Sleeping pad R-value for cold weather camping

R-value measures how well a pad stops heat from leaving through the ground. A higher number means more insulation. For cold nights, the pad matters as much as the bag.

A simple guide

Makers and shops often group pads by R-value. Use these rough bands as a starting point, and check the maker's notes for your pad.

R-values stack. Two pads under you add their numbers together. A foam pad with R 2 under an inflatable with R 4 gives a total near 6.

What goes wrong first. Air. A pad with no insulation and a pump full of warm breath can fill with moisture. Fix: use a pump sack or a pump for cold trips.

The exception

If you sleep very warm or camp only in mild weather, a mid pad is plenty. If you sleep cold, are small, or camp on snow or frozen ground, choose a higher number than the table suggests.

Pair the pad with a bag chosen as in sleeping bag temperature rating explained. The whole plan sits in how to stay warm in a tent in winter. For the choice between a pad and an air bed, see sleeping pad vs air mattress.