Finding the right sleeping pad can be a daunting task. Fortunately, our unbiased experts make recommendations to campers and backpackers every day, and they can help you find the perfect sleeping pad, too! Check out this list of their most recommended sleeping pads under $100, and then chat with a Camping & Hiking expert for a personalized recommendation.
- Sea To Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Sea To Summit UltraLight Sleeping Pad
- Exped SynMat Lite 5 Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad
- Exped FlexMat Plus Sleeping Pad
- Sea To Summit - Comfort Plus Si Mat Rect - Large - Regular
- Therm-a-Rest Z- Lite Sleeping Pad
Sea To Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
This self-inflating sleeping pad has an R-value of 4.2 which means it will keep you insulated from the cold ground while you sleep. It's 1.5 inches thick and is available in a variety of sizes! Light enough for backpacking trips as well (the Regular size weighs 1.7 lbs). This sleeping pad also features Sea to Summit's unique PillowLock system which pairs with any of their pillows to securely lock the pillow in place so it doesn't slip around while you're sleeping.
Versatile sleeping pad, with an R rating of 4 (meaning it can keep you warm in very cold weather, but also be a good option for warmer weather hiking). This pad is good at transitioning with the weather - so if you go to sleep and it's in the 50's but the temperature drops to the 20's or 30's by the time you wake up - this pad will keep your sleep system warm and comfortable.
Sea To Summit UltraLight Sleeping Pad
A summer/warm weather sleeping pad which is perfect for backpackers, bike-packers, or anyone looking for warm weather sleep comfort! This design has won both Best New Gear and Gear of the Year awards. It weighs just 13.9oz (lighter than a roll of paper towels) and packs down to the size of a burrito! At 4 inches thick, there's plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable all night long. This sleeping pad has a lower R-value, meaning it is ideal for warm weather use - generally late spring to early fall.
This is an ultralight pad with an integrated air pump and air sprung cells for maximum comfort. An R-value of 0.7 makes it the perfect summer or warm weather pad, and it even includes repair patches!
Exped SynMat Lite 5 Sleeping Pad
Long and wide size has a 77.6"x25.6" footprint. Comes with a minipump to pump it up. 2in thick for lots of comfort. Insulation for a good barrier against the temps when using a hammock
The quick adjust valve is unique and allows for you to adjust comfort, plus it's quiet.
R-Value at 3.4, super compact, lightweight and comfy. Comes with mini pump.
Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL Sleeping Pad
This closed cell foam pad does it all and can be used for summer and winter camping. The heat reflective side of this pad will help reflect body heat back towards you to help keep you warm in colder temps. The simplicity and light weight make it very easy to use too!
Great as a stand alone pad where the user accepts they may be less comfortable in rocky or root ridden ground. Great as an in-addition-to pad where the extra insulation from the cold ground may be necessary.
The reflective side gives additional warmth when you want it or flip it over to the yellow side is your a warm sleeper. This thing will never pop!
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad
This is a great, basic option for low-maintenance trips, especially for the budget conscious! It is 0.625" thick and weighs only 14oz (size regular). It can also be used as a second sleeping pad to increase overall R-value of a cold weather setup.
Right at 6ft it will be plenty long and will add a cushioned barrier between you and the ground to keep you warmer and comfortable. It's also inexpensive, making it a great pad for a beginner. You won't have to worry about inflating it either!
Keeps you more comfortable and climate controlled than just having your sleeping bag on the ground.
Exped FlexMat Plus Sleeping Pad
Basic closed-cell foam pad is super comfy and inexpensive. It won't go flat from a leak so it's reliable and can double as a camp chair or yoga mat.
Recent reviews say that this foam pad is the most comfortable closed cell foam option ever made.
Sea To Summit - Comfort Plus Si Mat Rect - Large - Regular
This sleeping pad is designed for 4-season use with an R-value of 4.1 to insulate sleepers from the cold ground. It's just over 3" thick to provide plenty of cushioning which also makes it great for side sleepers! Also available in a double option for couples.
With an R value of 4.1, this pad is toasty enough for camping during all seasons of the year - even winter! This super warm self-inflating sleeping pad is also 3 inches thick - making it extra cushiony and comfortable for side sleepers!
Therm-a-Rest Z- Lite Sleeping Pad
Backpacking and never buying / patching another pad. The original foam pad. It's inexpensive but bombproof. Never patch another sleeping pad. There are so many uses besides a sleeping pad, a clean place to drop all your gear as you unload your pack, a seat around the campfire, fan the flames with it, an adjustable height knee pad in the canoe.
Eliminates the fear of puncturing your inflatable pad and closes like a map for easy, lightweight transport.
Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
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