Backpacking often involves sleeping on the hard, uneven ground which can make getting a good night’s rest challenging.
Using an insulating self inflating thermarest sleeping pad helps provide cushioning and protect you from the cold earth for a more comfortable slumber after a long day on the trail.
But modern sleeping pads come in two main varieties – self-inflating or manually inflated. When are self-inflating pads the best choice for backpacking?
What is a Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad?
A self-inflating sleeping pad, like the Thermarest Prolite Plus, leverages an open cell foam core surrounded by an air impermeable outer layer.
The pads are designed so air expands the foam when the valve is opened. This allows the pad to inflate itself without needing to manually blow air into it.
However, a few extra breaths are usually required to top it off and reach optimal firmness.
Self-inflating sleeping pads achieve insulation through:
- Lofting – The foam cells trap body heat to warm the underside
- Air pockets – The pad shape creates barriers preventing heat loss
- Closed-cell foam – Some models add a thin sheet that reflects more body warmth
Top-end self inflaters like the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm provide an R-Value over 5 through advanced internal foams and materials. This makes them suitable for cold weather expeditions.
When are Self-Inflating Pads the Best Choice?
You’re likely wondering – when should I choose a self-inflating pad over a traditional manually inflated one? Here are the key advantages self-inflaters provide:
Convenience
Self-inflating models spare you from extended breaths to blow up the pad. Just open the valve and let the foam inside expand to mostly fill it up.
This saves energy before bedtime and gets you laying down faster. The built-in inflation is extremely convenient after an exhausting trek.
Quick Deflation
Most self-inflating pads compress down smaller than rivals since the foam is flexible and designed to reconform into shape.
They roll up quicker without fighting to remove all air manually. Rapid deflation and packing is useful when needing to break camp in a hurry.
Effective Insulation
High-end self inflaters utilize advanced internal foams and reflective barriers to achieve excellent warmth for their weight and packed size.
With R-Values from 2 to as high as 9, they work year-round in cold weather. The foam conforms better to your body as well.
Cushioning Comfort
Open and closed-cell foams provide sleep-enhancing comfort and support compared to unpadded ground.
They cushion pressure points better with more even support alignment. This leads to improved sleep quality in the backcountry despite rough terrain.
Durability
Quality self-inflating pads often utilize ripstop nylon, advanced bonding, and rugged valve designs tested over years of use.
Brands like Thermarest offer impressive warranties against defects. The foam also skips repeated inflation/deflation fatigue air pads see.
Weight Savings
Higher-end self-inflaters utilize advanced foams, thinner profiles, diagonal baffles, and lightweight fabrics to pare weight while optimizing insulation.
Many rival traditional pads for packed size while still inflating themselves. This helps cut pounds from overloaded packs.
Downsides of Self-Inflating Pads
However, self-inflating sleeping pads aren’t without some downsides to consider as well:
- Bulk – They don’t compress quite as small as the most compact air pads.
- Cost – Quality models run $100 to $200, though cheaper options exist.
- Cold Air Flow – Gaps in the foam can allow body heat to escape.
- Foam Breakdown – With extensive long-term use, foam loft and insulation may deteriorate.
- Repair Difficulty – Field repairs involve patching holes in the fabric outer layer.
- Regular Care – Foam benefits from occasional machine washing to revive loft.
- Trapped Moisture – Condensation may form inside which is hard to fully dry out.
Comparison to Manually Inflated Air Pads
The other primary type of sleeping pad used for backpacking is the traditional manually inflated air mattress, like the classic ThermaRest RidgeRest or thin ThermaRest ZLite foams. How do self-inflating models compare?
Inflation & Deflation
Self-inflaters skip the need to blow tubes full of air manually, a huge boon late at night or when exhausted. They deflate and roll up quicker as well thanks to the flexible foam重新塑形.
Insulation Properties
The very best air pads match or exceed self-inflating pads for cold weather use, but many are designed just to insulate from the ground. Self-inflaters rely on internal foams for warmth.
Durability Over Time
Foam pads see less repeated inflation pressure and skip air leakage from punctures. But they may show long-term foam breakdown while most air beds utilize rugged ripstop nylon shells.
Weight & Packed Size
Advanced self-inflating mattresses slim down with lightweight fabrics and thin profiles, rivaling many air pads. But the most compact manually inflated pads still best most self-inflating options.
So self-inflating pads shine for convenience given automatic inflation and easier packing, plus provide excellent all-around insulation. Standard manually inflated air mattresses compete on pure weight savings and durability.
