R-value for sleeping pads is a measure of how well a sleeping pad insulates. R-wet has been indicated on sleeping pads for many years but there has been no standard.
Until now. Since January 2020, many of the mattress manufacturers use the standard ASTM F3340-18. The beauty of a standard is that the R-value is specified/tested in the same way. It is now possible to compare the insulation properties between different sleeping mats from different manufacturers. Great, simply
For some manufacturers, it makes no difference, they have already specified sensible r-values, while others may have to sharpen up. Apparently, Thermarest's sleeping pad got higher insulation values than before and with the new standard, fun.
How high an r-value is needed then? The image below is from SeaToSummit. Up to 1/2 can easily be said to be only high summer with warm nights. Between 2&3 should work all summer. Should the sleeping mat insulate sufficiently for frost, perhaps around four and if you are to be outside a lot in severe winter, then perhaps an r-value higher than five is preferable.
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Good with standard, it makes it easier to compare. Now this standard only covers the insulation value. Equally interesting for a good night's sleep is the thickness, but that's another chapter 🙂 Then I think it would have made more sense, simpler and more educational with a temperature indication instead of an insulation value, but as you know, you can rarely get everything 🙂 Do you want to read more about the sleeping pad standard ASTM F3340-18 here are a couple of links. There is a lot to read if you want to delve deeper into the subject. R stands for resistance. Now, r-value is not unique to sleeping mats, but r-value is used, for example, in the construction industry (and all other areas where insulation is discussed) and there is a lot to read there.
- https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/r-value-explained-i206
- https://www.thermarest.com/blog/r-value-meaning/?avad=189374_e1b3331b5
- https://backpackinglight.com/sleeping-pad-r-value-not-that-useful/
- https://www.outsideonline.com/2371291/nerdiest-most-important-sleeping-pad-news-ever
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-value_(insulation)
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