Tips to Choosing the Best Camping Pad

Today I have a guest post for you from Michael from BlogonDirt.com enjoy!

The camping pad is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or prepper! Because it is lightweight, compact, and can provide a maximum of comfort regardless of situations, it comes in handy in both emergencies and camping trips.

The cool thing about these products is that you can find them in all sorts of shapes and designs. Of course, each comes with a different set of features, so if you’re serious about including one in your BOB or camping backpack, it’s imperative to know which is best. However, the plethora of products can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the niche, so have a look at my comprehensive guide below.

You’ll learn everything there is to learn about the features that matter, the cost of a high-quality pad, and why you should care about volume and weight.

Types of Construction: What Each of Them Means

This information is important for your level of comfort and isolation from the elements, but it’s easy to misunderstand so make sure to read it carefully.

Closed Cell Foam

When it comes to comfort, this is the type of pad you don’t want on its own! These are simply a piece of foam that’s less than half an inch thick and use air pockets trapped within the foam to keep you toasty during the night (it doesn’t work if you’re wondering). However, they work great as a supplementary layer on an inflatable mattress.

Self-Inflating Pads

A bit thicker than the ones above, these pads use open cell foam that inflates when in direct contact with the air. The foam is trapped in between two pieces of fabric, and a valve keeps the air away while the pad is packed.

They’re not too compact but are lightweight and comfy. Furthermore, this foam retains heat, so you won’t freeze to death during the night.

Air Pads

These are a hybrid between inflatable air mattresses and self-inflating pads but can be folded into a tiny package. Air pads need to be inflated using either a special pump of your lungs, but once this operation is complete, you have a comfortable mattress that provides cushioning and good insulation.

As you can imagine, each of these three basic categories has their own sub-categories, so if you want to learn more about camping pads’ construction and materials, read this camping guide.

Prioritize your Needs

There are times when comfort is the least of your worries, so the best sleeping pad will be the one you need (not the one that gives the most cushioning).

For instance, if you go camping with the kids in the summer, then an air pad will work wonders. You and the family will have a fantastic time gazing at the stars on your comfy camping mattress! However, if you’re going camping or hiking in the midst of winter, you will need insulation and a pad that works fast. This is where a self-inflating design or a closed cell one shine!

But if you have to run from your home with just your BOB, you will need a design that’s extremely compact and lightweight but also provides good insulation.

Why are Camping Pads Important?

When you sleep outside of a house or a cabin, chances are you will be laying directly on the ground. Now, you may have a sleeping pad (you should have one!) but this is not designed to provide enough insulation to prevent the ground from wiping heat away from your body. So, unless you like sleeping in freezing conditions, the pad is crucial for your well-being.

Of course, you’ll need other pieces of equipment to stay safe out there (a headlamp for instance) but when it comes to sleeping, the bag and the pad always go together. Sleep is of paramount importance for your health, and when you’re miles away from any type of healthcare, there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks. So, make sure to choose the best camping pad for your needs before leaving the house!