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 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 ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad · Women's · Trooper Grey
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
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 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 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.
Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad · Women's · Trooper Grey
This sleeping pad has an R-value of 4.5 - which will insulate from the ground very well when it's cold out. It weighs 1lb 9oz and packs to 11 x 7.8" - light and compact enough for backpacking adventures at a friendly price point!
Great option for car camping or a few days on the trail. Ideal if you are looking for comfort over weight as it is a bit thicker than others.
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 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 - 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.
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!
Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self- Inflating 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 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.
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad
Being comfortable while camping on the trail and even during winter.
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.
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 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.
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
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 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.
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!
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.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad
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 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 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.
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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