Understanding your sleep system in different temperatures.
Until 2020, there was no universal standards rating as it pertained to R-Values and frankly, the science is catching up with no real hard standards being followed universally - making it somewhat confusing for consumers. This post is primarily focused on 90% backpackers or beginners, hiking Spring through Fall in non-extreme conditions. What does a R-Rating mean? A R-Rating is essentially the measurement of insulation a sleeping bag offers against the cold ground. In the standard back packing world, these values tend to be between 1 and 7, with the higher numbers representing higher levels of insulation. How do I choose the right R-Rated pad? Make reliable/realistic estimates around the night-time low temperatures and choose a pad that fit's with that range. Can a warmer bag replace a warmer pad? In short, slightly, but this is not advised. Your pad is the only thing between you (your bag) and the cold ground and to be appropriately warm, that barrier plays a huge part in your insulation when combined with your bag (your sleep system). What are some other considerations in choosing a sleeping pad? Weight - generally, but not always, higher R-Value pads will weigh more than lower R-Value pads. Expense - generally higher higher R-Value pads will cost more than lower R-Value pads. Durability - a punctured sleeping pad can be disastrous on a trip, especially in the cold, so choose a pad that is well reviewed for durability.
Packability - space saving is often preferred by most back-packers.
What are the different type of sleeping pads? Manual Inflatable - tend to be lighter, smaller and most packable.
Self Inflating - tend to be heavier, bulkier, less packable and mostly used for car camping. Foam - tend to be lightest, least expensive, somewhat bulkier, less comfortable and found frequently with through hikers, or as an extra insulation layer with back-packers.
Can one pad serve a variety of temperatures? Yes - you can buy a warmer, higher R-Rated pad that will be fine in warmer temperatures, but a lower R-Rated pad will not keep you well insulated in colder temperatures. If you predominantly see yourself being a summer camper, then a lower rated pad will do you just fine. My recommendations are as follows: 50+ F - R-Rating 1 40+ F - R-Rating 2
30+ F - R-Rating 3
20+ F - R-Rating 4
10+ F - R-Rating 5 Below are some images from manufacturers and suppliers, and as you will see there is little uniformity amongst them, but they all roughly coincide.
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