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Choosing a Sleeping Pad
A good night's sleep outdoors is dependent on a multitude of factors. An often overlooked aspect? The sleeping pad. We offer a wide variety of sleeping pads for various applications, from summer backpacking to winter climbing. Read on to learn about our sleeping pad lineup and getting some insight on which pad will best meet your needs.
CONTENTS
Key points for selecting a sleeping pad
The role of a sleeping pad
The role of a sleeping pad is to provide "insulation" and "cushioning." If it lacks cushioning, you may wake up with body aches in the morning, and if it has low insulation, you might not be able to sleep deeply due to the cold. To have a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed, bringing a sleeping pad is essential.
The benefit of a sleeping pad
- It provides a barrier to slow the loss of heat into the ground, allowing you to sleep comfortably.
- Helps smooth out uneven ground.
Illustration. Actual product may vary. Please use sleeping pads appropriately inside tents.
Construction
Inflatable type
- Inflatable type that expands when filled with air
- Recommended for those who want to minimize their luggage as it can be stored compactly
U.L. Air Pad Series
Inflatable (with form)
- This inflatable style sleeping pad has a layer of foam inside of it
- "Self-inflating" pads that expand to some degree due to the foam's expansion when the valve is opened for use
- Excellent cushioning and insulating properties provide a comfortable sleeping experience
Left: Alpine Pad & Camp Pad 38 & 50 Series
Right: Camp Pad 100 Series
Form type
- Made with closed-cell foam with excellent lightweight, durability, and insulating properties
- Foldable design allows for quick setup and takedown
- No worry about punctures, can be placed directly on uneven ground
Left: Foam Pad Series
Right: Tatami Pad Series
Weight and storage size
The importance placed on weight and storage size varies depending on activities and means of transportation. For mountain climbing or bicycle touring where you carry the pad and move long distances on your own, prioritize models that emphasize lightweight and compact designs. For situations like car camping where you don't need to worry much about the size and weight of what you are bringing, types that prioritize comfort over being lightweight and compact are recommended.
Weight and packed size comparison
Thickness, size, and insulation
Thickness
The thicker the pad, the better the cushioning effect, but on the other hand, it compromises lightweight and compact qualities. Before purchasing, it's a good idea to actually try it out and check the fabric, comfort level, and whether there's any discomfort when turning over during sleep.
Usage size (width/length)
The trekking model is designed with a width of approximately 50cm / 19.7in to balance lightweight compactness and comfort. The head area and foot area are cut to the minimum necessary width in an effort to reduce weight. Wide size and camping models are set to a width of 60cm / 23.6in or more. This allows you to use them comfortably without your elbows falling off the pad.
When there are no restrictions on luggage or tent size, such as when camping, you can combine the 180 or 150 models with optional pillows (sold separately) to suit your sleeping preferences and body type. For mountain climbing or bicycle touring where you prioritize lightweight and compact gear and want to minimize volume, shorter pads are an option. Even with a short-sized pad, you can create a comfortable sleeping space with some ingenuity. The parts that need the pad's function most are the back and waist. Use the pad only for these areas, use a stuff sack filled with clothes as a pillow, and place an empty backpack under your feet.
Thermal resistance
The insulation properties are designed to suit various purposes through the internal structure of the pad and the combination of materials.
It's not always the case that thicker pads have higher insulation. The settings vary depending on the balance with factors such as lightness and compactness. Choose a suitable model based on the R-value (thermal resistance value) of each model, considering the season and sleeping environment.
It's not always the case that thicker pads have higher insulation. The settings vary depending on the balance with factors such as lightness and compactness. Choose a suitable model based on the R-value (thermal resistance value) of each model, considering the season and sleeping environment.
What is R-value?
The R-value is an indicator of the insulation performance of a sleeping pad based on ASTM F3340-18. The higher the value, the better the insulation performance. R-value is a useful guideline when selecting a sleeping pad.
Our original system: creating comfort
U.L. Comfort System (Patented in Japan)
A unique system that allows you to freely combine the contents of your pack, backpack, and optional items (sold separately) with the pad to create a comfortable sleeping arrangement tailored to your usage scenario and preferences.
Compatible models: U.L. Comfort System Air Pad & Wide Series / U.L. Comfort System Alpine Pad 25 / Camp Pad 38 / Camp Pad 50 / Camp Pad 100 (Joint System only)
Compatible models: U.L. Comfort System Air Pad & Wide Series / U.L. Comfort System Alpine Pad 25 / Camp Pad 38 / Camp Pad 50 / Camp Pad 100 (Joint System only)
Prevents shifting and supports comfortable sleep
Our unique joint system allows you to connect pads of different lengths, as well as U.L. Comfort System Pillows and Extension Pad 30 (sold separately). This prevents the pads from shifting or creating gaps when you roll over, ensuring uninterrupted comfort.
Pillow strap
The pads have a strap to make compressing easier when it is time to put the pad back in its stuff sack. The strap can also be used to secure a pillow to the pad, just fashion a pillow out of the stuff sack or other similar item using clothes or a jacket.
Other common features (Inflatable models)
Air inflation valve and seal
The seal prevents air from escaping during inflation, allowing for simple, fast pressure adjustment. To release air, simply push aside the seal with the valve cap for easy deflation. Compatible with pump stuff sack (sold separately).
Pump Stuff Bag compatible
Quickly and easily inflate your sleeping pad. Camp Pad 38, 50 and 100 wide come with a stuff sack with a built-in pump.
Repair kit included
A dedicated repair kit is included for patching leaks and replacing a valve in the field.
Inflatable type
- For hiking
- For hiking & camping
- For camping
For hiking
U.L. Thermo Air Pad
Built-in thermal film
Delivers warmth for cold seasons in a lightweight, compact design.
For hiking & camping
For camping
Foam type
- For hiking
- For hiking & camping
For hiking
For hiking & camping
U.L. Comfort Sytem Air Pad & Air Pad Wide (Inflatable type)
Featuring excellent insulation and comfort while achieving a compact storage size. It fits easily into a pack, making it ideal for those who want to lighten their load.
Ultralight model
U.L. Air Pad
Tapered silhouette with minimized width at head and foot areas for weight reduction
- Inflatable type
- For hiking
- U.L. Comfort System
- 3-season
Model focused on comfort
U.L. Air Pad Wide
A rectangular pattern that is 10cm / 3.9in wider than an Air Pad. Perfect for people who want a little more space on their sleeping pad and for people who want to keep their arms on top of the pad.
- Inflatable type
- For hiking
- U.L. Comfort System
- 3-season
Box construction
The air pad features internal partitions which create a flatter more level sleeping experience.
Partition wall height
Taller partitions reduce cold spots and provide better insulation.
Compact storage size
Achieving compact dimensions of just 8.5 x 20 cm / 3.3 x 7.9 in (size 90), it is extremely easy to carry around.
U.L. Thermo Air Pad (Inflatable type)
U.L. Thermo Air Pad
This air-inflatable pad features a thermal film inside that reflects body heat. The heat-sealed partition pattern reduces cold spots, providing excellent insulation for winter use.
- Inflatable type
- For hiking
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
Inflatable pad with thermal film
Thermal film is placed on the top and bottom to prevent convection and reflect radiant heat from the body. The TPU film acts as a partition to prevent convection. This suppresses heat loss and achieves high insulation performance.
Lightweight and compact
Despite its high insulation performance, it can be stored compactly, making it convenient to carry. (Image shows size 150)
Hightweight silhouette
To balance lightweight compactness and comfort, the width is set at about 50cm / 19.7in. We have adopted a mummy-style silhouette to further reduce weight by cutting the width around the head and feet to the absolute minimum.
U.L. Comfort System Alpine Pad 25 & Camp Pad 38, 50 (Inflatable Foam)
A model that incorporates lightweight urethane foam with high heat retention inside the air mattress. When the air inlet valve is opened, it inflates to some extent due to the foam's expansion, and additional air can be added to adjust the pad's firmness. While lightweight and compact, it offers excellent cushioning and is suitable for various mountaineering styles.
Common features
Balancing weight and insulation
The lightweight open-cell foam features great insulative properties, allowing us to reduce weight without having to alter the shape or pattern of the foam (such as cutting blocks out of the foam). We further lighten the weight by using carefully chosen fabric, valves, buckles and toggles.
Solid foam for maximum comfort
By using a solid piece of lightweight open cell foam, the pad achieves even cushioning, support and insulation to promote comfort. For example, look at the thermal imaging of a similar pad made with spaced out blocks of foam (to reduce weight) illustrating the poorer thermal performance.
Air inflation valve and seal
The seal prevents air from escaping during inflation, allowing for simple, fast pressure adjustment. When first opening the valve, air begins to enter the sleeping pad self-inflating to a degree. To release air, simply push aside the seal with the valve cap for easy deflation Compatible with pump stuff bag (sold separately).
Camp Pad series comes with a stuff bag featuring a pump bag function.
Four thicknesses to choose from depending on insulation needs and ground conditions
Alpine pads are lightweight and compact models designed for mountaineering, while camp pads are models that prioritize cushioning and insulation. In addition to car camping, they are also suitable for use in winter mountains.
A model that balances portability and comfort
Alpine Pad 25
This model is lightweight and compact, making it ideal for mountaineering use. By adopting a unique mummy shape, it achieves both lightweight compactness and comfort. Available in 4 sizes to accommodate various mountaineering styles.
- Insulated Inflatable type
- For hiking
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
A versatile model emphasizing cushioning and insulation
Camp Pad 38
This model emphasizes cushioning and insulation with a 3.8cm / 1.5in thick foam. It cushions on uneven ground while also slowing the loss of heat through the ground, providing a comfortable user experience. It's suitable for use in cold weather and winter mountains. With a wide size of 60cm / 23.6in , it is also great for those that want a little more space.
- Insulated Inflatable type
- For hiking & camping
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
A camping model boasting high cushioning and insulation properties
Camp Pad 50
This model emphasizes cushioning and insulation with a 5.0cm / 2in thick foam. It cushions on uneven ground while also slowing the loss of heat through the ground, providing a comfortable user experience. It's suitable for use in cold weather and winter mountains. With a wide size of 60cm / 23.6in, it is also great for those that want a little more space.
- Insulated Inflatable type
- For camping
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
Camp Pad 100 & Wide (Inflatable Foam)
This is a 10cm / 3.9in thick self-inflatable pad that enhances comfort for camping and car camping. The surface is made of soft tricot fabric, while the back is made of a durable material. The polyurethane foam automatically inflates to a certain extent when the air valve is opened, so air inflation using the included pump-function stuff sack can be completed in just a few pumps.
Not compatible with pump bags (sold separately).
Single Model
Camp Pad 100
A model with high expandability thanks to its joint system. With a wide size of 70cm / 27.6in , it can be comfortably used by people who want more space.
- Insulated Inflatable type
- For camping
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
Wide Model
Camp Pad 100 Wide
With a wide size of 130cm / 51.2in , it comfortably accommodates two adults.
Connecting toggles are not included.
- Insulated Inflatable type
- For camping
- U.L. Comfort System
- 4-season
Airflow construction
The internal polyurethane foam has been hollowed out in specified intervals to allow air to flow efficiently throughout the pad when the valve is opened. This enables quick setup and compact storage.
Air inflation valve and seal
Equipped with two large air valves. In addition to the inflation/deflation valve, there is a dedicated deflation valve, allowing for smooth deflation when storing.
Joint system
Comes with toggles for connecting models.
For Camp Pad 100 only
Cannot be connected with other mats or pillows
Foam Pad 16, 25, Large & Multi Foam Pad (Foam type)
This is a lightweight sleeping pad that deploys quickly by simply unfolding, no inflating necessary. It uses polyethylene closed-cell foam that excels when durability matters. The bottom foam on the pad is firmer, which improves comfort on uneven ground. The Foam Pad series utilizes an egg-shell pattern to disperse weight and cushion.
Common features
Compact storage
The egg-shell pattern is designed to overlap when folded, allowing it to be compactly folded.
High durability and effective insulation
Since it is closed-cell foam, there is no worry about tearing, making it suitable for direct placement on the ground. The pattern also increases the distance from the ground and helps insulate from the ground.
A lightweight model that is designed to unfold quickly and fold easily
Foam Pad 16
By making the back surface of the sole firmer, it reduces the impact on uneven terrain. This model is suitable for mountaineering use, balancing lightweight and durability. With a lineup of four square-shaped sizes, it accommodates various mountaineering styles.
- Foam type
- For hiking
- 3-season
A lightweight, thick model that is designed to unfold quickly and fold easily
Foam Pad 25
With a simple foldable structure, this thick model is lightweight and allows for quick setup and storage. Offering excellent cushioning and insulation, it is suitable for a wide range of activities such as mountaineering and camping. Available in three square-shaped sizes.
- Foam type
- For hiking
- 3-season
Large model
Foam Pad Large
A large-size model ideal for camping, suitable for two people. Wide size with a 120cm / 47.2 in width. Can be folded in half for single-person use. Includes elastic bands for storage.
- Foam type
- For camping
- 3-season
A model with adjustable width and thickness by folding
Multiuse Foam Pad
This is a foam pad that can be folded to adjust its width and thickness. The indented pattern applied across the entire surface provides excellent cushioning. When folded in half, it can be used as a single-person pad in its two-layer state. When unfolded into a single, wide layer, it can be used as a two-person pad or as a tent mat.
- Foam type
- For hiking & camping
- 3-season
Tatami Pad (Foam type)
Tatami pad
A mat made of thin, rigid foam that smooths out uneven terrain and provides a "tatami-like" sleeping experience. It can be compactly stored and, by changing the folding method, can be attached to the outside or on the inside of a backpack. Usable in temperatures of 0 °C and above (during snow-free periods).
Do NOT use in conditions below 0 °C. Due to the properties of the material, it becomes brittle and accelerates product deterioration.
- Foam type
- For hiking
- 3-season
Construction combining two types of foam
Incorporates polyethylene foam to ensure cushioning and a rigid board to reduce impact on uneven terrain. By layering two thin foams of different properties, this innovative pad achieves a moderately firm sleeping surface similar to a "tatami" mat, while remaining thin and compact.
The appropriate firmness ensures comfort
The built-in rigid board reduces the pressure points from the ground caused by rocks and other objects, so despite being so thin, it improves comfort compared to pads made with only cushioning cushioning material.
Water repellent treatment
Made with polyester ripstop fabric, which has a non-absorbent fiber structure and high tear resistance. The outer surface is treated with a water-repellent finish to protect the pad from condensation and dirt.
Compact design
When in use, it's 0.5cm / 0.2in thick, and when folded for storage, it's an ultra-thin 6.0cm / 2.4in thick (for 150 size).
Sleep more comfortably - Optional Items -
Let's enhance your overnight tent stay by incorporating optional items effectively. The pump bag is a specialized item that can quickly inflate models equipped with the U.L. Comfort System (*). We also offer a range of items such as pillows and extension pads that can be connected to sleeping pads, as well as sheets and covers to use with sleeping bags.
Products made before 2016 are not compatible due to different valve shapes.
"Pump Bag" usage video
Quickly inflate with simple operation. (sold separately)
Products made before 2016 are not compatible due to different valve shapes.
Related Information
Innovative sleeping bag with no baffles "Seamless Down Hugger Series"
Our Seamless Down Hugger bags adopt a world's first design, "Spider Baffle System," which maximizes down's ability to insulate. While maintaining the stretchy, lightweight, and compact features characteristic of Montbell sleeping bags, we have succeeded in optimizing high-quality down's insulating power than ever before.
