How to Choose Backpacking Sleeping Pads || REI

Are you a side sleeper or a back sleeper? Do you prioritize comfort, or is going ultralight more important? This video will help you sort through your options so you can pick the best sleeping pad for your needs. Shop REI’s selection of sleeping pads here: www.rei.com/c/sleeping-pads
And to learn more about sleeping pads, read our article: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...
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At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products-and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.
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[@KevinGarcia-mt6lj]

As a newbie, I love this video series by Miranda. She makes me feel informed and not like an idiot.

[@rei]

We all have questions, especially when we're starting out! We're happy that these videos are helping you to feel more confident when you spend time outside.

[@KevinGarcia-mt6lj]

@@rei i seriously love REI. Y'all made me feel so comfortable asking a million questions. Also, you're employees spent a total of probably 2 hours trying to fit me with the right pack. Im so picky and my ADD/ADHD brain can seriously cause me to not understand what fits right. Im so grateful for yall. I did a 5k hike with my new pack on and it felt like a breeze.

[@rei]

Wow! Thanks for sharing, Kevin. It's truly our pleasure. Great news about your hike. 🙌 This sounds like the beginning of many happy trails (for you). We love that!

[@gloriamoon5591]

Love Miranda’s videos! Very informative and to the point. ☺️

[@cmcer1995]

I have always used the Z-rest, but have never been happy with it except for the weight and durability. After watching your review on the Self-inflating, especially for side laying, I think I will consider it even with it being less packable and a little heavier. Another great review Miranda.

[@sairvinginthestacks]

I have a Big Agnes Air Core Ultra insulated. It's about 3.5 inches thick and super comfortable for side sleeping. My self inflating thermarest trail pro is warmer but not very comfortable for side sleeping.

[@Fjall-Anders]

Thanks for a great video😉 I have Exped downmat tt 9 on my wintertrip. The safest inflatable in my opinion. It has six separate tubes, for punk you can replace the broken tube.

[@Shaqeroni]

Excellent information! Thank you. Love REI.

[@rei]

Absolutely. Thanks for the love!

[@unknown243]

I really like this gal. Keep up the great work!

[@ryanlawrence9010]

Ya she basically works for REI, duh.

[@josericardorivera]

No sabia la diferencia entre un pad para mujer o para hombre, util informacion. Gracias chicos por estos videos que me son de mucha utilidad.

[@cindyneely6087]

this women is great good vid

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

Thank you, very good information!

[@alanjones9884]

Good video.

[@keithmoorechannel]

I would have liked to see these pads shown side by side in their packed form just for comparison.

[@mistersmith3986]

My Backpacking Sleeping Pad, is a 5th Wheel Home. It NEVER fails!

[@rei]

Right on! ⛰️🌲🙌

[@konagolden4209]

but it is spendy to buy and tough to backpack with.....

[@slylaws]

Cool

[@OntarioWoodlandAdventures]

Great info, thank you! Time for me to ditch my inflatable and get a self inflating pad, because I am a side sleeper and was having issues!

[@daniellai9370]

I used Exped downmat which is really comfy and when deflated it doesn't take up too much space. Another good thing is it's warm in winter.

[@rei]

That's a great choice, Daniel. What else do you include in your sleep setup?

[@daniellai9370]

@@rei Normally I have a homemade "fitted bed sheet" for the mat because of the noise when I'm rolling. An air pillow, -10C sleeping bag and inner sheet on extreme cold night.

[@rei]

Sounds smart! Thank you for sharing!

[@kaisalidstrom]

Can a sleeping pad be used in a flying tent? Tenstile sting day is the one that has been most recommended.

[@moz7677]

Do you have any tips to stop someone slipping on their mats/air beds if they move while sleeping ? Adjusting for comfort ? Or if conditions just don't provide a spirit level flat piece of ground ? At this point, I'm seriously considering Velcro, Thank You. 😀

[@sonyalmon]

Big Agnes makes sleeping systems that consist of a sleeping bag with a pocket all along the back that the sleeping pad slides into, making it impossible to slide off your pad. You might want to look into that.

[@samueldella-maggiore5092]

My left ear enjoyed this video

[@xmissxvictoriax]

Both my ears enjoyed this video lol

[@tehxperience]

Sounds like your headphones are broken buddy

[@samueldella-maggiore5092]

RNG idk seven people liked it so they might have had the same problem

[@slcarp1]

@REI is there a air pump bag that are compatible with the Stratus air pad? Just got the camping bundle.

[@stephanest-laurent2645]

hmmm im in love

[@danielcharbonneau222]

I will be setting up for a lot of winter outings here in Northern Ontario. The temps drop to below -30C I'm looking for info on what would be a good pad / insulator that I can use on top of a tarp on the snow. Any ideas?

[@OntarioWoodlandAdventures]

I hear ya on that! Im thinking of getting the self inflating pad, and will double up with the closed cell pads for my winter trips. Heat is everything!

[@karlg4606]

Look into Nemo Tensor

[@whatthe6532]

That would be an RV.

[@danielcharbonneau222]

@@whatthe6532 LOL I hear ya.

[@OhKnow379]

A nice thick foam pad or a down filled air Matt.

[@AR9ify]

Comfort, weight, insulation, durability, functionality and cost should be the parameters adressed.

[@matthewsabin1841]

I've had the same self inflating pad for 24 years love it but looking to see if there's anything new and better.

[@rei]

Wow! That's a long time. It can be hard to swap out your trusty gear. But when it comes time, rest assured we've got you covered. Be sure to check out the links in the description for some excellent resources to help you find the perfect match. 😊 Always feel free to ask us if you have any questions as well!

[@kevinlucken8558]

My dog threw up on myself inflating REI sleeping pad. Anyone have advice on how to best clean/wash the pad?

[@fancykid12345678]

Please tell me if yoga mats will do if you put a carpet below it.....

[@ladiebug395]

You want to camp with a yoga mat and carpet?? Dude just get a sleeping pad; think of how awful, cold, heavy, and uncomfortable it would be if it got wet! Also would not provide much padding.

[@Dakota.Covers]

I sure would not!

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

👍👍

[@LettersOfAlisha]

Do you put sleeping bag on top of the pad or inside the sleeping bag?

[@maycatyuiop]

Ive met some that swear by both ways. Ive done both and prefer my pad under my bag not inside

[@konagolden4209]

Bag above pad. Your bag is likely more expensive than your pad. You will wear out the thin bag material if it's in contact with the ground. Pads are made for being under the bag. You also limit space inside your bag if the pad is in there, too. Your bag should be fairly snug (up to a reasonable comfort point for you), so your body isn't trying to heat extra space. Few pads will fit properly inside your bag, and they weren't designed to be used that way. The pad will also provide a vapor barrier keeping your bag's insulating ability intact. If the bottom of your bag gets wet, it will lose insulating power. It may also develop mold or mildew over time.

[@Acrowe]

Expecting to be homeless soon in South Florida. Need a sleeping pad that is lightweight and extremely rugged. Normally sleeping on concrete but I do hike places like the Florida trail Appalachian trail etc. Any ideas guys? Thinking closed cell foam.

[@WojciechP915]

How is being homeless in florida? Post update.

[@jasonknotts1854]

I would personally add a fourth parameter--dependability. Dependability is MASSIVELY important to me, which is why I always go with closed cell foam.

[@konagolden4209]

closed cell form has the lowest insulating R factor. That is a big problem for any cold weather environment. I find they are less comfortable, too, but yes they are durable and dependable.

[@hey.hombre]

Air mattress is the way to go. Unless it's a think foam mattress any foam mattress is like sleeping on the ground.

[@OhKnow379]

Wrong. Unless you’re a belly sleeper.

[@Itsdaraj]

great how to video! Gives me some creative ideas for videos for my channel! :)

[@goodestmove8211]

This video comes from the “glory days” of Miranda’s hosting... before the hijacking of REI’s patrons online. Her new videos/intros declare, “This is MY show gosh darn!”.

[@elitesniper8357]

DO. NOT. TAKE. A. AIR. PAD. IN. THE. DESERT. TRUST ME.

[@lewtds]

Would you mind elaborating?

[@Running129]

@@lewtds spines, needles, and pointy rocks will puncture an air pad.

[@cindyneely6087]

I like a smart women thumbs up

[@welcometoreality3450]

Im guessing if your chubby none of them would be comfy?

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

I'm more than chubby, and my self inflating foam pad is comfy even when I'm sleeping on my side.

[@welcometoreality3450]

@@ErikJensenDetroit which one do you have?

[@ErikJensenDetroit]

@@welcometoreality3450 I've got a Cabela's XL Outfitters pad. Probably not great for extended backpacking trips, but great for car camping and maybe a hike in camping spot.

[@Teacher2Polis2XtraRice]

Great vid. Beautiful lady. Anyway, what happen to his cheeks. Lol

[@conracewhatever5224]

Idk maybe a camera angle but your neck is tooo long here.. hmm..