R-value and more: What is the best VAUDE sleeping pad for me?
A sleeping pad in your luggage means one thing above all: adventure in the great outdoors! And whether it's winter or summer, at the campsite or in the mountains - there's a VAUDE sleeping pad for you. The R-value is one of the factors that helps you make the right choice.
What is the R-value for sleeping pads?
The R-value indicates the insulation properties, or more precisely the thermal resistance (= insulation performance) of sleeping pads. This makes it quick and easy to differentiate between insulating mats.
Usual R-values are between 1 and 8. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation properties of a sleeping pad. In frosty temperatures, a mat with an R-value of 4 or higher should be chosen so that you don't lie awake freezing.
These factors play a role in the R-value
In addition to the thickness of the mat, the R-value also depends on the nature of the material, the filling, the air pressure in the mat and other factors such as the surface and the structure of the air chambers. The R-values of two mats lying on top of each other can be approximately added together. VAUDE measures the R-value of the mats according to the international standard ASTM F3340-18.
Information on the R-value of your sleeping pad can be found at any time in the VAUDE webshop and on the specific product packaging. There you will also find a temperature specification. It is to be understood as a comfort limit, similar to the limit value for sleeping bags.
The right VAUDE sleeping pads for camping and off-road use
Sleeping pads for recreational use offer more sleeping comfort, but are heavier and take up more space in your luggage. In comparison, sleeping pads for off-road use are lighter and more compact to stow away, making them suitable for adventures where weight and pack size are important, such as in the mountains or on trekking tours.
VAUDE insulating mats from the Performance and Hike ranges offer an optimum warmth-to-weight ratio. The Tour, Dream and Dream Comfort series, on the other hand, offer a high level of comfort and are therefore ideal for camping.
Find all current VAUDE sleeping mats here
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Performance 7 L Winter sleeping mat€200.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free deliveryWith recycled PET bottles
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Performance 7 M Winter sleeping mat€180.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled PET bottles
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Performance 7 L sleeping mat€180.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled PET bottles
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Performance 7 M sleeping mat€160.00Incl. VAT, plus shipping free delivery
With recycled PET bottles
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How are VAUDE sleeping pads constructed?
VAUDE sleeping pads are constructed differently depending on the model: For example, some you have to inflate yourself, others inflate themselves - everything has its advantages and disadvantages, as this overview makes clear.
Air Chamber - lightweight air chamber sleeping pad for inflation
Air chamber inflatable sleeping pads have a small pack size, are particularly light and at the same time offer a high level of sleeping comfort. All VAUDE models have easy-to-use flat valves with integrated inflate and deflate functions.
The high-quality insulation ensures that your body heat is not lost. Mats with air chambers are ideal for your next adventure when every gram of luggage makes a difference.
Air Chamber with Foam Topper - inflatable air chamber sleeping pad with foam topper
If you value maximum sleeping comfort when camping, the combination of air chambers and foam topper offers you the advantages of both variants: A relatively small pack size with a large sleeping surface, a comfortable mat thickness and a particularly breathable, soft surface.
The materials are fully recyclable. The cover is removable and washable. Quick and easy to inflate with an optional pump cushion or pump bag.
Foam Core - self-inflating sleeping pad with foam core
The self-inflating VAUDE sleeping pads with foam core are easy to handle and offer you maximum sleeping comfort. The foam core and elastic outer material adapt perfectly to your body shape and allow you to sleep in a comfortable position.
The mats are real all-rounders and, depending on their thickness and size, can be used as a guest bed or on a trekking tour with a very good price-performance ratio. The weight and pack size are slightly larger than air chamber mats. Self-inflating mats are available both as thin trekking mats and in thicker versions.
Helpful features and extra equipment for sleeping mats
VAUDE sleeping mats sometimes have tricks or extra features to make your nights in the open air easier. One good thing to know is that VAUDE sleeping pads have two weight specifications: Weight and total weight. The weight is only that of the sleeping pad; the total weight is that of the sleeping pad including pack sack.
Coupleable sleeping pads
Two sleeping pads can be easily connected with a zipper.
Pump Pillow - the pillow with pump function
The is not only comfortable to lie on - you can also use it to inflate your sleeping pad. The valve fits most standard sleeping mats on the market.
With the Pump Pillow, no moisture from the air you breathe gets inside the mat, so nothing gets moldy.
Pump sack
Lightweight, packs down small and can also be used as a waterproof pack sack! Just like the pump cushion, the prevents moisture from the air you breathe from getting into the sleeping pad and causing it to become moldy.
This valve also fits most standard sleeping mats. Compared to the pump cushion, the pump bag is much quicker to inflate.
What is the best way to store and care for my sleeping pad?
At home, you should store your sleeping pad in a dry place at room temperature. Sleeping mats are rolled out and stored with the valve open. Before storing, it is important that the mat is unfolded, aired and dried so that any residual moisture does not lead to mold.
What should I bear in mind when caring for sleeping mats?
Stains and dirt are best removed with a damp sponge and a mild soap. If the sleeping pad is very dirty, it can also be cleaned under running water. It is important that the valve is colose and the sleeping pad is dried thoroughly before packing and storage.
Caution: Do not put sleeping pads in the dry cleaner or washing machine!
Repairing VAUDE sleeping pads
At VAUDE we have made sure that sleeping pads are easy to repair if something should break. You can find out how this manifests itself, what you can repair yourself and how in the VAUDE blog.