PADS FOR THAT COMFORTABLE FEELING IN THE OUTDOORS

Pads are really a necessity if you want to save your sleeping bag. keeping it clean, cry, as well as extending its life. There are numerous kins and styles of pads on the market, making it difficult to decide which one to choose.

Here as before, the best place to start is:

What will you use it for?

How often will you use it?

What is your budget?

It pretty much goes without saying, that the closed cell pad is the way to go. I say this because it will not obsorb moisture. As you know, moisture is not a good thing for your sleeping bag.

Most pads are made of polyethylene foam. They come in various thicknesses and styles. Some are cross linked, some have tiny air bubbles or pillows to make you more comfortable. Than there are those who swear by the convoluted pad ( it looks like an egg carton with all kinds of bumps). To make this pad moisture resistant, it usually comes with ¼” polyethylene foam laminated to it.

Some pads come treated to prevent order causing bacteria. Also you may want to check how cold of a temperature you can use the pad. Does it stay flexible to –65 degrees or is it only 45% and will this suit your needs. Pads are great items, not only for keeping away the moisture, but also as an insulating product. Try to get one that doesn’t bottom out easily because this makes for a better nights sleep. I have used some on a sand beach thinking that with the sand it would be comfortable. Well I was wrong.

Now we turn to my favorites the foam air mattresses. These have multiple chambers and run about 1” to 2” thick. You can get an ultra mat that is a full 3” thick using 2” convoluted foam. I have become more of a softie as time goes on. At home, I use a sleep number bed so I am rather spoiled. One pad that we sold a ton of was the Equalizer that is put out by Basic Design. It was rather pricey, but sold very well. Don’t forget your ----pillows air filled and various sizes.

Than there is an item called the universal mattress connector, this handy item joins two mattresses together to form a double width mattress. This helps to keep your mattress from sliding all over . The single version is called the spider mat and if you are on uneven ground this unique surface grips slippery materials and keeps them from shifting during the night.

Remember to use care on you pads, although they for the most part are strong, they do tear and won’t last forever . Here again, cheap is not always the best, look for valu. remember it is your bod we are talking about.

pads to protect your sleeping bags