Sleeping pad R-value by overnight low
Quick answerRoughly R 2 for summer, R 3 to 4 around freezing and R 5.5 or more below 20F, with about R 1 more on a cot.
| Overnight low | On the ground | On a cot | On an air mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60F | R 1.5 | R 2.5 | R 2.5 |
| 50F | R 1.5 | R 2.5 | R 2.5 |
| 45F | R 2.5 | R 3.5 | R 3.5 |
| 40F | R 2.5 | R 3.5 | R 3.5 |
| 35F | R 3.5 | R 4.5 | R 4.5 |
| 30F | R 4.5 | R 5.5 | R 5.5 |
| 25F | R 4.5 | R 5.5 | R 5.5 |
| 20F | R 4.5 | R 5.5 | R 5.5 |
| 15F | R 5.5 | R 6.5 | R 6.5 |
| 10F | R 5.5 | R 6.5 | R 6.5 |
| 0F | R 6.5 | R 7.5 | R 7.5 |
Car camping sleeping pads
TaskStar 4" Self Inflating Sleeping Pad for Camping with PillowUnder $50Check priceSpec sheet
Breezcamp Self Inflating Sleeping Pad With Electric PumpUnder $100Check price
Hikenture 4" Thick Self Inflating Sleeping Pad with Electric PumpUnder $250Check priceSpec sheet
Elegear Self Inflating Sleeping Pad with Electric Pump 3.15" MemoryUnder $250Check price
Lost Horizon Option3 Self-Inflating Foam Camping MattressUnder $250Check price
Exped MegaMat Ultra Sleeping PadUnder $500Check price
Exped MegaMat Max Sleeping PadUnder $500Check price
Exped MegaMat Sleeping PadUnder $500Check price
Gift guide Shopping for a car camper? See the Car Camping Holiday Gift Guide 2026 for picks by budget, from the big gift to stocking stuffers.
Researched guidance, not professional advice. Figures are published specifications or clearly labelled conventions; check your own gear's manual and your campground's rules.
