(Part 2) Best self-inflating camping pads according to redditors

NTA - Is there a reason why the SIL doesn't want you to sleep on the ground?

One of the things you can get is an extra long sleeping bag pad. It's less bouncy than an inflatable mattress, and is pretty easy to throw into a car. This one on Amazon would be long enough for you.

Because no one else answered this dude

I havent been through the season yet, but for the last few camps Ive used a self inflating sleeping pad (as have many others). It folds up real tight, and can be inflated extremely easily. Its not the most comfortable thing in the world, but I far prefer it to the air mattress I was using for the first few.

It saves space and is pretty cost efficient.

This is the one Ive been using.

https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Camp-Self-Inflating-Sleeping/dp/B076P35JZR/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1525231473&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=self+inflating+sleeping+pad&psc=1

I've been moto-camping for awhile with some pretty good/compact gear. I got [this](https://ironhorsegear.com/products/2-tent) tent because it packs down to a little bigger than a football (7"x7"x14.5") and weighs approx 6.5 lbs. The tent poles are all strung together (the rain fly pole attaches to the top) and it is really easy to set up. I love that I can pull back the rainfly as far as I want and "sleep under the stars".

[This](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFGX6D8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) sleeping bag packs down to about the same size as the tent and only weight 3.5 lbs!

I also have a [this](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G4B3ZVS/ref=twister_B07P6WY3MH?_encoding=UTF8&th=1) sleeping pad because the bag is not too fluffy.

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[Here's](https://imgur.com/RbWhdPU) a pic of my big bike loaded up for a week long trip thru the Blue Ridge/Smokies and Appalachians, notice my buddies Harley, while I got room for a rider or cooler if necessary.

[Here's](https://imgur.com/GC04eLO) the tent with the rain fly pulled back, that's my KLR in the background.

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The bag is rated to 25F but I've only used for fall/spring riding in the Southeast and winter in Florida.

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Edit: What happened to hiding the links?!

I've used one before and it was fine but I've also spent some time backpacking so I'm kinda used to that. What you really want though is something like this. There are a bunch of similar products on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079MCFYC7/ref=asc_df_B079MCFYC75479047/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B079MCFYC7&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242003507495&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2904809367535237934&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9067609&hvtargid=pla-430642710930

They pack down smaller than foam pads, provide more cushion, and will get you a couple inches off the ground.

Sleeping Pad for Camping - Self-Inflating Sleeping pads - Lightweight Camping sleeping pad- Best for Camping Backpacking & Hiking. R Value of 4.9 - Inflatable Camping Mattress - Boy Scout Girl Scout https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073K2GLX1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-8Z9AbZGGX4RT

Hey! I think it’s very doable and you can manage to get stuff cheap! I fly down solo from NY. Last year I bought this 2 person instant tent for myself. Literally pops open, less than $50:

Coleman 2-Person Pop-Up Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGPY9CE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_W00yDbTZJWDH4

Because I fly, I did buy a hitchhiking style mattress to save on room. This isn’t the exact one but something similar:


Overmont Sleeping Pad Inflatable Extra Thickness Camping Tent Mattress Pad Waterproof for Sleeping Comfortable Compact Air Mat for Backpacking Travel Hiking Built in Pump https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JC6123D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_710yDb3E3RH0S

That’s literally all I had to buy. I had pillow blankets clothes etc. I did buy a $8 Walmart chair but since I was solo, I honestly never used it. Sat in my car a few times. I did have a group I camped with. Met a guy on a music forum and went with his crew.

Overall, make it happen! You will not be disappointed.

I got a used 12ga magnum 870 wing master and a turkey choke. Go shoot your gun and get to know it!

You need a call of some sort. I got mouth calls because they are cheap and fun to play with. I am also birdless after two seasons so take with a grain of salt.

My hot tip on camo is to find something at a thrift store. I bought my shirt oversized and can pull it over however many or few layers I need to be comfortable. Gloves, mask are worth it but not easily found at a thrift store.

This camp chair was a game changer for my second season this year https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-OutdoorZ-Backwoods-Mossy-Bottomland/dp/B07CB21LM3?ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_5044187011
With the long sits that are required (and my bony ass) my first season was misery. These chairs bring your knees up so the gun is already in a good spot, gives back support, and keeps me comfortable and able to stay still.

From what you’ve described as your needs, this would be fine.

Personally I think you could probably find better ‘deals’ if you hunted a bit more, but as a package it’ll work great!

Not a fan of the pad, but could speak highly of [this](Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad Orange w/ Pillow X Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075RWG8Z6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tFKlDb9MJH3W6). A good night’s rest in the woods can’t be undervalued!

I personally own this pad https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Static-Ultralight-Sleeping-Pad/dp/B076J1QJQR/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1550062570&sr=1-14&keywords=sleeping+mat+for+camping&refinements=p_36:1253557011&linkCode=ll1&tag=ogman-20&linkId=b94380c0bc0f0ee154174ff1bafd38de I used to have back pain every time I got back from camping but this helped me a lot. It has a special V shape design so it fit your body perfectly and it's really good for your back.

It's in your price range but if you want a cheaper option try something like this pad https://www.amazon.com/Outdoorsman-Lab-Ultralight-Sleeping-Ultra-Compact/dp/B01M9I8RAN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1550061828&sr=8-3&keywords=sleeping+mat+for+camping&linkCode=ll1&tag=ogman-20&linkId=531f2a6604516ad6009be157669f8af2, I don't have one but it has more than 1700 reviews so you can't really go wrong.

If you’re WANTING a zlite for cheaper.. $15 at Sierra Trading Post

Or, a generic-ish air pad on Amazon is about $26, 14.5oz. No listed R value on this particular one, but others of the same style claim around R1.5. That’s probably about right.

https://www.amazon.com/Legit-Camping-Sleeping-Pad-Backpacking/dp/B07HTP9NHT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ESRH53Y6NIIR&keywords=foam+pad+for+camping&qid=1557159371&s=gateway&sprefix=foam+pad%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

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Has anyone tried this style of camping pad before? Thoughts?

Not sure how much space you have but this is a self inflating air mattress, really more like a thin pad. This isn’t the exact one I bought but it’s very similar- Bessport Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad 2" Thick Camping Pad Inflatable Foam Sleeping Mat for Camping, Hiking, and Traveling with Patch kit and 2 Carry Bags https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6HKXXG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_40-yDbR1Q92G0

It was recommended to me as a safe travel mattress, and we’ve safely slept on it when visiting family.

Lots of folks are recommending klymit and I think you should see you can get the full size insulated pad at $70 on Amazon, which is roughly $30 off MSRP, and it includes the klymit v sheet, a fitted, quilted sheet with a pillow pouch. I don't use the sheet for backpacking but when we go car camping it's always on the mattress.

I have [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/ENKEEO-Lightweight-Inflatable-Comfortable-Backpacking/dp/B078PGX9JZ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522724407&sr=8-3&keywords=inflated+sleeping+pad) which is rather lightweight and comfortable. It’s a small packed size that helps you use the smallest backpacking backpack possible. This roomy sleeping pad (78'' x 25'', 2.27lbs ) has increased the thickness of 2.4'' for super comfort; it adopts an ergonomic texture design to the surface, helping people sleep well with more support for better balancing.

It also features a built-in foot pump, allowing you to inflate it within just 3 min by simply pressing the internal inflatable sponge with your foot or hands-- saving your lungs from heavily exerting. This is one of the better sleeping pads on the market as it’s the Amazon choice of inflated sleeping pad.

Would like to try one of yours.

We're long-term travelers (18-months and counting) and travel with only a 36L backpack each. We also try to keep our bags at about 15 lbs so we both have room to spare in case we need to carry food (or what not) for the day. Packing, as most things, is very subjective but our approach is to only pack what we need, and even then, only small amounts of something if we can buy 'it' when we arrive to our destination. You don't mention what climate you'll be in, but we've been in everything from light snow and ice (high 20's) to 100 degree desert heat with the same backpack and gear (although from time to time, we've been known to purchase gloves and scarves at a secondhand store when we need them).

 

Here are a few tips to stay light and compact:
 

• Don't pack for 'What-ifs", only pack what you know you'll use. For example, don't pack a bathing suit unless you're sure you'll need it. Don't pack an umbrella and raincoat unless you're confident it'll rain often. The general idea is that you can make do without, or improvise in one-off situations. We've used shorts and a sports bra for swimming and used a plastic trash bag to cover our day-pack when it was raining.
  
• Don't go overboard with clothes. At most you need a weeks' worth, and even then you can re-wear items that don't get that dirty, like skirts and pants.
  
• If you're willing to hand wash your clothes, you can cut the amount of clothes you need significantly (sometimes by half). It's easy to do and not that big of a deal. For this reason, we travel with only 3-4 days worth of clothing.
  
• Be mindful of how much toothpaste, shampoo, and consumables in general you're using. You'll likely find that it takes much less substance than you thought it did to wash/feel clean.
  
• Consider solid/bar soap. It can work as body soap, shampoo, and clothes washing soap.
  
• As u/usthewanderers mentioned, packing cubes are helpful for organizing and compartmentalizing your bag. Eagle creek ultra-lite packing cubes are nice, but super expensive. We instead use zip-loc bags for our small things, like electronics and cables, underwear and socks, and toiletries. If you're interested in further reading where we talk about using zip-loc bags (we use both regular and reinforced bags) and include pictures and a video you can read more here.
  
• A zip-lock bag is also good for clothes because you can compress the air out of them, they usually compress better than compressible' packing cubes. Also, don't forget they also hold in odor and moisture!
  
• Instead of traveling with a full towel, purchase a small or medium travel towel. You'll probably see the dimensions of the towel and think it's way too small, but don't be fooled, they're surprisingly absorbent. (Just don't expect to wrap it around your waist for modesty after your shower :-)
  
• Consider using straps to tie/strap your sleeping bag to your backpack (assuming you're traveling with a backpack). Also, you can get an ultralite sleeping bag which is more compact.
  
• Depending on your type of trip/travel style, pack an inflatable/foldable mattress pad, or make do without.
  
• Everything should have its place in your bag so you know exactly where it is/goes. This means, the ultimate key to organization is you. :-)
  
• Check out r/onebag r/HerOneBag r/backpacking for more tips and examples of packing.
  
• We pack for continual and long-term travel, but the same concepts work for a week trip or a 2-year trip. If you're interested in what we EDC (every day carry) or more packing tips you can checkout our Packing Lists (His and Hers)
  
   
  
  Have a great trip and don't let your bag weigh you down! ;-)

I've camped with 2 of the self inflating type thing. Have to sort of overlap them a bit. Should measure and see if this would fit.
https://www.amazon.com/Track-Man-Self-inflating-Lightweight-Backpacking/dp/B074DSH383/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1520893017&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=self+inflating+sleeping+pad&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JCNYGX5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_hjzOCb4PR0JS1

4" inflatable. Durable, actually inflates to 4 inches (I measured). Built in foot pump, can be pumped to desired firmness. Easy to deflate roll up and stow away. Comfiest sleep I ever get!

There are many types of Thermarest pads. You may want to edit your post to say you have Ridgerest pads.

Your egg crate pad is a good idea. You might also try a memory foam mattress topper.

If you get an inflatable pad, go with an insulated pad unless you'll only do warm weather trips, and you might as well go for a 2 person pad. Here's one of the lower cost self inflating double pads.

https://www.amazon.com/CAMELSPORTS-Lightweight-Self-Inflating-Sleeping-Backpacking/dp/B07MFTFHHL/

If you go with a self inflating pad, I recommend getting a couple Walmart $7 blue foam pads to put beneath the self inflating pad. That will let you have a soft self inflating pad with the foam pad beneath it for when your pointy bits bottom out on the self inflating pad.

Ok, I assume you have a very, very low budget so here are some options for you:

• Find someones couch to crash on for now. Preferably someone with an internet connection
  
• Build some Kitty Litter Panniers for now or a back pack (you will regret only having a back pack) ($15-$30) - see if you can make 4 of them provided you can take a front rack. Two if you can not.
  
• Get a camping hammock with a rain fly or a bivy tent (I have no ideas if either of those are good, I'm just going cheap) ($50-90)
  
• Get a sleeping pad ($30)
  
• Get two racks if your bike can take them. One for the front and one for the back ($60)
  
• Get a small tarp (I am sure you can find better than this, perhaps even locally) for those days with REALLY bad weather. ($7)
  
• Get a pancho or other cheap rain gear ($15)
  
• Get some bungee cords ($5)
  
• Get camping pans ($15)
  
• Get a lighter ($0.50)
  
• You could build a camping stove but I can't vouch for how well these work. You might want a proper one ($5-$50)
  
• Get a pump (follow the recommendations others have made) $20-$50
  
• Get a tool kit and some spare parts (I really like the Survival Gear Box) $50-75
  
  So maybe $275-375 total cost before food and water? Man, that's still high...

I used to lug around a full sized air mattress, a few months back it got a hole and I got this, which is MUCH better. It seems like it would be too thin but it's not. And $15!

Leyic Sleeping Pad - Self-Inflatable Camping Mat, Super Lightweight and Comfortable Tear Resistant Pad - Ideal for Camping, Hiking, Traveling and Outdoor Activities https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VW65TSL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6ZsLDbX15YMCS