Carrying the additional half-pound or so a three-quarter length closed cell foam pad, in addition to an inflatable pad, is antithetical to the general concept of lightweight backpacking. However, the versatility of this piece of gear and the added level of safety and comfort it provides make it something some backpackers never leave behind, with multiple use cases out on the trail – from a sit pad in camp and on breaks, to extra insulation and protection for your inflatable in longer lengths.

Uses of a Foam Backpacking Pad

The first and most obvious use of a closed-cell foam pad is to place under your inflatable pad for protection against punctures and additional insulation. It also helps smooth out the ground and allows for a noticeable increase in comfort. If you experience a failure with your inflatable pad that can’t be field repaired, which becomes as much a safety as a comfort issue in the shoulder seasons, the closed-cell foam pad can literally save the night – and possibly the trip.

Having a closed-cell foam pad to toss down on rocks, logs, and the dirt can turn pretty much any spot into a cozy place to lounge. If the ground is wet, tossing your pad down before sitting down keeps you dry. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself at a backcountry hot springs, the pad is great to set on the edge so that you can step in/step out without slipping on rocks or losing your balance. For rocky hot springs that are rough around the edges, the pad can smooth things and allow for an uncomfortable soaking situation to become quite pleasant. In longer lengths a foam pad will serve as more of a lounger, while a shorter sit pad will of course save some weight.

Laying on one when stargazing keeps you insulated from the ground and the added comfort can keep you looking for shooting stars much longer than if you were laying on the bare ground. When camping on snow, having a foam pad to sit on or kneel when attending to camp chores is often nearly essential.

I’ve also found that when emptying my pack at camp, the foam pad can serve as a great staging area to organize gear and prevent such frustrations as a headlamp rolling under a branch and out of sight. Additionally, it serves as a great mat to stretch on after the hiking is done or going through some yoga poses to mitigate any potential soreness or overtightened muscles. Lastly, if you brought a longer length pad it serves as a great backup sleeping pad to have on hand when your backpacking partner forgets to pack their inflatable sleeping pad.

Backpacking Foam Pads & Sit Pad Options

There are a multitude of options for a closed-cell foam pad, with the Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic being perhaps the gold standard. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite pad as well as the NEMO Switchback are nifty with their folding feature, but a cheap blue foam pad is also a functional alternative. ULA Equipment also offers their Siesta foam pad. All of these options can be cut down to size if a shorter length is needed. For sit pad-only options Therm-a-Rest offers their Z-Seat foam pad, with the Zpacks ultralight sit pad serving as another option. Weights vary according to length and thickness, with a 48 inch RidgeRest weighing in at 9 oz being representative of the middle of the pack, while dedicated sit pads will weigh just an ounce or two.

No matter what option you go with, if you can afford to take the weight, a shorter length of foam pad is sure to make your next backpacking trip that much more comfortable during breaks and in camp.

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue 36 of TrailGroove Magazine. You can read the original article here.