| Inflated by | Mouth, pump sack, or pump |
| Strengths | Comfort, packability, low weight |
| Weaknesses | Punctures, cost, noise |
| Warmth | Rated by R-value |
An air sleeping pad is inflated with air (by mouth, pump sack, or pump) to provide cushioning and, with internal insulation or reflective layers, warmth rated by R-value. Air pads are the most comfortable and packable type and can be very light, but they can be punctured and are noisier and pricier than foam.
Pad types
The comfiest, most packable sleeping pad type — versus the durable foam pad and the middle-ground self-inflating pad. Check the R-value.
Frequently asked questions
What is an air sleeping pad?
An air pad is an inflatable sleeping pad whose cushioning and warmth come from a sealed chamber of air, often with internal baffles, insulation, or reflective films to raise its R-value. They pack down very small and offer the most comfort and thickness for the weight.
Air pad vs foam pad?
Air pads are more comfortable, thicker, warmer-for-weight, and far more packable, but can puncture, cost more, and can be noisy; closed-cell foam pads are cheap, indestructible, and reliable but bulky and less comfortable. Many cold-weather campers pair the two for warmth and puncture insurance.
Do air sleeping pads keep you warm?
They can — but only insulated air pads. A bare air pad lets convection currents move heat away, so look at the R-value: insulated air pads use internal insulation or reflective layers to reach three-season or winter R-values, while uninsulated ones are warm-weather only.
Sources
- Sleeping pads — American Hiking Society