A sleeping pad can make all the difference in your hiking or camping experience. You could have the highest quality sleeping bag available, but without a sleeping pad, you could wake up in the morning feeling stiff and anything but refreshed. This is one item that new hikers often do not consider, but after a few nights sleeping without one, you can be sure they will purchase it for their next trip.

There are two types of sleeping pads; closed cell and open cell. Open cell pads are the more comfortable of the two but they are also the heaviest. This does not make them ideal for a long hike. Closed cell pads are very warm and are also great for blocking water absorption, the downside is that they do not provide very much for you in terms of cushioning and comfort.

The self-inflating sleeping pad combines the best of the closed cell and open cell technology, giving you a comfortable and weather resistant sleeping experience. Extremely lightweight and compact, this sleeping pad will not hinder your hike or feel like a burden on your back. One common concern with the self-inflating sleeping pad is the risk of puncturing, but the Wilderness Pad comes with a repair kit for this unlikely eventuality.