Sleep Systems Episode 6: Sleeping Pad Sizing & Fit--What to Watch For
Sleeping Pad Sizing & Pillows: Elevate Your Backcountry Comfort
In our "Everything Sleep Systems" series, we're continuously emphasizing that comfort is paramount for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure. Today, we're diving into crucial details: sleeping pad sizing and choosing the right pillow for your backcountry sleep system.
Jay and Drew know from experience that a good night's rest is essential for rejuvenation, especially after strenuous days in the wilderness. Let's make sure your sleep setup is dialed in!
1. Sleeping Pad Sizing: Don't Compromise Your Space!
While we've discussed the different types and R-values of sleeping pads, their dimensions are equally critical for comfort.
Matching Your Sleeping Bag: If you use a mummy bag, you might think a smaller, lighter pad is all you need. However, it's vital to ensure the pad's dimensions align with your bag. Jay shares a personal "hard lesson" learned when his Big Agnes bag (designed with a sleeve for a pad and no bottom insulation) was paired with a pad that was too wide, causing it to bunch up uncomfortably.
Rectangle vs. Mummy-Shaped Pads:
Mummy-shaped pads are wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet, designed to fit snugly inside mummy sleeping bags, maximizing efficiency.
Rectangular pads offer more uniform width, providing more room to stretch out. Drew notes that while he uses a rectangular pad, it fits his mummy bag's dimensions well.
Your Body's Needs: If you're a taller or larger individual, you absolutely need a pad that matches your dimensions. Falling off your pad repeatedly throughout the night is a quick way to "hate life" and ruin your sleep. Always check the length and width measurements!
Baffling Systems & Firmness: Different internal baffling designs affect how the pad feels. Some can be inflated fully for a very firm feel (like "sleeping on a trampoline," as Drew describes), while others offer more contour. We recommend inflating your pad to 75-80% capacity. This "sweet spot" allows your body to contour comfortably into the pad, providing optimal cushioning without feeling like you're on a hard board.
2. Choosing Your Backcountry Pillow: Small Investment, Big Return!
For many, a pillow is a luxury that feels like an unnecessary weight in a pack. However, investing in a good backcountry pillow is a game-changer for neck comfort and overall rest.
Avoid Household Pillows: As Jay jokes, "Don't bring the king-size bamboo!" Full-sized pillows are bulky, heavy, won't fit inside your mummy bag's hood, and will inevitably end up "chasing around the tent all night long."
Inflatable Pillows: These are the gold standard for backcountry use.
Pros: Super compact (Jay's packs down to the size of a baseball!), ultralight, and designed to fit within the head cavity of most mummy bags, keeping them in place.
Cons: Like any inflatable gear, there's a small risk of leaks or valve failure (Jay had a valve fail on one, but considers it a fluke). Some can also feel a bit stiff if over-inflated or have a "crunchy" fabric noise (like Jay's loud pad!).
Customizing Comfort: Drew suggests inflating an inflatable pillow to about 50% and then draping a down jacket over it. This provides a softer, more luxurious feel on the exterior while still offering the support of the air chamber.
Alternative Pillow Hacks: If you absolutely can't carry a dedicated pillow, you can stuff extra clothes (like a fleece or puffy jacket) into a dry bag or the hood of your sleeping bag. However, both Jay and Drew prefer the consistent support of an inflatable pillow over makeshift options.
Test, Test, Test! This is our golden rule for all sleep system components. Set up your sleeping pad and pillow at home, in your backyard, or on a short local trip. Mimic your sleeping position and see how it feels. This allows you to adjust inflation levels, lacing techniques, and pillow configurations before you're miles into the backcountry, exhausted and desperate for sleep.
Why Comfort Truly Matters
On challenging backcountry trips, where you're exerting yourself physically all day (like Jay & Drew on their elk hunting trips), quality sleep isn't a luxury – it's a necessity for rejuvenation, safety, and overall enjoyment. A comfortable sleep system ensures you're ready to give your all the next day.