Camping for beginners | Ep03 | How to choose a sleeping pad, mat or matress

Camping for beginners | Ep03 | How to choose a sleeping pad, mat or matress

In this video we discuss some of the things that you might wish to consider when choosing a sleeping pad for camping. We discuss comfort, R-value insulation, size and weight, and cost and reliability.

Gear used in this video

This video filmed with:

Other gear I use:

# camping for beginners uk
# wild camping for beginners
# what to take camping for beginners

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[MiBackpacking]

Finally the message I’ve been looking for 🙌🏽 “No reason to spend a bunch of money if you’re only going out for a night or two”. I feel like so many camping channels insist I spend $200 on a sleeping pad, $400 on a tent and $500+ on the sleeping bag.

Paul, you are my kind of camper ⛺️🙏🏼 so glad I found your channel

[jaybirdaneko]

I'm not a camping beginner but I'm just happy to see you and your laid back personality on my screen 😊👍

[daveylaney]

Now I'm surprised Paul that you haven't mentioned the airbed type that my dad bought for me when I was 8 years old, 59 years ago. Choice of colours (very important) green or blue. It took 3 hours to inflate by mouth (if you include the blackouts through lack of oxygen), was around 5 inches high when inflated, and had an integral pillow inflated separately. I tend not to use it now as each of the separate pockets have fused, and the odour coming from the inflation hole smells of Parmesan cheese and rats urine. An off-putting stink I know, but when inflating it whilst wearing a gas mask, you don't notice it that bad. 😄
Great review as always Paul. Thanks for doing what you do.

[quiddity]

I have a thermarest neoair which I got on sale whilst on holiday in florida a few years ago for $30/£20!
I love bargains me! Haha another one I use is the foil mat you mentioned. I actually buy those foil car windscreen covers! Just the right size & usually pay £2-£3

[simonweeks]

I’ve used closed cell when I was younger.
Moved into self inflating matts mid 1990s. Had an unfortunate leak with an old thermorest while in Iraq 2003. Found it deflated every morning.
Bought last year a trekology UL80 to test the idea of air mats on the cheap.
Liked it.
Took delivery of a sparkling new Nemo tensor insulated in medium wide only today.
But I’m not sure I’ll be using that any time soon.
Unless it’s in the garden with the kids which is where I’m typing this from.
We’re having our own adventures in our garden for the variety.

Keep safe everyone.

[Stampistuta]

Great vid again Paul. What I like is that while you buy top quality gear you don’t try and convince everybody it’s the best option for them too. Like you said, if your not out often don’t spend the money on an Xlite etc.

I’m currently using an Xlite and a Alpkit Skyhigh 700 all year round and I’m really happy with it. I will be adding a closed cell mat to my set up next winter just incase.

[darryldoesit]

excellent reviews and demos...love how you give precise yet easy to understand pros and cons of each style of pads...Bravo !!!

[brunovolk]

You are absolutely right about the the noisy pats, I have nothing bad to say about the blowup z pat’s they are excellent 👍 greetings from the Yukon 🤗

[chocolate_squiggle]

So comprehensive. I never would have thought to think about the noise a mat could make but you're right those louder ones would drive me insane. That air filling sack is really clever, never seen them before. You really did fill up 17 mins on this topic lol. Well done and thank you for sharing.

[jqjen]

I’ve got the sea to summit ultralight insulated and I can’t imagine changing it for anything else. I did a lot of research before getting it. Everyone seems to go for the thermorest but it just doesn’t look that comfortable to me. Mine is up and running in less than a minute using the stuff sack inflator that comes with it, it’s cheaper than thermorest neoair (and wider) and I don’t touch or feel the ground at all. Really comfortable to just sit on as well. Love it.

[jrit]

Any chance you will revive this series? Sleeping bag vid would be great! And maybe a cooking equipment guide?

[TindDK]

I have a Campingaz Quickbed Compact Single bought in Lidl. 15cm thick inflated and very comfortable but very heavy ~1.5 kg. But excellent value for money as I'm a beginner in this field.

[welshman]

Thanks we need more videos like this. As I’m interested in camping. And need to get the right stuff. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍⛺️

[sd]

Paul i love your camping tips on everything to do with wild camping, I just starting out wild camping and was not sure what to buy and after watching many of your video's i purchased a roban starlight 2 and some decent tent pegs, I was looking at the mats and sleeping bags recently and i purchased a small meths burner that you purchased when you first started camping, Thank you for the great content and advise on your youtube channel.

[stevenk-brooks]

Nice Video. Paul Messner is unpretentious, helpful, and pleasant to listen to.

[TheWlshy]

Love these posts, good honest reviews that suit all budgets. keep them coming👍

[nickgreene]

I’ve just bought a Vango trek 3. Very comfortable and feels strong and well made for the price (I paid only £35). A major upgrade in comfort from my old closed cell foam pad but pretty heavy. Kept me very warm on a recent trip

[JCJ]

It's good to remember that wild camping is not all about the expensive gear, nice little video for the new budget conscious 👍

[McGoverner]

Great video again Paul. I've got a cheap £25 air matress which is fine for summer, but recently invested in the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated and it's an absolute dream for a side sleeper. Comes with an integrated pump sack bag too. I'm 6' 2" and the regular size is fine.

[emmarowley]

I got a vaude soave self inflating mat but that takes a few good breathes to get going, am looking for something just a little thicker so I can double it up so think I will try one of the air mattress, have seen one with built in foot pump which looks rather handy. Love my snugpack softie elite 4 sleeping bag. I am extremely cold sleeper but always nice and warm in that bag, I always use a cotton liner as its easier to wash the liner rather than the bag. Bought a fleece liner but haven't needed to use it yet....
Happy camping everyone.