You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat. Foam pads — especially those cut down to only shoulders and hips — are the exception to the rule. Placing a small, trimmed foam pad inside your sleeping bag ensures it stays in the right place under the hips and shoulders. And when you’re cowboy camping, you may want to place your trimmed foam pad inside your bag to keep it from flying away in the wind when you roll over in the night.

Nemo Switchback Trekking Mattresses : Snowleader

As you see, that's more my personal minimalistic and nomadic lifestyle than a shorter recreational hiking tour. And apart from the fact that I keep my stuff easily portable, I don't really plan to walk really long distances with the heavy version. Therm-a-Rest instructs using the Z Lite reflective side-up. NEMO says the metallic film points to the ground. In a lab setting, I bet it doesn’t make a difference, but I think it might in the wild. R-values aren’t unique to sleeping pads. They’re also used to describe building insulation and other materials. For instance, the walls of a typical insulated home have an R-value between 13 and 19.No, and yes. It is not mandatory to carry an inflatable pad’s inflation bag because it is totally possible to blow up any of the pads on our list with your mouth. And it’s tempting also to leave it behind because it is seemingly unnecessary weight — as many as three ounces in some cases.

Closed cell foam sleep mat for winter use? | BushcraftUK Closed cell foam sleep mat for winter use? | BushcraftUK

Rugged: Compared with inflatable sleeping pads, which become unreliable or totally useless with a pinhole leak, CCF pads can take abuse without degrading performance. The comfort might not be top-notch, but it is reliable.This pad is middle-of-the-road when it comes to price, weight, and R-value, but there are a few areas where it really shines compared to the competition, earning it a spot among the best thru-hiking sleeping pads of the year. Premium dual-density Axiotomic foam offers a supple layer for comfort and a resilient layer for support. More importantly, the relatively rigid shape makes it an excellent floaty for swimming in alpine lakes.