Self-Inflating Camp Pad with Pillow

Okay so sleeping bags compress when you sleep on them, so on top it is warm but underneath it is cold. A standard air mattress will just fill with cold air so it won't keep you warm. Instead you want a nice foam mattress rated for the temperature you might expect to experience. They can be big and bulky, so the best options are the self-inflating foam mattress and these pack up fairly small. The Ozark Trail Self-Inflating Large Rectangular Sleeping Pad is $30 from Walmart and is rated with a R value of 5, suitable for freezing temperatures. They have doubles for $60, plus a whole lot of much better mattresses. But whatever you choose, choose one based on a R value of 5 or higher.

Foam camping pads, per dollar, have better R-values (insulation rating) against cold ground compared to inflatable mattresses, and they stack linearly, meaning you can take 2 pads with an R value of 2, and stack them on top of each other to reach a level of 4. For winter camping, you want an R value of 4 or higher. The Z Lite Sol has an R Value of 2.0 and Wal Mart sells one similar by Ozark Trail for around $35. I imagine the R value is similar. I would suggest buying two of those and stacking them on top of one another.

Ozark trail one is fine. A bit firmer from my understanding, but i like that You may be able to find a zlite or switchback for cheaper on marketplace or ebay tho

The Ozark Trails pad is a study in cost/benefit analysis. The full size weighs 535 grams, and as you note, cost about $25. The Nemo Switchback full size weighs 411 grams and costs about $60. But here's your cost/benefit: For \~$30 you can cut weight by 115 grams, or 3.8 grams per dollar. Is that worth it? That's up to you. Note: shorter versions of each exist, weighing and costing less, but the relative cost/benefit is similar. FWIW, the Ozark Trails is on my "[best bang for the buck](https://lighterpack.com/r/ah3y5f)" list that I provide to beginners, cost-constrained, or value-oriented inquiries.

Thanks! I guess one can also get those 100g by cutting a bit of width from the ozark since its wider than the counterparts?

the Walmart one is fine unless you're trying to stay away from bright colored/reflective gear in which case the original(non SOL) Z-lite is your only real option