Up to date Sep 2, 2022 2:32 PM
It solely takes one fitful evening of sleep after an extended day of mountaineering—hips bruised, decrease again throbbing, cricked neck—to comprehend the significance of a terrific backpacking sleeping pad. However including a top quality pad additionally provides important weight and value to your equipment, so it’s important to get the correct pad the primary time. After testing 15 totally different backpacking sleeping pads from seven totally different producers, these are my prime picks for the very best backpacking sleeping pads for each journey.
Issues to Think about Earlier than Shopping for the Greatest Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Inflatable vs. Closed-Cell Foam
The selection between an inflatable sleeping pad versus closed-cell foam is certainly one of efficiency vs. reliability. Inflatable pads are hotter, lighter, match simply into your pack, and are nearly at all times extra comfy. Nonetheless, closed-cell foam pads double as a seat throughout breaks and by no means unexpectedly deflate in a single day. This overview focuses on inflatable backpacking sleeping pads, as their smaller packed profile, larger R worth, and elevated consolation makes them a more sensible choice for many backpackers.
Materials
The outside of inflatable backpacking sleeping pads is usually constructed from both polyester or nylon at various thicknesses, which is measured in denier (D). Most backpacking sleeping pads are between 20D, the thinnest materials, usually used for ultralight pads, to 75D in thickness, which approaches the thickness usually seen on automobile tenting pads. Nylon is usually a stronger materials than polyester, however laminates (which might make a pad extra hermetic) apply higher to polyester than to nylon.
Weight
Many of the finest backpacking sleeping pads weigh between one and two kilos, with the heavier finish of the spectrum offering higher consolation and the lighter finish of the spectrum usually operating fairly slender. It’s onerous to place a price on a terrific evening of sleep once you’re going through ten plus miles of mountaineering within the morning, so we suggest erring on the facet of warning. One technique to save weight, for some backpackers, is to decide on a brief sleeping pad, after which tuck your backpack beneath your ft at evening. This fashion, your hips and shoulders get the profit for a fraction of the ounces.
Measurement
There are two sizes that you ought to be involved with—the dimensions of the pad packed into your backpack or strapped to the skin, and the dimensions of the pad when it’s inflated. Most pads in the present day are available sizes starting from quick to tall, common to huge; nevertheless, in our expertise even the “huge” measurement—usually 25 inches—shouldn’t be all that huge. Two exceptions to this are the Klymit, which has a large measurement of 29 inches, and the Huge Agnes Q Core Deluxe, which fits out to 30 inches.
Form
Most sleeping pads are certainly one of two shapes: rectangular or mummy. The concept behind the mummy-shaped pads is straightforward—your physique isn’t rectangular, so why ought to your pad be? This design additionally shaves off a number of ounces. However loads of backpackers, particularly facet sleepers, discover that the mummy-shaped pads are simpler to roll off of, and like an oblong pad for that purpose.
R Score
As anybody who has been backpacking throughout a shoulder season is aware of, the chilly from the bottom will suck out your physique warmth quicker than chilly air, leaving you shivering inside your 20-degree bag. The R worth measures how effectively the pad insulates (or “resists,” therefore the R) the chilly, with 1 being the bottom score (appropriate for lowland backpacking on the peak of summer time) all the best way as much as 10 (usually solely wanted in excessive circumstances). The place sleeping pad producers as soon as carried out their very own testing (or in some circumstances merely guessed) as of 2020, R rankings are standardized by the American Society for Testing and Supplies (ASTM). Professional tip for those who sleep chilly: girls’s pads are usually rated a barely larger R worth than the corresponding males’s pads.
Key Options
- Measurement vary: S (21.5 inches x 66 inches) to L (25 inches x 79 inches)
- Weight: 19.2 ounces for a daily mummy (consists of air bag stuff sack)
- Peak: 4 inches
- R score: 3.2
- Material: 30D/40D nylon
Why It Made the Reduce
The Etherlight XT is heat sufficient for alpine adventures and comfy sufficient for a full evening’s sleep. This pad was additionally the simplest to inflate of something we tried.
Execs
- Snug in a variety of sleeping positions
- Straightforward to inflate and deflate
- Good stability of sturdiness with weight and R worth
Cons
- Barely heavier than different pads in our check
Product Description
This was the simplest pad to inflate of all the pieces we examined. It makes use of a pump sack that’s built-in into the stuff sack for the sleeping pad, a considerate contact that labored exceptionally effectively. After connecting the nozzle to the inflate plug, you maintain the bag a couple of foot out of your face and blow air at it to inflate the bag, then you definately squeeze the air from the bag into the pad. It solely took six rounds with the pump sack to inflate the Ether Mild XT on my first attempt—lower than a minute. I additionally like that the inflate plug and the deflate plug use the identical opening, as this reduces the variety of fail factors for the pad.
The dimpled construction of the baffling on the Ether Mild XT made it simpler to discover a comfy place on than pads that had vertical, horizontal, or honeycomb baffling, and the 4-inch peak meant my hips had been effectively shielded from the bottom when sleeping on my facet.
The three.2R score of the Ether Mild XT is right for backpackers trying to begin their journeys in late spring and make their final journey of the 12 months when the leaves fall. 30D and 40D nylon strands are woven collectively to make this pad extra strong than our light-weight picks, though backpackers ought to nonetheless you’ll want to defend it from the bottom with a light-weight tarp in the event that they aren’t utilizing a tent.
Greatest Total Closed-Cell Foam Pad: NEMO Switchback
Why It Made the Reduce
The Switchback is a cushty and forgiving pad with a pleasant weight to R worth ratio. It packs down small and traps physique warmth because of its distinctive hexagonal nodes sample.
Key Options
- Measurement vary: Quick (20 x 51 inches) and Common: (20 x 72 inches)
- Weight: 14.5 ounces for a daily
- R score: 2
- Low-emissivity movie
Execs
- Snug
- Light-weight
- Insulated coating
- Packs down to five inches
Cons
Product Description
I’ve used the quick model of this pad for eight months now, so I used to be excited to see the way it measured as much as its rivals. The hexagonal node sample is a part of what makes this pad essentially the most comfy in all sleeping positions. As a substitute of a standard egg carton sample, the nodes are extra unfold out, taking away the pokey feeling different pads have. This distinctive design can also be what makes the Switchback pack down compactly and keep so heat. I lately slept like a child within the low 40s utilizing this pad alone. I complement it with a backpacking pillow and add an inflatable pad for winter excursions. Nonetheless, for those who’re responsible of beating your gear (like I’m), then this pad might be fast to indicate indicators of wear and tear. Whereas the dual-density foam affords a comfortable prime layer and supportive backside layer for improved consolation, that supple prime layer might be simply shredded by branches and rocks. Not like the Therm-a-rest Z lite, nevertheless, the insulated coating is protected by the accordion fold. This pad is supposed to be slept on silver facet down, as a result of the orange foam layer acts as a warmth lure, catching the heat of your physique that’s being mirrored again to you through the low-emissivity movie. -Ashley Thess
Key Options
- Out there sizes: R (20 inches x 72 inches) to LW (25 inches x 76 inches)
- Weight: 14 ounces for a daily uninsulated mummy bag with velcro strap, 15.6 ounces for insulated
- Peak: 2.5 inches
- R score: 2.5 (non insulated), 4.2 (insulated)
- Material: 20D polyester
Why It Made the Reduce
Skilled backpackers trying to shave off a number of ounces from their equipment (on the expense of sturdiness) will admire the consolation and options of the Tensor.
Execs
- Light-weight
- Snug baffling
- Possibility to make use of velcro strap (.2 ounce) or stuff sack (.6 ounce)
- Optionally available pump sack (1.9 ounces)
Cons
- Much less sturdy than different pads
Product Description
Backpackers who just like the baffling of the Sea to Summit Ether Mild however are tempted by the low weight of the Thermarest NeoAir XLite will discover some center floor with the Tensor Ultralight collection. I additionally like that the Tensor comes with a light-weight elective pump sack, in order that backpackers can select, journey to journey, between a few ounces of weight financial savings and the comfort of fast inflation once they attain camp.
For an additional couple of additional ounces, there’s additionally the choice to extend the R worth of the non-insulated pad (acceptable for decrease elevation summer time treks solely) to an R worth that may get you out to the shoulder seasons and as much as alpine terrain. This quantity of customization makes the Tensor stand out from the opposite finest backpacking sleeping pad, and it’s one thing that backpackers who oscillate between informal weekend journeys and big-mile days and week-long treks will admire.
The thinness of the material implies that you’ll must take particular care to make sure the Tensor doesn’t develop a leak. New backpackers ought to go together with the Greatest Total or Greatest Funds choose for his or her larger sturdiness.
Why It Made the Reduce
The Z Lite Sol is light-weight with a good R worth. This pad will work for many backpackers irrespective of their motive to purchase a closed-cell foam pad.
Key Options
- Measurement vary: Small (20 inches x 47 inches) and Common (20 inches x 72 inches)
- Weight: 14 ounces for a daily
- R score: 2
- Reflective ThermaCapture coating
Execs
- Light-weight
- Insulated coating
Cons
- Packs down to six inches thick
- Doesn’t embody a field for storage
Product Description
Therm-a-rest advises Z Lite sleepers to maintain the shiny silver facet of the mat as much as replicate physique warmth. Nonetheless, because of this the insulation is uncovered when the pad is folded. Any closed-cell foam pad is liable to being thrashed a bit whereas bushwhacking or dropping your pack as a result of they’re strapped to the skin of your backpack. I might moderately the insulation fold inward in order that it isn’t being compromised by abrasive sticks and rocks. The reflective coating nonetheless offers the SOL an edge on the FlexMats. What makes this pad nice is the load and R worth, however the inefficient accordion fold makes this pad pack down moderately massive for its .75 inch thickness. Whereas not as comfy because the FlexMat Plus or the Switchback, it’s extra comfy than the FlexMat. This middle-of-the-road pad is finest for layering however can successfully be used by itself. -Ashley Thess
Key Options
- Out there sizes: S (20 inches x 47 inches) to RW (25 inches x 77 inches)
- Weight: 12.5 ounces for a daily (8.3 ounces for a small)
- Peak: 2.5 inches
- R score: 4.2
- Material: 30D ripstop HT nylon
Why It Made the Reduce
The NeoAir XLite strips away the comfort and options of different pads, whereas retaining a excessive R worth and staying comfy, to make it one of many lightest pads out there.
Execs
- Snug sufficient to cushion hips on even rocky terrain
- Very light-weight in comparison with different pads with an analogous R worth
- Surprisingly sturdy for its cloth thickness
Cons
- Complicated valve, no included pump sack
- Crinkles loudly once you shift your weight
Product Description
I’ve efficiently used the NeoAir XLite for lots of of miles on a number of thru-hikes. It’s the right mixture of sunshine weight and luxury, with an R score that may see you thru alpine adventures and shoulder-season excursions alike.
Regardless of the comparatively skinny materials, the one mishap I’ve skilled with the NeoAir XLite was after I inadvertently slept on prime of an particularly pointy rock (the 4-inch stack peak ensured I didn’t even discover it was there), which resulted in a deflated mattress by morning. Happily, I used to be in a position to patch the pad with the restore equipment the subsequent day.
The most recent mannequin of the NeoAir XLite incorporates a distinct air valve design than earlier years, so for those who’re shopping for a substitute pad that is one thing to be careful for. The concept behind the brand new valve design is that it prevents air from escaping the mattress while you’re inflating it. I discovered this valve much less intuitive to make use of than earlier iterations—it’s value practising at house earlier than taking it out on a multi-night trek.
Key Options
- Out there sizes: S (20 inches x 48 inches) to XL (25 inches x 78 inches) and a double-wide (50 inches x 78 inches)
- Weight: 22 ounces
- Peak: 3.25 inches
- R score: 4.5
- Material: 40D ripstop nylon
Why It Made the Reduce
This can be a high quality air mattress at an reasonably priced worth that works nice for shoulder season backpacking. The basic rectangular design makes it really feel bigger than it truly is.
Execs
- Comparatively low worth
- Thick sufficient for facet sleepers to sleep comfortably
- Excessive R worth for the value level
Cons
- Huge baffles make for a bumpier sleeping floor
- Troublesome to place again into its small stuff sack
- Heaviest pump sack I examined was additionally the toughest to make use of (however nonetheless higher than blowing into the valve myself)
Product Description
After you’ve shelled out main {dollars} for a backpack, a tent, and a sleeping bag, there isn’t at all times so much leftover for a sleeping pad. However the Huge Agnes Insulated Air Core Extremely is an reasonably priced choice that’s heat sufficient to take you up into the alpine and into the shoulder seasons and comfy sufficient to make sure you’re truly glad to be on the market.
The Air Core Extremely makes use of vertical baffles which are considerably wider than others in the marketplace—for the 20 inches x 72 inches measurement, the Huge Agnes had six baffles, whereas the Exped Extremely 3R had eight. This meant that after I was resting on my again, I might really feel the person baffles beneath me. It’s not uncomfortable, per say, however it’s distracting. That stated, facet sleepers will discover the thickness of this mattress fairly comfortable.
At 3.9 ounces, the pump sack for the Air Core Extremely was simply the heaviest we weighed (though props to Huge Agnes for making it out of upcycled pad materials) and took noticeably longer to make use of than the variations from Exped, Sea to Summit, Nemo, or UST.
Greatest Funds Closed-Cell Foam Pad: Exped FlexMat
Why It Made the Reduce
At simply $35, this is a perfect minimalist mat or a superb base layer to guard and beef up the R worth of your inflatable pad for a low worth level.
Key Options
- Measurement vary: S (20.5 inches x 47.2 inches) to LW (25.6 inches x 77.6 inches)
- Weight: 11.5 ounces for a medium
- R score: 1.5
- Thickness: .75 inches
Execs
- Light-weight
- Packs down to simply 4.5 inches thick
- Resilient
Cons
- Low R worth, even for closed-cell foam pads
Product Description
The FlexMat is the thinnest foam pad I examined. Whereas not essentially the most comfy by itself, it’s low-profile and light-weight for ultralighters or as the bottom for an inflatable pad. Perfect for layering, this slim piece of froth might be the distinction between a punctured inflatable pad and simply 11.5 additional ounces. It’s most actually extra comfy than sleeping on the bottom and it’s comparatively sturdy when branches and rocks inevitably scratch it. The nodes on this pad are additionally essentially the most resilient of all of the closed-cell foam pads on this check. They don’t present any apparent indicators of flattening out and so they rapidly recuperate after being squashed by sleeping or sitting. It’s a flexible and worthy addition to your pack for an all-in-one butt pad, scorching pad, sled, insulator, and sleeping pad at a low worth level and minimal further weight. -Ashley Thess
Key Options
- Out there sizes: R (72 inches x 23 inches) to XL (78 inches x 29 inches) and a double (78 inches x 53 inches)
- Weight: 2 lbs, 4.5 ounces
- Peak: 2.5 inches (the XL and the double are 5 inches)
- R score: 2.1
- Material: 75D polyester
Why It Made the Reduce
This sleeping pad was so comfy and splendid that we’re prepared to miss its weight for informal weekend journeys or quick treks to a basecamp.
Execs
- Extraordinarily comfy
- Surprisingly small packed measurement for a pad with a foam topper
Cons
Product Description
If you’d like one pad for automobile tenting and low-key backpacking journeys, look no additional. The Klymaloft has a foam topper above the inflatable air chambers, which makes it really feel nearer to an precise mattress than something we tried—together with conventional automobile tenting pads. You can nearly overlook you weren’t at house in your personal mattress.
One factor we seen throughout testing was that the development of the valve is totally different from commonplace backpacking sleeping pads—a few of our testers thought at first that it wanted a pump to inflate—nevertheless it works the identical as a daily air valve when you get the hold of it. Two tie-down straps make this yet another of a chore to pack down than different backpacking pads, however as soon as I had it cinched in, its packed quantity was surprisingly near different pads within the check.
Whereas the Klymaloft is unacceptably heavy by light-weight backpacking requirements, the additional weight is well worth the good evening’s sleep is value the additional weight, at the very least on low-mileage journeys.
Greatest Closed-Cell Foam Pad for Aspect Sleepers: Exped FlexMat Plus
Why It Made the Reduce
The FlexMat Plus is a whopping 1.5 inches thick because of an aggressive egg carton sample. This offers additional heat and luxury with out including an excessive amount of weight.
Key Options
- Measurement vary: S (20.5 inches x 47.2 inches) to LW (25.6 inches x 77.6 inches)
- Weight: 16.9 ounces for a medium
- R score: 2.2
- Thickness: 1.5 inches
Execs
Cons
- Packs all the way down to 7 inches thick
- Not good for abdomen sleepers
Product Description
For those who’re a slide sleeper that wishes to provide closed-cell foam pads an opportunity, that is the very best backpacking sleeping pad for you. The FlexMat Plus is comfy by itself for summer time journeys and provides a major 2.2 bump in R worth to an inflatable pad for colder temperatures. This lets you spend much less on an inflatable pad, since you gained’t must shell out for the next R worth. This technique additionally permits you to skip the additional ounces of a further pad when the climate is heat whereas staying comfy. Nonetheless, for those who’re a abdomen sleeper, this won’t be the pad for you. I discovered the intense egg carton sample of the closed-cell foam to be uncomfortable when turned onto my abdomen. Nonetheless, when mendacity on my again or facet, this pad was plush. -Ashley Thess
Key Options
- Out there sizes: M (72 inches x 41.3 inches) to LW (77.6 inches x 51.2 inches)
- Weight: 29.3 ounces
- Peak: 3 inches
- R score: 2.9
- Material: 20D ripstop polyester
Why It Made the Reduce
A cushty, light-weight double-width pad, appropriate for summer time adventuring. The included air sack made this straightforward to inflate.
Execs
- Nice pump sack
- Light-weight for its measurement
Cons
- Decrease R score than different double-wide pads out there
Product Description
Whether or not you want to share a pad with a major different, or simply need the additional area in your personal consolation, the Extremely 3R Duo is a good alternative. Its easy vertical baffles had been comfy to lie on in a number of positions—again, facet, abdomen—and the tapered foot design mirrors the form of plenty of backpacking tents in the marketplace.
{Couples} will like that the baffles for either side of the mat are inflated individually, which reduces the chance that your accomplice will wake you up in the midst of the evening, whereas people utilizing the Extremely 3R Duo will admire that they roll by way of seamlessly, avoiding an uncomfortable spot in the midst of the mat.
Throughout testing, I discovered that the massive pump sack captured a stunning quantity of air (I used to be in a position to inflate your complete air mattress in 4 rounds), however that I needed to watch the neck of the pump sack to verify it didn’t get twisted. Whereas not as intuitive to make use of because the Sea to Summit pump sack, the roll-top design made this yet another environment friendly with apply.
Key Options
- Out there sizes: M (72 inches x 41.3 inches) to LW (77.6 inches x 51.2 inches)
- Weight: 21 ounces
- Peak: 2.7 inches
- R score: 1.7
- Material: 20D nylon (backside) and 30D polyester (prime)
Why It Made the Reduce
The small profile, ease of use, and low value make the UST Freestyle the right entry level for anybody questioning if it’s time to change from closed cell-foam.
Execs
- Roll-top closure made this the simplest pad to place away of any that we examined
- Enjoyable design
- Built-in pump sack
- Low worth
Cons
- Low R worth is barely acceptable for summer time journeys (however equal to closed cell-foam)
- Unusual baffling design might be tough to get comfy on for again sleepers
Product Description
For those who or somebody you understand thinks that inflatable air pads simply aren’t well worth the trouble—too onerous to inflate or deflate, not well worth the worth, no want for that a lot consolation within the backcountry anyhow—that is the very best backpacking sleeping pad to transform them. Whereas the daring shade selections listed here are what grabbed our consideration at first, it was the distinctive built-in stuff sack and pump sack that made the UST Freestyle stand out: with this sleeping pad, you place the deflated, rolled-up sleeping pad immediately into the stuff sack after which use the roll prime to cinch all the way down to a smaller measurement—no must roll after which reroll your pad to get each sq. inch of air again out. Genius.
Whereas the baffling design of the Freestyle made it one of many least comfy pads in our check, it’s nonetheless miles higher than closed-cell foam pads or—and we all know you wouldn’t do that—sleeping immediately on the bottom. Its stacked peak is greater than sufficient to guard your hips from onerous rock surfaces, and the 1.7 R score offers respectable insulation from the chilly floor in the summertime months.
One notice on the load: this pad got here in at 9 ounces heavier on my scale than it states on the web site.
FAQs
Q: How a lot do backpacking sleeping pads value?
A top quality backpacking sleeping pad usually runs $100 to $200, with these appropriate for winter tenting upwards of $250. (Closed cell-foam pads are nearer to $50.)
Q: Do I would like a sleeping pad for backpacking?
For those who’re younger and solely planning to summer time backpack for an evening or two in a forest with a cushioned, pine-needle flooring (I’m taking a look at you, Oregon), then perhaps—perhaps—you may get away with no sleeping pad. However we wouldn’t suggest it. For shoulder season or winter journey, or any journey at altitude, the heat offered by a backpacking sleeping pad is important, not solely to your consolation, but in addition to your security.
Q: What R worth ought to I search for on a sleeping pad?
Like with sleeping luggage, this could be a private query, as totally different folks run totally different temperatures naturally. For summer time adventures by way of the foothills, you may disregard this quantity, as nearly any R worth will do. For shoulder season backpacking, or for those who plan to spend important time within the alpine, an R worth of three to five is finest. Anybody planning on a backpacking journey the place subzero temperatures are a risk must have a pad rated to at the very least 6. Alter as wanted for those who sleep chilly or run scorching. Backpackers who use quilts, versus conventional sleeping luggage, ought to select a pad with an R worth that’s barely larger than they suppose they want.
Q: Are self-inflating pads a good selection for backpacking?
No. There are three primary causes to keep away from them: First, the effort and muscle energy required to pressure the pad again into its stuff sack the subsequent morning outweighs the comfort. Subsequent, these pads are usually a lot thinner for a similar weight, which suggests you usually tend to really feel the onerous floor beneath your again or hips. Lastly, the pump sacks offered by (and even built-in into) plenty of the above picks fully eliminates the light-headedness that you simply would possibly keep in mind from blowing up sleeping pads up to now. Only some mild breaths (lower than you’d use to blow out a candle) are wanted to inflate these sacks.
Methodology
I’ve trekked for 1000’s of miles (sleeping lots of of nights within the backcountry) and used that have to guage these sleeping pads on the components which are crucial to backpackers: consolation, ease of inflation/deflation, packed measurement, and an necessary vector I’m going to name stay-on-ness—i.e., how straightforward was it to wiggle off the facet after I tossed and turned in a typical sleeping bag. Weight and stack peak had been checked towards producer specs, and the stack peak and weight figures revealed on this overview had been taken from our personal measurements. Stack peak measurements had been taken in the midst of the pad, and based mostly on the utmost inflation I used to be in a position to obtain utilizing the accompanying pump sack (or blowing into the pad itself if one wasn’t offered). As such, some measurements might differ from the producer web sites.
Sturdiness was evaluated based mostly on the material kind used, however we’ll be sending the highest pads out into the sector with backpackers this summer time to higher consider how varied fail factors (seams, valves) maintain as much as the pains of the path. We’ll proceed to replace our overview because the season progresses.
Remaining Ideas
Although not thought-about one of many “Huge 3,” selecting the very best backpacking sleeping pad in your sleep type and the temperatures you intend to trek out into is important for avoiding the dreaded Kind 3 enjoyable. I generally skimped on pads after I was youthful. However with extra expertise, I discovered {that a} good sleeping pad makes it so much simpler to get a superb evening’s sleep, and that in flip makes the subsequent day’s journey all of the extra enjoyable. I like to recommend desirous about your sleeping pad, sleeping bag or quilt, and, ideally, a pillow, as an entire system and price range your funds and ounces accordingly.
