Quick answer: A sleeping pad is the standard choice, because it insulates you from the ground as well as cushioning you. REI explains that R-value measures resistance to heat flow, that higher is warmer, and that sleeping bag ratings assume a pad of about R-4. Cots and air mattresses add comfort but little insulation, so pair them with a pad in cool weather.
Cold ground pulls heat out of you faster than cold air does. That is why the question is about insulation, not just softness.
This guide compares the common options and matches them to the season.
Related: tent camping gear checklist, sleeping pad placement and what to put under a tent.
Options Compared
| Option | Strength | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell foam pad | Light, inexpensive, durable, no puncture risk | Stiff and bulky; most around R-2, per REI |
| Air pad | Lightest and most compact; adjustable firmness | Can puncture, lose pressure in cold and trap moisture |
| Self-inflating pad | Comfortable, good insulation, durable | Heavier and pricier than foam |
| Cot | Off the ground, easy to get up from | Air circulates underneath, so add a pad in cool weather |
| Air mattress | Home-like comfort for car camping | Bulky; little insulation |
Match the R-Value to the Night
REI suggests under 2.0 for nighttime lows around 50 F, 2.0 to 3.9 for around 32 F, 4.0 to 5.4 for around 20 F, and 5.5 and up for around 0 F. R-values add, so a foam pad under an air pad gives more warmth and protects the air pad from punctures.
Setting Up
- Clear sharp objects and pitch on level ground.
- Lay the pad inside the tent, foam layer first if stacking.
- Check that a wide pad or cot fits the floor dimensions.
Honest Limits
REI does not rate cots or air mattresses for insulation, so the advice to add a pad with them is standard practice rather than a tested figure. We have not tested products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to sleep on in a tent?
A sleeping pad matched to the temperature.
What is R-value?
Resistance to heat flow. Higher is warmer.
What R-value for summer?
Under 2.0 for lows around 50 F.
Are cots warm?
Not by themselves. Add a pad in cool weather.
Is an air mattress good for camping?
For car camping comfort, yes, with a pad for insulation.
Can I stack pads?
Yes. R-values add.
Do air pads get cold?
They can lose pressure as temperatures drop, per REI.
Which pad is most durable?
Closed-cell foam.
Which is lightest?
An air pad.
Does the pad go under the tent?
No. It goes inside; a footprint goes under.
Bottom Line
Sleep on a pad with an R-value matched to the night.
Cots and air mattresses add comfort; add a pad for warmth.
Source: REI, How to Choose a Sleeping Pad.