forum thread Posted by idk_then | Staff • Yesterday
Apr 2, 2025 5:52 PM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
forum thread Posted by idk_then | Staff • Yesterday
Apr 2, 2025 5:52 PM
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A Large Air mattress is ok for car camping b/c of comfort & speed of setup.
Alternatively I use a cot now for car camping with my thermarest mattress pad on it. I just car camped in the SNOW in Yosemite Valley campgrounds 4 days ago. I researched R value mattress pad, freezing rated sleeping bag, then put them all on my large cot.
Trade offs: pad weight & size vs warmth & comfort
Factors to consider if backpacking, R value, but need small size, & least weight.
If not backpacking, doing car camping large air mattress adequate but bulky & takes time to pack.
If not backpacking, doing car camping & want smaller items & want warmth go for R value pad & cot.
If backpacking weight (& size) is #1 factor. #2 factor is then warmth & comfort buffer from the freezing cold ground.
Even in California in May the freezing ground will keep me up at night, matress pad or buffer is mandatory for a good nights sleep.
1.) It was quite useful even beyond its purpose as a sleeping pad. I sat on it during a lunch break and it was a lot more comfortable than a rock or log. I used it like this various times throughout the trip.
2.) These closed cell pads add R-value to your primary (more comfortabl) air pad. Recent research (see MyLifeOutdoors Youtube) shows that the R-value of air pads is overstated, while the closed cell pads like this are correct.
3.) My air pad failed (leaks at multiple seams) during my last trip. It got down into the 30s at night and having this pad under my failed air pad kept things from getting a lot worse.
what are these hard R words/references? lol
I find sleeping on an inflatable pad comfy, but it's not quite the same as a mattress (air or foam).
Self inflating pads are usually a bit bulkier, and not as easy to roll up. So depends, if you have the space, sure. I use a tiny rechargeable blower and it takes just a few seconds to inflate a non-self-inflating pad.
Some of this is best to test out for yourself, as everyone is different, goes to different places, at different times of the year, etc.