Why Use Camping Pads?

Camping pads or camping mattresses add weight to your pack and while some may think that a camping sleeping pad is not a necessary part of your backpacking gear but they're as important as your sleeping bag, sometimes even more important.

The main purpose of a camping pad is to help you sleep at night by providing sufficient cushioning and insulation. Foam pads are often used as a frame for ultralight packs.

Camping Pads For Insulation?

Don't sleeping bags provide enough insulation already? - No. The way that sleeping bags keep you warm is by trapping a layer of air between your body and the cold.

When you lie down in your sleeping bag, the weight of your body compresses the sleeping bag under you so that almost no air is left between your body and the cold. This results in massive conductive heat loss especially when it's really cold.                                             

What are the Considerations to Take When Choosing Camping Pads?

Consider the following variables when choosing a camping pad:

- Fit
- Comfort
- Insulation
- Weight
- Bulk
- Durability
- Convenience

Fit

When choosing a camping pad you need to know if it will fit you if you want your whole body on the pad. If you only need cushioning on your back, you can choose smaller versions but also make sure that the pad can fit your back as you want it too.

Some lightweight like to use torso-length camping pads in combination with a groundcloth (for insulation).

Comfort

This variable depends on many factors including the type of pad, thickness, material, sleeping style, weight and height. The only way to know for sure if a pad will be comfy enough for you is to try it out yourself. You can try it out in camping store or read the reviews to help you decide which one you want to try at home first before taking it to the field.

The thickest pad doesn't necessarily mean it will be the most comfortable. Some people may find that a thick air mattress won't help them sleep because it wobbles too much as they move.

Insulation

When it's cold, insulation becomes more important than comfort. Even when you're sleeping without your sleeping bag you lose more heat to the ground (through conduction) than to the surrounding air so a camping mattress is even more important than the sleeping bag.

This doesn't mean that carrying a camping mattress alone is enough to keep you warm but if you're going to sleep on ice, a camping mattress will keep you warmer than a sleeping bag.

Weight

Traveling light is much more fun and comfortable than conventional backpacking. One of the ways you can save weight is by using a lightweight mattress. The lightest pads are foam pads which are great insulators but lacks cushioning and comfort.

Bulk

If you have limited space inside your backpack whether you're using internal frame backpacks, external frame backpacks or ultralight packs it's a good idea to go for pads that pack small. If you're trying to save weight, a pad that packs small allow for the use of ultralight packs which can result in significant weight savings.

Durability

Air mattresses are not as durable as foam pads and are prone to punctures which can leave you with little cushioning and insulation during the night. Some air mattresses or self-inflating pads claim to be more durable than others.

Convenience

Self-inflating pads are more convenient than other backpacking air mats because there's no need to blow air into the valve except to adjust the level of inflation.