Choose the Right Backpacking Sleeping Pad ---
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Your backpacking sleeping pad plays an important role in providing a comfortable night’s sleep on the trail. It will provide you two important benefits: insulation for warmth and cushion for comfort.| Enjoying the site? Stay current with all the new gear. Sign up for my FREE newsletter. |
Self-inflating models provide the excellent insulation of foam coupled with the increased comfort of a cushion of air. Inflating is as easy as opening a valve. To deflate, simply open the valve and roll into a compact package. Closing the valve keeps the air out. Self-inflating sleeping pads are heavier than their foam counterparts with the regular, full length weighing from 1.5 pounds for a thinner cushion to over 3 pounds for a cushier mat.
Manual Inflating Air
Between the basic foam and self-inflating styles is the air-filled design. Some models include foam to increase insulation, some do not. These require manual inflation. Models without 
foam are best reserved for warm climate conditions due to the lack of insulative qualities. The weight is just less than 1.5 pounds for the regular length.
Available Sizes
A standard width is 20 inches wide. Widths of 25” and 30” are available if you tend to toss and turn enough to constantly be rolling off your pad.
Multiple lengths are available from a bare-bones basic one-half length to a full length or even extra long style. Obviously the longer and wider model you choose, the heavier it will be in your pack.
Striking A Balance
The choice of a backpacking sleeping pad will require striking a balance between weight and comfort.
Can you sleep well anywhere regardless of comfort? If so, you will only require a basic, lightweight foam for insulation. 
Do you sleep very cold or can’t sleep at all if you feel even a small bump under you? You may need a thick self-inflating sleeping pad.
Most of us fall somewhere in between. A careful consideration between weight on your back versus insulation and cushion under your body are the important factors in choosing your best backpacking sleeping pad for you.
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