Do you ever feel like rolling around on rocks all night when trying to sleep on a campsite? If so, you're probably in need of a thicker sleeping pad.

Sleeping pads come in different thicknesses, and the one you choose largely depends on the type of camping you'll be doing. This post will give you an overview of the different sleeping pad types, the advantages of thick and thin pads, and tips on choosing the right thickness for your needs.

So, keep reading if you're gearing up for your first backpacking trip or just need a new sleeping pad for car camping!

How Thick Should A Sleeping Pad Be For Camping?

When it comes to sleeping pads, thickness is measured in inches. The thicker the pad, the more cushioning it will provide.

The type of camping you'll be doing will largely dictate how thick your sleeping pad should be. For example, if you're car camping, weight and packed size are not as big of a concern as they would be for backpacking. In this case, you might want to choose a thicker sleeping pad for extra comfort.

On the other hand, a thicker sleeping pad will add weight and bulk to your pack if you're backpacking. In this case, you might want to choose a thinner pad that's still comfortable but won't weigh you down on the trail.

There are also a few other factors to consider when choosing the thickness of your sleeping pad, such as the type of insulation and whether you sleep hot or cold. We'll touch on these factors in more detail below.

Sleeping Pad Thickness

The bottom line is that the thickness of your sleeping pad should be dictated by the type of camping you'll be doing. If the weight and packed size are not a concern, go for a thicker pad for extra comfort. If you're backpacking, choose a thinner pad to save space and weight.

Other Factors To Consider When Choosing Sleeping Pad Thickness

In addition to the type of camping you'll be doing, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing the thickness of your sleeping pad. These include the type of insulation, whether you sleep hot or cold, and your budget.

Type of Insulation

Sleeping pads come with different types of insulation, such as synthetic or down. Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers and is a good choice if you're camping in wet conditions. Down insulation is made from duck or goose feathers and is lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation. However, it's not as durable and doesn't insulate as well when wet.

If you're camping in warm weather, you might not need any insulation at all. In this case, you can choose an uninsulated sleeping pad.

On the other hand, if you're camping in cold weather, you'll want to choose a sleeping pad with some insulation. In this case, synthetic or down would be a good choice.

Sleep Hot or Cold?

If you tend to sleep hot, you might not need as much cushioning and can get away with a thinner pad. On the other hand, if you tend to sleep cold, you might want to choose a thicker pad for extra warmth.

Budget

Thicker pads tend to be more expensive than thinner ones, so if cost is a concern, you might want to choose a thinner pad.

AKSOUL Self-Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad

AKSOUL sleeping pads are perfect for camping, backpacking, hiking, and outdoor activities. They’re made with high-quality materials and construction to ensure you get a good night’s sleep – no matter where you are.

You can find the perfect pad for your needs with two different thicknesses of 4 and 4.7 inches. And our pads fold up small, so they’re easy to pack and take with you on your next adventure.

Purchase an AKSOUL sleeping pad today!

Conclusion

The bottom line is that the thickness of your sleeping pad should be dictated by the type of camping you'll be doing. If the weight and packed size are not a concern, go for a thicker pad for extra comfort. If you're backpacking, choose a thinner pad to save space and weight. Other factors to consider when choosing sleeping pad thickness include the type of insulation, whether you sleep hot or cold, and your budget.

What's your favorite sleeping pad? Let us know!