Just realized my old sleeping pad was costing me a ton of sleep | Camping Gear Reviews

James Black · 2026-03-15T07:35:10.667553+00:00

I used a basic foam pad for years and always woke up cold and stiff. Last month on a trip to the White Mountains, a buddy let me try his insulated inflatable pad for one night. The difference was huge. I slept straight through a 40 degree night and felt great in the morning. Has anyone else made a switch like that and been surprised by how much it helped?

betty_shah6mo ago

Yeah @reeseanderson nailed it. What R-value did your buddy's pad have?

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the_grant7mo ago

Doubt it's that serious, foam pads work fine for me.

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reeseanderson7mo ago

Oh man, it's a total game changer. That foam pad just sucks the heat right out of you on cold ground. An insulated pad actually stops that. The comfort difference alone is worth it, but staying warm is the real win.

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