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Sleeping Pads

Guide

Sleeping Pads

Choose a sleeping pad by the coldest night and by what you want to carry. The R-value under ASTM F3340 tells you how warm it is: REI suggests below 2 for nights around 10 °C, and 4 to 5.4 for frost around -7 °C.

Key points

Compare ASTM F3340 R-values; a higher value means more insulation.
An R 3 mat stacked on an R 2 mat gives a total of R 5.
Thickness adds comfort but does not replace insulation.

Which mat for which trip?

Use	Choice	Limit
Trekking, bikepacking, mountain trips	ChoiceAir pad	LimitThorns and sharp stones can puncture it. Pack a patch kit.
Camping, canoeing, trips by car or bike	ChoiceSelf-inflating pad	LimitHeavier and bulkier than an air pad
Winter base layer, kids, breaks	ChoiceFoam pad	LimitBulky, carried on the outside of the pack
Car camping, campsites, guest beds	ChoiceComfort mat	LimitWeighs about 2 kg, not one for the backpack

Types compared

Air pad (inflatable)
For trekking and cycle tours when every gram counts.
- Advantage: Light, small pack size
- Drawback: One hole and it goes flat
Example: Therm-A-Rest Neoair Xlite NXT ›
Self-inflating pad (foam and air)
For camping and trips when comfort beats weight.
- Advantage: Partly inflates itself
- Drawback: Heavier than an air pad
Example: Exped SIM 3.8 ›
Foam pad (closed-cell)
As a winter base layer, for breaks and kids.
- Advantage: Cannot burst
- Drawback: Bulky
Example: Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL ›

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
What does the R-value mean?	In shortHigher is warmer	WhyThe R-value measures how well the pad holds in heat. Since 2020, ASTM F3340 sets out the measurement between a warm and a cold plate. Values measured this way are comparable.
Which R-value suits me?	In shortNo temperature guarantee	WhyAn R-value is not a guaranteed temperature limit. Compare the maker’s guidance and the coldest night; sleeping bag, clothing and how easily you feel cold also matter.
Air, foam or both?	In shortChoose by weight	WhyAir pads weigh least and pack smallest. Self-inflating pads combine foam and air. Foam pads cannot burst but are bulky.
How wide does the pad need to be?	In short51 cm standard	WhyMost pads are 51 cm wide and 183 cm long. If you turn a lot, take 64 cm. Tall people choose a long version at 198 cm so their feet don't rest on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Why am I cold despite a thick pad?

Warmth depends on the R-value, not thickness. Air pads only become warm through fills or reflective films inside. So compare the values under ASTM F3340.

How do I find a hole in an air pad?

Inflate the pad firmly and dip it into water section by section, or brush it with soapy water. Where bubbles rise, that's the leak.

What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell foam?

Closed-cell foam is used in foam pads: it needs no air and cannot burst. Open-cell foam is used in self-inflating pads. It expands and draws in air as it does.

Can I join two pads together?

Yes, with a coupler kit: straps hold two single pads side by side so no gap opens up at night. There are also double pads.

Last updated: October 2026