I recently went on a two-week camping trip to the Ozarks, and one big takeaway is that I need to upgrade my sleeping pad. My current inflatable pad keeps the cold out but offers almost no cushioning, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
I’m open to sacrificing some pack space for comfort. Any suggestions for a sleeping pad that provides excellent cushioning and insulation for cold-weather camping? Thanks in advance!
For thicker cushioning, try brands like Thermarest, Nemo, or Sea to Summit. The Klymit Static V is a more budget-friendly option. If you’re a side sleeper, extra thickness makes a big difference. Personally, I use the Nemo Tensor Extreme, which has great durability and an R-value of 8.5 for cold-weather camping.
@Skyler
I usually sleep on my side when in a sleeping bag. The Nemo Tensor looks great! How comfortable is it?
Bliss said:
@Skyler
I usually sleep on my side when in a sleeping bag. The Nemo Tensor looks great! How comfortable is it?
The Extreme version is super comfortable—more so than my home mattress. It’s thick enough that even when I’m on my side, my hip doesn’t touch the ground. If you can, try testing pads at an REI store to see what works for you.
Bliss said:
@Skyler
I usually sleep on my side when in a sleeping bag. The Nemo Tensor looks great! How comfortable is it?
The Tensor packs down smaller than a Nalgene bottle and offers great comfort and warmth. I’ve been happy with mine for both backpacking and car camping.
@Skyler
I recommend the Klymit Static V for value. It’s comfortable and packs down to 5x9 inches. It’s held up well for me in the Ozarks.
If weight isn’t a big concern, consider the Exped Megamat 10. It’s incredibly comfortable but does take up more space. Perfect for car camping or shorter hikes to the campsite.
Piper said:
If weight isn’t a big concern, consider the Exped Megamat 10. It’s incredibly comfortable but does take up more space. Perfect for car camping or shorter hikes to the campsite.
Weight isn’t a huge deal since I mostly do moto-camping. The Exped Deepsleep looks similar and might work well for me. Thanks for the suggestion!
Based on what you’ve described, I’d recommend moving to a regular inflatable pad like the REI Helix or Big Agnes pads. They’re comfortable, packable, and offer good insulation (R-value around 4-5). Check REI’s garage sales—you can often find great deals on these pads.
I recently used the Big Agnes Boundary on a trip with sub-freezing temperatures, and it worked great. Highly recommend it!
What’s your budget? Also, do you prefer any specific textures or materials?
Cass said:
What’s your budget? Also, do you prefer any specific textures or materials?
I hadn’t thought much about budget, but after some research, I’m looking at spending $150-$200 for a quality pad.
I got a Big Agnes Q Core Deluxe on clearance for $119. It has an R-value of 4.3 and is super comfortable. Check for sales after Christmas—brands like Thermarest, Nemo, and Sea to Summit usually have some great options available.
@Ripley
Great idea! I’ll definitely check out sales. Thanks for the suggestion.
Are you adding extra air to your self-inflating pad? Over time, they lose their ability to self-inflate fully. I use a Nemo Quasar for lightweight trips and love it.
Vesper said:
Are you adding extra air to your self-inflating pad? Over time, they lose their ability to self-inflate fully. I use a Nemo Quasar for lightweight trips and love it.
I do add air, but it doesn’t seem to make a huge difference. I’ll look into the Quasar. Thanks!
For your budget, the Nemo Tensor (around $200) is a great choice. It’s thick, warm, and packs down small.
For extended trips to cold environments, I use the Thermarest BaseCamp. It’s bulky but incredibly comfortable for car or boat camping. A good night’s sleep is worth the extra bulk!