Updated: January 2026
The older I get, the more I believe this: sleep is a piece of gear. If you sleep cold or wake up wrecked, your “fun” trip turns into a grit-your-teeth trip.
Quick picks
- Side sleepers: thicker pad + quiet fabric matters more than weight.
- Cold sleepers / shoulder season: higher insulation (R-value) beats stacking blankets.
- Car camping: go thicker and wider; weight doesn’t matter.
R-value without the nonsense
Higher R-value = more insulation from the ground. If you camp on cold ground, this is not optional. The ground steals heat all night.
Air pad vs foam
| Type | Best for | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable air pad | Comfort + packability | Punctures, can be noisy |
| Closed-cell foam | Cheap, reliable, fast | Bulk, less comfort |
What I look for (comfort + reliability)
- Width (20″ vs 25″) — many people simply need wider
- Thickness + baffle style (side sleeper friendly)
- Valve that doesn’t make you hate setup
- Noise (fabric matters)
- Repairability and included patch kit
Common mistakes
- Buying ultralight and then sleeping terribly
- Underestimating cold ground
- Not practicing repairs at home