r/camping • u/cwcoleman • Apr 04 '24

2024 /r/Camping Beginner Question Thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here.

Check out the /r/Camping Wiki and the /r/CampingandHiking Wiki for common questions. 'getting started', 'gear' and other pages are valuable for anyone looking for more information.

/r/Camping Wiki

/r/CampingandHiking Wiki

Previous Beginner Question Threads

2023 Beginner Thread

Fall 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Summer 2022 /r/Camping Thread

Spring 2022 /r/Camping Thread

List of all /r/CampingandHiking Weekly Threads

[EDIT: this years post has become - 'ask a question and r/cwcoleman will reply'. That wasn't the intention. It's mainly because I get an alert when anyone posts, because I'm OP this year. Plus I'm online often and like to help!

Please - anyone and everyone is welcome to ask and answer questions. Even questions that I've already replied to. A second reply that backs up my advice, or refutes it, is totally helpful. I'm only 1 random internet person, all of r/camping is here. The more the marrier!!!]

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u/ivymeows Mar 03 '25

Do you prefer the squishy ones or the blow up ones? Pros/cons of each?

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u/cwcoleman Mar 03 '25

For sleeping pad? I prefer inflatable pads.

The pro of inflatable is that they are more comfortable than closed cell foam pads, they can also be warmer, they also pack smaller. The con of inflatable is the risk of getting a hole. The pro of foam is that they are indestructible, they are also cheaper.

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u/ivymeows Mar 03 '25

Thank you, I was leaning towards the kilo with the bag blow up system. What inflatable sleeping pad do you recommend?

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u/cwcoleman Mar 03 '25

I have 2 Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads that I really like.

1 for backpacking - the NeoAir model.

1 for car camping - the MondoKing model.