Just switched from a foam pad to an inflatable after 10 years

I used to swear by my closed-cell foam pad, thought inflatables were fragile and overpriced. Then I borrowed my buddy's Therm-a-Rest at Borrowdale last month during a rainy trip, woke up actually rested for the first time in years. Anyone else make the switch and find it harder to go back than they expected?

2 comments

2 Comments

ryan_carr5920d ago

You're making a big deal out of a sleeping pad. I get that inflatables are more comfortable, but is it really that serious? I've been using the same foam pad for 15 years and I sleep fine. Yeah, it's a bit firm and I toss and turn sometimes, but that's just part of camping. Last time I tried an inflatable at a campsite up near Keswick, it deflated halfway through the night and I woke up on the ground anyway. People act like a few extra ounces and some dirt on your hip is the end of the world.

wright.cole20d ago

The closed cell foam pads are great for durability but man they just don't compare once you get a good night's sleep on an inflatable. First thing I'd say is get a patch kit before you even take it out, those little pinhole leaks happen and it sucks to find out at 2am. Also don't over inflate it, people always pump them up rock hard and then wonder why they wake up feeling like they're on a rock. I usually just barely blow it up until I feel the ground support but still sink in a little, that's the sweet spot. The weight savings and pack size are huge too, I can fit my pad and sleeping bag in the same stuff sack now where before they took up half my pack. Give it a few trips and the foam will feel like a torture board.