How To Make Sleeping Pads

If you are an adventurous person who has gone camping and hiking in many places, you most likely know how important it is to lie down on a comfy and warm sleeping pad after a long tiring day. Nothing compares to the feeling of finally resting your entire body, whether curling up in comfort or stretching your arms and legs.

The problem, however, is that sleeping pads are quite expensive. So instead of indulging yourself in a cozy sleep, you end up resting on a cheap and inefficient sleeping pad. But here’s the good news: Sleeping pads are easy to make, which means that you can have a sleeping pad that meets your needs without having to spend much. This how-to article will teach you how to make your own sleeping pad. If you’re ready, let’s start.

Select foam

You need to choose foam that fits your hiking or camping style. For instance, if you go on an adventure mostly during summer, you most likely want slightly thinner foam, around ¼-inch thick. But if you go out during the cold months, you definitely will need thicker foam. Around one-inch thick is best.

Also, consider the material. Experts agree that the best foam for sleeping pads is made of materials that wick moisture away, conform to the body, and are lightweight. But ultimately, here’s what you need to remember when it comes to foam: Comfort is king.

Cut the foam

The foam should be cut according to the width and length of your body. Ideally, the foam should have two inches allowance on all sides. The best thing to do here is to mark your foam with a chalk. Lie on the foam, your hands on the sides.

Then mark where your head, hands, and feet rest. Add two inches to the marks. Begin drawing a straight line along the sides, following the marks. Then cut the foam with a pair of scissors.

Make the sleeping pad cover

The cover will protect your foam from dirt and will give you a more comfortable sleep. The fabric must be mildew-resistant and waterproof. The design is basically a personal choice. Start by cutting a piece of fabric twice the size of the foam, but make sure to have two inches allowance on all sides.

Fold your fabric at the middle, right side in. Then sew one inch from the edge of the fabric, starting from the open side and all the way to the bottom. Leave the top part open.

Insert the foam

Begin by turning the right sides of the cover out. Then push the foam into the cover, making sure it occupies the entire space. This should not be hard because you have left an inch allowance on all sides. When the foam is entirely into the cover, start stitching the top side closed.

Roll your sleep pad when hiking or camping. Make sure to use a heavy-duty strap to keep it rolled. The strap should have Velcro tapes on both ends.