Camping Sleeping Pads VS Air Mattress - Differences All Campers Should Know About
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When heading out for extended forays into the great outdoors, a little precision planning for comfortable and efficient slumber will keep you happy and energized on your trip. When it comes down to light and portable sleeping, sleeping pads and air mattresses have some great advantages.
In the following article, we will take a closer look at the differences between these two highly developed camping facilities. After this short article, you will have a better idea of how to choose the best option for your next camping adventure.
What is a Sleeping Pad?
Exactly that! — a sleeping pad is a thick mat of insulated materials that protects the sleeper from cold hard ground. These pads will provide comfort and warmth while out in the wild and can be packed down small too. Different thicknesses and thermal designs will provide a different level of warmth and comfort in a variety of different situations and climates.
Sleeping pads are the preferred bed away from bed while backpacking, camping, and mountaineering. They are lightweight, compact, and highly portable. Which ticks the trifecta for desirable gear in any of these activities. With a little practice and technique, a sleeping pad can keep the sleeper warm, and protect the body from things on the ground.
Sleeping pads provide several benefits for those who use them. They help to insulate the body from the cold ground, which can help people stay warm during cold nights. As well as providing cushions and support to the body, sleeping pads can also keep the sleeper warm.
What is an air mattress?
An air mattress is an inflatable membrane made of rubber, PVC, or some similar material, that can be filled with air and pneumatically remove the sleeper from the ground. These can be inflated with the lungs, or with an air pump. These are commonly used in camping as they can be deflated, packed, and inflated again easily. Some of these air mattresses even have built-in air pumps.
Differences Between Sleeping pads vs air mattress
Now that we have a better understanding of the air mattress and sleeping pad, let’s see how they look side by side.
1. Thinner or lighter
Generally speaking, air mattresses tend to be a little bigger and heavier than a sleeping pads. Because of this, a sleeping pad is the preferred sleeping option for those on the trail.
2. More comfortable
This is a matter of choice. The air mattress will certainly provide greater insulation and place a greater distance between you and the ground. But some people find the air mattress a little uncomfortable and prefer sleeping pads — to each their own.
3. Easier to transport
This will greatly depend on how you plan to travel and how much you will bring along. A large thick sleeping pad can be heavier and harder to carry than the smallest lightest air mattress, of course, the reverse is also true.
4. More Versatile
There are countless ways that a sleeping pad can be used to improve comfort on the trail. They can serve as comfortable seats, or yoga mats, and even be stacked on top of each other. An air mattress should only be used for sleeping to increase its longevity.
5. Inflation
Sleeping pads are much easier to inflate than air mattresses. This can be done with the lungs or an air pump. To properly inflate an air mattress, an air pump is typically required.
6. The affordable option
A sleeping pad is a far more affordable option than an air mattress.
7. Surfaces
When heading out into the wilderness, consider what type of terrain you will be sleeping on. If the terrain is uneven and sloped, a sleeping pad would be the better choice. Air mattresses are best suited to flat surfaces.
So, now you can see some of the greatest differences between these two impressive camping facilities. Keep these in mind to choose the options that best meet the needs of your next trip into the wild blue yonder.
Major Disadvantages of Sleeping Pads and Air Mattresses
Now that we can see the major differences between sleeping pads and air mattresses, we can take a look at some of the major disadvantages that should be part of your decision-making process.
Sleeping Pads
Minimal protection — Sleeping pads do not offer much protection from the lumpy floor or the hard ground.
Small dimensions — while they can be found in any size, the sleeping pad is best kept as small as possible. Besides, it is not meant for an especially active sleeper.
Portability issues — without a proper backpack designed to carry the sleeping pad, it can be difficult to bring along.
Air Mattresses
Heavier and Bulkier — unless you bring an inflatable raft from the pool, most air mattresses designed for camping will be heavier and bulkier than your average sleeping pad. This makes them ill-suited to ultra-light camping.
Costly — air mattresses are usually more expensive than sleeping pads.
Pump — unless you plan to exert yourself all day and do it some more when you get to camp, you will need a pump to inflate the air mattress.
Not Many Size Options — you will be very limited in the options available for air mattresses.
Final Notes on air Mattresses and Sleeping Pads
While they are both excellent for outdoor comfort, sleeping pads and air mattresses are made for very different experiences. If you will not be packing heavy for an extended trek, air mattresses can provide some comfort, especially in very cold camping locations. Sleeping pads are the most versatile option by far and the only option if you plan on making every ounce of weight count.
Now that you have a clearer idea of the major differences between these two important outdoor beds, you can make a better choice for your nights on the trail. Knowing the drawbacks of each can help you avoid some of the major issues that arise with sleeping pads and air mattresses.
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