There are many recommendations for sleeping pads, but I’m specifically interested in purchasing through the current REI sale. I’ll be camping in freezing temperatures this winter and currently use an Ozark Trail cot, which I unexpectedly love! I’ve been using two borrowed self-inflating Therm-a-Rest pads and a Marmot Trestles Eco 0-degree sleeping bag on the cot, and it’s kept me comfortable even in freezing conditions.
Now, I need to buy my own pads. What pad (or combination of pads) would you suggest to keep a cold sleeper warm in these conditions? Comfort and warmth are my top priorities. Since I’m driving, weight and packed size aren’t an issue. I prefer rectangular pads but am open to other shapes. While I want to avoid spending $500, I’m willing to invest if necessary. Are there any cots with higher R-values that I should consider too?
I’m not sure about cots with high R-values, but we usually use a warmer pad on top of our cots during winter, which makes a big difference. The Exped Megamat is really comfy and warm, though it’s not on sale, so you can use your 20% member coupon. If you don’t side sleep, the REI Campwell is great for the price, though it’s a bit thin for winter for side sleepers like me. Hest is another option, but it’s bulky to pack.
The REI Kingdom Cot 3 is also super comfortable with a warm pad on top, though it takes up a lot of space in the tent.
Torrin said: @Jensen
I am a side sleeper! Also, I have a huge tent, so I’ll look into the other suggestions. Thanks so much!
I also recommend the Exped MegaMat. After owning the MegaMat 10 and Duo, I switched to the MegaMat Max and haven’t regretted it. It’s warm, super comfortable, and massive.
I have an older version of the REI Camp Dreamer, and it’s an amazing value, especially with the sale price. I’ve never had issues with leaks, and it holds up just fine in freezing temps when paired with a good sleeping bag.
I don’t usually put it on a cot since I camp in smaller tents, but you could easily use it on a cot if you find one wide enough.
The right gear depends on a few factors, like the type of tent and location. Winter camping in New England in February requires different gear than in North Carolina at the same time of year.
Zan said:
The right gear depends on a few factors, like the type of tent and location. Winter camping in New England in February requires different gear than in North Carolina at the same time of year.
I have a Gazelle T4 tent, and I’ll be camping in Utah, Nevada, and Colorado during winter. I’ll also camp there in the summer and Texas. In the summer, I’ll just use the cot and some blankets. If it gets chilly, I use one pad, but when it’s freezing, I use both.
For cold weather car camping, adding snap-together foam pads between your groundsheet and tent floor really helps. You can use 1/2” closed-cell foam underneath the tent to protect the floor, add real R-value, and make it more comfortable, especially when kneeling in the tent.
