If you are a side sleeper starting on a backpacking or camping adventure very soon, you might be worried about comfortable sleep at night. Side sleepers need comfortable support for their neck and back to avoid sore back and stiff neck. You might want to bring along your favourite bedding, but it’s gonna have a lot of space, and you will have more weight to carry. Modern technology has offered you great many sleeping pads that are lightweight and comfortable enough for the side sleepers. These pads offer enough cushioning that allows you to sleep comfortably on your side. Also, these pads are much less noisy when you toss and turn on them so they will not disturb your fellow camper. If you are looking for the best camping pad for side sleepers for your next outdoor adventure trip, you have come to the right place. We have brought you a list of the tip grade camping pads that will ease stress if you sleep on your side.
Various Types of Camping Pads
Sleeping pads have three different types. They vary in the material used and their functions. There are air pads, closed-cell foam pads, and self-inflating pads.
These pads need to be inflated with air using a pump, or you can do it manually. These pads are thicker than foam pads which makes them a perfect choice for side sleepers. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight. Also, they pack into a compact size, taking a lot less space than other types of pads.
The tradeoff of these pads is that they are not durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. They are slippery, noisy and more expensive than foam pads. And they can take some time to inflate.
These are the basic types of sleeping pads. They have a complex design with extra features and do not need to be inflated. They have small closed air cells with adequate insulation. They are durable, lightweight and cheap, but they do not pack into a compact size. Also, they are not thick enough to offer you enough lift off the ground.
Self-inflating pads are the most convenient type of sleeping pads. They are simple and easy to use as you just have to unfold it, open all the valves and the pad will inflate itself. It features an open-cell foam that inflates automatically. It offers extra adjustability, durability and insulation for warmth and comfort, making it suitable for the side sleepers. They only downside of these pads is that they are bulky and take a while to deflate.
Various Features to Consider to Pick the Best Camping Pad for Side Sleepers
You are an avid camper who goes on outdoor adventures several times a year, and you need a sleeping pad that is sturdy enough to last for a long time. The durability of a pad depends on the material used, care and design, and the maintenance routine adopted.
The best size of a sleeping pad is large enough for the whole body comfortably. It also keeps you warm and cozy in those chilling nights. If you are a tall big man, look for a sleeping pad that is big enough to accommodate your whole body. Also keep in mind that greater the size, more significant the weight and greater the space it covers.
For side sleepers, the camping pad’s thickness is one of the most important things to consider. The pads with a thickness of more than 3 inches generally provide enough cushioning to the pressure point of the hip joint and shoulder. This offers adequate cushioning from the ground and keeps you comfortable when you lie on your side.
Like all other camping accessories, a sleeping pad should be lightweight and should have a small size when packed. These features are important as you wouldn’t want to carry extra weight and you wouldn’t want it to take much of your storage space.
Your sleeping pad should be easy to inflate and deflate. For this feature, look for a sleeping pad with an integrated air pump as these pads are easy to use with quick air suction and deflation. They usually have different inflation and deflation valves and have different inflation chambers which are helpful when one stops working.
Insulation of a sleeping pad is an important feature that ensures the warmth of the sleeping pad. Pick a sleeping pad that has foam pads as they offer the best insulation. The right insulation for you depends on the weather and conditions where you are camping.
If you are going to camp in colder conditions, you need a pad with higher R-value. It is a standard rating that measures temperature rating of sleeping pads. Sleeping pads for winter have an R-value rating more than 3.
Your sleeping pad will be worthless if it is not comfortable. The comfort level is determined by the material used, its ergonomic design and thickness when inflated. Make sure the sleeping pad you pick is the most comfortable for you. For side sleepers, sleeping pads with brushed-fabrics or textured surfaces are the best choice. It also avoids sliding off from the pad.