Updated September 2, 2024
After a day of hiking, a good night’s sleep can make all the difference in how you feel the next day, and the quality of performance you are capable of. The right sleeping pad can add the comfort, warmth, and insulation you need to give you the best possibility of recuperating effectively. Adding more bulky, heavy equipment to the load is prohibitive though. Fortunately, with the high-quality, lightweight, compact sleeping pads on the market today, that is not a major concern.
To help in your research, some of the best sleeping pads in several categories have been selected as an introduction. First is a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad Reviews
- Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
- Nemo Tensor
- Therm-A-Rest Prolite Plus
- Exped DownMat XP9
- Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX
- Klymit Static V Ultralite SL
- Nemo Switchback
- Sea to Summit Ultralight SI
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads Comparison Table
| Photo | Sleeping Pad | Weight | Type | R-Value | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm | 15 oz | Air Pad | 7.2 | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Nemo Tensor | 15 oz | Air Pad | 3.5 | 4.2 | $$ |
  | Therm-A-Rest Prolite Plus | 23 oz | Self-Inflating | 3.2 | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Exped DownMat XP9 | 41.3 oz | Air Pad | 8 | 4.7 | $$$ |
 | Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX | 18 oz | Air Pad | 3.5 | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Klymit Static V Ultralite SL | 15.9 oz | Air Pad | 4.4 | 4.2 | $$ |
  | Nemo Switchback | 14.5 oz | Closed-Cell Foam | 2 | 4.3 | $ |
  | Sea to Summit Ultralight SI | 19 oz | Self-Inflating | 2.6 | 4.5 | $ |
| Photo | Sleeping Pad | Weight | Type | R-Value | Rating | Price |
The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm is ultralight at 15 ounces, packs into a compact 4” x 9” stuff sack, and provides an R-Value of 7.2 (second highest in this review) for insulation from the cold suitable for all four seasons.
Employing sturdy ripstop nylon, it is 2.5” thick with a foam core using proprietary Triangular Core Matrix construction for cushioning.
Inflation is easy with a pump sack and a wing-lock valve that toggles from one-way inflation to easy deflation.
The price is a little expensive but it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Type: air pad
- Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 2.5″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 4” x 9”
- Weight: 15 oz
- Pad Thickness: 2.5”
- Shape: mummy
- R-Value: 7.2 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: soft 30D rip HT nylon top fabric, durable 70D nylon bottom fabric, heat-reflective lining, thermal foam core using Therm-A-Rest’s Triangular Core Matrix construction
- Other Features: wing-lock valve with a large opening that toggles for one-way inflation and easy deflation, easy-to-use pump sack for inflation, stuff sack, repair kit
- Also available in a Large version
- Color: vapor
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
The Nemo Tensor is another ultralight insulated pad at 15 ounces that packs into a 3” x 8” stuff sack for easy portage, and with an R-Value of 3.5 is suitable for temperatures of 10°F.
It has a generous 3” pad thickness with comfort enhanced by good weight distribution enabled by Nemo’s Spaceframe baffles.
The insulation is kept lightweight and efficient by using 2 layers of metalized film that reflect heat back.
In addition to the regular model described here, there are 4 other sizes to suit a range of bodies.
The price is moderate and Nemo backs it with a lifetime warranty.
- Type: air pad
- Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 3″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 8” x 3”
- Weight: 15 oz
- Pad Thickness: 3”
- Shape: rectangular
- R-Value: 3.5 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: soft and durable 20D polyester fabric, synthetic recycled insulation, 2 layers of suspended metalized film for lightweight heat retention
- Other Features: Spaceframe baffle, for even weight distribution, zero-profile adjustable control valve, Velcro strap, vortex pump sack for fast inflation, stuff sack with drawstring, repair kit
- Also available in Short, Regular Mummy, Regular Wide, and Long Wide versions
- Color: elite yellow, marigold, or yellow
- Warranty: NEMO lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$
The Therm-A-Rest Prolite Plus is a convenient self-inflating pad with a 3.2 R-Value good for 3-season conditions.
Constructed from durable stretch knit rip polyester fabric with effective diagonal cut foam insulation, it delivers comfortable support.
After the pad self-inflates if you prefer it a bit firmer just blow another breath or two into the efficient wing-lock valve to top it off. The wing-lock valve also assists in quick deflation while you compress it for packing in its stuff sack.
The ProLite Plus is a good combination of comfort, durability, packability, and convenience, and is available in small and large sizes, as well.
The packed size and weight are a little more than most of the pads reviewed here making it a slightly greater burden for backpacking but the pricing is moderate and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Type: self-inflating
- Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 1.5″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 11” x 6.8”
- Weight: 23 oz
- Pad Thickness: 1.5”
- Shape: mummy
- R-Value: 3.2 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: stretch knit 50D mini hex rip polyester fabric, diagonal cut foam insulation
- Other Features: a wing-lock valve for easy and 3X faster inflation and quicker deflation, stuff sack
- Also available in Small and Large versions
- Color: cayenne
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
The Exped DownMat XP 9 uses goose down, the classic traditional material, to provide excellent insulation from extremely cold ground with an R-Value of 8, the highest of those reviewed here, and suitable for temperatures to minus 34°F.
This Long Wide version uses durable 75D nylon with internal lamination for UV and water resistance and is a little heavy at just over 2.5 pounds but packs into its stuff sack at a reasonably compact 10.6” x 6.3”.
The stuff sack also doubles as a pump bag that enables easy 2-minute inflation.
With 3.5” thickness and baffled chambers, it is supportive and comfortable as well as warm.
The pricing is pretty high in comparison but it is backed by a generous 5-year warranty.
- Type: air pad
- Dimensions: 77.5″ x 25.6″ x 3.5″ (Long Wide)
- Packed Size: 10.6” x 6.3”
- Weight: 41.3 oz
- Pad Thickness: 3.5”
- Shape: rectangular
- R-Value: 8 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: 75D polyester with TPU film laminate top, 75D with TPU polyether film laminate, hydrolysis resistant bottom, warm 700 fill goose down insulation
- Other Features: baffled chambers, Schnozzel pump bag that doubles as a stuff sack, 2-minute inflation time, down insulation is certified based on strict animal welfare standards
- Currently available only in Long Wide and Medium versions
- Color: gray
- Warranty: 5-year
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX
The Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX has a 3.2 R-Value that makes it suitable for 3-season use.
At just over a pound, it is lightweight and packs into a compact 4” x 7.5” for easy backpacking portage.
Constructed of durable double ripstop nylon fabric it has proprietary PrimaLoft® silver fill that forms a heat reflective barrier to trap and reflect body heat.
The quilted top and larger outer chambers make for a soft comfortable cradling effect and the I-beam construction provides multidirectional support.
High-volume valves and the inflation sack enable fast and easy inflation.
It comes in 5 sizes to suit a range of campers.
The pricing is moderate and Big Agnes has a guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship.
- Type: air pad
- Dimensions: 20″ x 72″ x 3.5″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 4” x 7.5”
- Weight: 18 oz
- Pad Thickness: 3.5”
- Shape: rectangular
- R-Value: 3.2 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: sturdy double ripstop nylon fabric top and bottom with TPU lamination to reinforce welds, PrimaLoft® silver fill
- Other Features: offset I-beam construction with larger outer chambers for a cradling effect, cushioning quilted top, high-volume valves for fast inflation/deflation, pad inflation sack, protective storage sack, repair kit
- Also available in Petite, Long, Wide Regular, and Wide Long versions
- Color: green
- Warranty: ask for details of the guarantee for workmanship and defects
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
The Klymit Static V Ultralite SL is lightweight at less than a pound with a rectangular shape that packs into a stuff sack for a very compact 2.5” x 6.5”.
The 20D polyester employed in the shell is not the most durable on the market and is part of the reason for the low weight.
An R-Value of 4.4 is substantial making it a solid performer in the cooler temperatures of 3-season camping.
The V-chambered design with lofted air pockets and side rails keeps you centered and comfortable and it inflates quickly in 7-10 breaths.
It only comes in one size but the price is quite reasonable, and it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Type: air pad
- Dimensions: 20″ x 72″ x 2.5″
- Packed Size: 2.5” x 6.5”
- Weight: 15.9 oz
- Pad Thickness: 2.5”
- Shape: rectangular
- R-Value: 4.4 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: lightweight 20D polyester shell, proprietary lofted synthetic insulation
- Other Features: inflates in 7-10 breaths, V-chambered design, lofted air pockets, dynamic side rails that keep you centered, stuff sack, repair patch
- Color: orange
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $
The Nemo Switchback is a lightweight closed-cell PE foam pad suitable for mild weather with an R-Value of 2 or as a foundation for an inflatable pad in colder conditions.
With dual density and a hexagonal nesting pattern for wider and taller nodes, it gives you a more cushioned feel in spite of the thin .9” thickness.
To increase warmth, a metalized film is employed that reflects your body heat back.
Foldable for quick and easy packing and unpacking, it’s available in short and regular sizes, has a super-low price, and is backed by a generous Nemo lifetime warranty.
- Type: closed-cell foam
- Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x .9″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 20” x 5” x 5.5”
- Weight: 14.5 oz
- Pad Thickness: .9”
- Shape: rectangular
- R-Value: 2 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: closed-cell PE foam with metalized low emissivity film (reflects heat)
- Other Features: dual-density with hexagonal nodes, quick accordion-style folding for packing and unpacking
- Also available in Short
- Color: sunset orange
- Warranty: NEMO lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
The Sea to Summit Ultralight SI is lightweight as described in its name with convenient self-inflation and a 2.6 R-Value that provides enough warmth for late spring to early fall camping.
Sea to Summit has employed its proprietary Delta-Core V technology to reduce bulk and weight in areas where there is low body contact by using large vertical Delta-Cores and increase warmth in high contact areas like the shoulders, hips, and feet by using smaller vertical Delta-Cores.
It also uses an anti-slip silicone print to help keep your sleeping bag from sliding off.
A multi-functional high-flow valve enables quick inflation and deflation and easy fine-tuning for just the right firmness.
Packing into the stuff sack for a very compact 11” x 5” parcel, it is super convenient for backpacking.
To suit a range of male and female body types, it is available in 6 sizes.
The price is quite affordable and it is backed with an attractive limited lifetime warranty.
- Type: self-inflating
- Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 1″ (Regular)
- Packed Size: 11” x 5”
- Weight: 19 oz
- Pad Thickness: 1”
- Shape: mummy
- R-Value: 2.6 (resistance to heat flow – 1 to 10 scale with 10 providing the best insulation)
- Materials: 30D polyester top and bottom with extrusion laminated TPU
- Other Features: Delta-Core V technology for comfort and to reduce bulk and weight, anti-slip silicone print on top and bottom, a pillow-lock system to connect pillows to the mat, multi-functional high flow-rate valve, puncture repair kit, stuff sack
- Also available in Extra Small, Small, Long, Women’s Regular, and Women’s Long
- Color: orange
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Backpacking Sleeping Pad Buying Guide
Types
Sleeping pads for backpacking can be placed in three categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam.
- Air Pads – These are inflatable manually by blowing them up with your own breath or by the use of a pump. They are lightweight and at the same time thick and capable of a high level of comfort. A drawback is that they are prone to puncture or ripping which can be pretty uncomfortable and inconvenient if it interrupts sleep. Keeping a patch kit on hand can remedy such a problem.
- Self-Inflating Pads – These have the major benefit of inflating without the use of a pump or your own breath. With self-inflating technology developed in the early 1970s you typically just open a valve and a short time later the pad has inflated. Generally, they are more puncture-resistant but heavier and bulkier than air pads with open-cell foam on the interior that adds to insulation and comfort. Self-inflating pads aimed at backpacking applications tend not to be as thick and heavy as others to keep the weight and packed size down.
- Closed-Cell Foam – This is the age-old dependable option that uses a single layer of dense patterned foam. Usually folding accordion-like, they are low-priced, lightweight, and durable. Many campers find them to have limited comfort, though, and they don’t often pack down to very compact dimensions.
R-Value
This is a commonly used indicator of the level of insulation of a sleeping pad. The warmest, most insulating pads will have a higher R-Value. A pad with an R-Value of 2 is twice as warm as one with an R-Value of 1. Those with an R-Value of 1 or 2 will be appropriate for summer camping. With an R-Value of 3-4, a sleeping pad will be suitable for 3-season camping. If greater than 4 it will likely work in 4 seasons and if greater than 6 will insulate well for extreme cold.
Length
Sleeping pads come in a range of lengths from approximately 48 inches to 80 inches. Shorter versions may not be long enough for your whole body but some campers find that it is not necessary for warmer months as legs don’t require as much insulation as other body parts. This can be a consideration when trying to minimize weight. Full-length pads, however, cushion and insulate feet and legs which many prioritize.
Width
Width is a consideration depending on your size, sleeping style, and preference. The 20-inch regular width is adequate for many. If you are larger, sleep on your back, or move around a lot, a wider version of 25 inches or more may be the best option.
Shape
Backpacking sleeping pads are available in a variety of shapes including rectangular and mummy-shaped. Mummy-shaped pads mimic the shape of mummy-shaped sleeping bags often used by backpackers and minimize weight and bulk. Rectangular pads provide more area for movement, especially for legs, but can be heavier and occupy more space on the ground and when packed.
Thickness
Thickness is an important factor for comfort and influences insulation and warmth. Thicker pads provide more cushioning for comfort and decrease air circulation which aids in heat retention and insulation. Closed-cell foam pads tend to be the thinnest and least insulating.
Weight
For a backpacker one of the heaviest items carried is often the sleeping pad, so minimizing weight is usually a priority. Lightweight models may tend to be more fragile and offer less comfort and insulation so you need to balance that with the importance of keeping your load lightweight. The sleeping pads reviewed here range from 14.5 ounces to 41.3 ounces.
Packed Size
Packed size is likewise another factor that backpackers hope to minimize to make the load easier to manage. Uninsulated and lightly insulated air pads have the least amount of material and pack into the most compact size. Self-inflating and more heavily insulated pads like the Exped DownMat XP9 which uses goose down insulation, as well as closed-cell foam pads, have the highest bulk when packed.
Cleaning, Repairing and Storing Your Sleeping Pad
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpack Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Feedback and Comments
I hope you have found this review of backpacking sleeping pads to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Leave a Reply