Sleeping pads

The sleeping pad plays a major role in camping comfort. Its most important function is to keep you warm: the insulation of a sleeping bag compresses under your body weight and becomes a thin layer, so additional insulation underneath is essential.The sleeping pad plays a major role in camping comfort. Its most important function is to keep you warm: the insulation of a sleeping bag compresses under your body weight and becomes a thin layer, so additional insulation underneath is essential. That’s why sleeping pads are made for different seasons, just like sleeping bags. There are three main types of sleeping pads: air pads, foam pads, and self-inflating pads.

Sleeping Pads for Camping – Comfort and Warmth While You Sleep

Self-inflating, Foam, and Air Pads

Why does your sleeping pad matter?

The sleeping pad plays a major role in camping comfort. Its most important function is to keep you warm: the insulation of a sleeping bag compresses under your body weight and becomes a thin layer, so additional insulation underneath is essential. That’s why sleeping pads are made for different seasons, just like sleeping bags. There are three main types of sleeping pads: air pads, foam pads, and self-inflating pads.

Air pads – the royalty of sleeping pads

Inflatable air pads have become extremely popular in recent years. They are typically 5–9 cm thick, making them the most comfortable option year-round. There are several types of insulation used: baffles, down, and synthetic fiber. Baffles alone are the lightest option. Inside the air chambers, a lightweight structure prevents air movement. A great choice from spring through fall – and some models even work in winter! In down- and synthetic-insulated pads, the insulation inside the air chambers traps warm air in place, creating the same kind of warm air layer underneath you that your sleeping bag creates above you.

When using an air pad, it’s important to prepare your sleeping area carefully: since air pads can puncture, avoid sharp objects like glass shards or jagged rocks. The tent or shelter floor protects the pad surface, and using a tent footprint adds extra safety. For added luxury, you can bring an air pad for sleeping and a shared foam pad with your group for use as a campfire seat that can be tossed down anywhere without worry.

A basic air mattress works well in summer but can be uncomfortably cold by late fall. However, these summer pads pack down incredibly small and are lighter than the rubber air mattresses of the past. Air pads with insulation are warm enough even for sleeping on snow. Some air pads have built-in pumps, while others require a separate pump. We always recommend using a pump, as inflating by mouth introduces a surprising amount of moisture into the pad, which is hard to remove. Using a pump also dramatically reduces the chance of getting lightheaded at camp.

Self-inflating pads

Self-inflating pads are usually 2.5–4 cm thick and work with an internal foam structure. When you reach camp, take the pad out of its stuff sack, open the valve, and lay it flat. The foam inside slowly returns to its original shape, pulling air inside. After 2–20 minutes, depending on the pad and conditions, you can either close the valve or blow in a few breaths to top it off, then close the valve. The higher the quality of the pad and the warmer the air, the faster it will self-inflate. Pads that have been tightly packed for a long time take longer to return to full shape. Thermarest is the most trusted and popular brand in our selection for self-inflating pads. Always store your self-inflating pad with the valve open. Only pack it tightly into its stuff sack when traveling. This helps keep the foam lofted and effective.

Foam pads

Foam pads are extremely durable and affordable. They don’t puncture, and even deep scratches don’t reduce their insulation. They’re simple and budget-friendly, but they do take up quite a bit of space when rolled. Most backpacks have external straps specifically for foam pads. Foam pads are typically rolled, but we also carry a few folding models. Some foam pads have textured surfaces with waves or dimples to enhance insulation more effectively than their weight alone might suggest. Foam pads are the most basic type and offer the least cushioning – on cabin floors or very hard ground, some campers may find them uncomfortably firm.

Scandinavian Outdoor Selection

We’ve carefully chosen our sleeping pads – trusted premium brands like Thermarest, Exped, Rab, and Sea to Summit have proven their reliability over years and decades. Robens is a newer addition, and Outwell is a great choice for campsite use.

Order yours from a Finnish specialty store – fast delivery, even to your doorstep!

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Savotta Sitting Pad

A fine example of a sitting pad, complete with protective sides.

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Savotta FDF Sleeping Pad

Mattress designed for the Finnish Defence Forces.

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Sea To Summit Aircell Mat Seat

An inflatable seat pad for extra comfort at camp.

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Rab Ionosphere 5.5 Regular

An 8 cm thick, well insulated airpad for year-round use. Regular size.

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Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT MAX Regular Wide

A quieter NeoAir with superbly low weight! Suitable for 3-4 season use. Wider model.

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Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT Regular Wide

Suitable for year-round use, yet incredibly light! Wider model.

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Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 Regular

A very light and compact airpad for 3 or 4 season use.

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Rab Hypersphere 9.5 Regular Wide

A super warm, 10 cm thick winter sleeping pad with down insulation. Wider model.

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Scandinavian Outdoor Thermo sleeping mat

A foldable, super versatile mattress.

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Robens Air Impact 38 L

A self-inflating mattress with 3.8 cm thickness.

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Thermarest Neoloft Regular Wide

A comfort-oriented airpad warm enough for year-round use. 186 x 64 cm.

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Rab Ionosphere 5.5 Long&Wide

An 8 cm thick, well insulated airpad for year-round use. Large size.

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Sea To Summit Comfort Mat Light Medium

5 cm thick self-inflating base for three seasons.

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Rab Ionosphere 5 Regular

An 8 cm thick, light airpad for year-round use. Regular size.

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Rab Stratosphere 5.5 Regular Wide

A very comfortable four season pad, wide model. Durable surface fabric!

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Rab Ultrasphere 1.5

A highly packable summer pad, still with 8 cm thickness.

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Rab Stratosphere 5.5 Regular

A very comfortable four season pad, regular size. Durable surface fabric!

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Robens Air Impact 38

A self-inflating mattress with 3.8 cm thickness.

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Scandinavian Outdoor Sleeping Pad Extreme

Thin and superbly light, this 3 mm mattress adds warmth to any sleeping setup.

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Thermarest Neoair Xtherm NXT Max Regular Wide

A super warm insulated airpad. 7.6 cm thick and 64 cm wide model.

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Robens Vapour 60

Lightweight airbed for summer camping.

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Rab Stratosphere 4 Regular

A very comfortable 3 season pad, regular size. Durable surface fabric!

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Rab Stratosphere 5.5 Long&Wide

A very comfortable three season pad, larger size. Durable surface fabric!

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Scandinavian Outdoor Tundra 4-season mattress

A strong, quality and light EVA-camping mattress.

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Kaira Arctic foldable seat pad

Aluminized seat pad with great insulation.

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Thermarest Ridgerest Classic Large

Durable and affordable Thermarest mattress.

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Flextail Zero Pump

An incredibly light pump for inflating airpads, ventilating your fire etc.

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Rab Stratosphere 4 Regular Wide

A very comfortable 3 season pad, wide size. Durable surface fabric!

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Rab Stratosphere 4 Long & Wide

A very comfortable three season pad, larger size. Durable surface fabric!

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Outwell Sleepin Single 5,0

A self-inflating pad at a reasonable price.

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Thermarest Prolite Plus S

Three season self-inflating pad. 119 cm long.

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Exped Ultra 1R M Mummy

Super compact summer sleeping pad, regular size and mummy shape.

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Rab Ionosphere 5 Long&Wide

An 8 cm thick, light airpad for year-round use. Large size.

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Thermarest Instant Field Repair Kit

Fix kit for Thermarest air mattresses.

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Halti 500 Lite Pump

A superbly light and packable airmat with integrated pump.

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Thermarest Prolite Apex L

A very comfortable three season mattress. Large size.

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Flextail Max Pump 2 Plus

A pump for inflating and deflating airpads, a powerbank and a lantern, all in one.

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Rab Hypersphere 9.5 Long

A super warm, 10 cm thick winter sleeping pad with down insulation. Bigger model.

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Thermarest Ridgerest Classic Reg

Durable, reliable and affordable Thermarest mattress.

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Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag UL M

Fast, ultralight pump for Exped mattresses.

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Flextail Tiny Pump 2X

A pump for inflating and deflating airpads and a lantern, all in one.

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Rab Ultrasphere 1.5 Long Wide

A highly packable summer pad, still with 8 cm thickness. Longer and wider model.

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Exped Versa 5R LW

A 9 cm thick pad for year-round use. Weight 1090 grams.

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Thermarest Prolite Apex Regular

A very comfortable three season mattress, regular size.

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Exped Mini Pump

A nifty hand pump for filling Exped mats.

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Exped Versa 2R LW

A 5 cm thick pad for three season use. Weight 805 cm.

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Exped Versa 2R M

A 5 cm thick pad for three season use.

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Exped Dura 5R M

A durable insulated pad for year-round use.

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Exped Ultra 7R M Mummy

A light pad for cold conditions. Weight 495 g.

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Exped Ultra 7R MW Mummy

Lightweight down pad, ready for cold conditions.

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Exped Dura 8R M

Durable, down insulated pad for cold conditions.

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Exped Ultra 7R LW

A light pad for cold conditions. Longer and wider model.

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Exped Ultra 7R M

A light pad for cold conditions.

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Thermarest Trail Lite Large

A reliable and comfortable self-inflating pad for three season use.

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Thermarest Women's Trail Lite

A reliable and comfortable self-inflating pad for three season use, women's model.

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Thermarest Trail Lite Regular

A reliable and comfortable self-inflating pad for three season use.

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Exped Dura 3R MW

A durable insulated pad for year-round use. Wide model.

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Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag L

Pump bag for use with airpads, large size.

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Thermarest Women's Prolite Plus

Women's size of the renewed self-inflating mattress.

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Exped Versa 5R M

9 cm thick airpad for year-round use.

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Exped Versa 5R MW

A 9 cm thick pad for year-round use.

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Exped Ultra 7R LW Mummy

Lightweight down pad, ready for cold conditions.

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Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT Large

Suitable for year-round use, yet incredibly light! Longer and wider model.

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Thermarest Neoair Xtherm NXT Large

A super warm insulated airpad. 7.6 cm thick, 196 cm long and 64 cm wide model.

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Thermarest Neoair Xtherm NXT Max L

A super warm insulated airpad. 7.6 cm thick, 196 cm long and 64 cm wide model.

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Rab Hypersphere Ultra 7.5 Long Wide

A super warm, 8 cm thick sleeping pad with down insulation.

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Rab Hypersphere 9.5 Regular

A super warm, 10 cm thick winter sleeping pad with down insulation.

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Rab Hypersphere Ultra 7.5 Regular

A super warm, 8 cm thick sleeping pad with down insulation.

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Rab Hypersphere Ultra 7.5 Regular Wide

A super warm, 8 cm thick sleeping pad with down insulation.

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Exped Doublemat Evazote

A protective pad to be used under your actual sleeping pad.

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Exped Field Repair Kit

Top notch patch kit for air pads, complete with UV light for curing.

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Thermarest Prolite Plus Women's Regular

Women's version of the renewed self-inflating mattress.

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Exped Ultra 3R S

A packable three season pad, 160 cm model.

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Thermarest Neoloft Large

A comfort-oriented airpad warm enough for year-round use. 198 x 66 cm.

Thermarest BlockerLite Pump Sack

A 20 liter pump sack for inflating Therm-a-Rest pads.

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Sea To Summit Aircell UL Large

Super light air pad for summer use, larger size.

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Robens Airbed Primavapour 60

A 6 cm thick two/three season pad.

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Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 Long

A very light and compact airpad for 3 or 4 season use. Longer model.

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Thermarest ProLite Plus Regular

Three season self-inflating mattress.

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Robens Polarshield 80

A 70 x 200 cm pad for camp use.