Sleeping Pads & Accessories

R-value measures how well a pad resists heat loss to the ground. Higher numbers mean more insulation. For summer camping, an R-value around 2–3 works well; for mountaineering or snow camping, aim for 4.5 or higher. On Denali or other cold expeditions, most guides stack two pads for extra insulation.

Foam pads are durable, simple, and reliable in all conditions — perfect as a backup or for extreme cold. Inflatable pads offer more comfort and pack smaller but require more care to avoid punctures. Many climbers pair both: a foam pad for insulation and protection, and an inflatable for cushioning.

Store inflatable pads unrolled with valves open to preserve the foam and coatings. Check for leaks before each trip and patch small punctures promptly. Foam pads need little care beyond keeping them dry and avoiding sharp objects.