No matter how thick your winter sleeping bag is, you’ll lose the battle with the cold if you don’t have a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads serve two very important purposes: insulation and comfort, both of which are critical for winter camping. In this article, we’ll explain what to look for when you go out to buy your sleeping pad, as well as our best sleeping pad for winter camping.
What to look for in a sleeping pad for winter camping
What is an R-value?
The resistance value, also known as R-value, is the measure of thermal resistance or the effectiveness of your insulating material. In the context of your sleeping pad, it indicates how well the pad prevents heat loss from your body to the cold ground. The higher the R-value, the more effective your sleeping pad will be at keeping you warm. For winter adventures, we recommend a rating of 4.5 for moderate winter conditions, 5 if you’re expecting to see temperatures below freezing.
Types of sleeping pads
Air pads are going to be your best bet if you’re looking for something super compact, however they come with some drawbacks. Since they are not super durable, you can accidentally puncture a hole in one fairly easily. Blowing them up by mouth will also introduce moisture into the pad, which can reduce its insulating properties. That said, they’re pretty comfortable and you can adjust the firmness by deflating the pad to your preference. Most campers recommend putting down a closed-cell sleeping pad below the air pad to keep it from scraping against the ground.
Self-inflating sleeping pads are popular because they’re durable. These tend to be easy to use — you just open the valve and it will self-inflate. These are different from air mattresses because they usually include a layer of foam insulation in addition to the air pockets. They can be heavier and bulkier and not as comfortable, but they do offer solid warmth for winter camping.
If the inflatable sleeping pad doesn’t sound right for you, look into a thermal pad. These are fairly lightweight with reflective thermal technology, so you’ll get the benefits of warmth without too much bulk in your pack.
Then, we have closed-cell foam pads. These are made from dense foam and are primarily used underneath an air-filled pad. They’re pretty much indestructible, so you won’t have to worry about your gear (or body) getting poked or punctured. This type of sleeping pad usually doesn’t have an R-value over 2, so these are best paired with an air pad or thermal pad.
The best sleeping pad for you will depend on your priorities. If you’re looking for maximum warmth, try a self-inflating pad or a thermal pad. Insulated air pads are perfect if you don’t have much space to pack, but you may want to add in a closed-foam pad for durability. Don’t be scared to mix and match to find the best sleep system for you!
The best sleeping pad for winter camping
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir uses multiple layers of reflective material to trap heat, which makes it one of the warmest and most popular choices for cold-weather camping. It has an R-value of 7.3 and weighs about a pound. Retailing for $239.95, this sleeping pad comes in three sizes: regular, regular wide, and large.
NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
The NEMO Tensor Winter Pad is designed for extreme cold with an 8.5 R-value, providing excellent warmth while weighing around a pound. Its Apex baffle design suspends four layers of Thermal Mirror film. Because of the floating construction, you won’t have to worry about crinkling noises, and the bottom is reinforced with 40D nylon. Since this pad comes with a pump sack, you won’t need to huff and puff. At $259.95, this model is perfect for ultralight winter backpacking.
NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad
If you’re looking for a great closed-cell foam sleeping pad, the Nemo Switchback is a great option. This sleeping pad is designed with an accordion-style fold so it’s always going to be easy to pack. The hexagonal nodes provide great support for both you and your other camping gear. With an R-value of 2, this might not be the only thing you want to use while winter camping, but it is extremely durable and works well to protect you and your sleeping system from pokes and prods.
By investing in a quality sleeping pad, you’ll ensure great rest while you’re camping in the winter. Any of these options will do wonders, but there are plenty of other great sleeping pads out there! While putting together your perfect sleeping system, consider what your needs will be, as well as the temperatures you could expect while adventuring. Most importantly, stay safe and have fun!
