The most scenic campground in Eastern Canada
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June 12, 2024
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Going camping? You’ll need a sleeping pad. But not just any sleeping pad. To avoid having your sleep disrupted by an ill-placed root poking out, or the cold and humid ground as you sleep under the stars (or the tent), you’ll need a sleeping pad that’s comfortable and fits your needs. There are a lot of models available on the market, but a few brands distinguish themselves with their cutting-edge technology and their sustainable manufacturing processes. Here are the best outdoor camping sleeping pads from brands Nemo, Thermarest, SAIL, Sea to Summit and Coleman. Follow the guide and found the best camping sleeping pad.
In this article, you will learn everything about:
To choose the right sleeping pad, you must think about the type of camping you plan to do (pitching a tent, car camping, sleeping under the open sky, near your vehicle, or on a hike), factor in your budget (less than $100, between $100 and $300, or over $300), and the level of comfort you’re looking for. This will allow you to choose from the right range of camping mats. There are three main types of camping sleeping pads. First, you have thick air mattresses (to sleep in or near a car, or for an extra bed at home). They often come with a built-in pump to plug into an electrical outlet, and they are not the most compact. Next, there are luxury camping mats, which are highly comfortable and relatively compact. Lastly, hiking and backpacking sleeping pads are lightweight, very compact and minimalist, and they can fit easily in a backpack.
Here we present eight sleeping pad models that belong to these categories, so you can choose according to your needs.
The popular Tensor range from Nemo is well loved by camping enthusiasts looking for excellent comfort, a lightweight design, and compactness. Among its star models are three that particularly stand out for their adventurous profile. First of all, the Tensor Trail is designed for hikers who need a lightweight, all-terrain mattress that fits in their backpack. The Tensor All Season, for its part, is a versatile model that insulates against cold and damp ground all year round, without adding extra weight. Finally, the Tensor Extreme is the warmest, most insulating lightweight sleeping pad on the market, and the quietest in its class.
These three sleeping pads are all available in regular or long and wide.
Technology at the service of comfort: that’s the philosophy behind Nemo’s Quasar air mattress. At nine centimetres thick, it provides the perfect amount of cushioning after a good day outdoors, and it features a 3D Body-Mapped structure with moon-shaped compartments that keep the camper’s body in the centre of the mattress all night long. For even greater comfort, the head baffle is slightly elevated to serve as a pillow or keep a camping pillow in place. The Nemo Quasar camping mat is made from soft-feel polyester fabric and recycled materials.
It is available in insulated or non-insulated, regular, wide, and double.
The Trail Pro self-inflating mattress is designed for hikers who may sometimes find themselves pitching their tents in challenging conditions. It is highly resistant, quick-inflating, suitable for all seasons, comfortable, and lightweight. Its StrataCore construction provides one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratios among self-inflating foam products. Inflation and deflation are also optimized thanks to a special valve that maximizes airflow. This mat is a sound choice for the most demanding campers.
It is available in regular and large.
The Rest Camper 20 is an affordable and versatile self-inflating mattress, perfect for occasional campers. Its mummy shape makes it lightweight and compact, allowing it to be easily slipped into an expedition backpack. It inflates quickly and efficiently after a strenuous day on the trails. Plus, it offers an excellent value for money for small budgets.
The UltraLight sleeping pad is one of the lightest on the market (345 g). It is inflatable, very compact and mummy-shaped to fit perfectly under a sleeping bag. Its single-chamber construction and ultra-light materials make it the perfect mattress for long-distance backpacking adventures. It will meet all the expectations of hikers in need of a good night’s sleep.
It is available in insulated and non-insulated versions, in regular and wide sizes.
The SupportRest DH air mattress is a true inflatable bed, perfect for car camping or when you need an extra sleeping surface at home. It features a built-in 120 V pump that inflates the mattress quickly and deflates it completely for convenient transport and storage. The reinforced Support Lock™ design provides a stable surface for your back, along with a high PillowStop™ head to keep your pillows in place. So there’s really no way to have a bad night’s sleep on your camping trip.
This mattress is available in twin or queen.
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