Features of Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads are a necessity when camping.camping image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com

A sleeping pad is a protective layer of material that is placed underneath a sleeping bag during camping. If you have ever camped without a sleeping pad, you know that even the best sleeping bag in the world can be extremely uncomfortable without an extra layer to protect you from the ground. Select a sleeping pad that has features that suit your particular camping trip, to ensure a great night's sleep in your tent or under the stars.

Foam and Air

A standard sleeping pad is a rolled up sheet of foam that has air trapped in small cavities to serve as insulation. These foam sleeping pads can be more convenient than a traditional air mattress because they do not need to be manually inflated. Also, an air mattress can get cold as the air temperature drops during the night. Combination sleeping pads have a layer of foam as well as and a section that self-inflates with air when you enroll it. If the pad develops a puncture, it still works as a regular foam pad.

The thickest, biggest sleeping pad is typically the most comfortable. If you are driving to and from the campsite, you may as well purchase the largest, most comfortable pad. If you are backpacking, however, you must consider that you will need to carry the sleeping pad with you during the trip. Since the biggest pads are typically the heaviest, you must decide how much you are willing to carry versus how much comfort you want to have while sleeping. A closed-cell sleeping pad is typically the lightest, but it is the least comfortable as it doesn't hold very much air for cushioning.

Women and men have different needs for support when they are sleeping. There are specific men's and women's sleeping pads and bags that take this into consideration. Women's sleeping pads have extra padding at the feet and hips, and men's sleeping pads provide all-body comfort. Purchase a gender specific sleeping pad to ensure that your sleeping pad fits your body.

While it is not difficult to patch an inflatable sleeping pad, pads that do not inflate are more durable. Camping can lead to a lot of nicks and scratches on your equipment, so durability is important to consider. A closed-cell pad is extremely durable, can repel water and it is the warmest of the pads. Some closed-cell pads can even act as a flotation device.

Some sleeping pads have extra features to cater to specific camping situations. A chair sleeve is a sleeping pad that makes a lounge chair more comfortable. There are some sleeping pads that can be joined together. This is helpful for couples who are camping, since couples who sleep on two separate sleeping pads will slide away from each other. Some sleeping pads have a non-slip surface to keep you from sliding off in the middle of the night.