The R-value is an important factor when choosing a luxury sleeping pad, compact sleeping pad, or air mattress. It determines how well a pad insulates you from the cold ground. Choosing the wrong one can result in a cold and uncomfortable night , even with a warm sleeping bag. In this blog post, we explain what the R-value is, how it works, and how to make the right choice for your camping holiday.
What does R-value mean?
The R-value (Resistance Value) indicates how much thermal insulation a material provides. The higher the value, the better the insulation and the less heat your body loses to the cold ground.
For sleeping mats and air mattresses, the R-value is an important factor because the ground is often colder than the surrounding air. This can cause your body heat to escape through the mat or air mattress, causing you to cool down more quickly. Simply put, your body can't heat up a huge amount of air from an air mattress. Insulation is a key solution for this.
How does R-value work in sleeping mats?
Sleeping mats are made of various materials and can be filled with foam, air, or a combination of both. The R-value is determined by the thickness and the insulation material.
• Foam-filled mats : Self-inflating sleeping mats have a foam core that holds air, providing insulation.
• Air mattresses with filling or a reflective core : Air mattresses without additional insulation often have a low R-value. However, newer models incorporate reflective foil or synthetic filling to better retain heat. This solution is often used when sleeping mats are too heavy due to the foam core. Often, sleeping mats or air mattresses are carried in a backpack for this group.
• Airbeds : Classic airbeds without insulation have virtually no R-value. The air inside the bed cools quickly, which draws away your body heat. This solution is often used on warm nights or when packing size or price are decisive factors.
What R-value do you need?
The correct R-value depends on the season and the ambient temperature in which you camp:
R-value and recommended use
|
R-value |
Suitable for |
Temperature |
|
1 - 2 |
Summer camping, warm climates |
+10°C and higher |
|
2 - 4 |
Spring & autumn, mild weather |
0°C to +10°C |
|
4 - 6 |
Winter camping, cold nights |
-10°C to 0°C |
|
6+ |
Extreme cold, snow |
-10°C and lower |
For summer camping, a mat with a low R-value is sufficient. In cold conditions (such as mountain hikes or winter camping), a high R-value (4 or higher) is essential to stay warm.
R-value of airbeds: why they are not suitable for cold nights
Airbeds don't provide insulation on their own because the air inside them maintains the same temperature as the surrounding air. This means that in cold conditions, an airbed draws heat from your body , and it can feel like sleeping on a block of ice.
To make an airbed suitable for colder weather, you can place an insulated sleeping pad or insulated cover on top of the airbed , or choose an airbed with built-in insulation or foam padding . For cold nights, a good sleeping pad with a high R-value is always a better choice than a standard airbed.
Conclusion: which sleeping mat do you choose?
Looking for a lightweight sleeping pad for summer ? Choose one with a low R-value (1-2) . Planning on camping during cold nights or cold seasons ? Aim for an R-value of 4 or higher . Using an air mattress in winter ? Add insulating layers to reduce heat loss.
It's important to note that a high R-value doesn't mean you'll sweat out of bed. A very high R-value is comparable to a bed at home. To ensure effective heat dissipation on warm nights, it's important to have a good moisture-wicking top layer. This could be your sleeping bag or a sleeping mat cover.
Looking for the perfect sleeping mat or air mattress for your needs ? Check out this article too.