If your camping trip involves spending a night in a sleeping bag, don’t forget to pack something to put under that bag. Camping pads not only provide some cushioning between you and the hard ground, they provide insulation to help cut down on conductive heat loss. Standard camping pads are made of closed-cell foam. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and durable, but they can be bulky to carry and don’t provide as much cushioning as some of the alternatives.
Air Mattresses
For the softest night’s sleep, consider buying an air mattress. The Joy of Camping website states that air mattresses are “great for tent camping in temperate weather.” Outfitter REI notes that these mattresses are much thicker than foam pads and are “as close to a real bed as you can get.” They can be easily inflated with a pump. The downside is that they are not compact and you need to carry a pump to inflate them properly. You don’t want these on a cold-weather trip. When the temperature of the air inside the mattress drops, you can get a chill.
Self-Inflating Pads
Self-inflating pads are a popular choice among backpackers, according to REI. They’re a cross between air mattresses and traditional camping pads. These pads are made of open-cell foam wrapped in an air-tight, waterproof nylon shell. They cost more than the closed-cell pads, weigh more and can be punctured or ripped. However, they’re good at insulating your body and offer more comfort. You can adjust the firmness, and they roll up for easy carrying.
Backpacking Air Pads
These pads look a lot like old-fashioned pool rafts and must be manually inflated. REI says standard models are “fine for backpacking or camping in warm conditions.” More expensive models are available that use foam or fill insulation, and these can be used year-round. Like the self-inflating pads, these air pads can puncture, but REI notes field repairs are not difficult.
Ground Cloth and Newspaper
In a pinch, you can use plastic and newspapers to help cushion and insulate your sleeping bag. The Girl Scouts teach that you can put a shower curtain, heavy plastic or space blanket on the ground to use as a waterproof ground cloth. Top that with newspapers for insulation. It’s a cheap but somewhat messy alternative.
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