As mentioned, one of the most crucial sleeping pad specs is the R-value, as it indicates how much insulation the pad provides. If the pad doesn’t provide enough insulation, you’ll end up feeling the effects, as the coldness of the ground will transfer through the pad and to you. In general and R-value of 3 would be suitable for 3-season backpackers, while an R-value of 5.5 or higher is recommended for cold-weather backpackers.