Sleeping Pads

Even though you (or your porter) are already packing a lot of bulky hiking gear, one item that determines whether your night camping will be rough or cushy is your sleeping pad. Don't be ashamed to bring a comfortable cushion because it can serve many purposes, and even "tough" campers bring them. Experienced campers know that keeping warm and getting good sleep at night are invaluable. Having something to cushion the lumps and to insulate you from the cold ground will make a big difference for you in your tent. No matter where you set up your tent (unless it's on a sandy beach, which can be a risky place to camp with the tides) you will have lumpy or even rocky ground. You can do your best to clear away the wood and rocks on the ground, but when you lay down you'll find out your'e right on a half-buried boulder or some roots. A good pad will absorb that awkward clutter underneath. The ground is also really good add sucking away heat from your body, even through a sleeping bag. Even in fairly warm weather you may feel the effects of sticking to a great thermal conduit. The material of sleeping pad with insulate you and keep you warm.

A common type of sleeping mat is the Therm-a-Rest, for those who like being able to deflate the pad and roll it up tightly for pack space. This has a foam core with a nozzle on the corner to let out or blow in extra air. These insulate well and have a skid-proof to keep you from slipping downhill in your tent. This pad is a little bit thin and pliant, so its padding is not the most cushy. It is a bad idea to bring an inflatable mattress with no insulation inside because your body heat will pass through and you'll get to be very cold. Another pad made of polypropylene foam and has great cushion and insulation, but does not compact down very well. The best you can do is roll it up a bit (down to one foot in diameter) and strap it to your backpack for travel. If you're really lucky though and you're with a trekking group the company may provide and pack for you an open foam pad that is a few inches thick. Of course the insulation and padding are excellent if you keep them dry, so the only issue is how bulky they are, so most campers think they're not worth it.