Aren’t All Pads the Same?
You would like to be sure that your camping expedition is memorable. To make this possible, we are sharing some useful tips when it comes to sleeping pads. With so many options and choices being available, we are the following tips that will come in very handy.
Spending even a couple of days and nights in some remote camping location is easier said than done. While the campers will spend the day time moving around and exhausting their bodies and minds, they need a few hours of sound sleep in the night. It is possible only when they have the right sleeping pads for camping.
However, with many choices and options being available, choosing the right one is not easy. Therefore, it makes sense to have the correct information about the various types of sleeping pads. Your choice of sleeping pads will also depend on the place where you are camping, the climate and weather conditions, amongst different other things.
Your choice of sleeping pads would also depend on the type of camping that you would like to choose. There are many camping options to choose from. We are sharing a few of them in brief. We will then talk about the various essential things to be kept in mind when selecting sleeping pads for your camping.
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Major Types of Camping
Tent Camping
Tent camping is perhaps the most common and basic one. This sort of camping is about identifying the right camping site. Once this is complete, the tent has to be constructed. The shelter should be functional and comfortable enough to spend a single night or even a couple of nights. You must be sure that the tent is good enough to take care of the weather. Some camping sites are notorious for their unpredictable weather. Hence, apart from a good tent, you also should have a good sleeping bag if needed.
Backpacking or Hiking
It is another common type of camping. It is about walking the whole day with your entire gear, and this may include a lightweight tent. Many who are into hiking prefer sleeping outside their shelters, or they build a hammock if the right place using the right materials. Here also useful sleeping pads or bags could make a world of difference, mainly when the weather is terrible.
Kayak/Canoe Camping
It is, again, basically backpacking. However, instead of hiking across difficult terrains, the campers will be traveling by water. The secrete to a good canoe or kayak camping lies in being able to choose the right canoeing spot depending on the skill set, weather, and other such things.
Safety also is an essential factor. You also need a comfortable and safe place to sleep in the night on the canoe. You certainly would need a right sleeping pad so that you are well protected from the elements of nature and also from insects and other such problems.
Winter Camping
Most campers prefer to go for camping only when the spring season comes or when it is summer. However, there are a few adventurous types of campers who would not mind being out there in some camping locations when the weather is cold and perhaps even freezing. While many things could make camping during winter happy, you must be well prepared and must plan well for the entire camping activity. Amongst the many gadgets having the right sleeping pads are essential.
Re-Enactment Camping
It is basically about re-enacting an event in the right atmosphere and environment. Able campers do not require any introduction to this. However, if you want to make this camping a memorable experience, mere knowledge of the event is not enough. Adequate preparation is vital because the site you choose could have the worst of weather. Having a suitable sleeping pad could ensure that you not only enact the event properly but are also well protected from the elements of nature.
Apart from the above, there are other forms and types of camping, including car camping, themed camping, adventure camping, amongst others. Each one is unique and beautiful in its way, and you must ensure that you are fully prepared as a camper before you hit the camping trail. Your checklist must be complete, and nothing should be left to chance.
How To Choose The Right Sleeping Pads
After having a reasonably close look at the most critical types of camping, let us spend some time understanding the various things to be considered when choosing the right sleeping pads for camping.
Many believe that sleeping pads or sleeping bags may end up stealing the spotlight as far as camping gears, but they are critical. They could make a big difference in making the camping trip memorable or worth forgetting. You must first have a good idea about the different types of sleeping pads that are commonly used by campers.
Manually inflated sleeping pads are in everyday use. It comes with a valve, or you could also make use of a pump to inflate the pads. When choosing such sleeping pads, ensure that they are light. At the same time, they must provide adequate protection from the elements of nature and also be comfortable.
Self-inflated sleeping pads are almost the same as manually inflated ones. However, they make use of open-cell foam. It allows the pad to automatically get inflated when the valve of the pad is ready to function. The cell foam expands and gets filled with air. While this saves entirely of a bit of energy and time, you must be sure that the sleeping pads are correctly maintained.
Shapes And Sizing
There are different sizes in which the sleeping pads are available, and they serve different needs and purposes. The measurement is in inches or centimeters. Hence, it should not be a problem to decide on the size of the sleeping pads. It would always be better to choose pads/bags that are a few inches longer when compared to your height. It will ensure that your feet do not hang outside. It could be a big problem in winter and also could expose you to insect and reptile bites.
The width and shape of the sleeping pad also have to be carefully thought through. Most of the standard pads come with a diameter of 20 inches. If you are a broader person, it would be better to go in for sleeping pads with a width of 25 inches. You may try going in for a rectangular shaped sleeping bag that could be a much better choice.
Always Buy The Pad That Suits You
There is no doubt that sleeping is a personal choice. The individual concerned is the best person who can understand the level of comfort when it comes to sleeping. Therefore, he or she should choose the right pad that helps them to enjoy a good night’s sleep, even if it is for a few hours. Please also have a clear idea about the terrain on which you are going to sleep. If the ground you are sleeping is rough, you should go in for a pack or pad that is thicker.
On the other hand, if you can sleep in any condition, then you may choose a lighter sleeping pad that is easy to pack and carry. If you are on winter camping, do make sure that the pads that you plan to have the best of insulating properties. As mentioned above, a heat-reflecting inner layer could make a big difference. Also, make sure that your pad is strong and sturdy. It should not get punctured, and therefore the quality should be sturdy and robust.
Price
Yes, price is another important consideration when choosing a suitable sleeping pad. There is nothing wrong with bargaining for the best rates. However, you must not compromise on quality under any circumstances just because the prices are a bit lower when compared to other models.
The Final Word
Yes, there is no doubt that each camper wants his or her camping or hiking experience to be memorable, enjoyable, and exciting. Many things go in making a pleasant camping experience tremendous, and choosing the right sleeping pads is undoubtedly a vital decision. You must do your research and have the proper knowledge and information. Then you must select the right one that takes into account various factors like weather, the surface, and other such factors, the insulation properties, and the protection that it could offer from insect bites and other such problems. The length and breadth of the sleeping pads are also crucial because of obvious reasons.
You must understand that camping can be fun but there are some lurking dangers and safety related issued that may miss your attention. The risk goes up even further during the night time because of obvious reasons and you must make sure that you are adequately prepared for it.
The process of buying the right sleeping pads must start early in the day and you must not hurry through the whole thing. You must understand the importance of going through the right due diligence process. This will ensure that you are adequately protected during the night time and you also are able to enjoy good sleep at least for a few hours. This is vital because the days must have been spent moving around some of the most difficult and even dangerous places.
