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Cost:  $10 to $110

Selection and Purchasing 
 

1. Open-Cell Foam Pads: These are the pads which have the appearance of a sponge. They also have all the qualities of a sponge; that is, they absorb water like crazy, not a particularly good quality in a sleeping pad which is supposed to provide you with comfort. They are also bulky. Do not use this type of pad. Period. 
   
    
2. Closed-Cell Foam Pads: These pads are made of a denser foam, which, as its name suggests, is made of tiny, sealed pockets which do not absorb moisture. The pads come in thicknesses of approximately 1 to 2 cm (3/8 to 5/8 in.). They are cheap ($7-$20), light (300 g or 12 oz.), provide good insulation, are more comfortable than one might expect, and are readily available in many department stores. In short, they are one of life's little bargains. Expect to replace your pad every so often, however, as they will gradually deteriorate from encounters with tree branches, ...  
    
3. Self-Inflating Pads (Therm-a-Rests): For those with lots of money or bad backs. These pads are made of open-celled foam encased in an airtight shell. Opening the valve of the shell allows air to enter the foam and inflate it. Closing the valve seals in the air, maintaining the loft of the foam. When you want to pack up, open the valve again and compress the pad by rolling it up tightly. This forces out the air and reduces the bulk of the pad for transport. These pads come in thicknesses of 2.5 cm to 5 cm (1 in. to 2 in.). Needless to say these pads are more expensive, costing from $50 to $100. They are heavier than closed-cell pads, weighing in at 790 g to 1.75 Kg (1.75 lb. to 3.9 lb.), and somewhat bulkier. They are also susceptible to punctures and leaks (bring your repair kit). However, they provide greater cushioning and insulation than their closed-cell brethren. Let your pocket book and your bathroom scale be your guide.  Caution:  cheap self-inflating pads can be very heavy and somewhat unreliable.  If you decide to invest in a self-inflating pad, buy a brand-name pad (Thermarest, Slumberjack, ...)
    
4. Insulated Inflatable Pads: In the past few years, a new breed of air mattress has seen an increase in popularity.  These pads do not contain the foam core of self-inflatables, so they are lighter, but they must be blown up.  Instead of the foam core, they are filled with a light fibre insulation or down material which provides protection from heat loss to the ground.  In this way, they are much warmer than the air mattresses of yesteryear, yet much lighter and more compact than their self-infating cousins.  These pads will pack down to a cylinder smaller than a loaf of bread.

1. Length: Be cautious when purchasing. Some pads are only 3/4 length. This is fine for warmer weather camping and actually reduces the weight of the pad for those looking to lighten their load. However, for cooler camping, either buy a full-length pad or be prepared to prop your feet off the tent floor with something else (a pack or parka) to keep them from getting cold.
    
2. Width: Avoid buying extra-wide pads any wider than 50 to 55 cm (20 to 22 in.) as they will have a greater tendency to become caught on branches when traveling through bush. This makes traveling more difficult and also increases the likelihood of damage to the pad itself. If you carry your pad on the top of your pack, you can protect it from branches by wrapping it in your tent's ground sheet, although this puts the ground sheet at risk.