Sleeping Pad…Which Side UP??

[Tyler Cockrell]

I have a nightlight sleeping pad (this is a pad with egg crate pattern on one side and flat on one side) and I am wondering which is the best side to sleep on. It seems to me that the flat side is much more comfortable. But what about thermal qualities? What side do you use?

[EndoftheTrail]

The egg crate side should face up. Both the material and the air in between are supposed to help insulate you from the cold ground.

On the other hand, if it isn’t cold, you can use whichever side is more comfortable to you.

[Dondo .]

I’ve used a similar pad, the Mt. Washington pad, and was also more comfortable with the flat side facing up. Down to about 30F, either side facing up was warm enough for me.

[Douglas Frick]

I prefer the flat side up, too. I didn’t notice a difference in insulation quality, but I did notice a difference in comfort.

[John S.]

I prefer the flat side up, egg crate side down.

[Bob Bankhead]

Ditto. It’s much more comfortable – and easier to move around on – with the flat side up.

For cold conditions, I would reverse that for reasons already listed.

WB

[David Olsen]

If you are in spindrift, fog, or rain crate side up
will fill with water or snow and you can’t brush or
wipe it away.

[Author]

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