If you are looking for the Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Camping, you have come to the right place!
We have reviewed other hiking gear, like sleeping bags, hiking pillows and tents for camping, but having the best sleeping bag is not such a great help if you don’t use a high-quality sleeping pad beneath it.
If you are a serious hiker or backpacker, you probably know how important it is to bring a high-quality sleeping pad on your adventures to keep you warm and guarantee a proper, comfortable sleep.
Follow this buyer’s guide and find the one that best fits your needs and budget!
Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking – Comparison:
| Sleeping Pads on Amazon | R Value / Temp F | Thickness | Weight | Price | Editor Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermarest XTherm | 5.7 | 2.5 in | 15 oz | $$$ | 4.6 |
| SeaToSummit Comfort Plus | 5.0 | 2.5 in | 25.5 oz | $$$ | 4.8 |
| Nemo Tensor | 30 to 40 F | 3.0 in | 13.5 oz | $$ | 4.9 |
| Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite | 3.2 | 2.5 in | 12.0 oz | $$ | 4.3 |
| SeaToSummit Comfort Light | 4.2 | 2.5 in | 20.5 oz | $$$ | 4.9 |
| Nemo Astro 25 | N/A | 2.5 in | 23.7 oz | $$ | 4.6 |
| Big Agnes Q-Core SLX | 15 F | 4.25 in | 18 oz | $$$ | 4.2 |
| Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Trekker | 3.0 | 2.5 in | 17 oz | $$ | 4.7 |
| Klymit INS Static V Lite | 4.4 | 2.5 | 19.6 oz | $$ | 4.7 |
| Big Agnes Air Core Ultra | Rated 35 F | 3.5 | 20 oz | $ | 5.0 |
| Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol | 2.6 | 0.75 in | 14 oz | $ | 4.5 |
A few things to consider:
AIR PADS OR FOAM PADS?
Air pads are usually the most comfortable option. You can inflate them manually and they provide good insulation and comfort. The downside is that they can puncture on the ground, so you should bring along some repair patches, just in case.
Foam pads are the traditional pads you have probably seen many times. They don’t inflate, but they are more affordable and lighter. They can be quite comfortable too, but they tend to be bulkier to pack.
WARMTH
When we mesure how well a sleeping pad keeps you warm and insulates you from the ground, we talk about the R-value. The higer the R-value, the warmer you will feel at night.
R-value of 1-3: For 3-season backpacking trips
R-value of 3-5: For temperatures around 32°F/0°C
R-value + 5: For very cold winter expeditions
LENGTH
Keep your height in mind before ordering a sleeping pad! Your hips and shoulders are definitely the most important parts of the body to fit on the pad. Some people choose shorter and lighter pads, leaving their legs off the mat, but I personally like long sleeping pads that can accommodate my feet, even though they will be a bit heavier.
BUDGET
A good sleeping pad is a piece of hiking gear that won’t break your bank. You can get a good pad from as low as $25.
Let’s review the Top 11 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads!
Top-End Sleeping Pads for Hiking
THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XTHERM
This is, in my opinion, the best sleeping pad on the list. It combines comfort, weight, warmth, size and durability. You can bring this mattress to almost any adventure, from long backpacking trips to winter hikes.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 5.7
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 15 oz
Pros: Excellent comfort, Lightweight, Packs very small, Warm
Cons: Expensive
SEA TO SUMMIT COMFORT PLUS INS
This model features a dual-layer construction. The two independent cell layers provide excellent support, distributing body weight over more cells. The two layers can be inflated independently, providing a great system for fine-tuning the level of comfort.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 5.0
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 25.5 oz
Pros: Comfortable, Packs very small, Durable, Warm
Cons: Expensive, Heavier
NEMO TENSOR
This model features NEMO’s lightest-weight fabrics and cutting-edge insulation. The NEMO Tensor features a metalized film layer that provides a great insulation system. It’s a pretty good value for the money.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: Temperatures from 30 to 40 F
Thickness: 3 in
Weight: 13.5 oz
Pros: Comfortable, Packs very small, Ultralight
Cons: Not that durable
THERM-A-REST-NEOAIR XLITE
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite features new, softer fabrics that offer more comfort and durability without adding weight. This model packs smaller than a one-liter bottle. It’s the perfect sleeping pad for through-hikers and adventurers.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 3.2
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 12 oz
Pros: Ultralight, Packs very small, Comfy
Cons: A bit noisy
SEA TO SUMMIT COMFORT LIGHT INS
This model features hybrid-layer Air Sprung Cell technology. It’s built with a double layer of high-resolution cells in the torso for better insulation and a single layer in the head and legs for reduced weight.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 4.2
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 20.5 oz
Pros: Good insulation, Quick inflation system
Cons: Heavier
NEMO ASTRO AIR 25
This is a great option for those looking for a very comfortable sleeping pad. It features a raised baffle at the head to supplement your pillow. It’s not he lightest on the list but it has a very good price.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: N/A
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 23.7 oz
Pros: Super comfortable, Good for winter trips
Cons: Heavy
BIG AGNES Q-CORE SLX
The Q-Core SLX provides resistant construction, synthetic insulation and lightweight fabrics for comfortable sleeping. This is the thickest model on the list.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 15 F
Thickness: 4.25 in
Weight: 18 oz
Pros: Comfortable, Lightweight, Warm
Cons: Takes a long time to inflate
Mid-Range
THERM-A-REST NEOAIR TREKKER
The Therm-a-Rest Trekker is a great option for long-term travelers and hikers. It’s lightweight, warm and durable.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 3.0
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 17 oz
Pros: Ultralight, Comfortable, Durable
Cons: Too cold for winter hikes
KLYMIT INSULATED STATIC V LITE
The Klymit Static uses V-chamber body mapping and ultralight insulation to offer you the best rest. It’s a very comfy and warm pad, and definitely a very good value for the money.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: 4.4
Thickness: 2.5 in
Weight: 19.6 oz
Pros: Comfortable, Warm, Affordable, Compact
Cons: Slightly heavier, but not a big deal
Budget
BIG AGNES AIR CORE ULTRA
The Big Agnes Air provides larger outside tubes and a high-volume valve for quick inflation. This model packs very small and is surprisingly durable.
Type: Air Pad
R-Value: Rated to 35 F
Thickness: 3.5 in
Weight: 20 oz
Pros: Compact, Durable
Cons: Slightly heavier
THERM-A-REST Z LITE SOL
This is definitely not the warmest or the most comfortable pad on the list. However, it’s cheap, durable and really ultralight. A great option for backpackers on a budget.
Type: Foam Pad
R-Value: 2.6
Thickness: 0.75 in
Weight: 14 oz
Pros: Lightweight, Durable
Cons: Bulky, Not that comfortable
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Did you enjoy the Top 11 Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking? Please, leave a comment!
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Hi, I’m Miguel; Adventure traveler, scuba diver and hiking lover. I have been traveling the world for the last 7 years and I hope my experiences, photos and hiking routes inspire you to travel the world too.
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Michelle Henry says
March 16, 2017 at 12:43 pmWow! You really did your homework here. There’s no reason not to sleep comfortably even when you are out and about in the outdoors. Thanks for sharing!