New Styles for Town & Trail from basin+range HomeHike & CampFiltersFeaturedHighest RatedNew ArrivalsFeaturedHighest RatedNew ArrivalsLowest PriceHighest PricePercent OffFilters Categories Colors Customer Review Prices Brands Exclusive Sale Style Length Shape Gender New Arrivals Page12345678Next PageA sleeping pad’s R-Value measures its ability to insulate you from cold ground and keep you warm. The higher the R value, the more effective it is. Sleeping Pad R value performance testing is done in a 70 F environment with no air movement. As such, it doesn’t reflect many real world conditions where you’d use a sleeping pad, so I recommend that you augment any gear selection that you make with field testing.If you are interested in sleeping pads for early spring, late autumn or winter conditions, R-Value is additive. When it gets cold, I like to use two pads, a closed cell foam pad and an insulated inflatable one with a combined R-Value of at least 5.For purposes of backpacking, you also need to factor in weight, comfort, compressibility, and rigidity when you make a sleeping pad selection.
In addition, side sleepers may not receive the full R-value of benefit of an inflatable insulated pad because their bodies are not in full contact with the surface of the pad. This is particularly true for insulated sleeping pads that depend on your body heat to warm them up, including the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir product line, Exped’s DownMats and Big Agnes’ Insulated Pads.The following table provides a side by side comparison of the major sleeping pads available in the US market. The pad weights listed are sized for 72″ long x 20″ wide pads, though there are a few exceptions below. The R-Value of a pad should still remain the same if you select a longer, shorter, or wider variation of the pad. If a sleeping pad has a R-Value of “Not Available”, it’s because the manufacturer has not supplied one or R-value testing has not been performed. If you make a purchase after clicking on the links above, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. Airbeds & Sleeping Pads
Sleeping Pads Give a Full Nights' Rest, Anywhere While you're on that weekend camping excursion or overnight hunting trip, you want to make sure you're well-rested for that arduous hike or early morning up on your tree stand. Let Academy Sports + Outdoors help you with with your its selection of outdoor bedding accessories. Our airbeds consist of high-quality polyester and other materials to offer a soft, restful sleeping experience. Our sleeping pads are made from polyethylene foam, providing a warm barrier between you and the cold ground below. Each sleeping pad is odor-resistant, fighting off bacteria and mold that might form from repeated use each camp out, all in a waterproof design that's perfect for damp or drizzly sites. Sleeping Pads & Air Mattresses in All Sizes Academy Sports + Outdoors can make sure you have as many airbeds or sleeping pads that you need for your next family camping outing. We have the camping gear, for your next outdoor camping or backpacking trip over the mountains or sleepover.
From simple one-person air mattresses to luxurious Queen beds, quality sleep is within your grasp. Prefer more portable sleeping gear? Sleeping pads are easy to set up and roll up when the weekend trip is over and it's time to head home and they're perfect for those solitary moments alone in the woods. In camping, a ground pad, sleeping pad, sleeping mat, roll mat, or iso mat is a simple device often used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. Its purpose is to provide padding and thermal insulation. All types currently available use air as their primary form of insulation. Closely related to the air mattress a pad of this type requires an external pressure source to inflate, typically in the form of a pump or by blowing orally.[1] Convection of the air inside the mattress reduces the amount of insulation it provides and more complicated mattresses include methods to reduce this by either partitioning the internal cavities, or by filling the cavities with material to trap the air such as down feathers or synthetic insulation.
An example of a 183x51x3.8 cm self-inflating mattress, made from diamond ripstop. The black high volume valve can be seen in the left foreground. An extension on the conventional manually inflated mattress, this type is capable of self-inflation due to the open-cell foam that fills the internal cavity. For many years this design was protected by various patents held by Cascade Designs[2] and they were an unusual and premium item. But since these patents expired many other manufacturers are now producing this type of mattress and they are now commonplace. These mattresses are lightweight and pack to a small size, which make them popular amongst hikers and campers. A self-inflating mat typically measures 183x51x3.8 cm, weighs about 700 g, and packs to about 28x16 cm.[] Closed-cell foam is used to produce mats that can be used without requiring any inflation. Closed-cell foam pads are lighter and more durable than their air-filled counterparts, as they are constructed of fewer materials.
Many may also be trimmed to size should the user choose to do so. However, they are generally not as comfortable as air-filled mats because they are thinner, and may also take up more space in a pack, depending on the materials used. Variations include textured or shaped foam to increase the unrolled volume and/or change the stiffness of the mattress. This can also be used to trap the air within ridges or an egg-carton type of texture.Having a peaceful sleep is important to stay rested, alert and relaxed, but getting enough shut-eye can be challenging beyond the walls of your home. Investing in a quality cot, mattress or sleeping pad is one of the best things you can do to get your 40 winks when outdoors. There are plenty of options to choose from and you'll need to make some important decisions to determine the best piece of gear to suit your needs and budget. Cots can help you keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter by keeping you off the ground. Cots are comfortable but they're also bulky and heavy.
Many campers are willing to accept these characteristics, though, for the assurance of a good night's sleep. Most cots are constructed using an aluminum frame with fabric stretching across that becomes taut once assembled. An advantage of cots is they raise you off the ground. Elevation helps with air circulation to keep you cool in hot conditions; it also separates you from its chill in cool weather, which helps combats heat loss. The generous width and length of cots also offers space for moving while sleeping. Another benefit of the cot is that you can store gear underneath you. The bulk and assembly size of cots makes them impractical for minimalist camping, but they're a great choice for a hunt camp, cottage or even as a back-up spare bed for guests at home. Cots are available in a wide price range, and high-end models are on par with similarly sized air mattresses. Air Mattresses and Sleeping Pads The difference between the terms air mattress and sleeping pad is a grey area.
Generally, mattresses represent a larger, cushier inflatable option. They are also called air beds. Sleeping pads are smaller, delivering comfort in a compact size. Sleeping pads come in inflatable and foam models. Here's a quick overview of some important considerations for mattresses and sleeping pads. Size — The length, width and thickness of a mattress or pad are the main factors that influence comfort and insulation. The majority of sleeping pads sold are for one person. Mattresses mimic traditional beds and are available in single to king sizes, so there are plenty of options to suit a range of slumbering scenarios. Air mattresses either need to be aired up using a portable air pump or some come with the pump installed. Sleeping pads come in a range of sizes from small to extra large, letting you pick a model to match your body size and sleeping requirements. If unconcerned about bulk, invest in a larger model to give yourself room to move during sleep. Some pads are 3/4 length, which helps save on space.
Consider this option if you're under gear constraints for weight and bulk (such as canoe camping or hiking). The trade off is some of your body will be exposed to the floor, which isn't a major issue in the heat of summer but it can ruin a night's rest when in cool climates. Thicker mattresses and pads will offer lots of cushioning and be more comfortable than thin ones. Pad thickness also provides insulation. This might not be an issue if you're sleeping indoors, but when outside in cool temperatures, a thicker sleeping pad makes a big difference in insulating you from the cold ground. Closed-Cell Foam vs. Inflatable Models — Another big decision is whether to buy closed-cell foam model or an inflatable model sleeping pad. Both types have pros and cons. Larger air mattresses (or air beds) are great if you have ample space to transport and set up gear. Some models, like Truck Bedz, are designed to fit inside the bed of a truck. Certain air mattresses need to be inflated with a pump.
Models, like the Coleman Double High Quickbed, feature a built-in battery operated pump to inflate the bed. Self-inflating mattresses and sleeping pads are mainly designed for individual use. To self-inflate, simply unravel the mat and it expands. Close the valve and you're ready to snooze. Of course, you pay for this timesaving technology. If tent camping, consider buying a mattress with a gripping material on its side. This keeps the mattress from sliding on the tent floor and shifting from underneath you during sleep. A common combination is using a foam pad in addition to a self inflating one for increased insulation (and cushioning). Bring both models for cool weather camping and secure them together with straps. During warm conditions just leave one at home. When choosing an inflatable model, pay close attention to the quality of the valve. I can recall awaking from more than one slumber while camping because the air mattress valve came unplugged during the night.
Today's models have improved significantly, but be sure to review this feature on a mattress. If you have the option of a better value, buy it. Pumps like the Coleman CPX 6 Quick Pump are handy and are available in AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts, or rechargeable configurations. Given the characteristics of self-inflating mattresses, you'll need to keep them constrained during travel. Store the mattress by rolling them to release air, and then secure the mattress using straps or a stuff sack. The latter protects the mat from dirt and water. Another inexpensive but handy item is a mattress repair kit. Most mattresses feature fairly robust exteriors, but it's not armor. Carrying a repair kit ensures you can fix a tear before it worsens and inflate again in the field. Air pumps are handy to inflate air mattresses. You can purchase powered models for AC 120 volts, DC 12 volts or rechargeable models. Hand or foot pumps get the job done, too, but those pumps take more time and work than electric models.