QA

Question: What Size Sleeping Pad Do I Need

What size should my sleeping pad be?

Regular (typically 72 inches long) and long (typically 78-inch) pads will insulate your legs and feet—a big plus on chilly fall and winter trips. A short or 3/4-length pad (usually 47 or 48 inches) weighs less and packs smaller (you can put folded clothing or your pack under your legs and feet for some insulation).

How do I choose a sleeping pad?

They’re sized in inches and/or centimeters, so it’s easy to determine what size pad you need based on your height. You should choose a sleeping pad that’s a few inches longer than your height, so your feet won’t hang off of the end—it’s no joke how much body heat can be sapped away from contact with the ground.

How thick should a sleeping pad be for side sleepers?

If you’re a side sleeper, the thicker the pad, the better. A 3-inch pad is probably ideal for camping, but you might want a slightly thinner pad if you’re going to be thru-hiking.

Do I need a full length sleeping mat?

Pads with a higher R-value provide more insulation and can keep you warmer. Full-length sleeping pads can keep you warmer than ¾ length. The reason is that they provide insulation for your entire body including your head, lower legs, and feet. No part of your body touches the ground directly.

What is a good weight for backpacking sleeping pad?

LIGHTWEIGHT: Your pad should weigh around 1 lb (or less). The lighter, the better. Know some of the lightest pads on the market have low R values, though. If you are winter camping, you might need to get a slightly heavier and warmer pad or subsidize with an extra warm sleeping bag.

Can a sleeping pad be too warm?

An effective sleeping pad can make you feel too hot if you have excessive bedding. A sleeping pad is meant to insulate you from the ground, and if it’s working properly, your body heat gets trapped in combination with warm bedding. To adjust the temperature, you can remove bedding.

What sleeping pad has the highest R-value?

Camp & Comfort Sleeping Pad R-Value Type MondoKing™ 3D 7.0 Self-Inflating LuxuryMap™ 6.0 Self-Inflating BaseCamp™ 6.0 Self-Inflating NeoAir® Camper™ Duo 2.5 NeoAir®.

What is the most comfortable sleeping pad?

5 Sleeping Pads as Comfortable as Mattresses Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite ($130) NEMO Astro ($80) Exped MegaMat Duo ($350) Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0 ($190) Klymit Insulated Hammock V ($110).

Are klymit sleeping pads any good?

The Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is a good pad at a good price. It is warm and lightweight but isn’t as durable as we’d like it to be. The deep baffles feel stable and give a lot of back support but aren’t as comfortable as smoother faced sleeping pads.

Are closed cell sleeping pads comfortable?

Regardless of sleeping orientation, a firm sleeping pad can be super comfy to some folks and the closed cell foam pad is firm. They make them comfy enough these days for side sleepers too though. Another trick (that is a bit more meticulous in my opinion) is to shape the ground to the curvature of your body.

What are the best camping mattresses?

Best Camping Mattresses for 2021 Exped Megamat Camp Mats. Coleman All Terrain Airbeds. OZtrail Velour Air Mattresses. OZtrail Camp Mats. Black Wolf 2D Mega Deluxe Mattresses. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Mats. Black Wolf HexaTherm 3D Mattresses. Sea to Summit Comfort DLX SI Sleeping Mats.

Is a sleeping pad necessary for camping?

A sleeping pad is highly recommended when camping. A sleeping pad provides comfort and insulation from the ground. If you don’t use a sleeping pad, you may feel cold. During the warmer months, a sleeping pad is optional for cots and hammocks.

Are inflatable sleeping pads worth it?

Generally, inflatable pads have a higher R-value than foam pads. Because they provide more insulation, inflatable sleeping pads are better for use in cold weather. An inflatable sleeping pad with an R-value of around 3.5 or more will keep the average camper warm during spring, summer, and fall.

Can I use a winter sleeping pad in the summer?

I use a “winter” pad all year just fine. Any warm weather discomfort has more to do with the non breathable surface than the R value. Almost all discussions of pads concentrate on the air temperature, but the pad question is really about what is between you and the ground.

Can you use an insulated sleeping pad in the summer?

During summer months, many campers still use an insulated pad, but packing a less insulated pad could save you some weight and from overheating at night.

Can I use a high R-value sleeping pad in the summer?

In general, sleeping pads with R values between R0 and R2 will only be useful enough to keep you warm during the summer. A pad with an R-value in the R2. 1 to R3. 3 range should be comfortable enough for 3 season camping in the summer, spring, and fall.