But if you hit the trail year-round or enjoy early spring or late fall trips, make sure you get a pad that provides protection from the cold. The level of comfort you want while sleeping - some people prefer to save money, space and weight by sticking with very basic pads. But if your trips are short or you're a car camper, weight will be less of an issue. Space will be less of a problem if you're carrying all of your gear in your car, or boat. Positives - They're comfortable, adjustable and inexpensive.
Air inside is free to circulate, so they tend to be poor insulators.
The tiny foam cells restrict air circulation, so they are also more effective insulators than air mattresses. They're more expensive than the options listed above. Sleeping pads come in a variety of styles, shapes and lengths. If possible, try out a number of different pads before deciding on a single model. If you'll be traveling with a close friend, consider pads that can be attached together to form a larger sleeping area for two.