Sleeping Pads
|
|
What are sleeping pads and how do I use them when hiking?
Sleeping pads are a great accessory to have for your sleeping bag, especially when hiking. They are basically just a roll-out pad to put underneath your sleeping bag while you sleep. It doesn't sound like it would be that useful, but it is: it makes rocky or uneven ground much more comfortable to sleep on, it keeps you from getting soaked if the ground gets moist, and it raises the temperature in your sleeping bag on cold nights by a pretty big amount because you don't have direct contact with the ground. If you're just camping in a tent it is mainly for the comfort value, because the floors of most tents are still pretty thin.
|
Wenger Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat - This is a self-inflating sleeping pad, which is good because you can roll it up into a much smaller size when you're hiking and it won't take up too much space. It's a little slow to inflate, but very comfortable. You can also blow into it to make it a little thicker if you want more comfort. It weighs about five pounds, so it's not that heavy. It costs around $40 and you can get it online here. |
|
Coleman Sleeping Pads - I think this one is probably a little better for serious hikers. It's not going to be as comfortable, but it is VERY light - about a pound. For people mainly concerned about the utility and the weight, I'd go with this. It's also cheap - around $8. You can get it here online. |
|
Wenzel Sleeping Pad - Another good, cheap lightweight one that weighs about a pound. It's supposed to add about ten degrees temperature to the sleeping bag by insulating you from the ground. I'm not sure if there's really any difference between this one and the Coleman one in terms of substance. It's around $7 and available here online. |
|
Pacific Outdoors Sleeping Pad - This one is a little more advanced than the basic sleeping pad. It's only 11 ounces, and it's got foam at the shoulder and hip level to add to the comfort. It's also designed as a "three-season" pad which basically means you can use it in spring, summer, and fall. It costs between $20 and $30 depending on the size. You can get it online here. |
Return to Online Camping Guide Home Page