Best Sleeping Pads For Blissful Backcountry ZZZs [2023 Edition]

A high-quality sleeping pad is one of the most important items of outdoor gear you can have. The perfect sleeping pad will not only shave a few valuable ounces off your backpack weight, but it will also help to keep you warm, comfortable and to enjoy a good night’s sleep. 

To help you find the best sleeping mat for your camping adventures, we’ve created a list of our top eleven picks for 2023. We’ve also included a detailed buyer’s guide that will provide all the info you need to make the right choice. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight inflatable sleeping pad, a backpacking air mattress, or a beefy, insulated model for cold-weather camping, our guide to our favorite sleeping pads has got you covered!

Best Sleeping Pads: Our Top 11 Picks

The best backpacking pads for sleeping protect you from the hard ground, keep your body insulated & pack down small and light. There are a wide variety of different types of sleeping pads to suit any preference or budget. It’s important that you get the best possible sleep while on an outdoor adventure so we’ve put together our top picks below.

Backpacking Sleeping Pad Buying Advice

Sleeping Pad Types

Air Pads

Air pads work like inflatable mattresses but are refined to suit the demands of life on the trail. They are lightweight, easy to inflate and deflate, and durable enough for long backpacking trips. For these reasons, air sleeping pads are one of the most popular choices for backpackers.

Air Pads Pros:

• Lightweight: Inflatable sleeping pads are often between 1/2 to 1 pound in weight
• Packed Size: Packing down to the size of a nalgene bottle (or smaller) is the norm, making it easy to store them in your backpack
• Comfort: Provide the most thickness, and the firmness can be customized by releasing or adding air

Air Pads Cons:

• Overnight Deflation: Slow punctures and poor valve design can mean a loss of air overnight. The result? The feeling of bottoming out when you move.
• Noise: Certain pads/brands are worse than others, but movement can result in an annoying crinkly/crackly noise.
• Expensive: Most air pads are upwards of $150 or more.
• Durability: Be wary of sharp sticks & rocks around the campsite which could lead to punctures.
• Mold: Using lung power to inflate your pad introduces moisture from your breath, which can degrade its performance or result in mold issues.

Self Inflating Sleeping Pads

Self-inflating sleeping pads use a combination of open-cell foam and space for the pad to inflate with air. The first self-inflating mattresses were introduced to the market by Therm-a-Rest in 1972. A common sight a decade ago, their popularity has diminished somewhat. However,  for backpackers looking for a combination of durability and comfort, then self-inflating pads are the way to go.

Self-Inflating Pad Pros:

• Durability: Self-inflating pads are more puncture resistant and offer some padding if it deflates
• Insulation: Thanks to the combination of closed-cell foam & air, they have R-values suitable for 3-season backpacking
• Comfort: Not as comfortable as an inflatable pad, but thanks to the closed foam, more comfortable than a deflated inflatable pad.

Self-Inflating Pad Cons:

• Packed Size & Weight: The foam adds weight and bulk, making them heavier and bigger than air pads when packed down
• Thickness: Side-sleepers may not find them the most comfortable as they are thinner than air pads

Closed Cell-Foam Pads

Closed-cell foam sleeping pads, as the name suggests, are made of closed foam cells. Closed-cell foam pads are a popular choice for thru-hikers because of their versatility and lightweight design.

Closed Cell Foam Pros:

• Durability: Closed-cell foam is puncture-resistant, durable, & weatherproof
• Lightweight: Normal to weigh less than a pound, and even less if you opt for one that only covers your torso

Closed Cell Foam Cons:

• Comfort: The least comfortable option of the three due to their “rigidness” and lack of thickness
• Insulation: Thinner, with less insulation, closed-cell foam pads have low R-values making them only suitable as your primary pad for summer trips
• Packed Size: These pads fold down, rather than pack and have the largest packed size. As a result, it’s necessary to strap them to the outside of your pack.

Sleeping Pad R-Value: How Much Insulation Do You Need?

The primary function of a sleeping pad is to provide a layer of insulation between your body and the cold ground. When combined with your sleeping bag you should stay warm through the night. Sleeping pad R-values are the industry’s measure of how much insulation a pad provides, and should be considered together with the comfort rating of your sleeping bag.

The higher the R-Value number, the more insulation the pad will provide against the cold. In our review sleeping pads range from the Klymit V2 with an R-value of 1.3 suitable only for warm-weather backpacking, to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm with an impressive 6.9 R.value rating.

Unlike the EN ratings for sleeping bags, R-values don’t instantly “translate” into a temperature but we would recommend the following values:

• Summer backpacking: 1 to 3
• 3-Season backpacking: 3 to 5
• Winter camping in snow: 5+

The values above are a rough rule of thumb and should be used in combination with sleeping bags rated for the worst weather conditions you expect to face. If you are a cold sleeper then we would recommend you get a pad with a higher r-value.

One thing to note is that R-values “stack” i.e. placing multiple pads on top of each other is the equivalent of adding their R-values together. If you go backpacking all year, rather than buying an expensive pad for each season, you can opt for a good 3-season option & purchase a cheaper pad to slip underneath. Many backpackers opt for a foam mat together with an inflatable pad.

Talk to any backpacker about sleeping pads for camping, and warmth to weight is a term that will crop up. Ever obsessed with weight reduction, warmth-to-weight indicates how efficient a pad is at keeping you warm for its overall weight. 

The overall leader in this sub-category is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm, which with the warmest R-Value of 6.9 is also an impressive 15 ounces.

Some new sleeping pads are rated based on a new standardized ATSM International test. The test gives more accurate and reliable ratings, although, unfortunately, it is not commonplace yet.

The test involves sandwiching the pads between a hot plate and a cold plate, which mimics your warm body, and the cold ground.

For the pad to stay at a consistent 35 degrees Celcius, testers measure how much energy the top plate uses. The less energy used to keep the pad at 35c, the more insulated it is.

Thickness and Comfort

Thickness and comfort are important, but there is a balance to be struck against weight. While the design of backpacking sleeping pads is constantly improving, they are less plush and thinner than a heavier camping mattress.

It’s important to find one that is thick enough to suit your sleeping style without “bottoming out” (coming into contact with the ground through the pad). You’ll find your hips and shoulders are the biggest pressure points, and selecting a pad that is too thin may result in an uncomfortable and sleepless night.

This is particularly true for side sleepers, as side sleeping puts a higher amount of weight around the hips and shoulders, whereas back sleeping more evenly distributes your weight. If you sleep on your side, then you should consider a thicker option to ensure a comfortable night’s rest.

Sleeping pads range from around an inch up to 3.5 inches in thickness, with air pads providing the thickest and most comfortable sleep. The Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX is the thickest model in our review at 3.5″ making it a great option for side-sleepers. Although thinner at 2.5″, we found the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated provided excellent levels of comfort thanks to the two layers of air-sprung cells incorporated into its design.

Another consideration if you are a light sleeper, or shift about a lot during the night. is that air pads will make some noise. Some models such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite are particularly noisy, although as the materials “wear in” the noise will reduce over time. 

Dimensions and Shape

The required dimensions will largely be determined by your height and weight — although there are some exceptions given below. Most sleeping pad models are available in two or three sizes:

• Small: Typically 66″ long and 20 to 25 inches wide.
• Regular: can be anywhere from 72 to 80 inches long and 20 to 25 inches wide.
• Large: 77-80 inches long and 25 inches wide.

Knowing your height will help you select the right length of pad, but when it comes to the width it will come down to your sleep style & how restless you are. Back sleepers prefer a wider option to help keep their arms from sliding off. If you shift a lot in your sleep then a wider pad, particularly one that has rails (slightly thicker outer beams), will help keep you off the ground during the night.

Also available are torso sleeping pads that are around half the length of regular pads. These pads only cover your upper body so are less comfortable than the full-length ones. The major benefit is the weight reduction of your sleep system.

A few double sleeping pads are available for couples — many of the Big Agnes models come in a doublewide option (40″ wide). However, these pads are heavy to carry and have a large packed size. As a result, many couples prefer to bring two sleeping pads as it allows each pad to suit its sleeper & allows you to split the carried weight

Backpacking sleeping pads come in two different shapes — rectangular pads and mummy pads. Rectangular pads are more spacious and comfortable. Mummy pads taper towards the feet to cut weight. Again, we’d recommend side-sleepers opt for the rectangular pad.

Weight & Packed Size

As one of the four heaviest items in your pack, choosing a lightweight sleeping pad is a common priority for backpackers. However, before rushing out to buy the lightest model in our review we’d caution you to consider your nighttime comfort as well. A few more ounces on your back during the day may well be worth the weight if it ensures you get a restful night’s sleep.

The backpacking sleeping pads we reviewed range from the lightweight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite at 8.8 oz up to the heavy (but comfortable) Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, weighing in at nearly 40 ounces. However, most sleeping pads sit in the 12 – 18 ounce range offering a respectable balance of weight, warmth, and comfort. Including our overall winner, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite weighing a respectable 12.5 ounces.

While weight gets most of the attention, don’t overlook the sleeping pads packed size (or volume). The packed size will depend on the type of insulation, fabric thickness, and type of pad.

Lightly insulated air pads are the most compact with some capable of compressing down to the size of a soda can. This makes air pads a great choice for ultralighters looking to save weight & packing space.

Packed size can pose an issue for self-inflating or closed-cell foam pads. Most closed-cell sleeping pads will need to be strapped to the outside of your pack.

Self-inflating sleeping pads have similar issues but constantly improving designs mean some like the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus are still compact enough to slip into a backpack.

Durability (Denier)

Denier is the most common measure of durability in the outdoor gear world. The denier of fabric is a measure of the weight of the individual fibers, with higher deniers representing heavier weights. While not 1-to-1 when comparing different materials, a reasonable rule of thumb is to assume a higher denier equals a more durable fabric.

Finding the perfect balance between weight and durability is crucial.

Lower-denier fabrics are more prone to durability issues in the wilderness. So if you plan to choose an ultralight low denier option, you will need a greater understanding of how to care for and repair your gear in the field.

Our top pick as the best ultralight sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite achieves its low weight by using 15D nylon. Our budget pick, the Klymit V2 is also our most durable, with a 75D polyester fabric used for the bottom layer.

Inflation and Deflation: Valve Types

Traditional sleeping pad valves open and close by twisting and pushing a plastic valve on the mat. These are inefficient as the valve is completely open while inflating, which makes it easier for air to escape in between breaths. In addition, they take some time to deflate and their upright profile takes up pack space.

In newer designs, manufacturers have opted to use flat valves to address this issue. Flat valves have a slimmer profile, making them easier to pack. This valve design has two dedicated openings, one for inflation and one for deflation. This is coupled with a flap that maximizes air retention during pumping.

Therm-a-Rest is the leader in sleep pad innovation, and in Spring 2020 released their new WingLock valve™. This valve offers one-way inflation with no air loss between breaths, although we find it’s not as fast to inflate as a flat valve. To deflate the pad you turn both the cap and the cap “wings”. It’s a great sturdy design and is replaceable if it breaks.

While you can inflate your pad using lung power it’s much simpler to inflate with pump sacks. Many pump sacks are now manufactured to double up as a stuff sack, and some can be used as a dry bag.

Not only will a pump sack give your lungs some respite, but it also helps prevent moisture (from your breath) from getting into the pad. This is important for two reasons:

• Adding moisture can result in bacteria or mold growing inside your pad.
• During winter trips where moisture will reduce R-Value.

Women’s-Specific Sleeping Pads

While women can use unisex sleeping pads, several manufacturers have gone one step further and offer female-specific sleeping pads. These pads offer several improvements for female backpackers.

• Shorter:  A shorter length helps to reduce unneeded extra weight
• Improved comfort: Adjusted the foam design around the hips to provide greater comfort at one of the main contact points
• Improved Warmth: Women are known to sleep cold compared to men — which is why female versions may offer improved R-value compared to the unisex version

Caring for Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Sleeping pads can be one of the most delicate pieces of your backpacking gear, but with proper care & repair, they can last a long time. How best to care for your pad largely depends on its type.

When you return from the trail, always unroll a self-inflating pad and open the valve. If it is stored compressed, the foam will become too dense and inhibit its ability to self-inflate. Unfortunately, unrolled, these camping pads are quite large but many backpackers hide them under a bed or couch when not in use.

Closed-cell foam sleeping pads, while durable, should also be unrolled if they’re the rollable type. Also ensure you don’t leave any heavy objects directly on top of them while they’re in storage.

Air pad storage is by far the simplest – take the air out of the pad and put it in a storage bag to prevent punctures. On the trail, however, inflatable pads are the most delicate type of camping mat. 

Always check your sleeping area for rocks, sticks, etc, and pack a small repair kit in case a puncture occurs. Most air pads come with a repair kit, but packing some tenacious tape costs little additional weight, but provides you with peace of mind.