It's funny how much age takes a toll on you.
I spent many nights camping in the East Texas woods as a child and never had any issues sleeping on rocks and the cold hard ground.
Now If I fall asleep on the couch in the wrong position, I'm sore for two or three days.
I'm not whining, it's just the simple truth that comes with age.
In a survival situation you need to do whatever you can to lessen the impact your daily activities have on your body.Tthanks to modern technology, there is a better alternative to just sleeping on the ground.
And, depending on the weather, that can be a very costly mistake indeed.
One of the cheapest and most effective ways you can prepare for a night in the wilderness is to pack a camping pad.
There are quite a few different options available and they all have their own pro's and cons.
Take this one for example:
- GET A GREAT NIGHT OF SLEEP CAMPING AND BACKPACKING - No more sore back or annoying discomfort from every little rocks or...
- YOU WON'T MISS YOUR MATTRESS AT HOME - Great comfort and support with our interconnected, self-adjusting air-cell design that...
Last update on 2026-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I prefer the closed cell foam pads over the self inflating type.
It may just be my personal experience but I've never had a comfortable night on any type of air mattress… they always deflate on me.
The Good
- Very lightweight
- Protects and insulates
- Easily rolls up for packing
The Bad
- Tears fairly
- Weight may not be a factor but it is bulky
The Bottom Line
One of these pads isn't going to replace your home mattress, but if you're stuck out in the wild or need to bug out, it will keep you insulated and off the ground and it is much easier than trying to cart around a military cot…
Just make sure that you still clear your area of rocks and sticks to help avoid ripping or tearing your mattress pad. While it may take up some extra bulk on your backpack, it will only add a negligible amount of weight.
Like I said above, there are quite a few different options when it comes to sleeping out doors.
Which one do you prefer?
