How to Choose a Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Some of the most important gear you purchase for backpacking will be the gear that keeps you warm, safe, and comfortable at night. These are some of the most important items on every backpacker’s packing list. A good sleeping bag and sleeping pad help you rest through the night so you can take on more miles the next day. That’s why it’s so important to know how to choose a backpacking sleeping pad and bag.
We already covered sleeping bags, so now it’s time to dig into sleeping pads.
Sleeping pads provide an extra layer of insulation between you and the ground. These pads keep you warm and comfortable if it is the right one for you. Below, we’ll help you figure out what type of sleeping pad is going to fit your needs so you can sleep like a baby on your next trip.
Why Do You Need a Backpacking Sleeping Pad?
Regardless of how cozy your sleeping bag is, you still need to bring along a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads provide a layer of warmth and comfort that is necessary for a good night of sleep in the backcountry.
When you sleep directly on the ground, you realize very quickly just how cold the ground gets at night. Even on warm summer days the night can get chilly enough to make you shiver. The best case scenario – you are able to sleep through the cold but wake up feeling achy and sore. The worst case scenario – you get ill from the cold.
Aside from warmth, your comfort is something to consider. It’s hard to find a flat place to pitch your tent, let alone a smooth surface without twigs and stones. While a couple of acorns may seem small and harmless, they can really dig into you when you lay on them for hours. A sleeping pad gives you a soft, smooth surface to rest your body.
Types of Backpacking Sleeping Pads
When you’re trying to figure out how to choose a backpacking sleeping pad, the first thing you need to determine is what type of pad you are looking for. There are 3 main categories to consider, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Foam Pads
Foam pads are sleeping pads made from a sheet of dense, closed air cell material. These are the classic sleeping pads you see in old school backpacking photos, where the pad is rolled up and strapped to the base of the pack. These are great for people who need an affordable, simple option for a warm weather trip.
Pros:
- Durable – There are no concerns around these sleeping pads leaking or puncturing. You can count on them to be usable trip to trip.
- Cost Effective – If you’re on a budget, you can find a pretty high quality one between $20-50.
Cons:
- Bulky – Aside from rolling or folding it, there’s not much you can do to shrink down a foam sleeping bag. You’ll likely need to strap it to the outside of your pack to keep it from taking up too much space.
- Comfort – Compared to other sleeping pads, foam pads are thinner and harder. Typically, they are around a half of an inch to an inch in thickness. This also means they are less warm. Look for one with a metallic, heat-reflective layer because these will keep you warmer.
Inflatable Sleeping Pads
Inflatable sleeping pads are similar to small air mattresses. You inflate them using your breath or a small pump to your desired firmness before using. Unlike the air mattresses you might use for guests in your home, these pads have strategically built chambers to provide the most comfort with the least amount of air. These are perfect for the lightweight backpacker because they are small and light when completely deflated.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact – Inflatable sleeping pads may shrink down to the size of a water bottle when they are deflated and rolled. You can easily fit it into your pack!
- Customizable Firmness – Each time you inflate your sleeping pad, you can choose how firm or soft it is. This can come in handy if you get sore during a long trip.
Cons:
- Less Durable – If you get a puncture in your inflatable sleeping pad and you don’t have anything to patch it with, the pad is useless. This is a big concern if you are someone who brings your dog along on the trails.
- Manual Effort – Most inflatable sleeping pads are well designed, so you only need a few breaths for it to be filled completely. After a long day of hiking, however, those breaths may be an annoying effort you don’t want to deal with.
- Mold Potential – Since you are breathing hot, moist air into your sleeping pad, there is the possibility for mold to grow over time. To avoid this, inflate and deflate the pad multiple times using an air pump or hair dryer after each trip. This will help dry out the inside.
Self-Inflating
A self-inflating sleeping pad is a type of hybrid between a foam and an inflatable pad. It is made with open-cell foam that quickly expands when the air valve is released. Adding a few quick breaths into the valve gives it the extra boost of cushion that makes it far more comfortable than a classic foam pad.
Pros:
- Comfort – The combination of foam and air makes these sleeping pads particularly comfortable after a long day of hiking. You can add extra air if you need a little more support on certain nights.
- Easy to Use – Unlike an inflatable mattress, you don’t need to put much effort into preparing this sleeping pad. Just two or three quick breaths should be enough to plump it up.
Cons:
- Bulky – Though these sleeping pads can be compacted much smaller than a classic foam pad, they are still much bulkier than an inflatable option. If you tend to be tight on space, an inflatable pad may be better.
- Durability – While a self-inflating sleeping pad is still usable after being punctured, a small hole can soil many of its benefits. It won’t contain the air that would give you extra support and it wont stay as compact without the valve keeping it from re-inflating.
Sleeping Pad Size and Shape
Another important factor for how to choose a backpacking sleeping pad is the pad’s size and shape. You want to make sure the sleeping pad is large enough for you to fit comfortably on. A sleeping pad that is too big may not fit nicely in your tent and will come with extra weight.
Sleeping Pad Length
The standard length of a sleeping pad is 72 inches long. This will fit most people, but people who are really tall may want to consider a “long” sleeping pad which usually have about 6 extra inches. Ultralight backpackers may opt for a “short” sleeping pad that are usually around 48 inches long.
Whether you go for standard, short, or long, it is important that your shoulders and hips fit on the pad. Your legs and feet can rest on clothing or your backpack to give them separation from the cold ground.
Sleeping Pad Width
A majority of sleeping pads are around 20 inches in width. This is enough for most people to rest comfortably on. People who move around in their sleep may need to readjust throughout the night.
For people with wider shoulders or who need more room, wider options are available. In fact, there are even double sleeping pads for people who want to share with their tent mate. These are great because they wont shift around as much as a single person pad. However they are bulkier, so whoever carries it will need to make extra room in their pack.
Sleeping Pad Shape
There are two typical shapes for sleeping pads – mummy or rectangular.
A rectangular sleeping pad gives your shoulders and arms a little more room. If you sleep on your back, you won’t have to deal with your arms falling off the pad. You also have more space for your head and pillow if you toss and turn in your sleep.
A mummy sleeping pad is good for someone who stays rather still in their sleep and has a narrow frame. The design trims off some extra material, so someone who is trying to shed every extra ounce from their pack may benefit from this type of pad.
R-Value
When shopping for sleeping gear, you’ll want to know how to choose a backpacking sleeping pad r-value that is right for you. This rating can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are at night.
R-value is the measure of thermal resistance of the sleeping pad, meaning how warm the pad is. The higher the r-value, the warmer it will keep you. A sleeping pad with an r-value of 2 may be suitable in the summer, but a r-value of 5+ is necessary for winter trips. Below is a chart that shows you the general range of temperatures that different r-values are suitable for.
If you are using an inflatable sleeping pad, keep in mind that they should be filled to their entirety to reach the r-value listed on it. Be sure to also keep your personal preferences in mind. R-value is a standard form of measurement, just because it says it should keep a person warm at 30 degrees doesn’t mean it will keep you warm at 30 degrees.
Best Pad For Your Sleeping Style
While evaluating different pads, keep your personal sleeping style in mind. Your preferred position, how often you move around, and any injuries or sore spots should be considered.
Side sleepers should look for a thicker pad to relieve pressure points. An inflatable or self-inflatable sleeping pad may be ideal for this position. On the other hand, people who sleep on their back can get away with a far thinner pad, such as a foam pad.
Someone who moves around a lot in their sleep should consider what the sleeping pad is made out of. A material that makes noise as you change positions may disturb you and your friends throughout the night. Certain inflatable pads may be made from slick material that causes it to slip out underneath you. Take this into consideration as you shop around.
Conclusion
It’s important to know how to choose a backpacking sleeping bag in order to find one that is right for you. Everyone has different needs when it comes to their sleep, it’s important to keep these needs in mind when buying your sleep gear. A good night of rest is just as necessary as good food when you’re on the trail for several days.
Cover photo by Teemu R from Pexels
