Back in the old days, getting a good night’s sleep during a camping trip was very hard, owing to the poor quality sleeping pads. However, camping pads of today are much better over their predecessors. Now, you get more comfortable with advanced cell designs, weight continues to drop, and you get all the warmth and insulation you need for the winter season. Modern camping pads allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy comfortable sleep during the night so that they are active for fishing, hiking, trekking, and other activities in the morning.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
There are a variety of camping pads available in the market, but not all of them are suitable for side sleepers. If you are a side sleeper, you would feel like a lost ball in the weeds when searching for a suitable camping pad. But don’t worry as we are here to help.
The 4 Best Camping Pads for Side Sleepers
We have compiled a list of best camping pads for side sleepers. This list should help you find a camping pad that suits your needs and your wallet.
1. Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap places emphasis upon warmth and comfort. It is 3” thick, which means that you won’t have to worry about coming into contact with the ground while sleeping. It is insulated and boasts an R-value of 6.8, which makes it suitable for winter camping when the temperatures drop below zero-degree. The valve of the sleeping pad allows the urethane foam core to expand and inflate automatically when unpacked. The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap is available in three different sizes, with the largest one measuring 77 x 25 x 3 inches.
Pros of the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
- High R-value of 6.8 makes it suitable for winter camping
- Available in three different sizes
- Self-inflating
Cons of the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap
- A little bulky
2. KingCamp Deluxe Series Sleeping Pad
The KingCamp Deluxe Series Sleeping Pad is available in both single and double sizes. Both sizes come with an impressive R-value of 7.5, which makes this sleeping pad perfect for winter camping. This pad features two non-corrosive brass valves, which provide rapid inflation. You can give some extra breathes to adjust the firmness. Once you are done, you get to enjoy the exceptional coziness that this sleeping pad delivers. The KingCamp Deluxe Sleeping Pad has plenty of cushioning, which means that side sleepers would be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Another great thing about this sleeping pad is that it deflates very quickly – within about 3 minutes. You can give it a few extra pushes to remove all the air from the inside and then pack it in your bag. When inflated, the sleeping pad measures 77.95 x 24.8 x 2.95 inches. The package size of the pad is 26.37 x 9.05 x 9.05 inches.
Pros of the KingCamp Deluxe Series Sleeping Pad
- High R-value
- Self-inflating
- Available in different sizes
Cons of the KingCamp Deluxe Series Sleeping Pad
- May feel a little heavy
3. Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad
The Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad features a unique V-shaped design that delivers exceptional comfort and support for those who sleep on their back, stomach, and side. This design also prevents air movements, reducing heat loss to keep you comfortable at all times. The sleeping pad comes with a twist-pull valve for inflation. This also allows you to adjust the firmness of the pad to suit your needs.
When it comes to construction, the exterior shell of the pad is made with 75D polyester, which provides tear and puncture resistance. The thickness of the pad is 3”, and its R-value is 4.4, which makes this pad perfect for summer camping.
Pros of the Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad
- A V-shaped design makes it suitable for all kinds of sleepers
- Sturdy tear- and puncture-resistant shell
- Reasonable pricing
Cons of the Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad
- Opening the valve isn’t easy
4. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker
If you are looking for a camping pad for side sleeping to use during the summer season, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker should be on your shortlist. This sleeping pad has a very low R-value – 3.2, which makes it perfect for summer and autumn camping. However, don’t make the mistake of buying it if you plan to go on an outdoor adventure during the colder months.
The top of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker is made with rugged 75D polyester while the bottom half is constructed with 50D polyester. The construction creates more than 100 insulating cells that equalizer air distribution, making the sleeping pad suitable for side sleepers.
Pros of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker
- Very light
- Suitable for side sleepers
- Rugged construction
Cons of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Trekker
- Manual inflation
- Not suitable for winter camping
Things to Consider When Buying a Camping Pad
· Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a camping pad. You should determine how much space the camping pad would take when inflated and deflated. If the camping pad is too big, it may not fit inside your vehicle. On the other hand, if it is too small, you won’t be able to sleep comfortably and may roll off it while sleeping during the night.
· Comfort
Comfort is another factor to consider when looking for a camping pad. If you are a side sleeper, you should go with a camping pad that feels comfortable regardless of your sleeping position. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep, and your camping trip would become unpleasant.
· Price
You should also consider the price of the camping pad when shopping for one. There are some good quality models available at a reasonable price, which give great value for money. You can settle for them if you seldom go on camping. On the other hand, if you’re an avid camper and have money to spend, opt for a high-end model that comes with a hefty price tag.
· R-Value
The R-Value of a sleeping pad measures its ability to insulate you from the cold ground and keeping you warm. For winter camping, go with a sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher. Otherwise, you would feel cold while trying to get some shut-eye during the night.
Our Final Thoughts
We have listed some of the best camping pads for side sleepers. If you are a side sleeper and want to enjoy a good night’s sleep on your camping trip, pick a camping pad from our list. When making the decision to buy a camping pad, consider the factors listed above, including the R-value, price, comfort, and shape. This way, you would be able to buy a camping pad that suits your needs and your wallet. If you have any questions about the products listed here or in case something is unclear, feel free to write us a query. We’ll be more than happy to help you out.
