Not only do camping sleeping pads add a layer of heavenly comfort between you and a patch of rocky soil, they also prevent precious body heat from escaping. Below, we review the best sleeping pads in 2024. Ready to get started? Jump to the section you want to read:
The best single Sleeping Pads Reviewed
Best overall Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
The updated Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad is now 6x quieter, making it an excellent choice for long hikes. Weighing just 1 lb with a higher R-value of 4.5, it offers improved warmth and comfort without adding extra weight. Its 30D Rip Nylon outer is tough and abrasion-resistant, ensuring durability on extended backpacking trips.
What others are saying about it
Thru-hikers have long favoured the NeoAir Xlite for its combination of lightweight design and excellent insulation. The updated model's reduced noise has been particularly appreciated, as Nicolas P. points out in his 5-star review, saying, “Much quieter than original.”
Features and benefits
- Quiet Rest: Improved internal construction reduces noise by 83% compared to the previous model.
- Thicker But Not Heavier: A 3-inch thick profile delivers premium backcountry comfort while maintaining the same weight as the previous model.
- Three-Season Warmth: ThermaCapture technology and Triangular Core Matrix construction provide a 4.5 R-value, suitable for three-season conditions.
- Ultra-Packable: Packs down to the size of a 1L water bottle for easy transport.
- WingLock Valve: Allows fast one-way inflation and rapid deflation, with the ability to make micro-adjustments.
- Inclusive Sizing: Available in multiple sizes, including Regular Wide and Large.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Runner-Up One-Person Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
Coming in at a close second, the Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lightweight, durable, and affordable sleeping pad. Weighing just shy of 17 oz, with a durable 40D ripstop nylon outer, this pad strikes a good balance between warmth, weight, and price, making it an excellent three-season pad with an R-Value of 3.1.
What others are saying about it
Users appreciate the UltraLight Insulated Mat’s combination of comfort and affordability. Sandra P. compares it to “sleeping on a cloud.” She further writes, “This ultralight pad was a game changer on my last backpacking trip. Love the comfort and the material. Quiet, warm and small; made it a good investment.”
Features and benefits
- Lightweight and Durable: Weighs 19 oz and made with 40D ripstop nylon.
- High Insulation: R-Value of 3.1 suitable for three-season use.
- Enhanced Warmth: Exkin® Platinum fabric and Thermolite insulation prevent radiant and convective heat loss.
- Convenient Valve: Multi-function valve for easy inflation, deflation, and fine-tuning of air pressure.
- Compact Design: Single layer of Air Sprung Cells for the smallest packed-volume mat without compromising comfort.
- Additional Accessories: Comes with a quality stuff sack, repair kit, and spare silicone one-way valve flap.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Sleeping Pad FOR BACKPACKING
Why we love it
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad stands out as 2024’s best sleeping pad due to its lightweight, excellent insulation, and impressive compressibility. Perfect for epic coastal thru-hikes or weekend front-country camping trips, the UberLite is recommended for three-season use and can even handle mild winter climates.
What others are saying about it
Campers and hikers are thrilled with the UberLite’s lightweight design and quiet performance. Shawn C. calls it a “game changer,” noting: “The Uberlite sleeping pad is a game-changer for ultralight backpackers. Its innovative construction provides impressive comfort and insulation while weighing next to nothing. Though it comes with a higher price tag, its durability and performance make it worth the investment for serious adventurers seeking to shave ounces off their pack weight without sacrificing sleep quality.”
Features and benefits
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighs between 6 oz (size small) and 12 oz (size large).
- High Insulation: R-Value of 2.3 offers excellent warmth.
- Quiet Performance: Lacks the rustling sound of other NeoAir models.
- Durable Construction: Made with abrasion-resistant 15D nylon.
- Comfortable Thickness: Inflates to a 2.5” thickness for added comfort.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Budget One-Person Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
The Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad offers exceptional value for a closed-cell foam sleeping pad. Weighing just 14 oz (400 g) and boasting a respectable R-Value of 2.6, it provides reliable warmth and durability at a budget-friendly price. This pad is perfect for those who need a reliable, lightweight option that won’t break the bank.
What others are saying about it
Campers appreciate the RidgeRest Classic for its durability and affordability. Mike L. reports, “A quality basic sleeping pad. Bulkier but more durable than inflatable options. It doesn't slide all around the tent and provides a normal level of comfort. Good value for money.”
Features and benefits
- Light & Durable: Virtually indestructible, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor use.
- Comfortable Design: Supportive peaks and heat-trapping valleys ensure essential comfort for cold nights.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers great performance at a lower price point, ideal for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Compact & Lightweight: At 14 oz (400 g), it’s light enough for carrying but provides ample support.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Ultralight One-Person Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL is the ultimate choice for ultralight backpackers. Weighing in at just 14 oz (410 g) with an R-Value of 2.0, it stands out as the lightest closed-cell foam pad available. Its accordion shape enhances packability, making it ideal for frameless backpacks and doubling as lumbar support. Want to go lighter still? Cut your toothbrush in half.
What others are saying about it
The Z-Lite SOL is a favourite among the ultralighters for its compact design and multi-functionalism. Commenting on its “High warmth to weight ratio,” Michael O. writes, “It's VERY lightweight and easy to attach to the outside of most backpacks. You can also use it around camp as a seat pad and to step on to change clothing.”
Features and benefits
- Ultralight Design: At just 14 oz, it's the lightest closed-cell foam pad on the market.
- Advanced Warmth: ThermaCapture coating reflects radiant heat back to your body, increasing warmth by nearly 20%.
- Compact and Durable: Accordion-style fold makes it easy to pack, and the closed-cell foam is virtually indestructible.
- Customizable: Can be cut to torso length for even lighter packing or used with an empty backpack for extra comfort.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Weight-to-Comfort One-Person Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping Pad takes the comfort of the NeoAir series to an impressive new level with its 4-inch thickness. It’s designed for those who crave luxurious comfort on the trail without compromising on packability. Its compact packing size and high-performance features make it suitable for a range of adventures, from weekend trips to extended expeditions.
What others are saying about it
Reviewers highlight the NeoAir Topo Luxe’s exceptional thickness and stability, while noting its portability. Jennifer V. raves, “I can't believe how comfortable this mattress is, yet it packs up into a tiny bundle that seems to weigh almost nothing! Perfect for backpacking and a huge improvement in every way over the older Therm-a-Rest I have been lugging around.”
Features and benefits
- Supreme Comfort: At 4 inches (10 cm) thick, it’s the thickest NeoAir pad available.
- Stable Warmth: The Triangular Core Matrix construction features two layers of triangular baffles to reduce heat loss and provide a stable sleep surface.
- Compact Design: Despite its thickness, it packs down to a size slightly larger than a 1 L Nalgene bottle.
- TwinLock Valve: Features separate valves for inflation and deflation, allowing for quick and easy setup.
- Durable Construction: Made with 50D polyester for both the top and bottom fabric, ensuring longevity and resilience.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Wide-Size One-Person Sleeping Pad
Why we love it
Both large folks and the perpetually restless will appreciate the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad - Large. It’s the ultimate choice for campers who prioritise comfort and space. With a generous width of 25 inches (64 cm) and a thick 3-inch (7.6 cm) loft, this pad offers exceptional support and plush comfort for a restful night's sleep.
An R-value of 6 means you’ll be using this pad comfortably throughout the year. That said, its substantial weight of 5 lb, 2 oz (2.33 kg) might be a deal-breaker for those on extended hikes.
What others are saying about it
Campers love the LuxuryMap for its heavenly feel and ample space. Michael B. is finally relieved to have “no more numb arms,” further adding, “Absolutely smitten with this mat. The luxury map is nice and thick, and you’ll definitely get a great sleep on it.”
Features and benefits
- Plush Comfort: 3 inches of thick, bump-swallowing loft provides exceptional comfort and support.
- Durable Materials: The top features a soft 50D polyester knit, while the bottom is reinforced with 75D polyester for durability.
- Self-Inflating: The compressible foam core inflates with minimal effort; add a few breaths for your preferred firmness.
- TwinLock Valve: Dual one-way valves ensure fast inflation and deflation, simplifying setup and packing.
- Year-Round Use: Suitable for year-round use, offering substantial warmth even in cold conditions.
- Generous Dimensions: Available in Regular, Large, and X-Large sizes to suit various needs.
Price: 0.00$
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Best One-Person Sleeping Pad for Winter Camping
Why we love it
When it comes to winter camping, mountaineering, and alpinism, few sleeping pads come close to the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Sleeping Mat. Boasting a remarkable 6.3 R-value and 10 cm thickness, this pad offers exceptional warmth and comfort despite extreme cold. Yep, it’s rated for temperatures as inhumanely cold as -32 °C.
What others are saying about it
Winter campers praise the Ether Light XT Extreme for its exceptionally lightweight design and superior insulation. Gianpaolo S. praises the pad for its construction, saying: “While it might be a bit heavier and bulkier than other models, it is extremely comfortable and quiet, and has best in class R value.”
Features and benefits
- Exceptional Insulation: R-value of 6.3 ensures warmth in temperatures as low as -32 °C (-25.6 °F).
- Comfortable Thickness: 10 cm (4 inches) of loft for cushioning and support.
- Women’s Options: Also available in a women’s option, wider at the hips and narrower at the shoulders.
- Air Sprung Cells: Individual cells deform to conform to your body shape, providing even pressure distribution and stability.
- Dual-Density Thermolite Insulation: Prevents convective heat loss while remaining lightweight.
- Durable Construction: 30/40D Nylon face fabric is both grippy and quiet.
- Quick Inflation and Deflation: Features a multi-function high flow-rate valve and Pump Sack for easy setup and adjustments.
- Pillow Lock: Attaches compatible pillows to the mat for added comfort.
Price: 0.00$
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BEST TWO-PERSON SLEEPING PADS
Best Luxury Two-Person Sleeping Pad
Why We Love It
The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad takes luxury camping to the next level, offering a home-like sleeping experience in the great outdoors. Double wide and designed to fill a 2-person tent, its 10 cm thickness and vertical sidewalls provide a completely level sleeping surface. High-quality foam insulation and a stretch tricot top ensure max comfort and support. Perfect for car camping and rafting trips.
What Others Are Saying About It
Campers are impressed by the Exped MegaMat’s incredible comfort and spaciousness. Anton O. recently succinctly called it, “the best,” writing, “I've tried a bunch of luxury air mattresses and this one is by far the best. It's just a bit better at everything - comfort, longevity, quality. I've had a single version of this and it's as good as new after 8 years.”
Features and Benefits
- Unmatched Comfort: 10 cm thickness and stretch tricot top for bed-like support.
- Spacious Design: Double wide to fill a 2-person tent with vertical sidewalls for a level sleeping surface.
- High R-Value: 8.1 R-value for superior insulation and warmth.
- Durable: Designed to withstand temperatures as low as -40 °C.
- Convenient Pack Sack: Height-adjustable roll top bag with a carry strap that doubles as a shoulder bag.
- Easy Inflation: Includes a Mini Pump for hassle-free setup.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with OEKO-TEX 100 certified materials and supports Fair Trade practices.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Overall Two-Person Sleeping Pad
Why We Love It
Find homey comfort wherever you roam with the Altitude Sports Self-Inflating 10cm Double Sleeping Mat. Elevate your car camping experience with its 10 cm foam insert, soft top fabric, and lightweight design. The impressive 7.5 - 8 R-value guarantees warmth, while the included repair kit ensures longevity.
What Others Are Saying About It
Campers rave about the exceptional comfort and ease of use for car camping. Antoine L. calls it the “best sleeping pad I’ve slept on!” and adds, “We went camping last week-end and the pad was easy to inflate and very comfy! But it’s really for car camping because it’s pretty big when folded.”
Features and Benefits
- Homey Comfort: 10 cm foam insert and soft top fabric for a luxurious feel.
- Lightweight Design: Horizontal and vertical foam coring for reduced weight without compromising comfort.
- High R-Value: 7.5 - 8 R-value ensures warmth and protection from humidity and drafts.
- Durability: TPU-coated top fabric and included repair kit for long-lasting use.
- Convenient Inflation: Compatible with Exped Widget Electric Pump for quick and easy inflation.
- Eco-Friendly: Made with 100% recycled polyester and certified by GRS and OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Two-Person Sleeping Pad for Water Expeditions
Why We Love It
The Exped Dura 5R Duo Expedition LW Sleeping Pad is comfortable, rugged, and compact enough for most adventures. The 7 cm thick air cushion and Synmat Technology strikes a good balance between comfort and portability, making it a solid choice for extended paddling expeditions. That said, its weight makes it slightly less suited to multi-day hiking trips. With its Schnozzel Pumpbag, this pad is easy to use and fast to set up.
What Others Are Saying About It
With a 4.1-star rating from satisfied users, the Exped Dura 5R Duo Expedition LW is praised for its durability and support. Charlie L. writes, “The construction is also very thick. I'd have no worries about this getting punctured by twigs or from laying in the dirt and sand. It's also very quiet. Rolling around doesn't make any squeaking noises at all.”
Features and Benefits
- Exceptional Warmth: Synmat Technology with 160g/m² Texpedloft insulation ensures maximum warmth.
- Durable Design: 7 cm thick air cushion with air chambers running head to toe for full body support and durability.
- Easy Inflation: Schnozzel Pumpbag included for rapid, moisture-free mat inflation.
- High R-Value: 4.8 R-value provides excellent insulation in cold temperatures.
- Perfect for Extreme Conditions: Suitable for temperatures as low as -20 °C.
Price: 0.00$
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Best Two-Person Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
Why We Love It
For a sprinkle of luxury, overlanders, van lifers, and base campers swear by the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat. With its 4-inch thick foam and soft 30D stretch-knit upper surface, it brings the comfort of home to the great outdoors. The flip-over multi-function valve makes packing up easy and prevents air from being sucked back into the mat as you roll it up.
What Others Are Saying About It
With a 4.7-star rating from 22 reviews, users are stoked with the Comfort Deluxe Self-Inflating pad’s plush comfort and ease of use. Nick H. calls it “sleeping beauty,” adding, “Great mattress for those who want an extra comfortable car camping experience. Worth the price, provided us with the best camping sleep we’ve ever had.”
Features and Benefits
- Luxurious Comfort: 4 inches of plush foam and 30D stretch-knit fabric.
- High R-Value: R-value of 6.5 offers sufficient warmth for various camping conditions.
- Easy Inflation: Flip-over multi-function valve allows for fast inflation, deflation, and fine-tuning.
- Lightweight Design: Delta Core technology reduces weight and packed volume.
- Durable Materials: Made with PU foam and 75D woven polyester base with 30D knitted polyester upper.
Price: 0.00$
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What to look for when buying a sleeping pad
In your search for the perfect wilderness mattress, consider the following:
Comfort
When we think of comfort two things come to mind: softness and support. You want a sleeping pad that feels as if it was designed for you. If you want to feel like you’re on a cloud, a thick, inflatable pad is a good choice. For those seeking something more rigid, a closed-cell foam pad offers a firmer feel.
Insulation
R-value is a measure of a barrier’s absolute thermal resistance. In other words, how effectively does a layer resist heat flow or, conversely, how well does a layer trap heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat loss. In 2018, ASTM International set a new standard for lab testing R-values which has become consistent across sleeping pad brands.
There is no precise rule for which R-value is best—it all depends on your own temperature regulation, gender, and body mass. If you already own a sleeping pad, check its R-value and ask yourself if you’d prefer something warmer.
Size
When purchasing a sleeping pad in person, it’s common to test it out before buying it. But when it comes to shopping online, many of us simply read reviews to see which offers the most comfort for the least weight. Unfortunately, we often forget about size.
Always check the dimensions of a sleeping pad and compare them to your own physical measurements. You want something slightly longer and wider than you to account for displacement.
Finding the right dimensions isn’t just important for tall folks; you don’t want to end up with a pad that’s unnecessarily long either, adding useless weight and volume to your pack.
Weight
The average sleeping pad can range from less than a pound to more than four. While weight isn’t a necessary consideration for car campers or front-country campers, hikers should opt for something light.
For winter sleeping pads, give priority to R-value before narrowing in on a lightweight option.
Packability
Most sleeping pads come with their own stuff sack, which not only protects the pad from tears and deformations, but allows for maximum compression. Depending on things like R-value and the material construction of the pad, packability will vary.
For most, a good rule of thumb is to choose a pad that is roughly the size of a 1L Nalgene. For ultralighters, something the size of a Coke can is ideal, but will inevitably have a lower R-value. As for car campers, just make sure it fits in your trunk!
FAQs for sleeping pads
Do you need a sleeping pad for camping?
Even cowboy campers and ultralighters rely on their comfortable sleeping pads for a good night’s rest. A sleeping pad is as necessary as a sleeping bag.
Does a camping sleeping pad have to be your height?
Roughing it in the woods is quite distinct from suffering in the woods. Given the spartan nature of camping, you’re going to want to maximise your comfort with the items you have. That’s why having gear that meets your needs is essential—especially since it’s a small investment.
Of course, ultralighters may disagree. A Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite cut to torso-length is common among them; however, their emptied-out backpack usually substitutes as the second half of their pad.
Not having a long enough pad means precious heat will escape; having too long a pad means unnecessary ounces. Like Goldilocks and the three bears, best advice is to stick with the bed that’s just right.
Does the sleeping pad go inside the sleeping bag?
Because of its size, your sleeping bag likely won’t accommodate you plus a sleeping pad. If you’re tempted to try it, remember that putting a layer between the ground and your pad can reduce its R-value.
For the frustrated tossers-and -turners out there: If you want to keep your bag fastened to your pad, purchase some adjustable straps that can be sewn to the outside of your sleeping bag. When you’re ready to hunker down, simply buckle them around the sleeping pad et voilà. Or, check out the Big Agnes System, an innovative way to attach a sleeping bag to a sleeping pad using an integrated sleeve.
Can a sleeping pad be too warm?
Just like a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad can be too warm. That said, it won’t cause the same discomfort that a sleeping bag will. The bigger issue with a too-toasty pad is that you’re paying extra bucks for a feature you won’t use, while adding more weight to your pack.
conclusion
This concludes our top picks for best backpacking sleeping pads in 2024. Remember, whether you prefer self-inflating pads or closed-cell foam pads, your choice should reflect your needs.
For its lightweight design, warmth, and packability, we recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite, our choice for the best sleeping pad of the year. Want to discover more amazing outdoor gear? Explore the best sleeping bags in 2024 and the best tents in 2024!
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