BEST Sleeping Mats and Pads R Values and Loft compared

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[@dawsoningram1084]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@robertw.7698]

You're a good teacher Dave 👌🙂

[@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.}

[@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.

[@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

[@AdventuresofGraywolf]

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

[@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. 👍

[@jamesellsworth9673]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@pobo6113]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BorealWoodsrunner]

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

[@BruceLee-mo4pn]

Thank You, Mr. Canterbury Sir.

[@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.

[@Jaden48108]

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

[@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.. :)

[@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

[@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!

[@vansongs]

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

[@outdoorzone]

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

[@e.s.l5861]

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

[@tradmanmike3360]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO DAVE!

[@carmenzamastil1545]

Thanks Dave

[@suttonsplash14]

his outros are legendary

[@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.

[@jessewellsproductions3979]

Good looking out!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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]

@@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!

[@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.

[@66chubbs]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@fulltangbushcraft6382]

Excellent video as always very educational

[@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.

[@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

[@geico1975]

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

[@michaeldemetriou1399]

The XL mat looked good

[@joncabral9019]

Where do we get that pack?

[@scottmurray2239]

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

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

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

[@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?

[@edwardstagner1021]

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

[@Trout-nw1vf]

Thank you, 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

[@woudt61]

Good video Dave.

[@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.

[@sirkai007]

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

[@Napalmgas]

Thanks much for sharing, I remember following you on duel survivor. I totally respect you for being Shawn Kelly’s mentor! Long live Bushcraft! ❤️ I did watch video to entirely. 🎊

[@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 ?

[@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

[@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.

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Ty Dave another great video

[@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 !!!

[@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 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@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

[@ZombieGunslingr]

Oh my God I'm feeling nostalgic I remember when he was in the woods teaching us how to make crossbow traps to hunt deer. Damn that was almost a decade ago holy s*** I feel old

[@leeyoung1367]

What about freakn squeakn when you roll over ?

[@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.

[@outdoorzone]

Love my Nemo insulated pad!

[@marcushibdon2415]

Good one dave

[@ralphthebulldog5163]

I use a Nash wideboy 👌🏼

[@TheRealJayGutta]

I watched so far into the video the screen stood black and I was still waiting for more! Good stuff.

[@davef5916]

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

[@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.

[@daddynjulia]

Love the 30 min video.

[@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

[@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.

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

Was wandering about a new sleeping mat

[@bowdiersackett6433]

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

[@Paulosus]

Another thumbs up for the Klymit Insulated Static V, I've used it into the lower -20s C cold tenting without issues. Good video Dave

[@tom-ehill2713]

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

[@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.

[@kentonward97]

The Big Agnes is also another one that’s a good compromise of all those qualities and it’s rectangular. I have been using mine for about 12 years now and it works great

[@leandergrohaupt8526]

Amazing Video! Thank you very much.

[@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..

[@vg2b713]

Great video. Helped me choose! Off topic: what chair are you sitting in?

[@stonealexander8233]

What pack is that in the background?

[@ike780]

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

[@MyKnifeJourney]

Another great video. Your production value is improving. Great how you make the learning accessible to new people as well as those needing a reminder. Hope the house is coming along. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience

[@praveenshinvel2873]

Nice and informative video

[@davegoodridge8352]

Thank you

[@TheWendolGuild]

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

[@Magician1263]

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

[@hobbyhermit66]

I've used a pool floating mattress slipped into a sleeping bag on warm summer nights, by sleeping on top. Worked well, lo-tec, and cheap. Might consider using a fan-fold sun shade for cars as a way to increase the R-value of your sleeping pad in cooler weather. Though made of house/aircraft insulation, they're very light weight and portable. That said, thanks for the info Dave, and the sound advice.

[@pmcmva]

The Klymit V Insulated was a great step up for me a year ago. But I was a year younger then too. Time for an upgrade. Comfortable sleep is one of the biggest investment returns there is. Thanks for the information on these products.

[@BradyPatterson]

Some great pad options here. For the tapered pads, I always used them inside my sleeping bag / quilt so really hard to fall off and usually the footbox of the bag or quilt is narrow. I think set the pad by the type of bag. I'm a side sleeper and I move a lot and have fallen off a pad almost never by sticking to this. If I was using a wool blanket or a rectangular sleeping bag, then yes, definitely want a rectangular pad and I do love using my DownMat 9 in those cases.

[@mfattomica3196]

I use one mat all season, NeoAir XTherm Max (long rectangle version) I'm 6'4 260 & sleep on my back, its great for me, but Dave is correct you sacrifice comfort for being lightweight (1lbs 7 oz)

[@AggyGoesOutdoors]

Thanks for this video Dave, I find your dogmatic straight shooting style very helpful. I'm currently in the market for something to help me with side sleeping discomfort.

[@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.