Topic: Inflatable vs. Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pads (Read 28 times)
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Pros
Cons
While inflatable pads might have the possibility of failure, if you do your research, invest in a quality pad, and take care of it, odds are low that you’ll experience a failure. Carrying one lightweight pad suited for your sleeping style and the conditions might be best, especially with patch kits and field repairs that could save the day.
Inflatable pads are also far less bulky than closed-cell foam mats. CCF pads have to be strapped to the outside of your pack. Whether secured horizontally to the top or bottom of your pack or vertically in a pocket or through bungee straps, tight squeezes and bushwhacking could catch your extra surface area, scratching the pad and slowing you down. I’ve beco*e accustomed to my pack’s extra width and height thanks to the closed-cell foam pad, but scrambling through slot canyons still poses a challenge.
An inflatable pad could be all you need, depending on the terrain. Sharp rocks, branches, thorns, or cactus needles all pose threats, but your tent bottom should provide ample protection for a durable inflatable pad. The weight of one heavier pad co*pared to two lighter pads will, of course, be co*parable, and nothing can replace a solid sleep before a double-digit mile day.
More expensive, more co*fortable, and warmer, inflatable pads are worth the investment if it’s the only way you’ll get some shut-eye. Whether you choose a CCF pad, inflatable pad or double up, take into account what features matter most to you in the backcountry.
Dual Sleep System
Pros
Cons
Even if you can’t give up your plush inflatable pad on the grounds of co*fort alone, there are a few reasons why even inflatable fanatics might supplement their sleep system with a closed-cell foam pad. As team-closed-cell-foam as I am, I certainly won’t be doing winter desert trips armed with only an R value of 2. You can set yourself up for all seasons while saving yourself the weight when the weather is warm by rooting for both sides of the great sleeping pad debate.
R values can be co*bined, so adding a CCF pad underneath an inflatable will keep you warmer and more co*fortable. An added benefit to a dual pad sleep system is that your inflatable pad is less likely to puncture or deflate when it’s protected from rocks and sticks by the foam pad. If the worst happens and your inflatable pad does experience an issue, you at least have a closed-cell foam pad to fall back on rather than subjecting yourself to the cold hard ground, or worse, cutting your trip short.
The versatility of closed-cell foam pads also can’t be underrated. Recently, after cresting a pass I was greeted with a sharply declining talus field. Instead of slowly working my way down shifting and slippery rock, I found a line of snow running the length of the pass. I hopped on my closed-cell foam pad like a magic carpet and installed an ice axe for a brake before sledding down the mountain, saving myself precious time and energy (and having a damn good time doing it). If I’d only had an inflatable pad, I’d have had to dig it out of my bag (immediately no), inflate it, and then manage to get down without popping it before deflating, rolling, and replacing it in the ultralight version of Mary Poppins’ purse. Though if I am being honest, no one is going to risk a poppable and pricey sleeping pad to save 30 minutes on day three of a seven day trip.
Closed-cell foam pads can also be used to fan a fire or as a hot pad when you’re too hungry to let your pot cool (every meal), a butt pad for breaks, and extra insulation in a pinch. Versatility, reliability, and efficiency are the keys to selecting backpacking gear, making a closed-cell foam pad an easy addition in my mind.
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