Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags? – 5 Important Factors to Consider

Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?
Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Sleeping pads are fantastic, but it’s easy to slip off of them at night. There’s not enough friction between the bag and the pad! This got me thinking—what if the sleeping pad was inside the bag?

You can use your sleeping pad inside or outside of your sleeping bag. Putting it inside will ensure you don’t slide off the pad, but it also increases the space for cold air to circulate inside the bag, lowering your body temperature. 

There are many more benefits and negative aspects to using your sleeping pad inside your bag, and I’ll talk about them below.

Table of Contents

Reasons To Use Your Sleeping Pad Outside of Your Bag – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

There are downsides to every idea, so let’s get those out of the way first. Why shouldn’t you use a sleeping pad inside your bag?

It’ll Fit Better – Reasons To Use Your Sleeping Pad Outside of Your Bag

Sleeping bags come in different shapes, as you’ll see here as I talk about mummy vs rectangular sleeping bags. Due to this, your sleeping pad won’t always fit in the bag, so it’s best to use the pad on the outside.

There’s Less Room for Cold Air – Reasons To Use Your Sleeping Pad Outside of Your Bag

Mummy sleeping bags are made to seal heat in. They hug your body, minimizing the room for airflow in the bag.

If your pad is in the bag then you have more room for air to move around you. This can make you colder at night.

You’ll Be More Insulated – Reasons To Use Your Sleeping Pad Outside of Your Bag

The bottom of your sleeping bag helps insulate you from the cold, and it can’t do that if there’s a sleeping pad separating you from it. Your sleeping pad will often have less insulation than your sleeping bag, so you’re lowering the insulation in your sleeping setup.

Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Despite the drawbacks outlined above, there are many benefits to using a sleeping pad in your sleeping bag. The points below detail how useful this tactic can be.

To Prevent Sleeping Bags From Migrating – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

Sleeping pads often slip around under you as there’s very little friction between them and the tent floor. Tossing and turning at night only helps them move further. 

However, keeping your pad inside your sleeping bag will prevent the pad from moving. Some bags, like The Big Agnes Lost Dog 15, even have a “pad sleeve” to ensure your sleeping pad doesn’t move around at night.

They Won’t Scrunch Up – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

Foam pads aren’t very thick, so they often scrunch up as you move around on top of them. 

If the middle or end scrunches up, then you’ll often be left with no pad under your feet, and this is particularly dangerous, as hypothermia is a real threat—toes are often the first to be impacted!

If your pad is inside your bag then it may be less likely to scrunch up, as you’re lying directly on top of it.

You Get a Built-In Pillow – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

If you’re using a foam sleeping pad that’s longer than your sleeping bag, then you can roll up the top of the pad and use it as a pillow. 

This cuts down on your pack size, and if you weren’t using a pillow before, then your camping trips are about to get much more comfortable.

It Protects Inflatable Pads – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

Your tent floor is usually smooth and free of debris, but debris can still get in there and threaten the life of your inflatable sleeping pad. If your pad rolls over a small, sharp pebble, then it may be punctured.

Keeping your sleeping pad inside of your sleeping bag will protect it from punctures and any inconvenience that results from it. It’ll also save you money as you won’t need to replace your sleeping pad.

You Can Use Two Pads – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

Using two pads can be difficult as they slide around on top of each other. However, if you use one in the bag and one on the floor, then they’re not going to do that.

You can consider sealing your inflatable pad safely inside your bag, and you can have a foam pad for some further comfort and insulation under your bag.

It’s Convenient For Storing Your Sleeping Gear During the Day – Reasons To Put Your Sleeping Pad Inside Your Bag

You may need to stow your sleeping gear away during the day to maximize livability in your tent.

It can be annoying to have to roll up your bag and your pad separately, so save time by rolling them up together. Your pad will already be in the bag, and it’ll still be in position when you roll them out for use again at night.

The Best Kinds of Sleeping Pads to Use Inside Your Sleeping Bag – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Foam and otherwise soft sleeping pads are the best to use inside your sleeping bag, as they’re usually the thinnest and easiest to reshape if they’re too large for your bag. You can also use inflatable and self-inflating pads, but you’ll need a roomier bag.

Any type of pad that’s 3 inches thick or less is the easiest to bend if necessary, in my experience. You can easily use these if you find the right one. 

Self-inflating sleeping pads are more compact and warmer than foam ones, so if you find one with the right qualities, then I recommend using one.

Here are the qualities to look for:

  • High R-value
  • Flexibility
  • A thickness of at least 2.5 inches
  • Lightweight

The Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad Set is decently lightweight, bendy, and 3 inches thick, and it has an R-value between 4 and 5. On an R-value scale of 1–6, higher means warmer, so you know the Ryno pad will work for all seasons.

Does the Answer Depend on Whether You’re Using a Hammock or a Tent? – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Whether you are using a hammock or a tent also impacts your decision to use your sleeping pad inside or outside of your bag. In a tent, you can use your sleeping pad in any way you’d like. In a hammock, you need the pad inside your bag, so it doesn’t slide around.

It can be tough to keep your sleeping pad anchored in your hammock. The hammock bows under your weight, and as you move around, you could end up slipping off the pad, or the pad will move under you too much for it to stay comfortable. 

If your sleeping pad is in your sleeping bag, then it’ll be held tightly against you. You won’t be able to slide off of it, as the bag is tight on all sides, keeping you both in line and in place.

At most, your arm may slip off the pad for a few hours, but the rest of you will still be warm. This situation happened in the video below, and as you can see, everything turned out fine.

Of course, you can try to use a sleeping pad outside of your sleeping bag in your hammock, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s more convenient to use it inside the bag, but make sure it fits well! You don’t want it to be a tight fit like it was for the camper describing his experience above.

Can You Go Without A Sleeping Pad? – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

It’s fine to go without a sleeping pad, but it’s not recommended that you do so. A sleeping pad adds comfort and warmth to your sleeping setup, and you should always use one if you can.

I went into this in detail to cover all angles in this article –  do you need a sleeping pad for camping?

Can I Use a Sleeping Pad in a Bivy? – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

As bivys are quite similar to sleeping bags, you might wonder if you can use a sleeping pad inside one—and you can. 

Bivys aren’t as tight as sleeping bags, so there’s more room for your pad, and air will already be circulating inside of them, so the sleeping pad is reducing ambient space.

It’s often recommended that you use a sleeping pad or a sleeping bag inside a bivy for additional warmth and comfort.

It’s easier to use an inflatable sleeping pad in a bivy than in a sleeping bag, as you have more room for the thicker pad to fit comfortably, too.

Using a sleeping pad in a bivy isn’t mandatory, though. Figure out what’s most comfortable for you, and be aware that you likely won’t need an insulated sleeping pad in a bivy during warmer seasons.

Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Conclusion – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Using your sleeping pad inside or outside of your sleeping bag is mainly up to personal preference, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I recommend experimenting to see what works best for you. 

Different setups will work better or worse for different pads and bags, too, so it’s good to play around with different types of pads to see which works best for comfort and function purposes in and out of your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions – Should Sleeping Pads Go Inside Sleeping Bags?

Is it More Comfortable to Put a Sleeping Pad Inside a Sleeping Bag? – FAQs

Whether or not putting a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag is more comfortable depends on personal preferences as well as the type of the sleeping pad and sleeping bag used.

Consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to use a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag:

  • Comfort: Some people find that putting their sleeping pad inside their sleeping bag creates a more comfortable sleeping surface. The pad cushions pressure points and insulate against the cold ground.
  • Warmth retention: Sleeping pads are designed to provide insulation between your body and the ground, which can aid in keeping you warm in colder weather. By inserting the pad into your sleeping bag, you add an extra layer of insulation to help retain body heat.
  • Stability: Placing your sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag can help keep it in place throughout the night, preventing it from moving around as you sleep.
  • Ease of use: Depending on the type of the sleeping pad and sleeping bag used, putting the pad inside the bag may be easier than positioning it underneath you on top of the ground.

However, there are some disadvantages to using a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag. As an example:

  • Limited space: If you have a smaller-sized sleeping bag or thicker foam-style padding, you may not have enough room inside the bag to comfortably fit both your body and your pad.
  • Weight distribution: Having a protruding object like a pad can cause discomfort or uneven pressure points depending on how much weight is placed on different parts of your body during sleep.
  • Difficulty moving: Some people may feel restricted in their movement while sleeping due to the added bulk of a padded surface beneath them.

Finally, whether or not it is more comfortable to put a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag is a matter of personal preference and need. While this setup may be more comfortable for some people due to the added insulation and stability benefits, others may prefer to use their pads separately for greater flexibility in positioning and movement during sleep.

How Do I Properly Position my Sleeping Pad Inside my Sleeping Bag? – FAQs

Properly positioning your sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag can help you sleep more comfortably and warmly.

Here are some tips for getting the best placement:

  1. Choose the correct size: Make sure your sleeping pad is the correct size for your sleeping bag, so it fits comfortably inside without taking up too much space or causing pressure points.
  2. Inflate the pad as follows: Before putting your sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag, fully inflate it. This will contribute to improved insulation and cushioning.
  3. Center the pad: Put the pad in the middle of your sleeping bag, lining it up with your spine. This will aid in the even distribution of weight and the prevention of pressure points.
  4. Secure the pad: Some sleeping bags include straps or loops for attaching a sleeping pad. Use these features if yours has them to keep the pad from shifting around while you sleep.
  5. Place yourself carefully: Be mindful of how you position yourself on top of the pad when getting into your sleeping bag. For even weight distribution, try to center yourself over the center of the pad.
  6. Adjust as needed: You may need to adjust your position or reposition the pad slightly throughout the night to maintain maximum comfort and warmth retention.
  7. Take into account external factors: Depending on where you’re camping, external factors such as slope or uneven terrain may affect how well your sleeping pad stays in place inside your sleeping bag. Be ready to make adjustments based on these conditions.

Following these steps will allow you to correctly position your sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag for a more comfortable and restful night’s sleep while camping or backpacking.

Does Putting a Sleeping Pad Inside a Sleeping Bag Affect Warmth Retention? – FAQs

Putting a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag can help with warmth retention because it adds another layer of insulation between your body and the ground.

Here are some of the reasons:

  • Insulation: A sleeping pad is designed to keep you warm while sleeping by insulate you from the cold ground. By inserting the pad into your sleeping bag, you add an extra layer of insulation to help retain body heat.
  • Warm air trapping: Lying on top of a sleeping pad compresses the insulation beneath your body, reducing its effectiveness. However, by putting the pad inside your sleeping bag, you trap warm air between the two layers, which helps keep your body at a warmer temperature.
  • Draft prevention: Placing a sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag can also help prevent drafts from entering through gaps or openings. This helps to keep warm air trapped around your body even more.
  • Better fit: Some people find that putting their sleeping pad inside their sleeping bag improves the fit and reduces cold spots where air would otherwise circulate.

While putting a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag can improve warmth retention for the majority of people, there are some factors to consider that may reduce its effectiveness:

  • Pad thickness: If your sleeping pad is too thin or does not provide adequate insulation for colder temperatures, putting it inside your sleeping bag may not make a significant difference in warmth retention.
  • Bag size: If you have a larger sleeping bag or thicker foam-style padding, there may not be enough room inside the bag for both your body and your pad. This could result in insulation layer compression and decreased overall warmth retention.
  • Movement while sleeping: Some people may feel restricted in their movement while sleeping due to the added bulk of a padded surface beneath them. This could result in pressure points or uneven weight distribution, which would reduce overall warmth retention.

Finally, using a sleeping pad inside a sleeping bag can improve heat retention by adding an extra layer of insulation and trapping warm air around your body. Individual factors such as pad thickness and personal preferences should be taken into account when deciding whether or not to use this setup for camping or backpacking trips where staying warm is critical for comfort and safety.

Ben Wann- Tent Camping Expert
AUTHOR

My name is Ben Wann, and I’m a lifelong tent camper and backpacker who jumps on every opportunity to get out and enjoy nature! I created this site to inspire others to get outside and to make the process easier for you.