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Sleeping pads

A sleeping pad is indispensable on camping holidays. The main functions of a sleeping pad are to provide sleeping comfort and insulate your body from ... Read more

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Types of sleeping pads

Sleeping pads can be roughly divided into two groups: inflatable pads and self-inflating (SI) pads. Inflatable pads have to be inflated, and the advantage of these models is that you can carry them in a small package. SI pads are filled with open-cell foam (“foam”). When you roll up the pad, all the air is forced out of the foam and when you close the valve, the pad stays nicely rolled up. If you open the valve, then the foam fills with air again, which is why it has the self-inflating property. The advantage of the SI pads is their ease of use, high insulation value and great sleeping comfort. The disadvantage is the larger and heavier package to carry compared to inflatable pads. Insulating an inflatable pad often involves some engineering. Often air chamber construction is used or a vernunulent layer of insulation is added in the manufacturing process.

The R-Value of sleeping mats

The R-Value is very important for a sleeping mat; it determines up to what temperature you will still be nice and warm. R-values fairly closely correspond to seasons, meaning that an R-value of 1 to 1.9 could count as 1-season, from 2 to 2.9 as 2-season and so on.