Inflatable vs. Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pads

Most backpackers choose an inflatable sleeping pad as the base of their sleep system. It makes sense; they’re the most comfortable option. But don’t overlook the closed-cell foam pad so quickly. They take no time to inflate, never deflate in the night, double as a butt pad, and don’t take up room inside your pack. And, I’ll argue that they’re more comfortable than they get credit for. By now you’re probably assuming that I’m a foam pad purist. But that’s not exactly true.

After using a variety of inflatable and closed-cell foam pads to find the best backpacking sleeping pads, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no single best sleeping arrangement for everyone. It all depends on what attributes are most important to you.

There are pros and cons to every piece of gear in your pack; here’s a detailed look at the tradeoffs of closed-cell vs inflatable sleeping pads.

Inflatable vs. Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Bags Comparison Chart

Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pads

Comfort

My current favorite sleeping pad is the closed-cell foam Nemo Switchback. Not having to deflate, roll, and pack a pad saves me time each morning, which is invaluable on big mileage days when I hit the snooze button.

Side-sleepers may have already stopped reading, however, I frequently catch Z’s on my side in the backcountry on closed-cell foam pads. Granted, I use a sleeping bag instead of a backpacking quilt, so I have some extra plushness underneath me. Committed back or stomach sleepers will be the best candidates for closed cell foam pads. Comfort is subjective, but don’t discount all closed-cell foam pads on this one condition. The FlexMat Plus is proof that not all closed-cell foam pads are created equally. At a whopping 1.5 inches thick, this pad is the most comfortable CCF pad I’ve slept on. The deep egg carton pattern is filled in by my sleeping bag for an extra cozy night’s sleep.

Warmth

Another common complaint for foam pads is their low R-value. R-value is a standardized rating of how well your pad resists the cold. The secret to warmth is air. The puffy insulation inside your jacket and sleeping bag traps warm air inside, like a personal bubble of hot air. Sleeping pads are no different, which is why inflatable pads typically have higher R values than closed-cell foam pads. 

Closed-cell foam is made from rubber compounds pressurized with gas to create tiny, sealed pockets. When fashioned into sleeping pads, the foam’s closed-air cells provide cushioning and insulation by preventing air and moisture from passing through, creating a barrier between you and the ground.

The way closed-cell foam pads trap air to keep you warm at night is by utilizing negative space, usually in an egg-carton-like pattern. The air is trapped in the depressions between nodes giving you a warm air buffer against the cold ground. The best closed-cell foam pads also offer some sort of metallic coating to reflect cold air back to the ground and warm air back to you. When the nodes on your pad start to flatten out, it reduces the amount of space for warm air to occupy, and your pad will lose more heat.

Versatility

After cresting yet another mountain pass on a high route, I was greeted with a sharply declining talus field. Instead of slowly working my way down shifting and slippery rock, I found a line of snow running the length of the pass. I hopped on my closed-cell foam pad like a magic carpet and installed an ice axe for a brake before sledding down the mountain, saving myself precious time and energy (and having a damn good time doing it).

Closed-cell foam pads can also be used to fan a fire or as a hot pad when you’re too hungry to let your pot cool (every meal), a sit pad for breaks, yoga mat for stretching, dog bed, and extra insulation in a pinch. Versatility, reliability, and efficiency are the keys to selecting backpacking gear, making a closed-cell foam pad an easy addition in my mind.

Packability

CCF pads are bulky; there’s no way around it. While Gossamer Gear created the Thinlight that adds structure to the back of your pack, most foam pads are rolled or folded then strapped to the outside of your backpack. This adds more bulk to your load, catching on the occasional tree branch or rock. However, it does free up a Nalgene’s worth of space inside your pack if you forgo an inflatable pad.

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Read Next: The Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags

Inflatable Sleeping Pads

While inflatable pads might have the possibility of failure, if you do your research, invest in a quality pad, and take care of it, odds are low that you’ll experience a failure. Carrying one lightweight pad suited for your sleeping style and the conditions might be best, especially with patch kits and field repairs that could save the day.

Inflatable pads are also far less bulky than closed-cell foam mats. CCF pads have to be strapped to the outside of your pack. Whether secured horizontally to the top or bottom of your pack or vertically in a pocket or through bungee straps, tight squeezes and bushwhacking could catch your extra surface area, scratching the pad and slowing you down. I’ve become accustomed to my pack’s extra width and height thanks to the closed-cell foam pad, but scrambling through slot canyons still poses a challenge.

Read Next: The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags

An inflatable pad could be all you need, depending on the terrain. Sharp rocks, branches, thorns, or cactus needles all pose threats, but your tent bottom should provide protection for a durable inflatable pad. Nothing can replace a solid sleep before a big day.

More expensive, more comfortable, and warmer, inflatable pads are worth the investment if it’s the only way you’ll get some shut-eye. Though, there is a secret third option in the inflatable vs. closed-cell foam sleeping pad debate.

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Dual Sleep System

Even if you can’t give up your plush inflatable pad on the grounds of comfort alone, there are a few reasons why even inflatable fans might supplement their sleep system with a closed-cell foam pad. As team-closed-cell-foam as I am, I certainly won’t be doing winter trips armed with only an R value of 2. You can set yourself up for all seasons while saving yourself the weight when the weather is warm by rooting for both sides of the great sleeping pad debate. 

Read Next: The Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags

R values can be combined, so adding a CCF pad underneath an inflatable will keep you warmer and more comfortable. An added benefit to a dual pad sleep system is that your inflatable pad is less likely to puncture or deflate when it’s protected from rocks and sticks by the foam pad. If the worst happens and your inflatable pad does experience an issue, you at least have a closed-cell foam pad to fall back on rather than subjecting yourself to the cold hard ground, or worse, cutting your trip short. Even though I’m 5-feet, 7-inches I use the short version of the Nemo Switchback to save weight.

FAQs

Q: Can you stack inflatable sleeping pads?

Yes. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Although stacking two inflatable pads provides more cushioning and increased insulation, the top pad can slide around as you shift in your sleep. The friction between the two pads can lead to damage, increasing the risk of puncture. The better option is to stack an inflatable sleeping pad on top of a closed-cell foam pad.

Q: What R-value do you need for camping?

The higher the R-value, the more your sleeping pad will resist heat loss. The best R-value for camping depends on the season and the outside temperature. Generally, an R-value of 1 to 2 works best for summer camping. If you plan to sleep outdoors in colder temperatures, opt for at least a 4 R-value pad.

Q: How do you find a leak in an inflatable sleeping pad?

Larger leaks can be easily pinpointed using your ears and listening for the telltale hiss of escaping air. However, tracking down more subtle leaks can take some sleuthing. The easiest way is to apply soapy water to the pad’s surface. Bubbles will form over any tiny micro-leaks. You can also submerge small sections of the inflated sleeping pad in plain water. When you apply gentle pressure to the pad, little bubbles should travel to the surface.

Final Thoughts on Sleeping Pads

Now you have the facts and opinions to decide whether you’re looking for ultralight versatility, a plush resting place, or the best of both worlds on your next hike.