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 UltraLight Sleeping Pad
- Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad - Trooper Large
- Nemo Astro Sleeping Pad
- Exped SynMat XP 7 Sleeping Pad
- Therm-A-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad
- Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad
- Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
- Therm-A-Rest NeoAir UberLight Sleeping Pad
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 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!
Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
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.
Comfortable, easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up - and reasonably warm and lightweight!
This pad is lightweight, comfortable, and quick to inflate.
Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad - Trooper Large
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.
Nemo Astro Sleeping Pad
Ultralight weight and simple, 3.5" thick for plush comfort! Only 1lb 10oz!! A micro adjust valve allows for easy fill and adjustment so you can maximize your comfort!
Camping or backpacking. The Astro will provide fast inflation and deflation for easy convenience. 3.5 inches of comfort along with a trail weight of 1lb 10oz.
It’s compact, super lightweight, and comfortable. Better for side sleeping. It’s insulated fabric will keep the cold ground from pulling out all your heat.
Exped SynMat XP 7 Sleeping Pad
Great comfort, warm enough for winter, durable, and compact. This pad is great for long-distance hiking or car camping. It now comes with the Schnozzel Pumpbag for rapid mat inflation. The rectangle size is great for any sleeping position, and this pad has an R-value of 5.8 for extra insulation.
Back country. The storage bag is also able to be used for inflation. R-value 4.9 and almost 3 inches thick will protect you from the ground.
Back country. The storage bag is also able to be used for inflation. R-value 4.9 and almost 3 inches thick will protect you from the ground.
Therm-A-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad
This is a burly sleeping pad with 2 full inches of padding. It's self-inflating for an easy setup, and it has an R-value of 6 - perfect for cold nights. Bring this pad along on your next car camping adventure for ultimate comfort!
This is a burly sleeping pad with 2 full inches of padding. It's self-inflating for an easy setup, and it has an R-value of 6 - perfect for cold nights. Bring this pad along on your next car camping adventure for ultimate comfort!
Any hiker who just wants something that will work, and work well. It's not the lightest pad out there, but it is still compact and light enough to make carrying it a breeze!
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.
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.
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
NEMO - ORA 20 - REGULAR
Self inflating pad that is 1" thick and packs down a little smaller than a full closed cell foam pad, but is more reminiscent of a foam baffled Thermarest, this pad will be quiet and light but have a tiny bit more comfort and insulation than a straight closed cell foam.
This is a great entry level sleeping pad from a well trusted outdoor brand. The ORA comes with a compression strap and a repair kit, weighs 1lb 4oz, and fits a user up to 6ft tall.
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.
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 Sleeping Pad
Being comfortable while camping on the trail and even during winter.
Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
3 season camping and backpacking with minor play into winter camping and backpacking. Recommended for temps around 15-25 F with that same 3in loft as the non-insulated one. Only 1.5 oz heavier than the non-insulated as well!
Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad
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.
Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Sleeping Pad
R-Value: 4.3
WEIGHT: 2 lbs 10 oz
THICKNESS: 3 in
PACKED DIMENSIONS: 8.5 x 13 in
INFLATED DIMENSIONS: 78 x 25.2 in
FABRIC:
75D Polyester Shell
INSULATION:
Foam - Delta Core Technology
This is a nice affordable 3-season, insulated, sleeping pad that gives you plenty of cushioning, perfect for camping in comfort.
Sea to Summit Women's Comfort Light SI Mat
A women's-specific pad that provides more insulation in the hip and foot area, and is narrower in the shoulders and wider in the hips and knees. This self-inflating pad that can be used for camping, backpacking or bike touring. With a R-Value of 3.8, this will provide warmth and insulation for 3-season camping. At 2 inches thick, it provides enough cushion and thickness for side sleepers. This supportive foam pad will provide more cushion compared to an air pad. Easy to use, roll out the pad, open the valve, and it will inflate over a few minutes. Option to blow up for added firmness.
Women's-specific mat. Very lightweight with an oval cut. Great for backpacking, in that it packs so small. Not insulated though.
Exped DeepSleep Mat 7.5 Sleeping Pad
This is a deluxe comfort option that is ideal for car camping!! It's foam and air for a stable but soft night!!
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 ProLite Sleeping Pad in Poppy
This self-inflating pad is easy to use, and great for those looking for an quick setup. The R-value of 2.4 means that it will provide some insulation, without being the warmest pad out there.
Fantastic sleeping pad for camping, backpacking, or international travel.
It has some insulation, but still packs down to a reasonable size.
Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat Women's
174 air sprung cells provide stability and comfort in this inflatable mat. Inflation is quick and easy with the included Airstream pump/stuff sack. R-value of 3.5 is warm enough for camping spring through fall.
Ultralight backpacking!
WEIGHT: 17oz
PACKED SIZE: 9.5 x 5.3 in
THICKNESS: 2 in
R-Value: 3.5
Exped - Megamat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad
This is the pad for comfort! If you want luxury for tent camping this is a great option.
Car camping, overlanding, and not compromising on your nights rest.
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.
Exped - Megamat 10 Sleeping Pad
Self inflating camping pad. Super comfortable and well insulate. R-value 8.1, open cell foam, 3lb 12oz
Peak comfort and self-inflating, comes with a pump to finish it off and one way valves.
Cedar Ridge - Venture Sleeping Pad - X-LARGE - Blue
This sleeping pad is 25 inches wide and a full 3 inches thick to provide plenty of cushioning while you sleep. This is a great budget self-inflating sleeping pad.
Great for quick inflating and easy set up. This is a thin pad that offers some respite from the ground.
Sea To Summit - Ultralight Insulated Mat
This ultralight option has an R-value of 3.1 to protect you from the cold ground and add warmth for three season use. Weighs 15.1 ounces and packs down to 4x9" plus it includes an airstream pump and a stuff sack. 2" of thickness provides plenty of cushioning to keep you comfy on uneven surfaces while staying minimal and light.
Ultralight backpacking. Specs below are for the Regular size:
WEIGHT: 16.9 oz
PACKED SIZE: 5 x 9.5 in
THICKNESS: 2 in
R-Value: 3.1
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping Pad
Weighs 1lb7oz and is 4" thick when inflated. Provides stable warmth, compact, has a TwinLock valve and a pump and stuff sack with a repair kit.
Sea to Summit Women's Ether Light XT Insulated Mat
With 4 in. of cushioning, this pad is super comfortable no matter how you're sleeping! An R-value of 3.5 keeps you warm, and at 1 lb., 5.2 oz., it is still lightweight for the amount of warmth and comfort it brings!
With 4 in. of cushioning, this pad is super comfortable no matter how you're sleeping! An R-value of 3.5 keeps you warm, and at 1 lb., 5.2 oz., it is still lightweight for the amount of warmth and comfort it brings!
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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