Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 05:00 pm

How to Attach Sleeping Pad to Backpack:

6 Practical Ways

If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, you need to have the right gear. Whether you’re car camping or backpacking through the woods, there is one piece of equipment that can make any adventure more restful: a sleeping pad. 

The key to comfortable camping is selecting the right combination of a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Backpackers use pads as insulation from the cold ground and as a barrier between themselves and rocks or roots that may poke through their bags.

Camping in the wilderness is a great way to escape life in the city, but it can be tricky when you’re trying to figure out how to do something with your gear. The following article about How to Attach Sleeping Pad to Backpack will provide you with several different methods for fixing your sleeping mat to your pack so that you can have an easy time getting off the ground while camping.

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How to Attach Sleeping Pad to Backpack

A sleeping pad can be attached to a backpack in several different ways. The method you choose depends on the type of backpack and sleeping pad you have.

The first question that you need to ask yourself is: what type of backpack do I use? For example, if you have a regular daypack, you will need a regular sleeping pad. It will be attached to the outside of your pack and can be used as a chair or for resting during hiking. If you have a larger backpack with more volume, then it would be best to get an inflatable sleeping pad and leave it inside of your pack.

If you don’t have the ideal combination of these gears, you can still use the following methods to take your pad comfortably to your next outdoor trip. 

Attach it to Bottom

One of the most popular and easiest methods for securing your sleeping pad is attaching it to the outside bottom of your backpack. This technique is also effective in the sense that it provides you with more space in your pack to store other important things.

However, you need to consider certain factors before using this method to fix your pad. For example, if you plan to hike through dense forest your sleeping mat might catch on branches and get scratched in the process. Moreover, this technique also makes navigation through the forest difficult.

If this is not the case with you, go with attaching it to the outside of your backpack. This technique is best suitable for an external frame backpack. 

Just place your pad between the straps that are specifically designed for this purpose; wrap them around the sleeping mat and fasten them with the buckles.

Fix it to the Top

Another common way of fixing a mat is utilizing the pack’s lid. You can easily attach your pad to the top of your backpack with the help of the strings in the lid.

Simply fasten your sleeping pad at the top of your bag; tighten it down with the help of the closing straps and you are done.

Place it Vertically

If your backpack does have side compression straps then you can use them for fixing your pad to either side of the pack.

Some backpacks also come with stretch pockets on their sides. If your bag does have such pouches, just push the sleeping pad in either of the pockets and fasten the top of the mat with a side strap. 

This mode is best for those who have light sleeping mats, as attaching a heavy pad this way may affect your balance by making one side a bit heavy.

A more comfortable way of attaching your pad is to fix it vertically in the middle with the help of webbing straps. If your backpack features these belts it is perfect, otherwise, you can get one easily from the market.

Once your bag is packed, lay it on the ground and place your sleeping pad on the middle back of your pack. Now pass the webbings through your bag and the mat and tighten the strips to your satisfaction.

Pack it Inside 

This method is for you if you want to keep your equipment dry and protect them from any potential damage in the event of hiking. However, this technique also has certain disadvantages. 

For example:

If you have a bulky foam pad, packing this way may not be a good choice for you. 

It takes good inside space so you are left with little room for other kits. 

You cannot access your pad for frequent rests on the track.

In case you have an ultralight or air sleeping pad and you are also comfortable with this kind of packing just go with it.

Simply fold your mat in half along its length, roll it up firmly, and put it in a compression bag to further squeeze it.

Now place it inside the bottom of your pack, which is the most suitable area for packing bulky items.

Pack it in the Mesh Pocket

Several backpacks these days do come with back mesh pockets. These pouches are stretchable and contain enough space to hold a sleeping mat easily. These are particularly meant to store spare clothes for quick access while on the track.

If you have a foam pad, make use of this compartment to carry it. This will give you the advantage of using your sleeping pad on the go whenever you want without the worry of unpacking your bag.

Use it as a Frame

Another novel way of packing your sleeping pad is placing it inside in the manner that it serves as a frame for your backpack.

If you have an ultralight pack that does not have major frames, use this approach and turn your mat into a frame to support your back for a comfortable journey.

Again, this technique is best for air pads that can be easily folded. A small size foam pad may also be suitable for this but don’t use a full-size foam mat which may leave you with little space in your pack.

For an air pad, just fold it up and put it inside the bag aligning it with your back to make a padded layer to give extra protection to your back. 

For a foam pad, roll it in the form of a tube and place it vertically inside your backpack. Now you can easily fill the tube structure with the gear of your choice.

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Do’s and Don’ts

• Make sure that the sleeping pad is completely dry before attaching it to the backpack.
• Use a sleeping pad with a releasable buckle or strap that will attach to the bag’s straps.
• Use a nylon strap or other strong material to fix the mat to the bottom of your pack.
• The sleeping pad should fit snugly between the straps of your backpack.
• Make sure that your pad is well fitted in your bag. A loose mat will shift around inside your backpack and create discomfort.
• Pack the sleeping mat into a stuff sack and attach it to the outside of your pack. This helps keep your pads dry, and reduce wear and tear on them.
• Do check the length of your sleeping pad and backpack before purchasing them. You will need a pad that is slightly shorter than you pack.

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To Wrap Things Up

One of the most popular ways to attach a sleeping pad to a backpack is the use of straps. Strap systems are great because they can be easily adjusted. This method works well but is not always the best option depending on where you are going, or what type of terrain you will be hiking through.

Some other methods may work better depending on the type of backpack and sleeping pad you have.

In this article, we’ve tried to cover the question “How to Attach Sleeping Pad to Backpack” in the best possible way to make the process easier for you. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our post about Attaching a tent to a backpack.

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Frequently Asked Questions