Closed-cell foam pads are the best choice. Sleeping pads with R-values of 0-3 are best for traveling in warm weather. R-values of 3-5 are suitable for most 3-season backpacking trips. R values of 5-6 are good at temperatures around or below freezing point
.
A pad with an R-value of 6+ (or you can put a foam pad under your air cushion) is great for cold sleepers or for sleeping on snow. We all have different needs when it comes to sleeping pads. While there isn’t a single camping mat that’s right for everyone, we’ve broken them down into categories to help you find the right camping pad for you. Backpack sleeping pads can be used for car camping (of course), but for those who never have to hike with a mat on their back, these are a better option. For those looking for a soft and warm pad that does double duty both when camping and backpacking, the Big Agnes is worth a second
look.
Foam pads are bulkier, but they are cheaper, quicker to set up and can be used for a variety of purposes — for example, as an extra support for a frameless backpack or as a seat around camp. We’ll cover the difference between sleeping pads for backpacking trips and sleeping pads for car camping, the basic types of sleeping pads, how to optimize comfort and warmth for your trip, and cover all the important terms that can be so confusing. For upholstery that prioritizes comfort over everything else (or that are suitable for very tall people), the width is up to 30 inches. Many camping mattresses are now equipped with side-opening dry bags, which have a wide opening for easy storage and compression straps that can be used to fold the whole thing up for
easy transport.
Keep in mind that typical backpacking tents often have more space-saving layouts, while camping tents offer more space for larger sleeping pads. It’s no big deal for foam pad users, but when an air cushion on the outside of your backpack is exposed to breakdowns, that’s a recipe for disaster. We’ll start by saying that the Nemo Switchback isn’t the right choice for those looking for a comfy and comfortable sleeping pad. If you’re looking for something that can match the comfort of the MondoKing 3D or NEMO Roamer XL but costs a few dollars less, this is the pad for
you.
For most people, a 25-inch camping sleeping pad or backpack sleeping pad is more than enough for a good night’s sleep. I had this fear for many years too, but after spending hundreds of nights camping on all kinds of uneven ground, I’ve become much more trusting.
