BEST Sleeping Mats and Pads R Values and Loft compared

[@dawsoningram1084]

Dave you have the best survival/ bushcraft channel on youtube. Great video!

[@Duckhunterbow]

I mainly use a mid range 3.5 r value mat and then add the 1.7 thermarest folding foam mat underneath for colder weather.

[@ErikFabian]

It should be said that one reason people like the zlite pad is that it is so multi use. You can use it as a seat, an impromptu table, a splint, a stove wind break and as others mention it can be stacked on other pads to add loft and insulation. The zlite sol has a reflective side that up the R value a touch.

[@Maryland_Kulak]

When I was mountaineering and sleeping on a glacier, we took a foam pad and an inflatable pad and doubled them up. As bushcrafters, we can use natural materials like leaves and grass to add insulation. Putting the pad inside the sleeping bag can keep you on it better, and protects the pad from puncture. The areas where I camp of have thorns and briars on the ground, so I tend to favor foam sleeping pads like the one I was issued in the Army.

[@azclaimjumper]

An EXCELLENT discussion of all the factors a person needs to consider when buying something that separates you from the ground. I use & carry the NeoAir XLite - Women's which has R5.4 & 4" of loft. I'm 5'3" & it's 5'6", however, I've learned the hard way that I'll slide off it all night long unless the ground is LEVEL. When Cargo Van camping I use my self inflating 3" thick Thermarest Luxury.

[@TheGrayman1234]

Have had a KLYMIT INSULATED STATIC V Sleeping Pad for a couple of years and to me, it is the best sleeping pad I have ever owned. Thumbs up.

[@johnschmalbach8243]

I love Klymit but in June I hammered myself on a solo trip using the Nemo Tensor insulated wide. It's square/rectangle as you and I like. R value almost to 4. Loft over 3 inches. I had lighter pads but I carried this because at almost 50 yo, I just wanted to crash and this pad is a "crash" pad.

[@mendyviola]

I have a Trekology inflatable. 4+” thick and super comfortable. I’m not horribly concerned with R value as I live and camp int the DEEP DEEP south. February is the only really cold month and I don’t camp that month. My biggest struggle is keeping cool most of the year, even at night. But when it does get chilly, a regular 3 season sleeping bag and a Mexican blanket or two with an indoor/outdoor rug in the tent does the trick. Mostly though I pull on my experience in the Borneo jungle to sleep well (hot & humid).

[@timwilliams3696]

You can use your Klymit pump as a vacuum to suck the air out. You don't have to roll it up twice to get the air out using the pump.

[@codycox2685]

I use a burrow and a nemo pad inside of a onetigris tentsformer. Kick ass setup.

[@valthalin7613]

Thanks so much for your videos, they are super informative. Had a suggestion pop to mind while watching you roll your pad. Maybe mine isn't a correct way of rolling a pad. After I deflate and fold my pad. I sit on it and roll it towards myself scooting down towards the valve as I roll. 1) to keep tension and 2) so it doesn't unfold while rolling. {Big Agnes Air Core Ultra 25x72.}

[@AdventuresofGraywolf]

Why don't you have the links to these products in your description??

[@iangray5742]

Good informative video, thanks. I've learnt from last 11years sleeping on the ground with my work all year around, the mat is a key investment if you want to function( I'm out usually 7-8days) the first few years I resented paying more for a thermarest but i found I would break a pad a year, so upgraded and never had a failure Buy once, cry once. I currently have thermarest venture for most conditions and a thicker warmer one for depths of Scottish winter. When it's really cold-12 to -20c I put a foam mat or reflectix sheet on top. Any fool can rough it but a good mountaineer knows better. Keep up the great material, much appreciated.

[@williamdenson79]

Hey Dave I didn't see the spelling on the pads that you like. But it sounded like KLYMIT.with a arrow pointing upwards. If that's the brand then I've been using there blankets gray in color. There water proof can be used as a ground mat pickniks foot ball games. And can be staked out wind resistance is great multiple uses. Walmart $40.00 rated to 40dgrees. Not bad. Hope that's the one you are talking about. Thanks.

[@vansongs]

I have a top zipper bag I use upside down as a quilt with a footbox all the time.

[@shcmoly]

I have a klymit insulated air pad for fall, a non insulated ultralight sea to summit air pad for summer and a huge thick foam pad for my cot when car camping.

[@robertw.7698]

You're a good teacher Dave 👌🙂

[@chrisxx012]

If you look around you will find thermarest in a full body mat. I have a thermal rest like the gray one you were talking about in a full body just as wide at the foot as the shoulder. Always enjoy the video. Keep up the good work

[@jamesellsworth9673]

WOW: there is a lot more to know about sleep systems than there was just ten years ago!

Even those the z pad is only a 1.7 I have used it in cold months in Michigan and was fine. Plus years in the military using foam pads in the desert when it’s 0 degrees I would be fine. They are my favorite. Another thing to mention is they are the only option when it comes to sleeping next to a fire with a tarp setup from potential sparks or popping in the fire when your sleeping. Correct they aren’t the most comfortable but the longevity of them is bullet proof.

[@joncabral9019]

Where do we get that pack?

[@BorealWoodsrunner]

Like the little air blower.....can use it as a fire bellows if need be ....could have other uses

[@redoak3809]

I would be interested in a video on a combination of a couple of pads. This is my preference in cold weather. I am also a side sleeper.

[@lisawagner421]

Great info & reviews. My sleeping pad is a Flash thermal with R 4.7. The problem is it’s NOISY. I wake up bc of the noise turning over not poor sleep. I’m still not sure of swapping it out just yet. Your reviews give a lot to consider. Thanks!

[@e.s.l5861]

I have the paria recharge XL, and it’s served me well. 25oz , good r value, and very comfortable

[@cr0cket01]

high in a hammock my grandd taught me and he learnt from his dad was blanket pins what we do (did grandad and great grandad dead) was have a wool blanket then go under hammock and around it but pin it so it gives you a under hammock blanket and a top blanket not seen it done by a nyone bar my family and those we shown is it something you have done?

[@jayfromm9018]

“Not horrible bad” translates to it sucks. Great vid Dave. Most these videos miss the importance of a comfortable night sleep and a warn comfortable pad is key. You wont survive long if you cant get a good night rest. Easy to say, hard to do.

[@outdoorzone]

Gotta stay with my super shelter hammock and underquilt for colder seasons camping! Tents are PIA!

[@pobo6113]

This is great information as I am actively looking for a sleep mat. 👍🏻

[@Jaden48108]

I use a 4" memory foam mattress over a 5" full body futon. Indoors.

[@ZorroFox-do9oe]

Food for thought When I used to go camping i used a beach towel under my sleeping mat that way no ground moisture go to me in the night plus it can't be warm

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Currently using the Nemo Tensor Insulated pad in the long/wide. Very comfortable and as light as you’re going to get for a thick, inflatable pad.

[@richardstamper51]

Me too.. :)

[@michaeldemetriou1399]

The XL mat looked good

[@ItsAdventureTime1]

The air filled sleep pads drive me nuts. They slip around all night, your pillow has to practically be anchored down, and most of them sound like a potato chip bag every time you move. I finally just tried the basic inexpensive Thermarest accordion pad and it's by far my favorite. I like a firm mattress, doesn't slip, doesn't make noise, the material does not stretch, and won't deflate half way through the night. Simple yet awesome :) Now I have to figure out what to do with all these damn blowup ones I purchased lol

[@jaykaufman5050]

For the last 20 years I've been using a pad made by jacks Plastics welding and Aztec New Mexico. This is not one that you carry with you on your backpack this is made for boating cuz it'll float this guy made out of PVC on the outside it's got self-inflating foam on the inside the one I have is 2in thick and I've had this particular pad for 20 years maybe a little longer. A rant about $120 when I bought it comes in many colors if you're setting up a base camp out of a vehicle or off of four-wheeler it works great I don't know what the R-value is but I've never been called laying on it even in the middle of winter at below zero. It's called the Paco pad it's been down the Grand Canyon many times in the summer and the winter it's going elk hunting every year but last year I had to have surgery and couldn't go hunting. Might want to check it out Paco pad by Jack's plastic welding.

[@leeyoung1367]

What about freakn squeakn when you roll over ?

[@stuartbryan5253]

Good video dave. Always enjoy learning something new. Not so much for the metal detecting though. Would like to see videos on motocycle pack outs. Full size dressers for camping to roko's or dirt bikes scouting about in the woods. Maybe a series to include pedal bikes. Keep up the great work. I for one appreciate.

[@davidsnoddy4591]

Good morning Dave! Where can I buy the climaloft sleeping pad/air mattress??

[@DavidCanterbury]

I think they may be out of stock presently awaiting re supply on their website

[@KOKO-uu7yd]

That's what I've been (rather intensely) looking for!

[@davidsnoddy4591]

David Canterbury Can you send me a link to there website. Thanks 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@BruceLee-mo4pn]

Thank You, Mr. Canterbury Sir.

[@RatdogDRB]

The more we "gray"... the more COMFORT is king! LOL Hands down (for me), sleeping in a hammock can easily find me sleeping 10-11 hours a night (two nights in a row). I don't sleep that soundly (it's usually my back waking me and telling me I've been laying long enough) on a cot with a 4" foam mattress on it inside of a tent. However, a good 8 hours' worth is easily had with that set-up. My old bones just don't like the up/down of ground pounding any more. LOL I'm likin' the looks of that Klymit Hammock V-Pad to add to my under-quilt. Since I use a double hammock (width), I can flop one side over me to cocoon me in during cooler weather. Good choices there Dave, thanks for another vid.

[@captaincoconut8967]

Dave what I found that works good year round is what I got from you the JON PACK BED SLEEVE with a USGI-MSS sleeping bag this combination works GREAT

[@stonealexander8233]

What pack is that in the background?

[@tradmanmike3360]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO DAVE!

[@southernrockiesselfreliance]

Would just like to add that Klymit does make that same static pad in a 4.4 R-value. I have it in 1.3 and 4.4 and I love them both.

[@DavidCanterbury]

Thought I spoke to that when I showed my Insulated Static V ?

[@scottmurray2239]

Dave, great video 👍 But where can I purchase the Climaloft XL? I couldn’t find anyone who carries it. Thanks

[@MrJones-bg4sz]

Why can't I find this klymaloft xl?

[@jondavey8054]

Great video Dave, it might be good to mention that a mat when used in conjunction inside a bivvy bag, helps elevate sliding off and added ground protection from punctures. I often carry my sleeping system rolled up in a swag fashion. 👍

[@flwookie3246]

I use a Klymit Static V Luxe. I'm 6'2" 230lbs and this is wide and long enough at 76x30. The extra weight is worth the comfort.

[@Dave-YellowDogWelding]

I'll second this. I have slept on concrete and been perfectly comfortable and warm. Worth the price and extra bit of weight. I don't care for narrow pads that my arms fall off when sleeping! Ha!

[@micheldumont4619]

Wookie, glad your’s was 76”, I got one (same model), but it was slightly over 73” instead, even if I paid for the 76”. Brought this to the attention of the company and they acknowledged that seemingly an error was made with one of their supplier and shipped a wrong batch. Lucky me I’m 6’4” and could have used the 76”. Enjoy yours. I can’t get the 76”, since only sold in Canada via Amazon.ca.

[@BruceNitroxpro]

@@Dave-YellowDogWelding , IF your arm falls off it is NOT a "Ha" experience! IT becomes something you will talk about and not in a good way!

[@jessewellsproductions3979]

Good looking out!

[@fivesfish]

I've just laid out some wood chips for winter. I hope they save me money on an extreme cold sleeping mat this winter?

[@davef5916]

Have you ever had any issues fittin that klymit loft into a bivvi?

[@suttonsplash14]

his outros are legendary

[@konagolden4209]

The Klymaloft R value seems to be 2.1-2.3 and they're pretty heavy at 38 oz.+ if weight is a significant factor. Seems comfy, though.

[@66chubbs]

Hey Dave, Ive been away trying to recover from 3 surgeries brother, but I'm with you

[@TaivalOutdoors]

25:10 I have been using Exped Synmat Winterlite LW (now called Synmat HL Winter LW) for over four years, year around in Finland. No leaks or issues whatsoever, but I agree that their valve system is not as handy as it could be. Yeah it's an overkill for anything other than winter months, but when I know I'll be sleeping in a wood-floored lean-to shelter, I rather take the comfort of Exped over my Thermarest Z-lite SOL anyday.

[@asmith7876]

I've had an Exped Downmat 9 for years. Inflates using the stuff sack to 3.5 inches thick. You don't slide off of it, it's super comfortable regardless of how you lay. Yes it was stupid expensive, it weighs 2 pounds, kinda bulky, and worth every ounce and every inch. If I'm not in my hammock, I'm on my Exped. I've used it down to 15 F, no problem.

[@JamesMachan-x3g]

What is the price of you school

[@kevinarmstrong3415]

Hi Dave, I cannot find any reference on the web to Climaloft sleeping mats can you send a link please? Thanks.

[@davidcausey6874]

Klymit loft. But also have not found anything. EDIT: klymaloft. klymit.com/products/klymaloft-sleeping-pad

[@jasholden9741]

He means Klymit sleep pads. Check their website.

[@jeffblaske2908]

I think the Climaloft is the name brand for the insulation inside the mat. The mats are made by Klymit and there are probably some other manufacturers that use Climaloft.

[@ralphthebulldog5163]

I use a Nash wideboy 👌🏼

[@fulltangbushcraft6382]

Excellent video as always very educational

[@geico1975]

Glad I seen this, in the market for a mat.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Dave

[@carrdoug99]

Thanks for all the great information. A really good mat that's a little heavy is the therm-a-rest base camp. R value over 6, it's rectangular, has a non-slick surface, weighs a little over three lbs and a loft just over three inches. Works great when you're not changing locations a lot. Really nice on one of those low cots, which can really suck the heat out of you.

[@woudt61]

Good video Dave.

[@memphischuck]

Great video as always Dave! I’m been using the Big Agnes Summit Park 15 degree bag now in combination with their insulated pad. Since the bottom of the bag isn’t insulated but serves as a pad sleeve it’s like having the best of both worlds between a traditional sleeping bag and overquilt.

[@edwardstagner1021]

Dave what do you think about putting sleeping pads inside the Bivy bag with that sleeping bag.? Enjoy your content first rate.

[@johnlhigh]

Your amazon link isnt working

[@TheWendolGuild]

how do you deal with all the bug bites around ankles?

[@frankreyna617]

liked the video Dave. Do you happen to have a link to the klimate air pump? I just purchased a klimate v so seeing this pump would be something I would really like to use. Thanks for the videos......keep em coming

[@jasholden9741]

Check the Klymit website and Ebay/Amazon

[@Trout-nw1vf]

Thank you, Dave

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

All those pads are bivybag compatable and won't a spaceblanket, on top an r1-3 pad, boost the insulation?

[@jeffblaske2908]

A spaceblanket would not add much insulation in that configuration. Heat is transferred in three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. Spaceblankets reflect radiated heat and reduce convection by containing the warm air around you but do little to stop conduction (direct contact) because the spaceblanket is so thin.

[@Magician1263]

i use the same static V pad. mine is recon sand (light tan) color

[@tom-ehill2713]

I have no luck with those air mats! 😨😨😨 leaks develop almost assuredly with me!

[@sticksnstones5407]

Would really like to know where I can purchase the Climaloft inflatable mattress, I cannot find there website. Can anyone please post a link, thanks.

[@jeffblaske2908]

I thought Climaloft was a type of insulation within the pads, not a manufacturer...

[@Rooster1964]

I got my kit the way i like it, except for the sleep system. It's a work in progress. Trying to keep it small and lite

[@chillindave1357]

could a $3 space blanket over or under a cheaper Static Vee jump the R value way up?? Thanks Dave, I love the vids, hope you're doing well!

[@brynnpulse]

Doubt it's gonna do much

[@bernarddeboeck8405]

Nope. It is intended to be used as close as possible to your skin. So no.

[@ike780]

I've gotten away with doing stuff like that. I'd just test it out in your back yard on a cold night before you take it out.

[@victorhausauer3018]

I wouldn't say way up, but if you were to put it under, it would be an additional barrier against convection/conduction and radiate your heat back at you while warming up the pad.

[@KR-bn4bg]

Before getting higher-quality inflating mat, I actually used a cheap Walmart roll out foam mat on a night where it dipped down to 30 degrees. I knew it would not keep me warm enough so I put a space blanket over top of the mat and directly under my sleeping bag and actually felt heat radiating onto my back from it. So I would say if you had to do it, put the space blanket on top of whatever pad you were using but underneath your sleeping bag. Yeah it's going to be crunchy and uncomfortable but at least you'll be warmer.

[@CaptainFrankHawks]

How well do those do in a hammock?

[@TheWrena440]

Thanks for this "deep dive" on mats. Awesome OTZI neck tattoo, never noticed it before, that dude was a true ultralite prepper, 5000 years ago !!!

[@sirkai007]

It always seems like camping gear is either junk or gucci. There is hardly any middle ground.

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Ty Dave another great video

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you

[@marcushibdon2415]

Good one dave

[@brandon0toole937]

Dave very good video. I hope you are doing well. Look forward to seeing more videos brother.

[@agnostichaos]

Xtherm does come in a rectangle shape as well as the mummy shape you mentioned

[@outdoorzone]

Love my Nemo insulated pad!

[@SeraphX2]

Most topquilts i see are just sleeping bags without a zipper. which lends itself to being pulled off. I see how this works in a hammock with an underquilt, not so much on a pad in a tent. if you don't tuck it under, air could still get in. so you might as well have a sleeping bag it seems like.

[@garyo4456]

I’m easily distracted.... by the Tent!! What is the brand & model? Looks solid!! (Anybody??)

[@jeffblaske2908]

At 3:15 he says that it is a Robens Cone 4. Looks like it is a German manufacturer. Seek Outside makes similar tents that are very well made but also somewhat expensive.

[@leandergrohaupt8526]

Amazing Video! Thank you very much.

[@ike780]

I had good luck doubling over a wool blanket over a tarp and laying on that. It got down to right at freezing.

[@nerblebun]

From the age of 10 to 15 I was a member of a youth organization... The Pathfinders. It's the Seventh Day Adventist equivalent of the Boy Scouts, except to my knowledge there was no pedophile molestation going on. We'd go camping pretty regular, earn badges, and basically learn wood-craft skills. My step-dad gave me a WW2 Army pup tent & two WW2 Army air mattresses. For sure & certain the best mattress ever. Rubberized inside vulcanized to the heavy duty canvas exterior. You'd have to purposely poke a hole with a knife to get those air mattresses to leak. 60 years later I still have the pup-tent, but the mattresses only lasted about 25 years. The rubberized inside deteriorated & finally started leaking through the canvas. Very comfortable sleeping.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Great video Dave thank you for your knowledge and expertise and giving us what we need to Survive in the woods longer

[@daddynjulia]

Love the 30 min video.

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Thank you Dave for this great review and comparison...think going with the insulated static V

[@praveenshinvel2873]

Nice and informative video

[@WayneRogersOutdoors]

Ecotek Outdoors has a 4 season pad with an R-value of 4.5 that I have been using for several months with a price point of around $60.00. I have gotten a lot of use from it so far as a hammock pad and on my camp cot and look forward to testing its effectiveness in the cold. The pad supposedly has the ability to get you to sub-zero temps while sleeping on the ground. It is thin as far as loft goes but with the pad inflated fully, even when I side sleep I have no issues. Ecotek Outdoors Insulated Hybern8 Ultralight 4 season sleeping pad.

[@greatsouthlandmike7260]

Ridgerest foam mat with a thermarest 1"1/2 on top, have for years. Best part, it's comfortable. Love your vids, love your books. All the best from South Australia

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

Was wandering about a new sleeping mat

[@muskett4108]

All blow up sleeping pads end up with one hole too many; heck they start with one. Think of them as consumables. I take a Z mat as they are robust, and then put an inflatable on top of that. Ups the R value, is protection for the inflatable, and can be used elsewhere in camp like kneeling on. Its all in the weight. You pack it you carry it. Comfort is a mule or truck carrying your kit;. Every ounce on your back is sweat, grief, and puff, on the hill..

[@denakelley4363]

I'm quite surprised that the Exped Downmat 7 has a lower R value than the Thermarest Neoair XTherm.

[@bsykes]

Great video sir and early up a couple myths

[@papaschuette]

Great video as usual brother. The Klymit Static V Lux Extra Wide is my go to pad. 76"x 30" with a R Value of 4.4. It is 35oz and around $120. But it is so worth it. Packs down to 4.5" x 8", so it's not to bulky.