An experienced camper knows that a good night’s sleep can give you a much-needed boost for the next day. There’s no better way to experience maximum comfort outdoors than with a sleeping pad tailored to cushion you on the bare ground. If you are looking to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars on a comfortable surface, you came to the right place. We will give you a rundown of some of the best car camping sleeping pads available.
Benefits Of Car Camping Sleeping Pads
- Comfort. A good-quality sleeping pad cushions the user from all things on the surface. It’s a great substitute for conventional mattresses and offers maximum comfort to both side and stomach sleepers.
- Warmth. One of the most important benefits provided by sleeping pads is the warmth they provide to campers, especially during the cold weather. Though sleeping bags are perceived to be great sources of warmth, an insulated sleeping pad will guarantee that you are not losing heat to the ground.
- Space-friendly. Most sleeping pads are inflatable and can be folded to fit in a backpack. Moreover, a typical sleeping pad could fit in a small vehicle or a one-person tent. Inflatable pads come in a variety of sizes, and it’s easy to find a space-friendly option that’s appropriate for your height.
Types Of Car Camping Sleeping Pads
Air Pads
Most air pads have reflective or insulating materials to optimize the warmth campers get. This type of sleeping pad needs to be inflated. You could either blow into the valve (it usually takes less than 3 minutes) or use a foot pump. Some models come with a built-in pump that automatically inflates the pump when activated.
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads
Self-inflating pads use a combination of air and open-cell foam insulation. When you open the sleeping pad’s valve, air will automatically fill all the chambers. These pads are designed for backpacking and camping and can be folded and rolled up to save on space. Sleeping pads specifically designed for car camping can be rolled up without folding.
Closed-Cell Foam Pads
Closed-cell sleeping pads are made of dense foam that features small closed air cells. In most cases, the pads are folded in Z-formations or rolled up. At a camping site, they can double as sitting pads but are not as comfortable as the other types. They are the most durable of the three types.
Top Brands
Lightspeed Outdoors
Lightspeed Outdoors is a manufacturer of outdoor gears suitable for people with a passion for adventure. The company was established in 2009 with the aim of creating durable and easy-to-use outdoor products including beds, bags, chairs, and sleeping pads. It’s headquartered in San Diego and produces some of the best sleeping pads, such as the Lightspeed Outdoors PVC-Free Warmth Series.
Therm-a-Rest
Therm-a-Rest is an American company that makes outdoor-comfort products such as pillows, sleeping bags, mattresses, and some of the best backpacking sleeping pads. The company was established in 1971 by John Burroughs, Neil Anderson, and Jim Lea. It’s currently headquartered in Seattle. The Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic and Therm-a Rest Neoair Uberlite are some of its best sleeping pads for a backpacking trip.
ALPS Mountaineering
ALPS Mountaineering is an American company that manufactures camping gear. Its products include backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and car sleeping pads. The company was established by Dennis Brune in 1993. It’s currently headquartered in Missouri. One of its popular air pads is the ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series Self-Inflating Air Pad.
Klymit
Klymit is a private innovation company that makes camping gear, such as sleeping bags, pillows, and car camping sleeping pads. The company was founded in 2007 and has grown into a popular brand with top-notch products such as the Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad. The company is headquartered in Centerville, Utah.
Car Camping Sleeping Pad Pricing
- Under $50: This price range includes the cheapest camping mats on the market. They offer just the right amount of comfort and warmth but may not last as long as rival pads in a higher price range.
- $55-$90: Most sleeping pads that offer user-friendly features and value fall within this range. These are self-inflating pads that are durable. They are constructed with comfortable materials that typically don’t make noise as you turn.
- $100 and up: Budget this much for a premium camping sleeping pad made from high-quality and durable materials. The products here offer unparalleled comfort and have non-slip characteristics. Most come with extra features, such as pillows and repair kits.
Key Features
R-Value & Insulation
The R-value is a measure of the pad’s capacity to resist the flow of heat. A pad with a higher R-value will offer you better protection from cold surfaces. Most manufacturers will indicate the R-value or the heat range, and you can use the value to gauge the suitability of the pad depending on climatic conditions of your camping area.
Weight
Ultra-light products are the best for camping since they are portable and ideal for backpacking trips. To get the best lightweight pads, consider going for a tapered shape that packs smaller by reducing volume, or a closed-cell foam sleeping pad with short lengths.
Length and Width
You should at least be able to fit your hips and shoulders on the sleeping pad. Regular pads are about 72 inches long, but some stretch out to 78 inches long. There are shorter pads than that, but they aren’t recommended for winter camping since you will need extra clothing to insulate your legs and feet. Most pads offer a 20-inch width as a standard, but there are larger pads that can go up to 30 inches wide for larger people.
Inflation Style
Sleeping pads often feature high-volume inflation and deflation valves. There are also pads that have bigger openings that facilitate faster inflation with fewer breaths. Look out for sleeping pads that have separate inflation layers or chambers so you can still use the pad even in situations where one chamber or layer has failed.
Other Considerations
- Pad Surface: If you are a restless sleeper, choose a pad with a brushed-fabric or textured surface. These two types of surfaces will keep you from sliding off the pad at night. They are also quieter.
- Pad Construction: There are pads that have side baffles that help protect side sleepers from rolling off when turning. These are especially ideal for kids. Some come with pillow baffles to support your head. The baffle, however, is more of a preference than a requirement.
Best Car Camping Sleeping Pad Reviews and Recommendations 2021
Best Overall
Lightspeed Outdoors PVC-Free Warmth Series
Best Value
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic
Premium Pick
TETON Sports Universal Camp Pad
Honorable Mention
Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad for Camping
Honorable Mention
FRETREE Camping Air Sleeping Pad
Honorable Mention
WellaX Ultra-Light Air Sleeping Pad
Honorable Mention
Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow
Honorable Mention
IFORREST Sleeping Pad With Armrest and Pillow
Honorable Mention
Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad
Honorable Mention
Trekology UL Sleeping Pad
Tips
- Always place your sleeping pad at the top of your luggage. Most people tend to put the pad at the bottom of the backpack, which is not a good idea since the first thing people do when they reach their destination is to drop their luggage. You won’t want the pad to be at the bottom just in case there is a pointy twig or thorn.
- Wash the camping sleeping pad after every camping trip. Insect repellent is one of the things that you need to clean off the pad because most contain DEET, a compound that can compromise the integrity of synthetic fabrics. A wash after camping will also get rid of pine sap, mold, and body oils that can affect the performance and reduce the lifespan.
- Keep your pad away from direct sunlight. For self-inflating foam pads, leave them semi-inflated, as this is good for air circulation and the longevity of the foam. Air pads should be hung in the closet, and don’t form a habit of folding them along the same crease line. It may weaken the pad.
- Always carry repair kits for air pads. The smallest holes can compromise your comfort. Knowing how to repair minor damages will go a long way in making your camping trip comfortable in case of a puncture.
FAQs
Q: Why is my sleeping pad losing air every time I lay on it?
A: If your sleeping pad is losing air, and you have confirmed that there are no tears on the fabric, then the issue must be with the valve. The valve may malfunction due to normal wear and tear or unintended pressure that destroys the valve. Most pads support metal and plastic valve replacements where you can buy a replacement kit from the manufacturer in case your valve malfunctions.
Q: What is a loft pocket and how does it work?
A: Loft pockets are voids that are strategically placed in the body of the pad to allow your sleeping bag to expand in this space for optimum thermal benefits. This design is important for people camping in colder regions. Apart from thermal benefits, these pockets also improve comfort.
Q: Is it OK to use the sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag?
A: Many people do it without damaging the bag, so yes. One of the benefits you could get is maximum insulation. Restless and side sleepers can also enjoy the fact that the pad limits your movement inside the sleeping bag.
Final Thoughts
The best car camping mattress that combines value, superior quality, and comfort is the Lightspeed Outdoors PVC-Free Warmth.
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Foam Camping Sleeping Pad is the best camping sleeping pad for campers looking for a budget pad that does not compromise on quality.