Sleeping pads
What kind of camping mat do I need?
A comfortable sleeping mat is essential if you want a good night's sleep in your tent. A self-inflating sleeping pad, a foam sleeping mat or airbed. Do you need help picking out the right one? We’ll be happy to help you.
Self-inflating sleeping mats
Just open up the air valve on the self-inflating sleeping pad and air fills the chambers automatically. If you like a firmer mattress, you can blow it up a bit more yourself.
This type of pad is:
✓ lightweight,
✓ compact,
✓ comfortable,
✓ insulating.
Foam sleeping mats
A closed-cell foam pad is incredibly durable. Moreover, it is ultra-lightweight and cheaper than a self-inflating pad. Unfortunately, it lacks more in comfort. A foam sleeping mat is relatively stiff and quite bulky.
Airbeds
Are you looking for more comfort? Then the traditional airbed is your best option. However, you must take a number of cons into account:
✓ You will never be able to warm up the air inside an air pad with your body heat alone. So, the insulation value is low.
✓ Air pads weigh more and are much bulkier.
In a so-called self-inflating sleeping pad, there is a valve which, when opened, draws air into the pad. This means that you do not need to carry a pump and that no moist air (from your breath) enters the pad. Damp air reduces the insulation value and can also cause mould inside your pad.
The thickness of your pad depends on your personal preferences. While one person can sleep comfortably on a foam pad of a few centimetres thick, the other may appreciate an air mattress of 10 cm. Also pay attention to the R-value of the pad; this indicates how well the pad insulates and thus prevents the rising cold from the ground from reaching you. You can also combine two pads for extra insulation.
Anyone going on a trek should pay attention to the weight of their backpack. Therefore, you should choose a lightweight and compact pad that can be rolled up. Foam sleeping pads are not compact, but they are very light. You can attach them to the outside of your backpack. Ultralighters might also consider bringing a ‘half’ sleeping pad! Then put your clothing under your head and your (empty) backpack under your legs.
Those who go on car camping holidays may opt for a comfortable air mattress, as these are somewhat heavier in weight but also bulkier to carry. You can inflate this type of airbed using a foot pump and it has the allure of a real mattress. There are both single and double air mattresses.
While travelling, you can store your rolled-up pad in the bag provided, but at home, it is best to store your sleeping pad rolled up with its valve open.