off your back. Insulated versions are built to handle the cold, and will weigh a few ounces heavier. The only drawback to air pads is that they can easily be punctured and become useless when that happens. Having a patch kit is a must when using these. Some pads will feel like they are leaking air all the time, but they are not. They expand when the temperature goes up and down, so don’t worry. Prices can be as cheap as $30 or as high as you can imagine. Don’t waste your time on the expensive models. A $30 pad is all you need when it’s warm, and a $60 pad is all that’s needed when it’s cold.
Self Inflating Pads
Self-inflating pads are a mixture of the two types of pads just mentioned. They are more durable and offer better insulation than air pads but punctures do happen. They are also not as light or compact as air pads. These types of pads are better suited for car camping if you ask me. Prices are usually at a premium.
Here’s a pro tip. In cold weather, if you want the comfort of a self-inflating pad, but don’t want to pay the high price. Just a cheap $10 foam pad from Walmart underneath your insulated air pad and you should be just as toasty.
