Wilderness Camping Guides and Gear

Tents

Your home in the backwoods and shelter from the weather. There are many types, sizes and styles for different situations and applications... Learn More About Tents

Tent Alternatives

Other kinds of shelter choices that can be quite practical and lightweight for backpacking applications... Learn More About Tent Alternatives

Backpacks

A properly sized and correctly adjusted backpack can make carrying all your gear a breeze... Learn More About Backpacks

Sleeping Bags

Keeping you warm and comfortable to get a good nights sleep... Learn More About Sleeping Bags

Sleeping Pads

Added to a good quality bag to smooth out the bumps and keep you much warmer... Learn More About Sleeping Pads

Clothing

To make sure you are warm, dry and comfortable while you are on the trail... Learn More About Camp Appropriate Clothing

Additional Gear

There are many other items to make your wilderness experience easier, safer and more enjoyable... Learn More About Additional Gear

More Sites to the Great Outdoors

• Trailer Tent Guide

Wilderness Camping Guide - Sleeping Pads

A sleeping pad is another nessary item for a comforatable nights sleep. As with sleeping bags, there are many styles to choose from however they all serve the same purpose: to smooth out bumps and keep you off the chill of the ground. Or, in the case of hammock camping, to insulate you from underneath. There are rigid foam, self inflating, and inflatable models. Though probably not as comfortable as the others, rigid foam pads are the least expensive and are light and durable. Self inflating pads have a foam core incased in an air tight fabric sleeve. By opening an air valve you can either let in air to puff up the foam for set up or squeeze out all the air to make it more compact for transport. These are normally quite comfortable and well worth having. Lastley, the inflatable type requires you to inflate them manually (like blowing up a balloon). These are normally heavier than the others but make up for that in real comfort. Some of the inflatable types also come with internal insulation for colder weather applications. With the self inflating and inflatable types of pads you do run the risk of an air leak. The manufacturer usually includes a patch kit just in case. If you purchase a good quality pad and don't treat it roughly you should not have a problem. Sleeping pads come in different sizes and thicknesses so there are plenty to choose from - appropriate for what ever type of conditions you most expect to encounter.