Which Sleeping Pad is Best for Me?

If you’re hiking, pushed for packing space when camping, or simply prefer to travel light, then you’re sure to have looked at sleeping pads for a comfortable night’s sleep. With many options available, which is the best?

As ever, there’s not one definitive answer to that question. So much will depend on your particular circumstances, preferences and budget, but considering the features offered by the main types of sleeping pads will be of help.

Sleeping pads break down into three main groups, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:

Self-inflating mats

These are the one of the most recognizable sleeping pads and are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses. They all use the same basic principle of using open-cell foam insulation and air to keep you comfortable. Setup is simple – open the mat’s valve and air is allowed to enter automatically, expanding the foam core. Packing is (almost) as easy too, just open the valve and roll out the air.

These ubiquitous sleeping pads come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from compact lightweight models that fold in half before rolling to make it easy to stash in your hiking rucksack right through to ultra-thick deluxe comfort models that are perfect for car camping. Self-inflating mats are comfortable and offer excellent insulation from cold ground. They generally offer more durability that air pads and comfort can be tweaked by adding or releasing air.

On the negative side, they do use air so can fall foul of punctures, so watch for thorns. If the worst does happen, they’re not particularly difficult to repair, though. It is worth also bearing in mind that self-inflating mats are more expensive than simple foam mats and if carry weight and packing space is at a total premium, they’re not as light or compact as air mats.

Closed-cell foam mats

These offer a sleeping solution in its most simple form – a dense foam pad made of tiny closed air cells to keep you insulated from the ground. When packed they’re either rolled or folded in a back-and-forth Z format.

Their simplicity is their greatest strength. There’s no valves or punctures to worry over in the field and these lightweight, inexpensive and durable pads can be strapped to the outside of your pack without fear of damage. Closed-cell foam mats can be layered underneath other types of sleeping pads, such as air pads, for improved insulation and to protect from punctures.

There are a couple of major drawbacks, though. They are relatively stiff and firm and, as such, less comfortable than other options. They are also quite bulky in comparison to air pads or more compact self-inflating models – something definitely worth considering for hikers and cyclists.

Air pads

These nifty little sleeping pads pack a lot into a small space. As the name suggests, these are air-filled sleeping pads offering comfort in a small package. There are ultra-lightweight options making use of air alone or those that include some form of insulation inside that offer greater warmth in colder conditions. Check what each model includes and find your balance between pack-ability and insulation.

Air pads are the most compact sleeping pad solution and are incredibly lightweight when packed. They are also very comfortable and can be tailored to your preferences by adding or releasing air. With a variety of models on the market, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs – just remember to consider how much temperature insulation you’re likely to need, especially if you’ll be camping out in cold weather.

Air pads can be quite a pricy option, especially towards the lighter and more compact models. They are also an air mat, so punctures are a consideration, but can be mitigated by packing an appropriate patch kit. Being filled with air also leads to the firmness of the mat changing with temperature fluctuations – make sure to check you are happy with the firmness of the pad right before you sleep, especially in colder conditions. It is also worth bearing in mind that moisture from your breath can end up trapped inside during inflation which could lead to bacterial or mould issues, so store your air pad unrolled with the valve open to allow time for it to dry if you can’t inflate it with a pump option.

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