Guides › Sleeping Pad: Which R-Value for What?
Sleeping Pad: Which R-Value for What?
In short: The R-value measures how well a sleeping pad insulates you from the cold of the ground — the higher, the warmer. Rule of thumb: R 1–2 for summer, R 3–4 for three seasons, R 5+ for frost and winter. The ground draws more heat out of you than the air does, which is why the pad, not the sleeping bag, often decides how well you sleep.
Which R-value for what?
| R-value | For what | Nights, roughly |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | summer, warm nights | above ~7 °C |
| 3–4 | three seasons | ~0 to 7 °C |
| 5–6 | winter, frost | below 0 °C |
| 6+ | snow, expedition | deep frost |
Why the pad often matters more than the sleeping bag
On the ground you compress the bag — and that is exactly where its insulation loses its effect, because the down or fibre lies flat. The cold ground then pulls heat out of you unchecked. A warm sleeping bag on a thin summer pad still won't keep you warm in frost. Conversely, a good pad rescues a chilly night. If you're cold, check the pad first, not the bag.
Two things that make buying easier
- R-values are standardised (to ASTM F3340, since 2020). That means one brand's R-value is comparable to another's — at last.
- R-values add up. If you stack two pads, you can simply add their values together. A light foam pad (R ~2) under your air pad (R ~3) gives you R ~5 — and in winter it's also insurance in case the air pad springs a leak.
Higher isn't always better
A higher R-value usually means more weight and more packed volume. For summer nights a winter pad is overkill — you're carrying warmth you don't need. Choose the R-value for the coldest nights you'll realistically face, not for the extreme case.
Keeping an eye on weight
Sleeping pad, sleeping bag and tent are the „big three" that determine your base weight. In outdoor.gift you enter them with their real weights and see immediately what a swap gains you. Plan it in the app · Quilt instead of sleeping bag?
Frequently asked questions
Which R-value do I need? Choose for the coldest nights: R 1–2 for summer, R 3–4 for three seasons, R 5+ for frost and winter.
Can I combine two sleeping pads? Yes. R-values add up — a foam pad under the air pad raises the value and serves as a backup in winter should you get a leak.
Is a higher R-value always better? No. More R-value usually means more weight and packed volume. For warm nights a winter pad is unnecessary ballast.
Why am I cold despite a warm sleeping bag? Usually because of the pad. On the ground the bag's insulation is compressed and ineffective; then the pad's R-value decides how warm you are.
Plan recipes & pack weight in the app →