Innovative, luxurious self-inflating camping pad
I've always believed that the outdoors should be an escape, not an endurance test. There's a Japanese company called DOD that seems to agree. Founded in 1997, they've made it their mission to bring comfort back to camping. Their Soto Sleeping Pad is a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
Picture this: you arrive at your campsite after a long day of travel. Instead of wrestling with a complicated setup, you unroll your sleeping pad and let it self-inflate to about 70% in an hour. But maybe you're not the patient type, or perhaps you got there late and need to set up quickly. That's where things get interesting. The pad comes with an inflatable pillow that doubles as a pump. Attach it to the pad, give it about five steady rolls if it's partially inflated—or around 18 if starting from zero—and you're ready to rest. No electric pumps, no huffing and puffing, just a simple, clever solution.
The pillow itself self-inflates in about ten seconds and adds an extra layer of comfort. The pad is four inches thick, made of open-cell foam that feels a lot like memory foam. With an R-value of 8.3, it insulates you from the cold ground, so you won't feel every rock and root beneath you. It comes with a removable, washable polycotton sheet and pillowcase, adding a touch of home to your tent.
Now, let's be clear: this isn't gear for the ultralight backpacker counting every ounce. The small pad weighs in at 10.1 pounds, and the large at 16.5 pounds. Packed away, it fits into a standard-sized duffel bag, making it ideal for car camping or short hikes to a campsite. It's available in two sizes—small at 82 by 31 inches and large at 82 by 54 inches—so whether you're going solo or sharing, there's an option for you.
What I appreciate about the Soto Sleeping Pad is how it embodies a different approach to outdoor living. Camping doesn't have to be about sacrifice. Comfort doesn't diminish the experience; it enhances it. By making the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable, DOD is encouraging people to spend more time in nature, to “inhabit the rabbit,” as they say—a nod to their playful logo and perhaps a metaphor for embracing a more relaxed, contented way of life.
At $279 for the small and $399 for the large, it's an investment. But for those who value a good night's sleep under the stars without the usual aches and pains, it might just be worth every penny. After all, “soto” means “outside” in Japanese, and this pad invites you to experience the outside in comfort and style.
Pros:
- Comfortable Sleeping Experience: The pad is 4 inches thick with open-cell foam that feels like memory foam, providing a plush surface that minimizes the feel of rocks and roots beneath you.
- High Insulation Value (R-Value of 8.3): Offers excellent insulation from the cold ground, making it suitable for camping in various weather conditions.
- Innovative Pillow-Pump Design: The included pillow doubles as a pump, eliminating the need for an external pump and reducing the risk of forgetting or losing inflation accessories.
- Self-Inflating Feature: The pad self-inflates to about 70% capacity in an hour, requiring minimal effort to set up for those who prefer a softer bed.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a removable, washable polycotton sheet and pillowcase, adding to comfort and ease of maintenance.
- Easy Pillow Inflation: The pillow self-inflates in about 10 seconds, providing quick comfort for your head and neck.
- Available in Two Sizes: Offers both small (82″ x 31″) and large (82″ x 54″) sizes to accommodate solo campers or multiple sleepers.
- Durable Materials: Made of polyester with TPU coating and polyurethane foam, ensuring durability and longevity.
Cons:
- Heavy Weight: Weighing 10.1 lbs for the small and 16.5 lbs for the large, the pad is relatively heavy, making it less suitable for backpacking or weight-sensitive trips.
- Bulky Packed Size: When packed, it requires a standard-sized duffel bag, which can be cumbersome and take up significant space in your vehicle or storage.
- Long Self-Inflation Time: Takes about an hour to self-inflate to 70%, which may be inconvenient if you arrive at the campsite late or need quick setup.
- Manual Effort for Full Inflation: Inflating from zero to full firmness requires approximately 18 pillow pumps, which can be time-consuming and require patience.
- Not Ideal for Ultralight Camping: The weight and bulk make it unsuitable for hikers and campers who prioritize lightweight gear.
- Higher Price Point: Priced at $279 for the small and $399 for the large, it is on the expensive side compared to other sleeping pads on the market.
- Limited Color Option: Only available in tan, offering no variety for those who prefer different colors.
- Potential for Forgetting to Deflate: Given its self-inflating nature, users might forget to fully deflate it before packing, leading to challenges in fitting it back into the carry bag.
From $279
