A few of the backpacking sleeping pads we field-tested for this guide. Your perfect night’s sleep in the backcountry can be found below! Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference when you’re in the backcountry. The best backpacking sleeping pads help you achieve better sleep when you’re on the trail. Better sleep leads to more fun on adventures, and that’s what we’re really after.
Sleeping pads are plentiful in the industry, and there is a ton of information to sift through. We’ve made that process easier and tested a bunch of amazing options from top brands. The best backpacking sleeping pads are lightweight and comfortable, pack down small, and don’t slide around while you sleep.
Navigate To: Comparison Table | Buyer’s Guide | Best Camping Sleeping Pads
Editor’s Note: Some of the products in this guide are available at deep discounts during the REI and Backcountry holiday sales.
We updated this guide in November 2024 with a couple of new picks and improved navigation.
The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Pad: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad
Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Pad: Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
Best Value Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad
Runner-Up Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad: NEMO Equipment Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad
Best 4-Season Backpacking Sleeping Pad: Exped Ultra 7R Sleeping Pad
Most Comfortable Backpacking Sleeping Pad: Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress
Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad ($199)
R-Value: 3.2
Pad Thickness: 4 inches
Weight: 1 lb 1.3 oz
Packed Size: 7 x 9.5 inches
Pros: Insulation throughout, stable throughout the night, included pump sack
Cons: Doesn’t pack down super small
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad balances weight, thickness, comfort, and insulation better than any other backpacking sleeping pads we tested this year. Some backpackers might believe a four-inch-thick sleeping pad is overkill. To that we say: don’t knock it until you try it. We found the slightly thicker edge kept us centered on the pad, and the extra loft felt plush and premium in the backcountry.
The R-Value of the Ether Light XT Insulated clocks in at 3.2, which is ideal for 3-season adventuring. With a warm backpacking sleeping bag, you can definitely winter camp with this, but we’d opt for the Extreme version. At four inches thick, we were surprised at how stable this pad felt. Some four-inch sleeping pads feel like you’re up on an inflated pillow and are easy to slip off of, but this wasn’t the case with the Ether Light XT. The sleeping pad also features a pillow lock system that allows you to secure the compatible pillow to the pad (sold separately). Another standout feature: the stuff sack and pump sack are integrated, which makes it easier to keep track of.
This barely edged out our runner-up best backpacking sleeping pad, the NEMO Tensor, because of the added thickness and subsequent slight edge in comfort.
While our former top pick was the very similar Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping Pad, after more testing we decided that the regular insulated version offers the best performance for the money, and balances some insulation with a lightweight and more packable pad.
It’s worth noting that the Ether Light XT is also available in a women’s version that is a little shorter but wider between the hips and knees and has extra insulation, as well as a lighter-insulated “Air” version (R-value 1.5) and the “Extreme” cold weather insulated version (R-value 6.2).
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The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated is thick, comfortable, and warm enough for most adventures. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Best Budget Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad ($65)
R-Value: 1.3
Pad Thickness: 2.5 inches
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz
Packed Size: 3 x 8 inches
Pros: 2 feet wide, lightweight/compact
Cons: Not suited for cold weather, groove pattern is a little funky
At two feet wide, the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad is an extra-wide backpacking-style sleeping pad. Despite its width, the Static V is still one of the lighter pads in our guide and packs down small. However, with a thickness of just 2.5 inches and an R-value of 1.3, the Static V is an exclusively warm-weather sleeping pad. One of our testers has been using this pad for the past two years in Hawaii with no issues, but she’d opt for something else for chillier trips.
The Static V is old school, requiring you to inflate it by mouth or a small compressor. The inflation valve doesn’t let the air out as you blow, which we appreciate, but it requires some lung work to get it inflated. The Static V is relatively comfortable, but the shape of the grooves sometimes feels a little funky to sleep on. A plus of the shape is that the sides angle up a little, which we found helpful to prevent rolling off throughout the night. The Static V was also surprisingly easy to deflate and stow in its stuff sack.
Overall, the Static V isn’t an exciting or particularly comfortable pad, but in our opinion, it’s better than a closed-cell foam sleeping pad, and it is usually about the same price. It also makes a great option for kids or as a backup sleeping pad for a friend.
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The Klymit Static V is no-frills, easy to pack, and super affordable. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Best Value Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad ($115)
R-Value: 3.2
Pad Thickness: 1.5 inches
Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz
Packed Size: 8.3 x 13 inches
Pros: Comfortable texture, self-inflating
Cons: Difficult to deflate/pack
If you’re anything like us, comfort is your top priority when it comes to your sleep system. At 2 lbs. 5 oz., the Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad wasn’t the lightest pad we tested, but it was one of the most comfortable. Aside from your sleeping bag, your sleeping pad is the biggest player in the comfort game, and we’re willing to add a little bit of weight for added comfort (and better sleep). The texture of the pad is comfortable enough to sleep directly on without a sleeping bag on warmer nights.
The Trail Lite pad is advertised as a self-inflating pad, and it inflates quickly and effectively. The WingLock valve allows air to come in but not go out as you inflate. Deflating the pad, on the other hand, proved to be a challenge. Because it’s a self-inflating pad, air wants to enter it anytime you stop rolling the pad. Luckily, the included sack is large enough that it’s okay if you don’t get it rolled up perfectly. You can finish compressing it using the compression straps on the stuff sack.
The Trail Lite finished just behind the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping Pad because of how challenging it was to pack up. That said, it’s about half the price and represents excellent value, especially considering how comfortable it is.
Read our full review of the Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite.
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Runner-Up Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad
NEMO Equipment Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad ($200)
R-Value: 5.4
Pad Thickness: 3.5 inches
Weight: 14.8 oz
Packed Size: 10 x 4 inches
Pros: Designed for maximum warmth, lightweight/compact
Cons: Easy to roll off of
There’s a lot to love about the NEMO Equipment Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad. Lightweight and packable, it’s an excellent option for backcountry trips. At 3.5 inches thick with an R-value of 5.4, it’s designed for chilly nights and keeps your body far away from the cold ground. And it only ways just under 15 ounces.
The Tensor sleeping pad had the best pump sack of all the models we tested, making inflation a breeze. It felt efficient, with no air creeping out, as is the case on other models, thanks to a more rubbery material that made us appreciate the difference over the standard pump sack. The rectangular shape allows a little more wiggle room, but we did find ourselves sliding off on occasion if the pad wasn’t secured to our sleeping bag. With an R-value of 5.4, the NEMO insulates even in temperatures well below freezing. And that great insulation doesn’t come at the cost of weight: The Regular size is just 14.8 ounces. That said, this pad’s material felt thin, so we advise care with this one.
This was very nearly our top pick for the best backpacking sleeping pad, but we found just a touch better blend of comfort and specs with the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated. That said, if you go with the NEMO, we think you’ll be more than stoked. This pad is also available in a range of sizes, including a mummy shape for weight savings.
Check out our full review of the NEMO Tensor All-Season.
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Best 4-Season Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Exped Ultra 7R Sleeping Pad ($240)
R-Value: 7.1
Pad Thickness: 3.5 inches
Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
Packed Size: 72 x 20.5 x 3.5 inches
Pros: High R-value, down insulation
Cons: Can sometimes slip off at night
The Exped Ultra 7R Sleeping Pad was designed with cold weather in mind. The Ultra 7R is insulated with goose down, contributing to the high R-value. The pad is also 3.5 inches thick, keeping you up off the cold ground and cushioning you against rocks or whatever may lie beneath. The pad sports a rectangular shape, providing extra wiggle room and making for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Despite its thickness, width, and insulation, the Ultra 7R weighs in at just 1 lb 6 oz.
Like many air mattresses, we found that this felt a bit like lying on an inflated pillow and found ourselves slipping off on occasion. If you’re able to attach the pad to your sleeping bag it’s a nonissue. If you’re not, then it might be. The pad comes with a generous-sized stuff sack and a pump sack, so it’s easy to get it inflated and stowed away come morning.
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Most Comfortable Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress ($219)
R-Value: 4.8
Pad Thickness: 3 inches
Weight: 1 lb 8 oz
Packed Size: 3 x 8 inches
Pros: Soft, stretchy top is quiet and comfortable, great combo of specs
Cons: A bit pricey
A newcomer to this list, the Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress wowed in initial testing, and indeed we’ll continue to closely test this against our top pick to see how it fares. There’s a lot to love about this package: A well-spec’d sleeping pad that’s comfortable, lightweight, packs down small, and has a waterproof stuff sack that doubles as a pump sack. The real advantage, though, is how the stretchy, soft top layer makes sleeping on the Zenbivy Flex Air a quieter, more comfortable experience.
We felt like the three-inch thickness and 4.8 R-value of this backpacking sleeping pad was a real sweet spot, and it performed well down to freezing (we didn’t test it beyond freezing, but with the right sleeping bag we’re confident it would work). What’s really impressive, though, is that the Flex Air achieves great insulation and comfort while still weighing only about a pound and a half (for the 25″ x 72″ tapered model we tested). Usually, pads with a softer top like this one are a tad heavier or lose some other performance chops, but this option from Zenbivy was our favorite to sleep on in this round of testing and still offered incredible performance.
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The Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress is comfortable and features great specs. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Best of the Rest
Most Resilient Air Sleeping Pad
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Pad ($240)
R-Value: 4
Pad Thickness: 2.5 inches
Weight: 1 lb 13.8 oz
Packed Size: 5 x 9 inches
Pros: Dual-layer redundancy, pump sack attached to stuff sack
Cons: Not super thick
Light, compact, and comfortable, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is a solid backpacking sleeping pad. For an air mattress, the Comfort Plus is secure and we didn’t have any issue with sliding off during the night. The groove patterns are comfortable and hug the body well, and the pad is comfortable to lay directly on for warmer nights. At 2.5 inches, it’s not the thickest pad but is well-suited for mid-temperature backpacking.
A unique feature of the Comfort Plus is its dual-layer redundancy. That means if one side of the mat punctures, the other side will still function until you’re able to repair it. For this reason, it took the title of the most resilient sleeping pad. Luckily, our mat hasn’t punctured yet, but we think this is a super cool feature, especially should that puncture happen when you’re deep in the backcountry.
The Comfort Plus comes with a pump sack for easy inflation. That pump sack is attached to the stuff sack, which we think is genius. In the morning, the pad is easy to deflate, roll up, and repack back into its sack.
Check out our full review of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus.
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Lightweight Warmth
Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad ($230)
R-Value: 4.3
Pad Thickness: 3.5 inches
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz
Packed Size: 4 x 8.5 inches
Pros: Excellent weight-to-warmth ratio, thick and quite comfortable
Cons: Loud crinkly noise, hard to stuff, pricey
The Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad packs a ton of performance into a super lightweight and compact package. The 4.3 R-Value is a really versatile level of insulation, and we tested this down to freezing with no issue. At 3.5 inches thick and just 18 ounces (for the regular wide model we tested), this was a top-performing rectangular pad.
While most backpacking sleeping pads have to cut corners somewhere for weight, warmth, or otherwise, the Big Agnes Zoom UL provided all the warmth, space, and comfort we needed in the backcountry. That isn’t to say it wasn’t without its flaws: We didn’t put this sleeping pad in our top picks for a few minor shortcomings. First, it was one of the louder sleeping pads we tested, with a noticeable crinkly layer in the middle of the pad. Also, the stuff sack and inflation sack were not integrated, and we found the pump sack difficult to fit in the stuff sack once the sleeping pad was packed. While this might not bother every user, we found our top picks like the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated or the Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress offered slightly more at a better price.
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A comfortable and lightweight pad, the Big Agnes Zoom UL performed great down to freezing. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Excellent Value
REI Co-op Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad ($169)
R-Value: 4.9
Pad Thickness: 3 inches
Weight: 1 lb 5 oz
Packed Size: 5 x 9.5 inches
Pros: Good for cold nights, packs down small
Cons: Easy to slip off
At less than a pound and a half, the REI Co-op Helix might narrowly escape people’s definition of ultralight but is still well within the realm of easy to carry in a backpack. It also boasts an R-value of 4.9 by using aluminum-coated PET film on the inside, which still packs up small despite providing great insulation.
The unique pattern of the weld makes for a comfortable sleep; however, being a thinner pad, you run a higher risk of puncturing it. When it comes time to repair, you have to hope that the hole isn’t on the lower end of the dimples, which could make patching problematic.
It’s a trade-off to have a more even and supportive sleep, so people who aren’t hard on their gear probably won’t see an issue (especially if you use this pad for mostly car camping).
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad ($200)
R-Value: 4.5
Pad Thickness: 3 inches
Weight: 13 oz
Packed Size: 4.1 x 9 inches
Pros: Good for cold nights, packs down small
Cons: Easy to slip off
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is an ultra-lightweight and packable backpacking sleeping pad. It’s three inches thick and has an R-value of 4.5, so it’s a good pick for chilly nights. The NeoAir comes with a pump sack and a WingLock one-way inflation valve, so you can save your breath when inflating.
Where most air mattresses are noisy when you shift positions, the NeoAir is silent, thanks to recent improvements in its internal construction. The NeoAir has a uniform shape throughout, so it feels like sleeping on an inflatable pillow rather than a classic sleeping pad. Our tester found that they easily slipped off it at night if it wasn’t attached to their sleeping bag. Much to our delight, the NeoAir was easy to deflate and pack back into its stuff sack.
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Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad ($150)
R-Value: 4.8
Pad Thickness: 4.25 inches
Weight: 1 lb 2 oz
Packed Size: 4 x 7 inches
Pros: Lightweight/compact,
Cons: Difficult to repack
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight backpacking sleeping pad that packs down small. At 1 lb 2 oz, it was one of the lightest pads we tested while still providing insulation and sitting high off the ground. It has a rectangular shape, allowing for some room to spread out. The Rapide SL comes with a pump sack with a wide opening, making it easy to inflate.
The quilted top is comfortable and the grove patterns throughout help prevent sliding around throughout the night. We tested this pad on a recent trip to Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii and found that it was easy to set up and was comfortable to sleep on. The included stuff sack is small, so it can be challenging to get the pad and the pump sack repacked. But should you succeed, it’s a nice, compact package. We recommend rolling it twice to ensure you get all the air out.
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Best Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pad
NEMO Switchback ($55)
R-Value: 2.0
Pad Thickness: 0.9 inches
Weight: 14.5 oz
Packed Size: 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches
Pros: Easy set up, incredibly durable
Cons: Not the most comfortable, bulky
While most often associated with backpacking, a durable, quick-set-up closed-cell sleeping pad can be a boon on a car camping trip or at a walk-in site. For one thing, you know it’s not going to get holes or sag on you in the middle of the night. And you save considerable time and energy on the setup to boot.
The NEMO Switchback is our testing team’s personal favorite in the category. It’s warm, packs down small (for a closed-cell pad), and provides as much support and comfort as possible. It also holds up well; our tester is coming up on five years with his, with very little foam collapse noticeable.
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Runner-Up Best Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad ($48)
R-Value: 2.0
Pad Thickness: 0.75 inches
Weight: 14 oz
Packed Size: 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches
Pros: Easy set up, incredibly durable
Cons: Not the most comfortable, bulky
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is a simplistic, classic backpacking sleeping pad. The Z Lite utilizes closed-cell foam technology; it’s essentially a piece of foam folded up in a z shape. As such is insanely lightweight, but it’s also bulky. The Z Lite is a pad that you’ll want to store on the outside of your pad due to its size, but luckily it’s incredibly durable and will fare well against the elements. That’s its chief selling point, as is the case with all closed-cell foam pads. You know they’ll work no matter what.
The Z Lite is wide and sports a rectangular shape, so there’s plenty of space to spread out without the fear of slipping off during the night. The pad is only 0.75 inches thick, so it’s not the most comfortable, nor is it the most warm. We found it was comfortable when sleeping on a flat, even surface. But when there were rocks it didn’t work as well. Set up and tear down are easy peasy as all you have to do is unfold or fold the pad. The Z Lite doesn’t offer anything fancy but if you’re looking for a simple, affordable layer between you and the ground, it gets the job done.
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Testing out the backpacking sleeping pads. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Pads Comparison Table
| Sleeping Pad | Price | R-Value | Pad Thickness | Weight | Packed Size |
| Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad | $230 | 3.2 | 4 inches | 1 lb 1.3 oz | 4.5 x 9.5 inches |
| Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad | $65 | 1.3 | 2.5 inches | 1 lb 2 oz | 3 x 8 inches |
| Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad | $115 | 3.2 | 1.5 inches | 2 lbs 5 oz | 8.3 x 13 inches |
| NEMO Equipment Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad | $200 | 5.4 | 3.5 inches | 14.8 oz | 10 x 4 inches |
| Exped Ultra 7R Sleeping Pad | $240 | 7.1 | 3.5 inches | 1 lb 6 oz | 72 x 20.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress | $219 | 4.8 | 3 inches | 1 lb 8 oz | 3 x 8 inches |
| Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Pad | $240 | 4 | 2.5 inches | 1 lb 13.8 oz | 5 x 9 inches |
| Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad | $230 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 1 lb 2 oz | 4x 8.5 inches |
| REI Co-op Helix | $169 | 4.9 | 3 inches | 1 lb 5 oz | 5 x 9.5 inches |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad | $200 | 4.5 | 3 inches | 13 oz | 4.1 x 9 inches |
| Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad | $150 | 4.8 | 4.25 inches | 1 lb 2 oz | 4 x 7 inches |
| NEMO Switchback | $60 | 2.0 | 0.9 inches | 14.5 oz | 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad | $48 | 2.0 | 0.75 inches | 14 oz | 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches |
Note: Thickness, weight, and packed size are all listed for the regular-size sleeping pads. Other sizes will vary.
How We Tested Backpacking Sleeping Pads
In order to test these backpacking sleeping pads, we hit the trails. We stowed them in our packs and then inflated them once we reached our campground. After that, we slept on them and took into account how they felt throughout the night, whether or not we slipped off of them, how warm we stayed, and the unique features of each.
Our lead tester, Rebecca Parsons, has a huge amount of experience sleeping on the ground. She’s been backpacking for the past 14 years, she spent five summers living in a tent, and she worked at a summer camp for seven summers. She knows how big of a role a good sleeping pad can play in a good night’s sleep.
Nathan Lemin, one of our editors, also contributed testing and top picks to this guide. An experienced backpacker, he took some of the top options out on a weeks-long backpacking trip through coastal California and on the Pacific Crest Trail.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated was small enough to fit with our sleeping bag in the dedicated sleeping bag pocket of our backpack. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Pads Buyer’s Guide
What Is A Backpacking Sleeping Pad?
Sleeping pads come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some are more like air mattresses and are big, bulky, and luxurious. We’ve got those covered in our Best Camping Sleeping Pads guide. Backpacking sleeping pads are focused on being lightweight and compact and providing a comfortable layer between the sleeper and the ground.
Types of Backpacking Sleeping Pads
There are three main types of sleeping pads: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Air Pads
Most air pads contain some type of insulation and/or reflective materials to help increase their warmth. Most also come with an alternative inflation option, like a pump sack, so you don’t have to inflate them by mouth. In addition to saving your breath, pump sacks reduce funk-causing moisture buildup inside your pad.
The benefits of air pads are that they are typically the most compact, and you can adjust the firmness by letting air in or out. The cons of air pads is that they puncture more easily but can be fixed on the go if you have a repair kit. Some air pads are noisy and can feel like they’re losing air as the outside temperature fluctuates.
One-way valves help inflate a backpacking sleeping pad without losing air. Photo: Nathan Lemin//The Inertia
Self-Inflating
Self-inflating pads utilize a combination of air and closed-cell foam. When you open the inflation valve, air enters automatically, saving you the work of blowing up the pad. The benefits of self-inflating pads are that they’re easy to inflate, they’re comfortable, they offer good insulation, and they’re durable. The downside of self-inflating pads is that they’re not as compact as air pads, they tend to be heavy, and field repairs are challenging should you have a puncture.
Closed-Cell Foam
Closed-cell foam pads feature the most simplistic design and are also the most affordable. They’re made of dense foam filled with closed-air cells, and they either roll up or fold up. Closed-cell foam pads are lightweight, inexpensive, durable (no punctures or leaks), and easy to set up. The downside of closed-cell foam pads is that they are typically the least comfortable, most bulky option.
Both the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad are air sleeping pads. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Backpacking Sleeping Pads: Warmth
R-Value
All sleeping pads come with an R-value. The R-value measures the pad’s ability to resist heat flow through it. The higher the R-value, the better it will insulate you, and the warmer you’ll stay. The R-value allows you to easily compare the warmth and insulation of various pads. A pad with a 2.0 R-value is twice as warm as a pad with a R-value of 1.0. The R-value typically ranges from 1 to 7. A sleeping pad with an R-value between 1-3 is best for summer, 3-5 is considered a three-season pad, and 5+ is a winter/four-season pad.
Thickness
The thickness of your sleeping pad will contribute to its R-value. In general, thicker sleeping pads tend to keep you warmer as they keep you further away from the cold ground. If you plan to camp in a warm area, then the thickness isn’t as important, but if you’re backpacking in the cold, you’ll want a thick pad. Thinner pads tend to range from 1-2.5 inches, and thicker pads range from 2.5-4.5 inches. The thickness also contributes to comfort, as you’re less likely to feel rocks or other debris beneath you if you’re on a thicker pad.
The Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad is a comfortable pad with a thin layer of insulation. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Insulation
Some sleeping pads are insulated, and others are not. The insulation also contributes to the sleeping pad’s R-value rating. As you’d imagine, pads with insulation will provide more warmth than those without.
Sleep Systems and Backpacking Sleeping Pads
Your sleep system consists of your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and clothing. The combination of the three impacts how warm (or cold) you’ll be at night. A sleeping pad with a R-value of 7 is great for keeping you warm, but if your sleeping bag isn’t warm, you will wind up cold at night. Consider the lowest temperature you will be sleeping in and make sure every part of your sleep system is up for the job.
Sleeping Pad Features
Shape
Sleeping pads come in either a mummy, semi-rectangular, or rectangular shape. Mummy-shaped pads start wider at the top and taper down toward the feet. This design helps cut down on weight and size, making them one of the most popular backpacking options. Rectangular or semi-rectangular shapes provide more room to stretch out but add weight and volume.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad is lightweight and warm, making it perfect for chilly backpacking trips. It’s lightweight, has a R-value of 3.2, and is super comfortable.
Weight
When you’re backpacking, every ounce counts. So, a lightweight sleeping pad is paramount. Backpacking sleeping pads are often mummy-shaped, which helps reduce the volume and weight. Lighter pads tend to be more expensive, but they can be worth it. If you’re backpacking with a partner, another option to save weight is to use a two-person sleeping pad.
Length
Most sleeping pads come in a regular and long option. Obviously, the regular will be smaller and lighter, but you’ll want to make sure you pick the appropriate length for your height so that you’re comfortable while you’re sleeping. Regular pads are typically 72 inches long, and long pads are usually 78 inches. At the minimum, you’ll want your shoulders and hips to fit on the pad, but ideally, the pad will extend the entire length of your body. There are 3/4 pads if you’re looking to cut weight, but they’re not as warm, nor are they as comfortable.
Packed size and weight are something to take into consideration when choosing a backpacking sleeping pad. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia
Width
The standard width for sleeping pads is around 20 inches. Long pads tend to be slightly wider than regular pads. Mummy pads are typically narrower and rectangular pads often offer a little more width. We found that wider pads are often bigger and heavier but allow some wiggle room to roll around, making them more comfortable. Some pads come with side baffles or “rails” that help prevent you from rolling off throughout the nice.
Inflation
Old-school sleeping pads were challenging to inflate because you had to inflate them with your own lung power, and if you removed your mouth to take a break, air would often come out. Most of the pads we tested came with both an inflation and deflation valve, with the inflation valves being one-way so no air leaked out. A couple of the pads we tested were self-inflating pads, but most of the air mattresses came with a pump sack.
Pump sacks make inflating air sleeping pads easier. Photo: Jaxon Sheley//The Inertia
At first, we had mixed feelings about the pump sack but we grew to appreciate them. The pump sack collects outside air that you then push into the pad, which allows you to save your breath. Oftentimes, we felt that it took a little longer to inflate the pads this way, but it was definitely easier on the lungs. However, inflating by mouth is still an option. The pump sacks also add a little space and weight, but they were nice to have. We typically inflated the majority of the pad using the pump sack and then did the last bit by mouth to get the pads as full as possible.
Sleeping Pad Surface
If you move around while you sleep, you’ll want a pad with grooves or texture to help keep your sleeping bag from sliding around. This can also help reduce the crinkling noise that some air sleeping pads make. It’s also nice to have a soft and comfortable sleeping pad surface for warm nights should you choose to sleep directly on your pad.
Getting prepped for the night. Photo: Jaxon Sheley//The Inertia
Pad Sleeves
With some of the sleeping pads we tested, especially air pads, we found that we occasionally slid off throughout the night. Some sleeping bags come with pad sleeves or hooks for attaching your sleeping pad to help prevent you from sliding off. If your sleeping bag does come with a padded sleeve, you’ll want to double-check the width before purchasing a pad to ensure that they’re compatible.
Patch Kits
When setting off for a trip in the backcountry, it’s a good idea to have some sort of patch or repair kit with you. If you don’t have one and your sleeping pad gets punctured, then you’ll be out a sleeping pad. A lot of sleeping pads come with a patch kit. Double-check if yours does, and purchase one separately if it does not. Patch kits work well on air mattresses but not as well on self-inflating sleeping pads.
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Editor’s Note: Need a more plush, heavy-duty sleeping pad for camping? We’ve got you covered with the Best Camping Sleeping Pads. Also, check out our guide to the Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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