Sleeping pad
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In camping, a sleeping pad, sleeping mat or ground pad is a simple device often used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. Its purpose is to provide padding and thermal insulation. The ground may become quite cold at night, and is often covered with sticks, small rocks, and other objects that may make sleep difficult. A sleeping bag does not provide adequate protection against either hazard, but a sleeping pad does.
The simplest sleeping pads are sheets of foam rubber or a reflective metallized plastic material, rolled up or folded for storage. The latter provides little extra comfort, but gives good insulation. It is popular because of its low mass and volume. More expensive, and heavier, inflatable models are designed with interconnected air cells that may be compressed for maximum compactness, or inflated through a valve for maximum padding.
Self-inflating air mattresses are available for backpackers, e.g., Therm-a-Rest®. These offer superior comfort and a smaller packed volume than traditional foam sheets, however these are more prone to puncture.
In recent years other manufacturers have offered hybrid solutions. Exped use goose down in place of open cell foam to reduce air circulation. This does not self-inflate so they have built an air pump into the stuffsack. Ajungilak have taken a similar approach with some polyester fibre to help reduce air circulation. Perhaps the ultimate in lightweight solutions is the Balloon Bed. Without doubt it offers the most specialist solution to short, technical trips where packed size and weight is an absolute must. It packs away smaller than a can of beans, yet weighs less than 100g.
[edit] Trivia
In the UK, pads are sometimes known by the slang term splat mat. The foam sheet variety has been known for years by the brand name 'Karrimat'.
