How to Inflate and Deflate Your Camp Pad

By TETON Sports | Published: 2026-10-20

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the fastest way to inflate and deflate your camp pad, avoid common mistakes, and get a better night's sleep on the trail.

Quick Answer

Inflate your camp pad by opening the valve and letting it self-inflate, then top off with a few breaths; to deflate, open the valve wide and roll the pad from the foot to the head to push out all the air.

Why Proper Inflation Matters

A camp pad that's under-inflated can leave you feeling the ground and waking up cold, while over-inflating can make the pad feel like a wobbling air mattress and put stress on the seams. Getting the right firmness is key to comfort and durability.

Most self-inflating pads, like the Skyline Sleeping Pad, have air channels that provide support and reduce that typical mattress wobble. But those channels only work if you let the pad fully expand before you top it off.

Deflating: The Step Most People Rush

Rushing the deflate process often leaves air trapped inside, which makes the pad bulky and hard to pack. It also puts unnecessary strain on the valve and fabric when you force it into its stuff sack.

Take the extra minute to roll the pad thoroughly. Not only will it pack smaller, but it will also be easier to manage at the next campsite.

Step-by-Step Inflation and Deflation

Open the valve fully: Unscrew or unplug the valve completely. For a self-inflating pad, the foam inside will start pulling in air on its own. Checkpoint: If the pad isn't expanding on its own, the valve may not be open enough or the foam may be compressed from storage.
Let it self-inflate: Give the pad 2–3 minutes to expand fully. You can help by gently shaking or fluffing the pad to distribute the foam. Checkpoint: The pad should look puffy but not fully firm at this stage.
Top off with breaths: Use short, sharp breaths to add the last bit of firmness. Stop when the pad feels supportive but still has a little give when you press down. Checkpoint: Avoid over-inflating—if the pad feels rock hard, let out a bit of air.
Deflate: open the valve wide: Open the valve completely (and remove the magnetic flap if it's in the way) to let air escape quickly. Checkpoint: If air isn't rushing out, the valve may be partially closed.
Roll from the foot to the head: Starting at the foot end, roll the pad tightly toward the valve, pressing out air as you go. Keep rolling until you reach the valve. Checkpoint: If you hear air escaping as you roll, you're doing it right.
Close the valve and store: Once the pad is rolled tight, close the valve immediately to prevent air from re-entering. Then secure it with the Velcro strap and pack it away. Checkpoint: If the pad unrolls after closing, you may have left too much air inside—roll again.

A Pad That Makes It Easy

Skyline Sleeping Pad: The Skyline Sleeping Pad is easy to inflate to three inches of comfortable sleeping height and deflates quickly with a built-in magnetic flap. A magnetic flap means you can open the valve wide and not worry about losing the cap, making deflation and packing faster and less fiddly.
Skyline Sleeping Pad