How to Choose a Sleeping Pad

Sleeping in the dirt doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

Over the past 5-years or so, there have been some great technological improvements in camping gear. Sleeping pads have perhaps improved the most. Gone are the days of a simple closed cell foam pad or a Therm-a-rest that is guaranteed to leak. The consumer now has endless options ranging from super-ultra-light to super-comfortable and everything in between.

As a business that rents camping gear, we have learned a thing or two about what is best. Frankly, there is no one perfect solution. Here is a little run-down on the pros and cons of the camping pads we offer:

Big Agnes Air Core

STYLE: Non-self inflating, parallel baffled, insulated sleeping pad. Typically the least expensive style of air-chamber pads. 21-oz total weight.

PROS: Most packable in class.This pad packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. Less baffles mean faster inflate and deflate time, and it is super packable.

CONS: Minimal insulation mean it is strictly a warm-weather pad. Parallel baffles tend to be noisy and slippery.

Big Agnes Insulated Double Z

STYLE: Non-self inflating, multi-baffled, insulated deluxe sleeping pad. 21-oz.

PROS: Better insulation and higher loft (4″) make for a more comfortable night. Multi-baffle construction distributes weight evenly and is less slippery.

CONS: Slower to inflate and deflate, less packable than parallel baffled pads.Air chamber pads tend to be noisy.

 

Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core

STYLE: Ultra-light, comfortable, multi-baffled warm weather sleeping pad. 16-oz.

PROS: I-Beam baffles provide faster inflate and deflate times and better weight distribution. The lightest weight option, packs better than Double Z but not as well as Air Core.

CONS: With less weight comes compromise, as they have proven to be a little less durable. Air chamber pads tend to be noisy.

Big Agnes Two Track

STLYE: Foam core, self-inflating, versatile sleeping pad. 28-oz.

PROS: Foam core adds comfort (even if air chamber fails), and makes for a quieter night sleep. Temperature rated to -25°.

CONS: Does not pack as well. A little heavier. A little slippery than multi-baffled pads. Can absorb water if it gets wet.

 

Big Agnes Hinman

STYLE: Foam core, durable, extra-comfortable and wide, self-inflating pad. 34-oz.

PROS: Super comfortable, super warm.

CONS: Car camping or base-camping only, you don’t want to carry this one! Higher density foam slows inflate/ deflate times and makes for not a very packable pad. Can absorb water if it gets wet.

 

CONCLUSIONS:

There really isn’t such thing as the perfect pad for all camping scenarios. If you are car camping and space is at a premium, than the Two Tracks are the best bet. If you are backpacking and every ounce counts, than go for the Q-Core. Or, do what we do, have a bunch of each style so you always have the right pad!