When setting up for a backpacking trip, one of the most important items you’ll need is a sleeping pad. A sleeping pad is designed to provide insulation from the cold ground and give you a comfortable night’s sleep.
But before you can enjoy the comfort of your sleeping pad, you must first inflate it. Inflating your sleeping pad for backpacking can be done in several different ways, depending on the type of sleeping pad you have.
Inflating With an Air Pump: Most modern air pads come with an air pump that attaches to the valve on your sleeping pad. All you need to do is attach the pump and start blowing! Many air pumps are powered by batteries or foot pumps so that you don’t need to expend too much energy while inflating your sleeping pad.
Inflating With Your Mouth: If your sleeping pad doesn’t come with an air pump, another option is to blow it up with just your mouth. While this does require more effort than using a pump, it’s still quite effective and can be done in a pinch if necessary. To inflate your sleeping pad with just your breath, simply open the valve and blow until it’s fully inflated.
Using Compressed Air Canisters: For those who don’t have access to an air pump or don’t want to exert too much energy inflating their sleeping pads, compressed air canisters are an excellent alternative. These handy little cans contain pressurized air that can be quickly released into your sleeping pad via its valve. Simply open the valve and press down on the canister until it’s fully inflated.
Conclusion:
Inflating a backpacking sleeping pad is relatively easy and there are several methods available depending on what type of equipment you have access to. Whether you opt for an air pump, blowing with just your mouth, or using compressed air canisters, inflating your backpacking sleeping pad shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.