It's funny how much age takes a toll on you.
I spent many nights camping in the East Texas woods as a child and never had any issues sleeping on rocks and the cold hard ground.
Now If I fall asleep on the couch in the wrong position, I'm sore for two or three days.
I'm not whining, it's just the simple truth that comes with age.
In a survival situation you need to do whatever you can to lessen the impact your daily activities have on your body.Tthanks to modern technology, there is a better alternative to just sleeping on the ground.
And, depending on the weather, that can be a very costly mistake indeed.
One of the cheapest and most effective ways you can prepare for a night in the wilderness is to pack a camping pad.
There are quite a few different options available and they all have their own pro's and cons.
Take this one for example:
- GET A GREAT NIGHT OF SLEEP CAMPING AND BACKPACKING - No more sore back or annoying discomfort from every little rocks or leafs underneath! This 2"...
- YOU WON'T MISS YOUR MATTRESS AT HOME - Great comfort and support with our interconnected, self-adjusting air-cell design that conforms to your body
- PERFECT FOR BACKPACKING, CAMPING,TRAVEL - Ultralight, Ultra-Compact and weights only ~16 oz and packs down TINY to 8"x3"x3". Easily fit in your...
I prefer the closed cell foam pads over the self inflating type.
It may just be my personal experience but I've never had a comfortable night on any type of air mattress… they always deflate on me.
The Good
- Very lightweight
- Protects and insulates
- Easily rolls up for packing
The Bad
- Tears fairly
- Weight may not be a factor but it is bulky
The Bottom Line
One of these pads isn't going to replace your home mattress, but if you're stuck out in the wild or need to bug out, it will keep you insulated and off the ground and it is much easier than trying to cart around a military cot…
Just make sure that you still clear your area of rocks and sticks to help avoid ripping or tearing your mattress pad. While it may take up some extra bulk on your backpack, it will only add a negligible amount of weight.
Like I said above, there are quite a few different options when it comes to sleeping out doors.
Which one do you prefer?
I have never tried the closed cell pads but I know that the self inflating ones have never worked for me. Because of my weight I can never get enough air pressure in them. Any points of heavier weight just squeeze together and then I’m just basically sleeping on the ground as if I had no pad at that point.
Come on guys. Unless you’re sleeping in arid desert, there is always leaves or grass that can be collected to form a cushion barrier that will aid comfort. Just have some bug juice for the chiggers. lol. That’s why I prefer hammocks if he terrain permits.
Awesome article, couldn’t agree more. Did 8.5 years in the Army Infantry, so I have a lot of bush time to back up my endorsement. Absolutely essential if you don’t have a way to stay off the ground. The old sticks and leaves is a thing is just a disaster and should only be done if there is no other possible remedy.
I’ve slept many nights on both types and I find the Thermarest premium to give the best nights sleep on cold, hard, ground. If the temperature variance is in the 50 degree range, I over-inflate some to compensate for the shrinkage.
For my bugout rig I have closed cell foam for its waterproof ness and reliability. No chance of a rupture or puncture with closed cell foam.
I would love to try a hammock but often camp places with few trees. Kind of puts a kink in that plan.
After read about the pad I wondered about uniginty I am 72 now and when i go camping I find me a nice piles of leaves, put them on my ground sheet untill I have my area cleard. put the plastic down leaves on platic, sleeping bag on top hardly ever get wet and if it is run cold then couple of sq bales workks just
Worrying about how Hard the Ground, is a Minor thing, You ought to worry about what is In the ground you’ve picked to sleep on!
That Bare Spot just might be hiding a Nest of FIRE-ANTS, Scorpions, Spiders, Wasp & other Less than Friendly Pest.
As for those Closed Foam Pads & Self-Inflating mattresses, their Fine but You can Improve their uses.
Try Sewing on a Insect Repelling Cloth in the Form of a One Man Tent to that Foam Pad, It will add just an OZ. or so to the Weight, Yet It’ll keep most Insects Out of your sleeping Bags. Another good Idea, If your not into D.I.Y., Shop, Cheaper-than-dirt for your Camping needs & Leave those Big Name, Big Prices, for the Rich!
Good Call Quester55!
Some good points, Quester55.
However, after the way Cheaper Than Dirt scalped folks with their ammo, magazine, and gun price increases following Newtown, I wouldn’t stop at their stores to piss in the parking lot.
I’m with you on that. They weren’t the only ones and most are still way out of line. Stop shopping at these sites and they’ll drop their prices. They would rather sell in bulk for buying power than have their sales drop and so does their buying power. Let’s get them all down!
To protect the pad, lay down a 5×7 tarp, put the pad on the tarp and fold the tarp over the pad. Put a space blanket over the top followed by your sleeping bag. Pleasant dreams!
All true enough! I’ve been “let down” quite literally by cheap inflatables too many times. I got what I paid for, cheapness! I now pack a Kelty 3″ thick with a built in pump. So far it’s been reliable and tough. The material on the bottom is MUCH thicker than the top. I don’t regret the “expensive” price a bit!