Sleeping Pads

Article from Mountain Equipment Co-Op

A sleeping pad is the foundation of your sleeping system. A pad cushions you against the hard ground, and keeps you warm by forming a thermal barrier between the ground and your sleeping bag. Without a sleeping pad, conduction draws heat out of your sleeping bag into the cold ground. The result? Your sleeping bag's performance is compromised, and you experience a colder night's sleep.

The warmth of a sleeping pad is indicated by its R-value. R-value measures a material's resistance (R) to heat loss. Higher numbers indicate greater warmth. If you're snow camping, consider combining an inflatable pad with a closed-cell pad. Two pads provide better cushioning, insulation, and protection from accidental punctures. The combination will also help keep moisture away from your sleeping bag.

Closed-Cell Foam

Blue Foam

Inexpensive blue foam is reasonably durable, and it insulates well. Although all blue foam looks much the same, its quality varies. Squeeze the foam between your thumb and forefinger. Inferior foam will spring back slowly, if at all.

Yellow Foam

Yellow foam (Evazote® is the best-known brand name) is stronger than blue foam and remains flexible to –70 degrees Celsius. It is also resistant to damage from abrasion and ultraviolet light.

Ridged-Foam

Some closed-cell foam pads feature moulded-in hinges and contoured ridges. The hinges make for easy packing, while the ridges increase cushioning and insulation without increasing weight.

Self-Inflating Pads

Self-inflating pads are more expensive than closed-cell foam pads but are light, compact, and offer better thermal insulation. They contain open-cell foam, which is an excellent insulator when filled with air. When inflating your pad, it's best to open the valve and allow the pad to self-inflate. Add a few breaths later if required. This will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the pad.

Store you pad unfurled and with the valve open. If required, you can wipe off dirt with a damp cloth and allow the pad to air dry. Never store your sleeping pad if it is damp, dampness encourages mildew. You can repair a punctured pad with a dab of urethane glue or a simple patch.