Bedding Down In The Backcountry

After a long day on the trail, there’s no better feeling than crawling into a warm tent and curling up for a good night’s rest. To do this, you’ll need two basic ingredients: a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad to slip underneath it. Much like sleeping bags, we backpackers are spoiled for choice with respect to the variety of sleeping pads available for purchase. However, unlike a traditional bedroom mattress, we can’t simply walk into a Mattress Firm and sprawl out on every pad to find one that’s the right fit. With this in mind, we’ve selected 14 sleeping pads that present a range of appealing qualities, along with some helpful tips to narrow down your search.

Types Of Sleeping Pads

There are three main types of sleeping pads from which you can choose; however, the first two on our list essentially dominate the industry. It’s also worth noting that you can sometimes find double-wide versions of many inflatable pads, but that’s not true for foam pads since their massive, packed size would make them unfeasible for backpacking.

• • • Air Construction

      Often called air pads, these inflatable mattresses are highly packable and pretty comfortable. Air pads make up the majority of our review since they are among the most versatile pads and are available in a wide price range depending upon needs and budget.

    • Closed-Cell Foam

      These are also called foam pads and are a common sight on the trail—mainly because they’re typically strapped outside a hiker’s backpack. Their simple design makes them quite attractive to those who have no interest in being gentle with their gear or who have no problem getting a comfortable night’s sleep, minus all the frills.

    • Self-Inflating

      These are really more of a hybrid of air and foam pads since they combine open-celled foam with a valve that opens to expand the foam and inflate the pad. Typically, most inflation is achieved by simply opening the valve (this may take a few minutes) and then blowing just a few additional breaths into the valve to finish the job.

Foam Pads vs. Air Pads

There’s quite a bit of room for debate about the true king of backcountry sleep systems. There are pros and cons associated with both foam and air pads, so there are also several factors to consider when choosing the right pad.

Foam pads have several valuable benefits. For one, they are highly durable and run no risk of puncture or a broken valve. As a whole, they also come in at a lower price point than inflatable pads, due in large part to the fact that they are less complex, i.e., no valves, pump sacks, stuff sacks, or repair kits. By the same token, foam pads are ideal for those who like setting up camp quickly. There’s no need to inflate, so just unfold the pad, and you’re good to go. They can also be used as an extra seat (albeit a low one) at the campsite when folded. However, there is also one rather significant drawback with foam pads: they take up a lot of space. Typically, you’ll find these strapped to the bottom of a backpack since they can be a challenge (if not impossible) to fit inside along with the rest of your gear. This leaves them exposed to the elements, so if you like to keep your sleeping area dirt-free, you’ll need some kind of bag to slip over your foam pad.

Despite the many positives of foam pads, there are also several reasons to opt for an air pad. One of the greatest benefits of air pads is that they are much more packable; it’s really not even comparable. While the weight of foam and air pads can be quite similar, air pads can shrink down to the size of a Nalgene bottle (in the 1-2L range) and take up very little space in your backpack. However, some larger air pads—either less expensive or built for extra comfort—will still often be strapped to the bottom of a backpack. Another major appeal of air pads is that most hikers consider them to be profoundly more comfortable than foam since they can provide quite a bit more cushion. That said, air pads will always run the risk of puncture, so you’ll want to be sure you bring a repair kit. Thankfully, all inflatable pads will come with a repair kit. Still, you may also want to consider a third-party tape like Gear Aid Tenacious Tape—a roll will only set you back about $5.

Important Air Pad Features

While foam pads are relatively simple by design, within the air construction category, several included features boost comfort, warmth, and ease of inflation. Some of these unique accessories include:

• One-way valves

  These valves are widely preferred to more traditional twist valves. On a one-way valve, you’ll flip open the top flap to only allow air inside. Should the pad be slightly over-inflated, there’s a button in the middle that allows a small amount of air to escape. Once it’s time to pack things up, flip open the bottom flap for quick deflation. These can also come as dual valves, with one for inflation and the other for deflation.

• Integrated pump

  Several of the pads on our list are accompanied by a pump sack that resembles a dry sack with a valve connector at the bottom. These are intended to make the inflation process just a bit easier. You’ll just connect the pump sack directly to the pad’s valve and blow a full breath of air into the wide end of the sack, then seal the end and push air into the pad by rolling the sack closed.

• Baffles

  These are the bumps or ridges of the pad intended to distribute air more evenly, reduce flat spots, and keep the warm air from mixing with the cold. Baffles can be horizontal, vertical, V-chambers, or dot-weld designs. Some hikers prefer baffles, while others find flatter pads to be more comfortable.

R-Values Explained

A sleeping pad’s R-value measures the capacity of its insulating material to resist heat flow. These numbers are obtained using an R-value tester. That test is when a pad is placed between two large plates with one plate kept at a steady temperature using an electrical current. The less energy used to maintain the warmth of the plate, the better the insulation of that pad and, thus, the better the R-value. Simply put, the higher the R-value, the warmer the pad. In general, we use the following guidelines to determine the overall warmth associated with a sleeping pad’s R-value:

• • 0-2

    These sleeping pads are only suitable for warm weather, i.e., spring and summer.

  • 2-4

    An R-value within this range indicates that the pad is suitable for most 3-season backpacking conditions.

  • 4-6

    A pad within this range should handle temperatures at or below freezing.

  • 5+

    Pads with R-values higher than 5 can typically handle the coldest temperatures and can even work directly on the snow. These pads are ideal for extreme cold but can also accommodate hikers who have trouble staying warm while sleeping. Frequently these numbers are achieved by using a foam pad below an air pad to combine their respective R-values.

How We Judged

To evaluate each pad, we analyzed 5 categories of varying significance. Several of the pads in our review can achieve acceptable scores in all of these categories. In contrast, others will excel at some categories at the expense of others.

• Warmth

  Warmth will almost entirely boil down to the pad’s R-value, so it should be easy to determine right off the bat if a pad will meet your particular needs. Obviously, the R-value will be a less critical factor if you don’t plan to hike in colder temperatures. Still, for those of us who simply can’t stop ourselves from hiking in the fall and winter, it’s a vital element. The insulation of a pad can also be significant to those whose bodies have trouble staying warm at night.

• Comfort

  Several factors can contribute to or detract from the overall comfort of a sleeping pad. To make our determination, we considered the thickness of the pad and its dimensions, but most importantly, its design. The pad should ideally provide ample padding from the ground that’s distributed evenly so that no part of your body will flatten out the pad and negate the padding altogether. This can be particularly difficult for side sleepers (myself included) since our weight is more centralized rather than spread across the pad. Another comfort factor is the noise of the pad; for those of us who tend to toss and turn in our sleep (yep, that’s me too), a crinkly pad can be a rude awakening.

• Weight & Packed Size

  Since nearly all of our pads are designed with backpacking in mind, the weight and packed size play a vital role. All of the pads in our 2021 review weigh less than 2lbs, with some coming in at less than half that weight. Weight will typically have a direct relationship with comfort and warmth—but not necessarily packed size. While the compressed volume for air pads can often be attributed to their weight, foam pads simply cannot be compressed and, as a result, cannot compete with air pads in this particular category. However, if you’re planning to strap your pad to the outside of your backpack regardless, this feature becomes a bit of a moot point.

• Inflation

  By inflation, what we are more specifically referring to is the ease of inflation. Many air pads will advertise the number of breaths required to fully inflate the pad. After a long day huffing and puffing on the trail, the last thing you want to do is spend even more energy prepping your sleep area. Obviously, this is a category where foam pads excel as they require zero breaths. However, there are also air pads with included pumps along with self-inflating pads that simplify the process.
  

• Durability

  This is another category where foam pads tend to take the top spot, as there are simply fewer vulnerabilities. Foam pads cannot puncture and have no valves that could potentially break. However, don’t think that air pads are glorified mylar balloons. This is outdoor equipment, and it’s built to handle a reasonable degree of punishment. In the case of air pads, we’ve evaluated the durability of the shell fabric and the valve to find out exactly how much punishment it can take.
  

Our Top Picks

From our list of 14 sleeping pads, you’ll find a range of functionality. Some are built to optimize pack size, others for comfort, a couple that will go easy on your wallet, and a few to withstand temperatures that only a polar bear might consider temperate. You’ll also find some that attempt to satisfy several of these factors, which can be difficult in and of itself since many of them can have an inverse variation. For example, a more comfortable pad can often be heavier and bulkier. In comparison, a lighter pad will generally sacrifice both comfort and warmth. A pad that can accomplish all these tasks will often (but not always) have a hefty price tag. As they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

In the end, your choice of sleeping pad will come down to your particular needs. Our hope is that this list will help you sort through some of the top contenders to discover a pad that works just for you. For the purpose of this review, all of our weights, prices, and dimensions are based on the regular-sized pads, but we have included the measurements for alternate sizes where applicable.

Best of the Rest

Klymit Static V2

NEMO Tensor Insulated

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL

Sea to Summit UltraLight

Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated

NEMO Astro Insulated

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra

EXPED DownMat XP 9

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

Best Overall Sleeping Pad

Price: $219.95

Type: Air Construction/Baffled Insulation

Claimed R-value: 6.9

Weight: 18.2oz (516g)

Packed Volume: 1.8L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 15-20

What We Like: Staggering warmth-to-weight ratio, Decent packed size

What We Don’t: Very expensive, Overkill R-value for some, Slippery top

Of the five Therm-a-Rest pads on our 2021 list, the NeoAir XTherm is undeniably the cream of the crop. It’s one of the warmest sleeping pads in our review, with a weight and packed size that almost seem impossible. However, these impressive features come at a price, and that price is $219.95. Using air construction and baffled insulation, this mummy-style pad is four-season capable and can even be set up directly on the snow. However, we were still wondering if this pad wasn’t more than what’s reasonably needed for less than extreme hikers. Regardless, the numerous pros associated with this pad were enough for us to name it our Best Overall Sleeping Pad.

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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite

(Runner-Up) Best Overall Sleeping Pad

Price: $189.95

Type: Air Construction/Baffled Insulation

Claimed R-value: 4.2

Weight: 12.5oz (354g)

Packed Volume: 1.8L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 15-20

What We Like: Warm, Light, Highly packable

What We Don’t: A bit pricey, Slightly noisy

Of our Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, the NeoAir XLite is most certainly the most “middle of the road” pad when it comes to price, weight, and R-value. Suppose you’re looking for a sleeping pad that will tick several necessary boxes without needing to go overboard on any of the features. In that case, this may just be the pad for you. Prices range from $149.95 to $229.95 depending upon size, with the standard-size pad coming in at $149.95. All in all, it’s a very well-built air pad; it’s light, durable, easy to inflate, and packs away relatively small. We did wish it was a bit quieter for those who toss and turn, but as a backcountry bed, it’s genuinely a quiver killer. We loved this pad enough to name it Runner-up for Best Overall Sleeping Pad.

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Klymit Static V Lite

Best Bang for Your Buck

Price: $95.00

Type: Air Construction/Synthetic Insulation

Claimed R-value: 4.4

Weight: 19.6oz (555g)

Packed Volume: 1L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x23″ (1.8m x 0.6m)

Breaths to Inflate: 10-15

What We Like: Very warm, Great for side sleepers, Excellent packed size

What We Don’t: Outer fabric could be more durable, Slow deflation time

Is it possible to find an air pad for under 100 bucks that can still hold up when the temperatures drop? Well, if the pad in question is the Klymit Static V Lite, the answer may just be yes. At only $95, this surprisingly roomy and packable pad shows that good things can come in small packages and at a relatively low price tag. It’s light, it’s warm, it’s comfortable—what’s not to love? It was an easy choice for our Best Bang for Your Buck award.

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NEMO Switchback

Best Foam Sleeping Pad

Price: $49.95

Type: Closed-cell foam

Claimed R-value: 2

Weight: (411g)

Packed Volume: 9.2L

Thickness: 0.9″ (2.3cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: N/A

What We Like: Great price, Lightweight

What We Don’t: Not as comfortable as an air pad, Not as packable as an air pad

At only $49.95, the NEMO Switchback is one of the cheapest pads on our list. For those who value comfort above all else, the Switchback is probably not a go-to. There’s just no way to compete with the cushioning of an air pad. However, it’s an excellent choice for those who have no trouble catching a few winks without excessive frills. At only four bucks more than the Z Lite SOL, we felt that it provided more than $4 additional value and was simply a superior foam pad. It’s thicker, more comfortable, and more smartly designed. It could easily also serve as a bolster to an air pad for those looking to maximize comfort, but make sure you leave some extra room on your backpack. Although its intelligent design is hampered by a few features that may not be universally appreciated, its positive qualities were enough for us to award it Best Foam Sleeping Pad.

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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Price: $199.95

Type: Air Construction

Claimed R-value: 2.3

Weight: 8.8oz (249g)

Packed Volume: 0.9L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 18-20

What We Like: Incredibly light, Small packed size

What We Don’t: Pricey, Low R-value, Questionable durability

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest sleeping pad in our 2021 review by a significant margin. It also boasts easy inflation/deflation and a reasonable degree of comfort. However, certain compromises were made in other areas to achieve this low weight: it lacks the insulation to act as a year-round pad, its thin fabric makes it more prone to punctures, and at $199.95, it’s also one of the most expensive pads we reviewed. However, for those who have ounces to shed and money to burn, the NeoAir UberLite could be a valuable addition to their hiking arsenal.

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Best of the Rest

Klymit Static V2

Price: $64.95

Type: Air Construction

Claimed R-value: 1.3

Weight: 17.5oz (496g)

Packed Volume: 0.9L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x23″ (1.8m x 0.6m)

Breaths to Inflate: 12-14

What We Like: Small packed size, Impressive value, Reasonably comfortable

What We Don’t: Low R-value, Slow deflation

Klymit is out to prove that a versatile air paid doesn’t need to have a hefty price tag with the Static V2. At only $64.95, the Static V2 is the most inexpensive air pad on our list, with specs that meet or exceed pads double its price. It has more than sufficient dimensions, a clever design for side sleepers, and it’s light as well as packs up small. Unfortunately, its low R-value makes it more of a spring and summer pad than a three-season, but it could get you through a surprisingly chilly night if need be.

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NEMO Tensor Insulated

Price: $159.95

Type: Air Construction/Synthetic Insulation

Claimed R-value: 3.5

Weight: 15oz (425g)

Packed Volume: 1.2L

Thickness: 2.8″ (7.1cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 20-30

What We Like: Comfortable, Easy inflation, Several sizes available

What We Don’t: A bit pricey, Fabric could be sturdier

Suppose you’re looking for a high-quality pad and not concerned about spending a few extra dollars. In that case, the NEMO Tensor Insulated may be right up your alley. At $159.95, this well-built air pad uses synthetic insulation to deliver solid warmth and matching comfort without going overboard on weight or packed size. Although it’s far from a budget sleeping pad, the value associated with the NEMO Tensor Insulated more than justifies its price tag. It’s comfortable and quiet while providing an acceptable level of insulation, all with a very reasonable weight and packed size. Add to this the ultra-convenient Vortex pump sack, and you’ve got a combination that will be the envy of your fellow overnight hikers. We do wish that the bottom of the pad was a bit more reinforced, but as long as you’re not overly haphazard with your handling of this pad, it should hold up for years of hiking trips.

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Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus

Price: $104.95

Type: Self-Inflating

Claimed R-value: 3.2

Weight: 23oz (652g)

Packed Volume:3.25L

Thickness: 1.5″ (3.8cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 2-3 (after self-inflating)

What We Like: Decent price, Warm

What We Don’t: Large packed size, Long inflation time

If you’re not a fan of bouncy air pads but don’t want to strap a large foam pad to the outside of your bag, there is a third option. At only $104.95, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus bridges this gap at an easy-to-swallow price. The ProLite Plus is the only self-inflating pad on our 2021 but is a valuable inclusion. It’s a bit of an outlier since it has both the strengths of both air pads and foam pads while also sharing their drawbacks. Although its weight and packed size won’t turn any heads, it manages to deliver quite a bit of value and may just be the ideal choice for those who want the best of both worlds.

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Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL

Price: $45.95

Type: Closed-cell foam

Claimed R-value: 2

Weight: 14oz (396g)

Packed Volume: 9.2L

Thickness: 0.75″ (1.9cm)

LxW: 0.75″ (1.9cm)

Breaths to Inflate: N/A

What We Like: Inexpensive, Lightweight, Durable

What We Don’t: Large packed size, Minimal comfort

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is a polarizing pad. There’s a lot to like about it, but it also has several notable drawbacks. At only $45.95, this closed-cell foam pad is the cheapest on our list. In fact, the price is reasonable enough that you’ll sometimes see this pad included as a complement to another pad to boost overall comfort and warmth; not only that, but using the closed-cell foam below an air-construction pad will protect the latter from potential punctures. However, if comfort is a major concern for you, then this may just be your very last choice. Still, many hikers who aren’t too picky about their degree of cushioning have come to love this light and durable pad.

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Sea to Summit UltraLight

Price: $109.95

Type: Air Construction/AirSprung Cells

Claimed R-value: 1.1

Weight: 12.5oz (354g)

Packed Volume: 0.8L

Thickness: 2″ (5.1cm)

LxW: 72″x21.5″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 15-19

What We Like: Small packed size, Excellent inflation system

What We Don’t: Low R-value, Similarly priced pads with superior insulation

Sea to Summit’s UltraLight air pad delivers the sort of lightweight, high-quality performance that its customers have come to expect, but this focus on cutting weight comes at a cost that not all will be able to swallow. Although it’s less than capable of getting you through a chilly night, the Sea to Summit Ultralight offers some very appealing characteristics for the spring and summer months. It’s incredibly light and packs up small while still remaining reasonably comfortable, with quick inflation and deflation. At just under $110, it’s also a relatively decent value. However, for those who need a light pad that will be viable during the fall and winter, we recommend shelling out an extra ten bucks for the Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated.

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Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated

Price: $169.95

Type: Air Construction/AirSprung Cells/Synthetic Insulation

Claimed R-value: 3.7

Weight: 20.5oz (581g)

Packed Volume: 1.6L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x21.5″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 17-22

What We Like: Excellent inflation system, Good warmth-to-weight ratio

What We Don’t: Pricey, Baffles collect dirt

There’s certainly a lot to like about the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated. It manages to deliver reasonable degrees of comfort and warmth, all in a light package. However, several other pads out there make this same attempt and give the Sea to Summit pad a run for its money. The NEMO Tensor Insulated has nearly the same R-value but is 5oz lighter and slightly thicker, all for $10 less. In addition, for an extra $20, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is half a pound lighter but boasts a higher R-value. The Comfort Light Insulated will be a welcome addition to the arsenal of anyone who appreciates its unique baffle design and easy-to-use inflation system.

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NEMO Astro Insulated

Price: $99.95

Type: Air Construction/Synthetic Insulation

Claimed R-value: 2.6

Weight: 26oz (737g)

Packed Volume: 2L

Thickness: 3.5″ (8.9cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 25-30

What We Like: Reasonable price, Comfortable, Built-in pillow

What We Don’t: Large packed size, Slow inflation, Not very warm

The NEMO Astro Insulated is an equal mixture of pros and cons. It’s a bit heavy and bulky, and its inflation leaves much to be desired. However, it’s also decently warm and incredibly tough for an air pad, and it is near the top of our charts on comfort thanks to its built-in pillow, 3.5” of cushioning, and quiet insulation. The Astro Insulated is so comfortable that we felt it bridges the gap between a sleeping pad built for backpacking and one made for camping. For backpackers who aren’t overly concerned about saving weight but need that extra bit of comfort to sleep through the night, this pad could be a perfect fit.

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Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra

Price: $99.95

Type: Air Construction/Synthetic Insulation

Claimed R-value: 4.5

Weight: 22oz (623g)

Packed Volume: 1.7L

Thickness: 3.25″ (8.2cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 25-30

What We Like: Appealing warmth-to-weight ratio, Comfortable, Included pump sack

What We Don’t: Slightly heavy, Noisy

At $99.95, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra sleeping pad combines air construction with synthetic insulation to provide warmth and comfort without adding excessive weight. There’s quite a lot to like about the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra. With a pleasing R-value, durable exterior, and ample cushioning, it can function as a backpacking pad as well as accommodate car camping. The included pump sack makes it easier to inflate than other pads with similar dimensions. A range of size options makes it easy to find the right pad for you. However, its insulation makes it less than whisper-quiet, and it’s just a bit on the bulky side. All in all, this pad delivers a great deal of value for its price tag.

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EXPED DownMat XP 9

Price: $229.00

Type: Air Construction/Baffled Insulation

Claimed R-value: 8

Weight: 31.2oz (884g)

Packed Volume: 4.8L

Thickness: 3.5″ (8.9cm)

LxW: 72″x20.5″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 2 minutes (pump sack)

What We Like: Comfortable, Durable, Incredibly warm

What We Don’t: Expensive, Heavy, Large packed size

Amongst the 14 pads in our 2021 review, the EXPED DownMat XP 9 is a standout. While some pads focus on lightweight construction or a balance of comfort, warmth, and packability, the DownMat XP 9 is built to withstand extreme temperatures and is one of only two pads on our list that can be placed directly on the snow. With a price tag of $229 for the standard-sized pad, it’s a serious investment, and its large packed size makes it less than optimal for backpacking. However, if you’re planning an excursion in the deep of winter, this pad may prove to be a life-saving asset.

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