Camping & sleeping pad

[Siobhan]

My son is backpacking (first time) in Europe in May and June with some friends. They are planning on camping part of the time. I want to buy him a sleeping pad - don't want my baby to be uncomfortable. He has a compact sleeping bag that he's going to strap on to the front of a 50L, top loading backpack. Any suggestions as to the kind of sleeping pad should I buy for him? He wants something that isn't going to be too heavy or take up too much room.

Thanks so much for your help.
Siobhan

[Kim]

Hi Siobhan,

I'm just curious to whether your son has looked into camping around Europe as it's not the easiest thing. The campgrounds are often far out and hard to get to without a vehicle and it's not legal (not safe) to set up camp in non-campground areas.

I'm just wondering as many people think that camping will be a way to save money while travelling but it often is more hassle than it's worth.

Plus, May isn't neccessarily ideal weather in many countries, it still can be chilly, especially at nights and rainy.

Camping equipment can be awkward and add extra weight if you are going to be properly prepared.

I just want to make sure he knows what he is getting into!

Kim

[Gallivant]

Don't want to be contrary here but there is a small, but good, camping section on the Rick Steve's "Europe through the Back Door" Graffitti Wall site that gives some good information and makes it sound quite wonderful.

[Viajante]

I have used the Therm-A-Rest brand sleeping pad on short camping trips and it is pretty comfortable. It isn't very big and packs pretty tightly. The only place I know of that sells them is REI.

Hope your son has a great trip!

[snorkelman]

I have done it every way possible, and camping is only good if you want to save money, because you will have to carry a lot more weight and that really sucks. Also, like kim said, there aren't campgrounds in the center of town, so that is more wasted time.

If your son has a budget of $50-$60 per day after air and train transportation costs, then he will not need to camp to save money because he can find a dorm room in a hostel in almost any city of Western Europe for about 20 Euro

[kena]

Keep in mind that the cheapest blue foam pads have the incredible advantage of being very light-weight, compared to more expensive (and comfy) self-inflatable ones.

Personally, I prefer to have a pack that is two pounds lighter and a thinner sleeping pad than the opposite case. (I own both types of pads, and always go hiking with the cheap one... a 300 grams weight is pretty hard to beat. Plus, you don't have to worry about getting it stolen or pierced)

[kena]

I forgot to say that it's usually better to fit your sleeping bag in your pack rather than attaching it outside. It makes for a better balanced load, it's more protected from the rain, and the pack is easier to fit in overhead compartments or car trunks.