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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 whatever type of conditions you expect to encounter.