Pro tip: That $40 inflatable sleeping pad was a total mistake in 30 degree weather

Bought one of those budget Klymit pads off Amazon last fall for a quick trip to the Smokies. Woke up at 2am with my hip on the ground and shivering because the R-value is basically zero. Anyone else had luck with foam pads instead of inflatable ones for real cold nights?

2 comments

2 Comments

samward1d ago

Fair enough that a cheap pad let you down, but is it really that bad? I've used a budget inflatable down to about 25 degrees and just put a foam sit pad under my hips and shoulders. That little extra insulation kept me off the ground and I slept fine. Foam pads definitely work better for cold, but they're bulky as hell and take up half your pack space. Seems like either way you're making a trade-off between warmth and carrying convenience.

grant_cooper23h ago

Is it bad that I've been using the same cheap pad for years because I'm too lazy to research a better one?