Different Types of Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
Backpacking sleeping pads are a necessary accessory for a good night's sleep in the wilderness. The right pad can provide cushion on hard or uneven ground, as well as significant insulation. Although in the summer months sleeping pads are often regarded as a luxury, they are absolute necessities during the winter.
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Function
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A sleeping pad adds insulation under a sleeping bag where the insulation often loses efficiency due to being compressed.
Types
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Sleeping pads are generally made of open-cell or closed-cell foam. Open-cell varieties provide insulation by filling pockets in the foam with air, and can compress for packing.
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Features
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Closed-cell, molded pads provide adequate warmth for most three-season camping needs, and are generally lighter than open-cell varieties. Open-cell pads can compress even more, however, and have varieties made specifically for cold-weather camping.
Sizes
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Pads can be bought in different sizes depending on a camper's height and needs. Short pads can be used by tall hikers in warm weather to allow for lighter pack loads, while long pads provide full coverage at night for camping in cold weather.
Considerations
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Open-cell pads are more expensive than closed-cell varieties, and many backpackers find that their extra warmth does not offset their cost and weight for most camping needs.
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