ALPS Mountaineering: Outlet Products

Where will you use the pad? 

Decide how you’ll use the pad. Weight and packability will matter more if you're backpacking than if you're car camping. If you're winter camping, pick an insulated pad with warmth (or a high R-value).

What are the different types of sleeping pads?

• Air pads:. Pros: Comfortable, lightweight and packable. Cons: Generally more expensive, and can be punctured or ripped.
• Self-inflating pads. A combo of open-cell foam and air. Pros: Often quite warm. Made in a variety of thicknesses and styles. Cons: Heavier than a simple foam pad.
• Closed-cell foam pads. Pros: Cheapest option. Almost indestructible. Cons: Not super comfortable.

Decide on the warmth (R-value) you need

• Sleeping pads are rated by R-value; a higher number means more insulation.
• Match your choice to the season and weather.
• Pads with an R-value less than 2.0 are suitable for warm weather whereas those with an R-value 5.5 and greater are ideal for extreme-cold-weather.

What dimension do you need?

• Pads vary by weight, cushioning, length, width, ease of inflation and more. At a minimum, your shoulders and hips need to fit on a pad.
• Regular (typically 72 inches long) and long (typically 78-inch) pads will insulate your legs and feet.
• A short or 3/4-length pad (usually 47 or 48 inches) weighs less and packs smaller.

What capacity tent do you need?

• Backpacking tent models usually hold 1-5 people.
• Sizing varies by brand, so check product specs.
• Need more elbow room? Consider the next size up.

Seasons rating

Choose the level of weather protection you need

• 3-season tent: Great for all-around protection, most backpackers.
• 3-4 season tents: Slightly sturdier and warmer, and with less mesh.
• 4-season tents: Designed to handle severe weather, but can feel stuffy in warm conditions.
• Consider alternative shelters like hammock tents, bug shelters or bivy sacks depending on preferences and conditions.

Weight

• Backpacking tents balance weight, comfort and packability.

• Packaged weight: Every part included.
• Minimum trail weight: Tent body, rain fly and poles only.

Livability

• Peak height: How tall is the tent inside?
• Floor area: How much usable space do you have?

Capacity

Trip duration is the biggest factor. General guidance:

• Weekend (1-3 nights): 30-50 liters
• Multiday (3-5 nights): 50-80 liters
• Extended (5+ nights): 70-plus liters

Features
Consider frame type, storage, padding and ventilation.

Fit
Sizing is based on torso length (not height) and hip circumference. Sizing can vary by brand and model, so check a pack's size chart.

Finding torso length and hip circumference

• Locate your C7 vertebra by tilting your head forward and feeling for the bony bump between your shoulder blades.
• Place your hands over your hip bones. Draw an imaginary line connecting your thumbs across your lower back.
• Stand up straight. Have a friend measure from your C7 vertebra to the imaginary line between your thumbs. This is your torso length.
• To find hip size, measure around the top of your hips, using the same imaginary line you found earlier.