Lying down to sleep is a simple gesture you do every day without asking too many questions. Despite the major impact of sleep on our quality of life, we tend to take our comfort for granted.
It only takes a few days in nature to realize that small details can make a big difference between a good night's sleep and a sleepless night. Not everyone can fall asleep lying on a flat rock or on a bed of fir branches.
In the following text, you'll find some points to consider when buying a sleeping pad that will make you dream!
What is the function of a sleeping pad
The most obvious function of a sleeping pad is to support the body by evening out the surface on which you lie down to sleep. Because you've been accustomed to a certain degree of comfort, it's important that you can partially recreate what you find in your bed.
However, the main function of a sleeping pad is insulation. It serves to form a buffer layer between the ground temperature and that of your body. This is essential for preserving the optimal functioning of your body's internal mechanics.
To finalize the purchase of a perfect sleeping pad for you, the important thing is to determine your needs based on your habits and preferences. Yes, I'll grant you, there's also the money question that can influence your choice.
The main factors that will guide your choice are: comfort, the duration of your trips, the quantity (weight) of gear you need to carry, and your degree of cold tolerance.
Sleeper habits
Several criteria come into play when it's time to evaluate the comfort of a sleeping pad, the main one being related to the body position you prefer for falling asleep. While most sleeping pads adapt to stomach and back positions, certain pads are more suitable for those who can only find sleep on their side.
Do you tend to roll around? To change sides? To pull the covers to your side? To need to snuggle to find sleep? These questions can also influence your choice.
Size, shape, thickness and insulating factor
While there exists a standard size that suits the vast majority of the population, there are also formats more suitable for children, for women, for couples, but also those who tend to move a lot in their sleep. You'll understand that by asking yourself the right questions about your sleeping habits, you'll be better able to choose the shape and size that suits you.
Insulation and "R-value"
The R-value refers to a material's ability to retain body heat. Its value varies on an established scale between 1 and 10. The higher the number, the warmer and more effective the pad is and the more suitable for cold temperatures. Cold resistance is also a determining criterion in the comfort offered by a sleeping pad.
As a reference, we can say that pads with a rating of 1 and 2 are designed to be used in summer, 3 or 4 can cover the temperature spectrum present from April to October, and 4.5 and above are more suitable for winter temperatures.
This rating is not exemplarily precise, as the criteria for evaluating it are not homogeneous, but it still gives you a good idea of field performance.
However, you shouldn't forget that the thickness of a sleeping pad has a direct impact on comfort and insulating properties, but also on volume and weight in transport mode. It's therefore important that you be honest with yourself when questioning your habits.
Are you really ready to drag around a more cumbersome pad if you have no intention of doing winter camping?
Types of sleeping pads
There are several types of sleeping pads. They are mainly distinguished by the insulation system they put forward and the way to handle them. Some have been designed to optimize storage to facilitate transport during long forest stays (they take up less space and are lighter), others focus more on the practical side (easier storage and handling), some have been designed to be more comfortable.
Choosing the perfect sleeping pad for you actually consists of deciding on which aspect you are less willing to compromise.
The foam pad
Foam sleeping pads continue to be present on the market because they have a long lifespan and are still affordable. They store easily on the side of the backpack (but it's sometimes quite bulky), but their main disadvantage is that they don't offer the same level of comfort as inflatable or self-inflating pads.
Foam sleeping pads, which are composed of synthetic material filled with small air pockets, have fairly limited insulating properties. However, some models are coated with a reflective material that allows better retention of body heat.
In general, the durability of a foam pad is surprising, but you must be careful not to expose them to tree branches during transport, as they will be damaged by friction.
This type of pad can prove to be a good choice for the camper who favors the warm season, who appreciates simplicity (no inflation step) and for whom comfort standards are not those of royalty.
It's a safe and versatile purchase, because being resistant and waterproof, it can serve as an additional insulating layer for winter camping or become the centerpiece of a perfectly adequate camp seat.
The inflatable sleeping pad
Inflatable pads are made of sealed compartments that are filled with air by blowing with the mouth or by the action of a pump. You can also adjust the firmness of the pad according to the sleeper's preference, which makes this type of pad a choice focused on comfort. However, it can prove quite expensive.
From a practical point of view, it's quite simple, once emptied of its air, you just have to roll it up. But it will remain bulky and heavy in the backpack. Moreover, it doesn't offer a great degree of insulation and in cold temperatures, it can tend to soften.
Although this type of pad is quite resistant, it is still quite difficult to consolidate an effective repair once it is punctured. It's a choice that is more suitable for those who bet everything on comfort, who like to sleep in the car, in a site arranged for summer temperatures or in less wild places like a chalet or a refuge.
The self-inflating sleeping pad
Self-inflating sleeping pads are composed of a layer of foam with expanding cells. You just need to open the valve and ambient air enters the cells to inflate the pad. You can adjust the firmness by adding air with your mouth or with the help of a pump.
It's a fairly comfortable type of pad that offers better insulation while being cheaper to purchase than a conventional inflatable pad. It can also be repaired more effectively, because the cells being isolated, the air pressure is not as strong on the perforations.
However, it is even more bulky and heavier than inflatable pads and also less durable than foam pads.
It's a perfect choice for occasional campers who don't want to drag around a pump and hikers who are looking for a minimum of comfort and durability without having to invest a maximum.
The insulated inflatable sleeping pad
These are inflatable pads manufactured with or covered with an insulating material that protects better from cold than ordinary inflatable or self-inflating pads. Depending on the material used (synthetic material, down, reflective material), this type of sleeping pad offers different degrees of insulation thus allowing to meet very specific needs according to the seasons. The comfort of these pads is among the most appreciated.
Due to their compressible quality, these pads take up little space in the backpack. On the other hand, they are expensive and even if they are easy to repair, they puncture easily. Depending on the material chosen for insulation, they can make less noise when you move when the insulation is down or be noisier if they are covered with a reflective material like aluminum.
While there are also insulated self-inflating pads, it is important to mention that in general, the comfort of insulated inflatable pads exceeds that of self-inflating pads. They are also less bulky and easier to transport.
Perfect for those who like to travel light and who camp year-round. If it weren't for the price and its lifespan which can be limited, it's a choice likely to satisfy all outdoor enthusiasts.
It's time to go sleep on it
Now that you have plenty of elements to evaluate your needs, it's time to think about the amount you're ready to invest. The price range varies depending on the type of pad and the materials used. You must keep in mind that to justify the price of a good sleeping pad, its durability is not a criterion that is necessarily linked to it.
You should expect to invest between $15 and $75 for a foam pad and $100 to $300 for an inflatable or self-inflating sleeping pad. You need to add $40 to $60 for a pump if you choose an inflatable sleeping pad.
Don't forget that a good sleeping pad is an investment and that it's always advisable to ask questions and compare prices from one retailer to another to make a good purchase.
In closing, I leave you with some additional tips and tricks to make your sleeping pad purchase profitable and optimize its use.
Additional points to consider before purchase:
- Think about transport (by bringing your backpack, or bike panniers to the store if needed) to be sure to choose a pad whose storage type is optimal.
- Try it in the store. If it's an inflatable pad, ask the salesperson to inflate it in front of you and take the time to lie down on it.
- A comfortable pillow and sleeping bag adapted to your needs are elements that contribute to comfort that the best sleeping pad cannot replace. You must consider a global amount for your investment to make it profitable.
- For lightness fanatics, choosing a mummy-style pad (narrower in the leg region), or shorter ones can allow you to cut a few grams from the pack.
- There are pads specially designed for women that are a little shorter and offer better insulation for legs and feet. Prioritize this purchase for those who are cold-sensitive.
- Choose a thicker pad if you sleep on your side (at least 4 cm thick and forget the foam pad).
Tips to optimize use and lifespan:
- It's preferable to inflate your pad with a pump rather than with your mouth, because breath contains moisture that can favor the appearance of mold in the material. Some models are equipped with an integrated pump.
- Only inflate your sleeping pad once in the tent sheltered from bad weather to avoid damaging it on sharp objects or ending up with a flying bed.
- In winter you can combine two sleeping pads for better insulation (for example: foam + inflatable).
- It's preferable to wash the pad with water and mild soap and let it dry before storing it.
- Once dry, avoid folding your inflatable pad and store it by rolling it with the valve open to ensure you properly empty the remaining air and moisture.
With that, all that remains is for me to wish you sweet dreams in nature!
Sources:
https://www.mec.ca
https://www.espaces.ca
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