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. Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I bought a queen-sized four-inch memory topper and cut it into two halves to get two twin(ish)-sized toppers. I use one half on my bed at home, but that left me with another extra half. I've heard people talk about using memory foam toppers for camping, and so I've taken this topper out into the outdoors (car camping only) on several occasions as well. The problem is, I've had mixed results. In cooler weather, the memory foam gets cold and hard and is only comfortable once you wait for the foam to warm up directly underneath you. If you move in your sleep, this can be disturbing, as you have to wait for the foam underneath you to warm up for it to be comfortable. This isn't a huge deal, but it's not as comfortable as the same topper at room-temperature.
In warmer weather, the memory foam loses its "memory" and just ends up being super squishy foam. I believe it retained heat (in the summer, not cooler weather!) more than I would have liked. Again, not as comfortable. Has anyone else tried this? Is your experience different from mine? What am I doing wrong? camping car-camping sleeping sleeping-pad Has anyone else tried this? No I've not tried it. Would I use a mattress topper while camping They're heavy and awkward to move in and out of tent they'y designed to sit on top of a nice flat mattress not a bumpy (as you say) they will react differently depending on the temperature. So what should you do? I'd invest in a decent ground mat (some in cotswolds here). Ground mats have come a long way from the thin peices of foam rubber you stuck under you sleeping bag. Most (good) ground mats these days are inflatable. This allows them to be much thicker than the old foam ones. This keeps you warmer and more comfortable.
You can also adjust the pressure depending on your preference. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged camping car-camping sleeping sleeping-pad or ask your own question. Blissful Rest.On the world's comfiest memory foam camp pad in all your favorite far off places...buy now Plush Memory Foam The LaidBack Pad is a memory foam portable bedroll that has stepped up camping comfort. It was developed to give more nature lovers access to sleeping in the outdoors without having to sacrifice a good night's sleep. Anywhere.In a Tent, On a Roof, In a Truck, On a Porch, In a Camper Ultra-Durable + Ultra-ComfortableThe LaidBack Pad is encased in removable and washable fabrics. Our innovative design incorporates cozy polar fleece on top and the stuff that backpacks are made of for the sides and bottom.
As a result, the pad is ultra-durable and super comfy. Since it is not an inflatable product, you don't have to worry about it popping and being stuck with a night on the hard ground. Explore.Campgrounds, Slumber Parties, National Parks, State Parks, Beaches, Backyards, Lakeside, Riverside, Mountains, Deserts...Check out these videos to learn more about LaidBack Pads and visit our youtube channel to see morePeaceful rest wherever your adventures take you. Packable + StorableThe easy strapping system allows the pad to be rolled up to 12" x 24" so it packs away in a trunk or closet inconspicuously. At only 8 pounds, the LaidBack Pad evolved from the ancient Futon, but is much more comfortable as well as transportable and storable. Under the Stars.Sleep soundly outside - anywhere and everywhere A Highly Evolved InventionThe LaidBack Pad evolved from the ancient Futon, but this one is more comfortable, transportable, storable and meant for sleeping outside and assists in achieving the meditative state in lying down.