Testing and Comparing 6 Sleeping Pads (Backpacking Insulation Part 1)
GearTest Outdoors・2 minutes read
A video series sponsored by backcountry.com discusses different inflatable sleeping pads for backpacking insulation, focusing on materials, sizes, thickness, weights, and prices, while using a thermal camera to measure heat loss and comparing maximum temperatures after two minutes on a heated bed. Results show varying temperature levels with the Nemo Tensor surprisingly outperforming other pads, while the Static V Ultralight showed significant heat loss between chambers and the Etherlight and Tensor were rated as the most comfortable and quiet options.
Insights
- R-value is crucial in selecting an insulated sleeping pad, impacting its ability to retain heat; thickness and materials also play significant roles in insulation effectiveness, as demonstrated in the thermal camera experiment.
- Comfort and noise levels are essential factors in choosing a sleeping pad, with the Nemo Tensor and Sea to Summit Etherlight standing out as the most comfortable options, while the Static V Ultralite's thinness led to discomfort and increased noise levels during testing.
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Recent questions
What is the focus of the video series sponsored by backcountry.com?
Backpacking insulation
What are some of the sleeping pads discussed in the video?
Climate Static V, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uber Light, Sea to Summit Etherlight XT, Nemo Tensor, Climate Static V Ultralight Insulated, Thermarest NeoAir XTherm
What is the purpose of using a thermal camera in the video?
To show insulating effects of sleeping pads
How were the sleeping pads tested in the video?
Laying on a heated bed for two minutes each
Which sleeping pad was rated as the most comfortable in the video?
Nemo Tensor and Sea to Summit Etherlight
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Summary
00:00
"Backpacking Insulation: Inflatable Sleeping Pad Comparison"
- Video series sponsored by backcountry.com
- First video in a series on backpacking insulation
- Focus on sleeping pads, discussing differences and educating viewers
- Introduction to six different sleeping pads
- Mention of R-value and need for insulated sleeping pads
- Experiment with thermal camera to show insulating effects
- Only covering inflatable sleeping pads in this video
- Sleeping pads discussed: Climate Static V, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uber Light, Sea to Summit Etherlight XT, Nemo Tensor, Climate Static V Ultralight Insulated, Thermarest NeoAir XTherm
- Details on what's included with each sleeping pad
- Comparison of materials, sizes, thickness, weights, and prices of sleeping pads
13:57
"Sleeping Pad Heat Loss and Comfort"
- The testing process involved laying different sleeping pads on a heated bed for two minutes each, using a thermal camera to measure heat loss to the other side of the pad.
- Results showed varying maximum temperatures after two minutes for different pads, with the uninsulated static v reaching 78.6 degrees Fahrenheit, the uber light at 70.1 degrees, and the ether light at 65.1 degrees.
- The Nemo Tensor, with an R value of 3.5, surprisingly hit a higher maximum temperature than the Ether Light, possibly due to its thickness.
- The Static V Ultralight showed significant heat loss between chambers, hitting 73 degrees Fahrenheit, worse than the Uber Light with an R value of 2.3.
- Comfort and noise levels were also assessed, with the Static V Ultralite being less comfortable due to its thinness, while the Nemo Tensor and Sea to Summit Etherlight were rated as the most comfortable inflatable pads, with minimal noise levels.
