Despite the fact backpacking takes people from the comforts of their home and onto a trail for days on end, this pastime doesn’t have to be synonymous with sleeping uncomfortably on the ground. Instead of waking up with an aching back and worrying about every last stone or tree root while setting up camp, a proper sleeping pad offers backpackers a better way to catch a few Zs.

Our list includes at least one example of the three primary types of sleeping pads: Closed-cell foam, self-inflating, and air construction. Although air pads have taken the industry by storm, each type still has their respective place.

There are three primary types of sleeping pads: Closed-cell foam, self-inflating, and air construction.

Closed cell foam pads are the simplest pads on the market and while they’re not as packable, warm, or comfortable as the more technologically advanced pads, they’re durable and reliable — often favored by thru-hikers who can’t risk an unrepairable puncture. Closed cell foam pads are also the most affordable.

Self-inflating pads utilize open cell foam and air inflation properties layered between two pieces of fabric. They are relatively warm and more durable than air construction pads but the addition of foam makes them less packable.

Air pads are the lightest of the three options and also compress down to the smallest size. They can be extremely warm due to the thickness provided by the baffles but take much longer to inflate. If an air pad punctures in the middle of the night, you’ll be left with nothing to sleep on but most models do come with a repair kit.

When you think about warmth while backpacking, a sleeping bag is usually the first piece of equipment that comes to mind. However, a surprising amount of warmth is provided by your sleeping pad, which serves as your first line of defense between the cold ground and your body (other than your shelter, if applicable). The R-Value indicates the amount of insulation provided by your sleeping pad. By definition, R-Value means “the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow”.

Consider the kind of conditions you’re likely to encounter while backpacking so you can determine what kind of R-Value your pad requires.

An important consideration here is the type of surface you’ll be sleeping on. Dirt or grass feels much warmer than rock or ice and snow often feels warmer than rock. If you’re backpacking in winter and sleeping on ice, snow, or cold rock, you’ll want to pick out a sleeping pad with a high R-Value. R-Values range from about 1 to 9.5, with 9.5 being the most insulated.

If you’re a cold sleeper, you’ll want to consider a pad with a higher R-Value, as well. Some manufacturers also give a temperature range for their products but R-Value is the standard measurement you need to understand. A general rule of thumb: An R-Value of 3 or higher is generally sufficient for three-season backpacking while dedicated winter campers should look for a pad with an R-Value of 5 or higher.

Not everyone is the same height, therefore sleeping pads are typically available in different lengths. Regular indicates roughly 72 inches in length, Long (made for taller people) measures around 78 inches, and Short models are about 48 inches.

Note: The Short version isn’t just for shorter people but designed as a method to save weight. It’s intended for use as a quarter-length pad, spanning from the shoulders to below the waist. Clothing or other accessories are meant to be used to cradle your legs while you sleep.

Patch kits are an essential accessory if you’re going to be backpacking with an air pad, in the unfortunate occurrence of a puncture or rip. Most air construction pads come with a repair kit but sometimes you’ll have to purchase one separately — such as with the REI Flash. You do not want to set out on a backpacking expedition without a patch kit or you could risk sleeping on cold ground for an extended period of time.

If you dislike the process of inflating a sleeping pad, you can also consider purchasing a hand pump but remember, you’ll have to carry the extra weight. The innovative Therm-A-Rest AirTap Pump Kit is a handy alternative as it turns a bag or stuff sack into its own air pump.