Sleeping Pad Thickness: 2-Inch vs. 3.5-Inch - Which is Best?

Choosing the right sleeping pad can significantly impact your comfort and sleep quality during outdoor adventures. This comparison focuses on two popular thicknesses: a 2-inch and a 3.5-inch sleeping pad, both priced similarly around 50 AUD. We'll delve into a head-to-head evaluation, examining inflation and deflation times, packing size, and most importantly, the comfort levels offered by each. We tested both pads under identical conditions to provide a fair and unbiased assessment. The results reveal interesting differences that might surprise you, affecting your choice depending on your priorities.This review explores the trade-offs between convenience and comfort. While the thinner 2-inch pad boasts a faster inflation time, its impact on sleep quality becomes evident over time. The thicker 3.5-inch pad, although taking longer to inflate, provides significantly superior comfort, particularly for side sleepers. This comparison aims to help you determine which pad best fits your needs, weighing the benefits of rapid inflation against the crucial aspect of achieving a restful night's sleep in the outdoors.

Pros And Cons

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Size and Packaging

Both sleeping pads, despite the difference in thickness, were surprisingly similar in length, width, and materials. They also boasted almost identical pack sizes when deflated and rolled up. This means that the thickness won't significantly impact how much space it takes up in your backpack.

This similarity extends to pricing; both pads cost around 50 Australian dollars. The design of the baffles differed; the thinner pad used small diamond baffles, while the thicker pad featured larger horizontal baffles. However, both baffle designs effectively prevented rolling off during sleep.

Inflation and Deflation

Inflation time was significantly different. The thinner pad inflated easily within a dozen breaths. The thicker pad, however, required use of the included inflation bag and multiple compressions, taking over five minutes. While using the inflation bag might be more hygienic, the speed and ease of inflating the thinner pad was a considerable advantage, especially when tired after a long day of hiking.

Deflation and packing were surprisingly similar in speed for both pads. The only additional step was storing the inflation bag for the thicker pad. Overall, the packing time difference was negligible.

Comfort and Sleep Quality

The thicker mattress provided superior comfort, keeping the user elevated and off the ground. It offered excellent support and minimized pressure points, even when changing sleeping positions. In contrast, the thinner mattress, while initially comfortable, resulted in some soreness after a night's sleep, with noticeable pressure points around the hips.

The thicker pad was significantly more comfortable, especially for side sleepers. The extra cushion and support prevented pressure points and ensured a more restful night's sleep. Despite being fully inflated, the thinner pad still allowed the sleeper to feel the ground.

Conclusion and Recommendation

For a 70kg side sleeper, the thicker 3.5-inch sleeping pad was definitively more comfortable, offering superior support and minimizing pressure points, despite requiring a more time-consuming inflation process. The added comfort is particularly beneficial for longer trips.

While the thinner 2-inch pad is quicker to inflate and packs down similarly, its lack of cushioning and resulting pressure points make it less ideal for extended use or for side sleepers. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and priorities; however, for maximum comfort, the thicker pad emerges as the winner.