Air Mattress and Outdoor Sleeping Pad Buying Guide imageWhile it s true that campers rarely expect the 5-star treatment when roughing it out in the wild, it s almost impossible to sleep well on cold, hard ground. Get a good night s sleep with an outdoor sleeping...Read More about Air Mattress and Outdoor Sleeping Pad Buying GuideSleeping pads can make or break your night of sleep. Get a crappy one and you’ll wake up even more tired than you were before going to sleep. Get a good one and you will feel like you slept on your on bed at home. But, how do you know what’s the best sleeping pad for you? That’s why we’re here. One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing outdoor gear. As you know, we like keeping things simple. So think about what type of hiking trip you plan to use the pad for and your budget. Then check out the models that fit those needs. Thermarest NeoAir XthermAir Pad0.93 lbs5.7$$$4.7 Thermarest NeoAir XLiteAir Pad0.75 lbs3.2$$$4.5
REI Air Rail 1.5Self-Inflating1.62 lbs4.2$$4.5 Big Agnes Q-Core SLAir Pad1.21 lbs4.5$$4.1 Sea to Summit Comfort Light InsulatedAir Pad1.28 lbs4.2$$$4.8 Thermarest NeoAir All SeasonAir Pad1.31 lbs4.9$$$4.5 Thermarest Z Lite SOLClosed-cell Foam0.87 lbs2.6$4.5 Sea to Summit Ultralight Air Pad0.78 lbs0.7$$4.8 Klymit Insulated Static V LiteAir Pad1.22 lbs4.4$$4.7 Thermarest NeoAir VentureAir Pad1.31 lbs1.8$4.4 Depending on how you plan to use the mat and the weather conditions you’ll face, there are 3 options to choose from. An air pad is manually inflated and uses air for cushioning. Some of the best models use insulation materials to increase warmth. These mats are the most comfortable ones for backpacking. However they are heavier and not very durable, they can be punctured or ripped easily. A self-inflating pad uses a combination of open-cell foam insulation and air for cushioning. All you have to do is open the valve and the air fills automatically.
They are comfy and pack small but they are the most expensive option. A closed cell foam pad is the cheapest, lightest and most durable option. The downside is they’re not as comfy as the other types and tend to be bulky. The R value measures the sleeping pad’s ability to resist heat flow. So, the higher the R value the better it will insulate you from the cold ground. You need to consider what climate you’ll be camping in most of the time. For cold weather camping, look for a pad with an R value over 5. In the summer months, you can get away with a pad with a lower R value. For very cold weather, put a closed foam pad under your sleeping mat for extra insulation. Like it happens with any piece of outdoor gear you put on your backpack, you need to consider weight. If you’re planning an ultra-light hiking trip, foam pads are the lightest but they take a lot of room. Some of the best air pad models have reduced their weight a lot, making them the best choice for these kinds of adventures.
Manufacturers make pads in a few different sizes, which determines its weight and price tag. At a minimum, your shoulders and hips need to fit on a pad. Shorter people can save weight by carrying a short sized pad. Some tall people prefer to carry a short pad and then use clothes to cushion the legs. If you have a small tent, be sure to take the dimensions into consideration when choosing a pad. How much room your pad will take up in your pack is worth considering. Generally, warmer pads are thicker and take up more space. This isn’t always the case, there are plenty of mats that pack small, but tend to be more expensive than their bulkier counterparts. These are a great option if you’re looking for the best backpacking sleeping pad on the market. Some sleeping pads come in a women’s version. These pads typically are a bit shorter and offer more insulation in the hips and feet. Check out the latest price on: BEST FOR: General hiking and ultralight adventures
FEATURES: Air construction, baffled insulation, 2.5 inches thick. PROS: Packs down small. Very warm and comfortable. FEATURES: Self-inflating, foam insulation, 1.5 inches thick. PROS: Wide and comfortable. Side rails keep you in. CONS: Heavy, bulky and thin. FEATURES: Air construction, synthetic insulation, 3.5 inches thick. PROS: Compact, comfortable and relatively light. FEATURES: Air construction, AirSprung cells, synthetic, 2 inches thick. PROS: Warm, very stable and packs down small.Not as comfy as other pads. PROS: Compact, durable, warm and comfortable. CONS: A bit noisy. Edges collapse under load. FEATURES: Closed cell foam, 0.75 inches thick. PROS: Lightweight and warm. FEATURES: Air construction, AirSprung cells, 2 inches thick.Packs down very small. CONS: Not very warm. PROS: Warm, cheap and relatively lightweight. CONS: Noisy and not very durable. FEATURES: Air construction, baffled insulation, 2.25 inches thick.
25 inches X72 inches X 1.5 inchs Stansport Self-Inflating Air Mattress The Stansport Self-inflating Air Mattress is a practical and sophisticated, no-fuss air mattress. It is ideal for almost any situation where you will be laying on the ground, from inside your camping tent to your living room floor. Simply unroll, unscrew the air valve, and it is ready for you or your guests in seconds. Throw it under your blanket or sleeping bag for instant comfort. Thanks to the convenient design, this air mattress is easy to use anywhere and anytime. This mat is made from high-density, premium grade, open-cell foam that is bonded to the outer fabric. With dimensions of 30” x 78”, this mattress is very accommodating. Inflates to 3” thick for excellent support. Features a brass valve and nylon cover for protection. Uses 400mm polyurethane coating for added protection and durability. A good night's sleep is the most crucial component of any successful camping trip, and this durable, self-inflating air mattress from outdoor outfitter Stansport ensures just that.