Most Recommended Sleeping Pads of 2023

Updated

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.

Cameron Shouldis, Camping Expert
Janelle P, Camping Expert
Carrie Sue Gamboa, Camping Expert
By Sleeping Pad ExpertsCameron, Janelle, Carrie and others
The Sea To Summit UltraLight Sleeping Pad is an award-winning, lightweight sleeping pad, perfect for warm weather trips. It's ideal for backpackers, bike-packers, or anyone seeking comfort during their summer adventures. With a minimal packed size and weight, it's easy to carry and provides excellent cushioning for a comfortable night's sleep. The integrated air pump allows for easy inflation, and the air sprung cells ensure optimum comfort. However, due to its lower R-value, it's not suitable for cold weather camping.
Ideal for
  • Backpackers
  • Bike-packers
  • Warm weather camping
  • Lightweight travelers
  • Comfort seekers
Not ideal for
  • Cold weather camping
Andrew F, Camping Expert
Amy B, Camping Expert
Connor Hult, Camping Expert
by Curated experts Andrew F, Amy B, Connor Hult
The Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad is a top pick for those who prioritize comfort and warmth over weight. With an R-value of 4.1, it's perfect for all-season use, providing excellent insulation from the cold ground. It's 3.125" thick and self-inflating, ensuring a plush and comfortable sleep. While it's not the lightest pad on the market, its superior comfort and warmth make it a standout choice for 2023's most recommended sleeping pads.
Ideal for
  • All-season campers
  • Comfort seekers
  • Users who prefer self-inflating pads
  • Campers who prioritize insulation
Not ideal for
  • Weight-conscious backpackers
Amy B, Camping Expert
Janelle P, Camping Expert
Taylor Nelson, Camping Expert
by Curated experts Amy B, Janelle P, Taylor Nelson

Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad

$114.98
$229.95
50% off
4.37(330)
The Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad is a top pick for cold weather adventurers due to its ultralight design, excellent insulation, and comfort. Weighing just over a pound, it offers 3 inches of cushioning and an impressive R-value of 4.8, ensuring warmth even in freezing temperatures. Its quick inflation/deflation feature and compact size make it a perfect companion for camping, backpacking, or mountaineering trips. However, it might not be the best choice for those who love to bring their dogs along, as it can be prone to punctures.
Ideal for
  • Cold weather camping
  • Backpacking
  • Mountaineering
  • Those seeking a lightweight and compact sleeping pad
  • Those needing high insulation in freezing temperatures
Not ideal for
  • Adventures with dogs
Connor Hult, Camping Expert
Amy B, Camping Expert
Elizabeth H., Camping Expert
by Curated experts Connor Hult, Amy B, Elizabeth H.

Which gear are you interested in?

The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad is a top pick for 2023 due to its affordability, comfort, and light weight. It's perfect for summer and shoulder season camping, thanks to its R-value of 3.2 and self-inflating feature. The interior foam provides stability, and it's compact when deflated. It's not the thickest pad, but it's a great all-around option that's easy to inflate, deflate, and pack up. Ideal for 3-season trips, it's not the warmest or lightest, but it offers good value for money.
Ideal for
  • Beginners
  • Summer and shoulder season camping
  • Those looking for affordability and comfort
  • Those who prefer self-inflating pads
  • 3-season trips
Not ideal for
  • Those seeking maximum comfort in camp
  • Winter camping
  • Those seeking the warmest or lightest pad
Brady Fraser, Camping Expert
Elliot Anderson, Camping Expert
Jordan L., Camping Expert
by Curated experts Brady Fraser, Elliot Anderson, Jordan L.
The Sea To Summit UltraLight Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is a top pick for 2023, thanks to its lightweight and self-inflating features. With an R-value of 2.6, it provides insulation for cooler weather, making it perfect for summer and shoulder season camping. Its Delta Core V technology offers back support, adding to its comfort. However, it may not be the best choice for colder temperatures or those seeking extra cushioning, as it only provides 1 inch of padding.
Ideal for
  • People up to 5'7" in height
  • Summer and shoulder season camping
  • Backpackers due to its ultralight weight
  • Those seeking a self-inflating option
  • People needing back support
Not ideal for
  • Colder temperatures or winter use
  • Those seeking extra cushioning
Matthew Hoffman, Camping Expert
Amy B, Camping Expert
Alex Light, Camping Expert
by Curated experts Matthew Hoffman, Amy B, Alex Light
The Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad- Women's is a top choice for female adventurers seeking comfort and performance in 3-season conditions. Its lightweight design, weighing just 15.8oz for the regular size, makes it perfect for ultralight backpacking or cycle-touring trips. The pad's unique design, wider between the hips and knees, and narrower at the shoulders, along with 174 air sprung cells, provide a comfortable sleep akin to a spring mattress. It's easy to inflate and deflate, and the PillowLock system keeps your pillow in place. However, it's not suitable for snowy, cold winter trips.
Ideal for
  • Ultralight backpacking
  • Cycle-touring trips
  • 3-season camping
  • Side sleepers
  • Female adventurers seeking comfort
Not ideal for
  • Snowy, cold winter trips
Fabio D., Camping Expert
Amy B, Camping Expert
Kami B, Camping Expert
by Curated experts Fabio D., Amy B, Kami B
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture Sleeping Pad is the perfect companion for those who value comfort and portability in their outdoor adventures. With an R-value of 2.2, it provides light insulation from the cold ground. Weighing just 1lb 3oz and packing down to 9 x 5 inches, it's impressively lightweight and compact. Plus, it comes with a pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit, making it a top pick for the Most Recommended Sleeping Pads of 2023.
Ideal for
  • Outdoor enthusiasts who value portability
  • Campers looking for a lightweight sleeping pad
  • Individuals needing light insulation from the cold ground
  • People who appreciate included accessories like a pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit
Amy B, Camping Expert
Elizabeth H., Camping Expert
by Curated experts Amy B, Elizabeth H.
The Sea To Summit Comfort Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is a top pick for 2023 due to its unique blend of comfort, insulation, and portability. Ideal for cool-weather camping, this pad is insulated with an R value of 3.1 and is self-inflating, providing bed-like comfort without the clammy plastic feel. Its size and thickness make it suitable for taller individuals or side sleepers, offering extra shoulder and hip space. Despite being slightly bulkier than its counterparts, it remains impressively light and versatile for both car camping and backpacking.
Ideal for
  • Cool-weather camping
  • Taller individuals
  • Side sleepers
  • Car camping
  • Backpacking
Not ideal for
  • Those who prioritize ultra-lightweight gear
Kami B, Camping Expert
Taylor Nelson, Camping Expert
Gregg Mason, Camping Expert
by Curated experts Kami B, Taylor Nelson, Gregg Mason
The Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Pad is a top pick for 2023, especially for backpackers and winter or mountain environment adventurers. It's lightweight at 1lb 13oz and packs down to a compact 5x10 inches. Despite being only 2.5 inches thick, its unique baffling design ensures a comfortable night's sleep. It's also insulated with an r-value of 4.7, and comes with a stuff sack that doubles as a pump.
Ideal for
  • Backpackers
  • Winter or mountain environment trips
  • Those who prioritize packability
  • Those who value comfort in a lightweight design
  • Users who need an insulated sleeping pad
Connor Hult, Camping Expert
Amy B, Camping Expert
Adam L., Camping Expert
by Curated experts Connor Hult, Amy B, Adam L.
The Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is a top pick for 2023, especially for those who enjoy car camping or overlanding. Its standout features include its comfort and durability, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. However, its size and weight may not make it the best option for backpacking.
Ideal for
  • Car camping
  • Overlanding
  • Those needing a double sleeping pad
  • Those prioritizing comfort and durability
Not ideal for
  • Backpacking
Robert M, Camping Expert
by Curated expert Robert M

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!
Result Summary
  1. Sea To Summit UltraLight Backpacking Air Sleeping Pad
  2. Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
  3. Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad
  4. Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
  5. Sea To Summit UltraLight Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
  6. Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
  7. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture Sleeping Pad
  8. Sea To Summit Comfort Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
  9. Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Pad
  10. Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
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