Buying Closed-Cell Camping Sleeping Pads

Closed-cell foam pads are still the lightest camping sleeping pads available today despite technological advances in self-inflating pads. Not only are they the lightest, they also offer the best insulation (indicated by their high R-value) for their weight and lowest price.

In case you didn't know what an "R-value" is, it's a measure of thermal resistance. It resists the flow of heat from a area of higher temperature to that of a lower temperature to achieve thermal equilibrium. In the case of sleeping pads, it resists the flow of your body's heat to the cold ground. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation.

One major drawback of the closed-cell foam pad is that they're very thin and don't provide much cushioning. If you don't need all that much cushioning then this one is for you. How can you know? Try sleeping on it at home and see if you wake sore in the morning. It's worth a try before deciding to buy a more expensive self-inflating pad because they're so cheap.

You can usually find cheaper ones still at your local department store but they're not very durable and tend to absorb water which makes it heavier than normal. For just a few dollars more, you can get one with better insulation and made of much more durable material.

Now lets take a look at the Top Three Closed-Cell Foam Pads

The Ridge Rest has one of the highest warmth-to-weight ratio around. It barely absorbs any water at all even when submerged in water an extended unlike many other foam pads.

It's no surprise that the Ridge Rest is a multiple award winner. Many have learned to rely on it during cold nights to keep them warm. Cushioning may be lacking but they're still a lot more comfortable than a flattened out inflatable.

Specs

Weight: 9 oz., 14 oz. or 1 lb 3 oz. (Small/Regular/Large)
Size: 20" x 48" x 0.625 (Small), 20" x 72" x 0.625" (Regular), 25" x 77" x 0.625" (Large)
Packed Size: 20" x 6.5" (Small), 20" x 8" (Regular), 25" x 8.5" (Large)
R-value: 2.6
Price: $19.95 (approximately)

In a field dominated by cascade designs the Nightlight Torso is one good contender. Some even claim it to be more durable than the award winning Z-Lite pad but it may lose it's loft sooner than you think if you use it as a backpack frame repeatedly inside a heavily loaded pack.

The strength of the Nightlight Torso lies in the fact that it only weighs 3.5 - 3.8 ounces but it may be too small for some people. Great when used with a thin a long pad or an inflatable pad depending on the level of comfort you desire. When used with an inflatable like the Therm-a-Rest Prolite one user claims that it's more comfortable than his bed.

Specs

Weight: 3.5 -3.8 ounces
Size: 19" x 29" x 3/4"
Packed Size: 18" x 10 3/4" x 2 1/4"
R-value: 2.27
Price: $12 (approximately)

Most foam pads are bulky when packed including the sleeping pads above. With a design inspired by an accordion, the pad also formerly known as Z-Rest is the most compact closed-cell sleeping pad you can find.

The Z-Lite is quite durable as well with improved warmth-to-weight ratio compared to the older version. However, it does not have the best warmth-to-weight ratio out there, only average. It's main strength is that unlike other closed-cell foam pads, this one packs really small.

Comfort is also reportedly average but some do sleep comfortably on this pad. You'll have to try it yourself to see if it is comfortable for you.

Specs

Weight: 10 oz (Small), 14 oz (Regular)
Size: 20" x 51" x 0.75" (Small), 20" x 72" x 0.75" (Regular)
Packed Size: 20" x 4" x 5.5" (Small), 20" x 5" x 5.5" (Regular)
R-value: 2.2
Price: $29.95 (approximately)