When choosing a sleeping pad, the most important decision you’ll have to make is whether to go with an inflatable or closed-cell foam model. This choice depends on the conditions you plan to camp in as well as your personal preference. This guide outlines the pros and cons of using an inflatable vs foam sleeping pad. I’ll cover weight, packed size, comfort, durability, warmth, and much more. I’ll also outline the main differences between inflatable and foam pads and offer some recommendations.
When I first started camping, I always used an inflatable sleeping pad. A few years ago, I switched to foam after getting sick of dealing with punctures. These days, the pad I pick depends on the conditions I expect. In this guide, I’ll share my experience.
What is a Foam Sleeping Pad? (closed-cell foam or CCF)
Foam sleeping pads are made from closed-cell foam (CCF). This is a dense foam that is made from tiny closed pockets that are full of air. These air-filled cells trap body heat to provide insulation. Foam sleeping pads typically have an r-value of 1.5-2.
Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are lightweight. Most weigh around 1 pound (around 450 grams.) They are also bulky. Foam sleeping pads measure around 20” x 6” x 6” when packed. Most models roll up for storage. Some models fold up like an accordion, allowing them to pack down smaller. Most hikers strap their foam sleeping pad to the outside of their pack on the top, side, or front.
Setting up a foam sleeping pad is simple. You just roll it out or unfold it and lay it out in your tent. In terms of comfort, foam pads are generally on the firm side. Most models measure around 0.75″ thick. Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are incredibly durable. You don’t have to worry about punctures or tears. They are also inexpensive. Most models cost $20-$50.
What is an Inflatable Sleeping Pad? (air pad or air camping mat)
Inflatable sleeping pads are a shell of airtight material that you inflate by blowing air into a valve on the side of the pad. You simply blow directly into the valve. Some models offer the option of using a pump.
Most modern inflatable sleeping pads feature either a layer of lightweight insulation, reflective material, or a combination of the two to increase warmth. Inflatable sleeping pads typically have an r-value between 3 and 7.
When deflated, air pads roll up into a small cylinder. Most measure around 1 liter in volume when pack. That’s about the size of a standard 32 oz Nalgene bottle. Most campers store their inflatable sleeping pad inside of their backpack. Inflatable sleeping pads are lightweight. Most weigh 12-16 oz (around 340-450 grams).
Inflatable sleeping pads require some setup. Every night when setting up camp, you must inflate the pad. Most models take 7-14 breaths to fill. In the morning, you must deflate the pad and roll it up.
Durability can also be an issue with inflatable pads because they can be punctured. Most come with a patch kit. Inflatable sleeping pads offer good support and comfort. Most models measure 2-3” thick.
Inflatable Sleeping Pad Pros
- Inflatable sleeping pads more comfortable- When choosing a sleeping pad, comfort should be your first priority. Most campers find inflatable pads to be more comfortable than foam pads because they are thicker. Thicker inflatable pads can provide more cushioning and support for your body. This can reduce pressure on pressure points including your hips, shoulders, and knees. You’re also less likely to bottom out when you move around. This is particularly important for side sleepers, whose bodies make a smaller contact patch with the pad. The extra 1-2” of padding really makes a difference. You can also customize the firmness of inflatable pads by adding or removing air. Some campers find a firmer or softer pad to be more comfortable. When your sleeping pad is comfortable, you’ll get a better night of sleep and wake up feeling more rested.
- Lighter weight- On average, inflatable seeping pads weigh 2-4 ounces (56-114 grams) less than comparable foam sleeping pads. For example, an ultralight inflatable pad weighs around 12-14 ounces (340-400 grams). To compare, a foam pad generally weighs around 14-16 ounces (400-450 grams). Whether you’re hiking, traveling, or bicycle touring, you want your gear to be as light as possible. Carrying lighter gear allows you to travel a bit faster and more efficiently because it takes less energy to move less weight around. It’s also easier to maneuver when you’re carrying less weight.
- Inflatable pads take up less space inside of your pack- Inflatable pads pack down small enough to fit inside of your backpack or into a mesh pocket on the side. For example, an ultralight model rolls into a cylinder that measures about 9″ long by 4″ in diameter. Most inflatable pads take up about 1 liter of space. That’s about the size of a Nalgene water bottle. To compare, foam pads measure about 20″ long by 6″ in diameter when packed. They would take up way too much space if packed inside so you must strap them to the outside. Inflatable pads are ideal for campers who don’t like strapping gear to the outside of their backpack. The small size also makes inflatable sleeping pads perfect for those who fly with their hiking gear. They can easily fit in a carry-on bag.
- Inflatable sleeping pads are warmer- Sleeping pad warmth is measured in R-value. This is a measurement of a material’s resistance to heat flow or thermal conductivity. The higher the R-value, the more insulation the sleeping pad provides. This is possible because air is an excellent thermal insulator. Generally, inflatable pads have a higher R-value than foam pads. For example, an average inflatable pad might have an R-value between 3 and 5. An insulated inflatable sleeping pad might have an R-value as high as 7. To compare, most foam sleeping pads have an R-value between 1 and 2. Because they provide more insulation, inflatable sleeping pads are better for use in cold weather. An inflatable sleeping pad with an R-value of around 3.5 or more will keep the average camper warm during spring, summer, and fall. If you plan to camp during the winter, 4 season inflatable pads are available which use a down filling to increase the R-value to 5+. These are ideal for winter camping when you might be sleeping on snow or in below-freezing temperatures. An inflatable with a down filling will be the warmest sleeping pad. For more info on R-values, check out this article.
- Inflatable sleeping pads are thicker- An average inflatable pad measures about 2.5” thick. To compare, foam pads are usually less than 1” thick. The extra thickness allows the pad to provide more support for your back, hips, shoulders, and knees. Thicker pads also tend to be warmer because there is more space for insulation and more distance between your body and the cold ground. Air is an excellent insulator. The added thickness also lifts you a bit higher off the ground.
- You can adjust the firmness- Inflatable sleeping pads allow you to adjust the firmness by adding or removing air. If you prefer a firmer pad, you can blow a bit more air. If you prefer a softer pad, you can simply blow less air into your pad. You can dial in your exact desired level of firmness for your personal preference. This allows you to customize your sleep surface, which increases comfort.
- Inflatable pads are better for side sleepers or those with a bad back- Because they are thicker, inflatable pads provide more support for your hips and shoulders if you are a side sleeper. If you have a bad back, you can adjust the firmness of the pad to suit your needs. You may experience less back pain when sleeping on an inflatable pad. Inflatables are the best camping mats for bad backs.
Inflatable Sleeping Pad Cons
- Inflatable sleeping pads can get punctured- If camp enough, you will get a puncture in your pad. This could be caused by a thorn, piece of broken glass, or a sharp stick or rock under your tent. If you camp with your dog, their claw could puncture your pad. I have even heard of pads getting punctured by a thorn stuck in a sock. When your inflatable pad gets punctured, it will deflate. Waking up on the cold ground in the middle of the night with an empty pad isn’t much fun. Luckily, most inflatable sleeping pads include a patch kit. To repair your punctured pad, you’ll have to find the hole, apply the patch, wait for it to dry, then reinflate. It can help to blow some air into the pad then place it in some water to find the hole. Look for air bubbles. As you can imagine, doing this in the middle of the night isn’t much fun. To reduce the risk of puncture, clear your campsite of any thorns or sharp objects. You should also use a durable footprint under your tent. If you’re careful, punctures are rare.
- Inflatable sleeping pads are more expensive- Entry-level inflatable sleep pads start around $50. Premium ultralight inflatable pads cost around $100-$180. To compare, basic foam sleeping pads start around $20. The most popular foam pads cost around $45-$50. On average, inflatable sleeping pads cost about $50 more than foam. Inflatable pads cost more for several reasons. First, they are more complex to make. The seams need to be sewn and sealed airtight. They are also made from more expensive materials including high-tech ultralight fabric and a valve. They also include a patch kit and stuff sack. This all adds to the cost.
- Inflatable sleep pads take more time and effort to set up and take down- First, you have to remove your pad from its stuff sack and roll it out in your tent. Next, you have to blow it up. The average inflatable sleeping pad takes around 15-30 breaths to fill. If you’re exhausted from a long day of hiking, this can take you a few minutes and leave you lightheaded. The next morning, you have to let the air out, roll the pad up, and fit it back into its stuff sack. This is my least favorite part of the process. Setting up and packing down an inflatable sleeping pad adds a couple of minutes to your camping routine. With a foam pad, you just unroll it in your tent and it’s ready to go. There are some options to make the setup process a bit easier. You can use a pump to fill your pad. For example, the