Hi Kris, good question. If you’re using one of the platforms, but pitching your own tent, you’ll definitely want to bring your own quality sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Check out our gear guide (link in the top menu of our site) for our favorite backpacking pads and bags. Sometimes the different refugios will offer not just a platform, but also a tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag. When that’s the case, you won’t need your own equipment for that location, though you may need a tent, bag, and pad for other camping locations depending on your trip. So make sure to know exactly what type of site you’re booking and what’s included. If they don’t provide a pad, you’ll most definitely want to bring one, and we’d recommend a lightweight backpacking pad because they’re less bulky and heavy on the trail. Hope that helps!