Sleeping out under the stars is an experience that can be fun or miserable, and the thing that will really make or break your trip is always going to be your equipment. If you have the gear that you need, you can handle just about anything that mother nature can throw at you. But when you aren’t prepared, the weather and environment can quickly turn your night into a nightmare. By carefully researching choosing the best sleeping accessories for the great outdoors, you are going to ensure that you can catch the z’s you need to be able to really enjoy your day. A sleeping bag is a must, along with a shelter from the elements, whether that’s a tarp or a tent. The last big factor to consider is your sleeping pad. The exact kind of pad you prefer is going to depend on your own unique preferences, but it can be easy to get overwhelmed by your options. Let’s talk about a few of the basic things to consider when shopping for sleeping pads for a great night under the stars.
The first step in deciding what kind of sleeping pad you want to commit to is determining what you are going to use it for. Are you going to be taking it backpacking with you? Or will you be car camping? Maybe this is a sleeping pad that you want to be able to tuck into your bugout bag and forget about. Having a clear idea of your pad’s use before you shop is going to help you determine the appropriate weight and size for your packed-down pad. If you’re going to fit it into a backpack and carry it, your first consideration will be weight, but for car camping you can focus on comfort. Then next step is determining the amount of protection you need from the ground. If you are camping in the winter, you need the maximum amount of protection to keep from losing all your heat through the pad.
If you are sleeping outside on rougher terrain, more padding is also going to help you sleep better. Last but not least, you will need to pay close attention to whether your pad is the right size for you. Sleeping pads come in all shapes and sizes, so know the height and width that you need for your comfort. If you tend to roll around in your sleep, be sure to factor that into your dimensions.
The right sleeping pad is going to make a huge difference in your experience, so shop carefully!