Sleeping pads are used to provide comfort and insulation. Each pad traps air which is slowly warmed by your body to create an insulating barrier between you and the ground. Sleeping pads should be considered an essential item for any night in the outdoors.
Inflatable pads are an excellent choice for lightweight, low cost, low bulk backcountry trips. These pads are the most susceptible to punctures, but can be fairly easily repaired. They only provide the most minimal of insulation, and so are typically used for warmer weather trips.
