Sleeping pads of motorcycle camping are different from the ones you take on your regular weekend camping trips. For motorcycle camping, you need to look for the sleeping pads that occupy little space in your backpack, offer desired comfort, are durable, and don’t cost a fortune. The sleeping pads used by the minimalist backpackers are usually ideal for motorcycle camping as they are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space. For motorcyclists, the camping gear’s weight is not much of a concern due to the added benefit of the engine power. The thing that they are most concerned about is the size of the gear. There are hundreds of choices with varying quality and features, making it a little challenging to decide. To help you make the right decision, we have rounded up a list of some of the best sleeping pads for motorcycle camping, along with a small buying guide. We analyze and examine the product from every aspect to allow our audiences to make an informed decision.
Various Features to Consider While Buying a Sleeping Pad
The best sleeping pad for you depends on your needs and preferences. You have to consider whether you will be driving directly to the camp spot, hike a mile, or will you head out on a long backpacking trip. Camping mattresses that can be used for bike packing or cycle touring can be split into three categories; Inflatable, Self-inflating, and Closed-cell foam. You can pick any of these according to your requirements.
Padded and inflatable mattresses offer the most comfortable, but the problem is that they don’t pack down in a compact size and also they are a bit heavy for backpacking. A pad that weighs less and can be packed down small will be the best choice if you are going to hike into the backcountry. Some places weigh less than 10 ounces and can be rolled down to the size of a soda can.
Generally, the thickness of the pad determines how comfortable it is. Also, extra insulation and a bit of foam increase the comfort level while decreasing the noise and ruffling. If you sleep on your side, you need good cushioning under the shoulder and hips for a good night’s sleep, so pick a thicker sleeping pad.
A good camping pad should not only have comfortable cushioning but also provide some insulation from the ground. The sleeping pads with a higher R-value will provide more insulation and warmth. The right R-value for you depends on your preferences. For instance, if you tend to be a cool or warm sleeper, the ideal R-value for you will depend on your preference. For winter camping, you will need a sleeping pad with R-value greater than 5 for comfortable sleep. In summers, pick a pad with R-value ranging from 2 to 4.
Denier is a measure of textile strength. The stronger and thicker fabric will have a higher denier. Greater denier value generally means the pad is more puncture resistant. Also, keep in mind that with greater durability, the weight of the pad will also increase.
Camping sleeping pads usually come in extended and regular versions, but you can also find some in wide, short, or extra-long ones. Your dimensions, along with your camping goals, determine which is the right length and width for you. If you like to roll around in your sleep, you will prefer a wide sleeping pad. One thing to keep in mind is that an increase in width and length increases the packed size, weight, and price.
The owners of lightweight backpacking sleeping pads usually complain about it being too loud, making crinkly noise. Though less weight and size are plus but sleeping on a pad that is as noisy as a bag of potato chips is not ideal. It is even worse when your friend in the tent tosses and turns the whole night.
