Sleep warmer and more comfortably outdoors with sleeping pads, foam camping mats and inflatable pillows. A good pad matters as much as your sleeping bag, because cold ground pulls heat from your body all night.
Choosing a sleeping pad
- R-value: higher numbers insulate more. Around R1.5 suits warm nights; R3 and above suits cold treks.
- Inflatable pads: more cushioning and pack small.
- Foam mats: cannot puncture and work well as a base layer.
- Pillows: inflatable pillows add comfort for under 100 g.
FAQs
Do I need a sleeping pad for a Himalayan trek?
Yes. An insulated pad (R3 or more) stops cold ground from chilling you at night.
Foam or inflatable?
Inflatable is softer; foam is tougher and leak-proof. Many trekkers use both together on cold trips.

