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, and then chat with a Camping & Hiking expert for a personalized recommendation.
- Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Pad
- Sea To Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Sea To Summit UltraLight Sleeping Pad
- Exped SynMat Lite 5 Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
- Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad- Men's
Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Sleeping Pad
3+ season camping and backpacking, with an R-Value of 3.1, it is the perfect companion for all but the coldest outings. My favorite feature is that the stuff sack is used to inflate the pad. No more blowing moisture and bacteria into your pad for mold to infest. Packs smaller than a Nalgene water bottle and feels like you're sleeping on a cloud.
Patented baffling technology keeps air from moving around, so you can sleep on your side. It’s also very efficient in warming you and keeping the cold ground away.
Lightweight, packable. The stuff sack also doubles as a pump to save your breath! Good for backpacking.
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.
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
With an R value of 4.2 and total weight of only 1 pound, 1 ounce, this mummy shaped pad is an ideal blend of weight, warmth and low profile cut for easy and light packing. Pair it with a closed cell foam pad underneath to beef up temperature and protection against the abrasive ground in winter or alpine settings.
Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
This sleeping pad has an r-value of 4.1 for all season use, meaning it will keep you well insulated from the cold ground! It's 3.125" thick, is self-inflating, and weighs 2lbs 14oz. The large size measures 6'6".
It's not the lightest pad out there, but it will take you through spring, summer, and fall with an R-value of 4.1, and it's super plush.
Warmth and maximum comfort. It's got a softer texture than the hyperlight pads.
Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad
A very lightweight option that smooths out the rocks and roots and providing some insulation from the ground for cold nights.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
With an R-value of 3.2, this pad is great for summer and even shoulder season camping at a super affordable price. It's also self-inflating, so it's great for beginners or those who don't want to have to fully blow up their sleeping pad every night. The interior foam means it also provides a little more stability, too, but it's still very compact when deflated.
Comfortable, easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up - and reasonably warm and lightweight!
This pad is lightweight, comfortable, and quick to inflate.
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Side sleepers! Nemo does a great job with fabrics. There's no stretch in the baffles, so even through the tensor is only a couple inches thick you can sleep on your side without feeling the ground.
Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad- Men's
This sleeping pad was designed to provide "ultralight, cold weather comfort." You really can't beat the weight, warmth, and comfort of this sleeping pad - 3 inches of cushioning, 1lb 4oz, and an R-value of 4.8 will provide plenty of insulation when the ground is cold (very cold). This is a great companion for your cold weather camping, backpacking, or mountaineering trips. Easy inflation and quick to deflate!
Lightweight, compact, and extreme performance on this one! Great mummy style options from Nemo. 1lb 11oz for any cold-weather temperatures at an R-value of 4.8. This thing will rock in the winter wherever you are.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLight Sleeping Pad
Great summer and shoulder season pad at a mind-boggling weight savings. Best set up on soft or established campsite surfaces.
Packs small, inflation sack included. Triangular core matrix offers excellent warmth to weight ratio.
Summer camping, car camping, summer backpacking trips
Sea To Summit UltraLight Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
An ultralight sleeping pad which is great for both car camping and backpacking! This pad has an R-value of 2.6 making is great for summer use as well as shoulder seasons with some light insulation from the cold ground. It's 1" thick and weighs 18oz.
R-value of 2.6 means it can go down into cooler weather while keeping you warm. At 1 lb. 3 oz., it's still lightweight!
Self inflating & ultralight - weights less than a pound. 2.6 R-value.
Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite Sleeping Pad
One of the best pads for being both warm and lightweight! R-value of 3.9 and weighing only 12 ounces. 2.5 inches thick for optimum comfort. Packs down small to 9x4" (LESS THAN A 1.0L WATER BOTTLE). Included stuff sack and repair kit.
Its light enough for backpacking and a top choice of backpackers, even durable enough to float around on in an alpine lake! I don't recommend the latter but have seen it done - so its very tough!
With an r value of 4.2, this pad weighs an amazing 12 ozs...that's less than a pound and packs down to the size of a small Nalgene bottle.
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Being comfortable while camping on the trail and even during winter.
Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad- Women's
A great air pad option with an air sprung design that gives you more 'contact points' which is helpful for side sleepers and to not slip off your pad. Also insulated with a R value of 3.5, which is great for camping early spring - late fall.
Quiet when shifting on the material and still durable with 30-40 denier faced fabric, great balanced feel when atop the pad. Warm enough to use spring through fall!
The regular pad only weights 15.8oz, is 2in thick and has a 3.5 R-Value! A great option for the price!
Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad
This sleeping pad offers great performance at the price - it's comfortable, packable, and ideal for either backpacking or camping adventures. It offers 1.5 inches of cushion with an R-value of 3.2 for 3 season warmth and insulation from the cold ground. Weighs 1lb 10oz.
3.2 R-value delivers excellent warmth, self-inflating to 1.5", this pad features a valve with 3x the airflow = faster inflation! Stuff sack included.
Thicker foam feel for comfort. Good for cold sleepers.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad
Ultimate campsite comfort - this sleeping pad is 4.25 inches thick! It is well insulated with an R-value of 7 to keep you warm even when the ground is icy cold. This pad is self inflating and also includes a built in pump sack to perfect the firmness! The large size measures 77 x 25 inches.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad
Killer 3 season pad from Big Agnes, this guy has a R-Value of 4.2 paired with PrimaLoft Silver Insulation meaning that even when the ground is pretty frigid, you wont have any of that translate through to your bag while trying to keep things warm and avoid the cold. 3.5" thick with 4.25" thick outer chambers provides cushioning and body centering. Rather light at 19 oz, making this an ideal choice for longer backpacking trips especially for the colder months. Also if you're easily disturbed while sleeping, you can rest assured knowing the materials on this guy are quiet when moving around.
A great lightweight 3 season sleeping pad! R-value of 4.2 offers good insulation and with a packed size of 4.5 x 8" it carries well. Weighs 1.18 lbs.
3.5 inches of insulated loft that will keep you comfortable camping in 3 season conditions. Quilted top for pillowy comfort. Quiet sleeping.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad · Women's · Cayenne
A value-oriented self-inflating sleeping pad! This pad offers 1.5in of cushioning with an R-value of 3.9 to help insulate you from the cold ground. Weighs 1.6lbs.
Great lighterweight sleeping pad for backpacking into 3 seasons plus with added thickness and R value.
Easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up. Very comfortable, and reasonably lightweight!
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture Sleeping Pad
This is a lightweight and compact sleeping pad with an R-value of 2.2 - providing light insulation from the cold ground. It weighs 1lb 3oz, is 2 inches thick, and packs down to just 9 x 5 inches! A pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit are included as well!
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.
Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
The perfect option for late spring to early fall backpacking or cycle touring trips. This sleeping pad weighs about the same as a can of beans (15.1oz for the small), packs down to the size of a 1L water bottle, and is designed to withstand all of your rugged adventures. With an R-value of 3.1, this pad will provide insulation from the cold ground to keep you warm and comfortable while you sleep. This sleeping pad comes with an airstream pumpsack/stuffsack as well as a mat repair kit. A very positively review piece of gear by those who have used it!
It inflates very quick and deflates basically instantly. It can roll up incredibly small, which is great for backpacking. Considered by most to have top end durability.
66" in the SHORT size and 16oz backpacking pad with thermolite insulation. R-value of 3.3 - so, WARM pad that's comfy.
Sea To Summit Comfort Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
An insulated, self-inflating pad with a thickness of 2 inches. It is 78 x 25 inches, which will be better for taller individuals and is wider for added shoulder and hip space. It's insulation gives it a R value of 3.1, which is good for cool-weather camping or down to 32 degrees. Can be used for car camping or backpacking!
It's in the name - Comfort. This is more comfortable for side sleepers, and the texture is much nicer, so you won't stick to it like a classic plastic pad.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Sleeping Pad
Packs down to the size of a water bottle, very lightweight for the high R value of 6.9 (will keep you warm on the coldest nights!). Also comes with a pump sack, which saves you from having to manually blow it up. Excellent insulation from ground, very cozy night of sleep when paired with the appropriate sleeping bag and shelter.
Packs down to the size of a water bottle, so really small for such a high R value (the 6.9 value will keep you warm even on the coldest nights!). It also comes with a pump sack, which saves you from having to manually blow it up! Weighs in at just 15oz.
Having a 6+ R-value ensures that no matter what the weather is doing, you will be insulated from the ground and kept at a warmer than average temperature.
Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad
Ultralight backpacking!
WEIGHT: 17.3 oz
PACKED SIZE: 4.5 x 9.5 in- about the size of a Nalgene bottle
THICKNESS: 4 in
R-Value: 3.2
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.
Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated Sleeping Pad
This is a luxury pad for folks still looking for a light weight and packable option. The additional height at the top acts like a built in pillow to give a little more loft under your head. Enjoy ultimate comfort with this sleeping pad that offers 3.5" of cushioning and an R value of 3.3 for solid 3 season insulation. It weighs 2 lbs. 4oz and packs to 9" x 5.5"
Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, is a 3.3 R value sleeping pad ideal for 3 season weather with a thickness of 3.5 inches! It uses Primaloft 100% PCR Insulation to keep you warm, and at only 1 lb. 9 oz does so at a minimum weight! A sleeping pad that is packable, durable and weight conscious.
Enjoy ultimate comfort with this sleeping pad that offers 3.5" of cushioning and an R value of 3.3 for good 3 season insulation. It weighs 2lbs 4oz and packs to 9 x 5.5"
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Sleeping Pad
This sleeping pad boasts an impressive weight to warmth ratio and is designed for backcountry expeditions that demand insulation. With an impressive R-value of 6.9, it weighs just 1 lb. and packs to 9 x 4 inches (about the size of a 1L Nalgene water bottle). It also provides a cushiony 2.5 inches of thickness for support. Easy to inflate too!
So lightweight and has very strong insulating properties. 2.5 inches of thickness.
The rectangle shape allows for more comfort and stability in any body position!
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex Sleeping Pad
3 season pad that's wide and comfortable which means you're less likely to slip off it in the hammock! This has an R-value of 3.8, when you're in a hammock you get a bridge effect since you have cold air underneath you, and sleeping bags aren't really designed for that so it's even more important to have a quality insulated sleeping pad or else you can get some CHILLY nights in the hammock.
This is a great, all around pad - perfect for car camping or backpacking. An R-value of 3.8 will offer plenty of insulation for all but the coldest winter camping.
This is a great, all around pad - perfect for car camping or backpacking. An R-value of 3.8 will offer plenty of insulation for all but the coldest winter camping.
Nemo Quasar 3D Sleeping Pad
2lbs packed weight with and R value of 3.3 for a solid choice for three season use. 3.5 inches thick.
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