Showerthought: I tested a cheap foam pad against a proper insulated one on a cold night in the Tetons.

I brought both pads on a trip last fall, planning to use the foam one as extra protection. The first night got down to 28 degrees, and I woke up freezing on the foam pad. The next night I switched to the insulated inflatable pad, and the difference in warmth was immediate. It was the same sleeping bag, so the pad was the only change. Has anyone else found a specific piece of gear that made a huge difference in staying warm?

3 comments

3 Comments

kelly.parker2mo ago

Watched a buddy shiver all night on a cheap pad in the Adirondacks. He swapped it for my old insulated one the next night and slept like a rock. That ground cold is no joke, a good pad is a game changer.

gibson.seth29d ago

But come on, a foam pad worked fine for decades. My grandpa used a folded wool blanket and was tougher for it. People just get soft and want to buy a fix. That buddy probably wore cotton jeans and a t-shirt to sleep. It's about layering right, not dropping cash on fancy air pads that pop.

williamschmidt2mo ago

Nah, @kelly.parker, that's just a skill issue. My buddy uses a cheap foam pad every time. Sleeps fine. People just pack wrong and blame the gear.