How to Buy a Sleeping Pad

Aside from the comfort a sleeping pad provides, you'd freeze at night if you didn't have one between your sleeping bag and the tent floor.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Backpacks
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Tents

1. Decide how much you're willing to spend - sleeping pads can range from less than $20 to more than $100.

2. Determine what activity you'll be using it for. For backpacking, don't underestimate the importance of compactness in both volume and weight: You'll curse yourself on the trail for every extra pound and cubic inch you could have saved. When car camping, weight and volume are less important; you can afford to get something a little bulkier.

3. 

   Note that you have several choices when it comes to types of pads on the market; air mattresses, closed- and open-cell foam pads, self-inflating pads. Air mattresses are comfortable and cheap, but heavy, bulky and poor insulators. Open-cell foam pads are comfortable and cheap as well, but also bulky and if they get wet, forget about it. Closed cells are inexpensive and less absorbent, but you need a real thick one if you want comfort. Self-inflating pads are great to sleep on, can be rolled into a very compact size, and provide excellent insulation. They're more expensive, however, and can be relatively heavy.

4. 

   Consider whether you want a full-length or partial-length pad: Some say full-length pads are warmer and more comfortable, but of course they weigh more and take up more space.

5. 

   Think thickness: Is it worth toting along more weight for a thicker, warmer pad?

6. Head to an outdoor gear store that sells a wide variety of pads and spend some time on the floor. Compare several different pads that best meet your particular needs.

Tips & Warnings

• One advantage of a foam pad is that it can be used in certain medical emergencies: You can cut pieces from it to make splints, for instance.

• If you're willing to splurge a little, consider a pad that can double as a comfy camping chair.

• Air pads require extra care, since they're susceptible to puncture. Self-inflating pads repair fairly easily, however.