Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads: Field-Trialed & Tested [2023 Update]

What are the best sleeping pads for backpacking?

We’ve tested sleeping pads on the trail, at home and in our yards over the last few years, and present to you our shortlist below of the best sleeping pads of 2023.

• Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
• NEMO Tensor Insulated
• Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm
• NEMO Switchback
• Klymit Static V2
• Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated
• Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX
• Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated
• Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra
• Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus

Sleeping Pad Reviews Comparison Table

Product Name	Category	Shape	R-Value	Weight	Thickness
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT	Air	Mummy	4.5	13 oz (369g)	2.5”
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir UberLite	Air	Mummy	2.3	8.8 oz (250g)	2.5″
NEMO Tensor Insulated	Air	Mummy/Rectangular	3.5	1 lb 1 oz (490g)	3”
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT	Air	Mummy	7.3	16 oz (430g)	3”
NEMO Switchback	Closed Cell Foam	Rectangular	2	10.5 oz (300g)	0.9”
Klymit Static V2	Air	Rectangular	1.3	1 lb (454g)	2.5”
Sea To Summit UltraLight Insulated	Air	Mummy	3.1	1 lb 0.9 oz (480g)	2”
Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX	Air	Rectangular	3.2	1 lb 2 oz (510g)	3.5” (4.25” rails)
Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated	Air	Mummy	4	1 lb 13.8 oz (854g)	2.5”
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra	Air	Rectangular	4.5	1 lb 6 oz (626g)	3.25” (3.5” rails)
Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus	Self-Inflating (hybrid)	Mummy	3.2	1 lb (454g)	1.5”

How To Choose A Sleeping Pad For Backpacking?

When choosing a new backpacking sleeping mat we suggest you consider the following features in the list below.

• Type of Sleeping Pad
• R-Value
• Thickness and Comfort
• Size and Shape
• Weight & Packed Size
• Durability (Denier)
• Inflation and Deflation

Type Of Sleeping Pad

When choosing a backpacking sleeping pad, you’ll have three options – air pads, self-inflating pads, and closed-cell foam pads.

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 cause air loss overnight.
• 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: Sharp sticks and rocks could lead to punctures.
• Mold: Using lung power to inflate your pad introduces moisture from your breath, which can degrade 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. For backpackers looking for a combination of durability and comfort, then self-inflating pads are the way to go thanks to their puncture-resistant design and combination of air and foam insulation.

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 and 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 are made of closed foam cells. Closed-cell foam pads are a popular choice for thru-hikers because of their versatility, light weight,and puncture-proof design.

Closed Cell Foam Pros:

• Durability: Closed-cell foam is puncture-resistant, durable, and 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 a summer backpacking trip
• 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.

 

R-Value

When choosing a sleeping pad for backpacking, the r-value should be a top priority because this tells you how well the pad insulates.

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, this should keep you 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 sleeping pad reviews, the tested models 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 NXT with an impressive 7.3 R-value rating.

Why is a sleeping bag on its own not enough? A warm sleeping bag loses much of its effectiveness as the bottom insulation is compressed under you by your body weight. This compression reduces the loft and with it your bag’s ability to stay warm on the underside.

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 sleeping pad: 3 to 5
• Cold weather 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 recommend you get a pad with a higher r-value.

R-values can be“stacked” 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 and purchase a cheaper pad to slip underneath.

Always prioritize warmth over weight, and select a pad that will do its primary function well.

Warmth-to-weight ratio is all-important as it indicates how efficient a pad is at keeping you warm for its overall weight. The overall leader in this category is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm, which has an R-Value of 7.3 and yet only weighs 16 ounces.

 

Thickness And Comfort

Thickness and comfort are also important considerations when choosing a new sleeping pad. There is, however, a balance to be struck against weight.

It’s important to find a pad that is thick enough to suit your sleeping style without “bottoming out” (coming into contact with the ground through the pad). 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 more weight around the hips and shoulders, whereas back sleeping more evenly distributes your weight across the pad. If you sleep on your side, consider a thicker option to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Sleeping pads range from around an inch up to 3.5 inches in thickness, with air pads the thickest of the bunch. The Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX is the thickest model we tested 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 its two layers of air-sprung cells.

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 the noise will reduce over time as the materials “wear in”. 

Size And Shape

The size and shape of your pad is well worth considering when choosing. 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 and 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 full-length ones. The major benefit is the weight reduction of your sleep system.

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 and lets you split the carried weight

Backpacking 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

The weight and packed size of your sleeping pad is crucial consideration, especially if you plan on putting in the miles on the trails.

Before rushing out to buy the lightest model available, 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 tested 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. This includes our overall winner, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (13 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 and packing space.

Self-inflating or closed-cell foam pads have larger packed sizes. 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, so is another important consideration when choosing your pad.

The denier of fabric is a measure of the weight of the individual fibers, with higher deniers representing heavier weights. A reasonable rule of thumb is that 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. 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

How easy it is to inflate and deflate your sleeping pad is a key consideration when choosing.

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. They also take some time to deflate and their upright profile takes up pack space.

Newer designs 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.

Our testers love Therm-a-Rest’s 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

How To Care For Backpacking Sleeping Mats?

Sleeping pads are delicate pieces of backpacking gear, but with proper care and repair, they can last a long time.

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 is advisable for peace of mind.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads: The Verdict

Our testers unanimously agreed that the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is the best backpacking sleeping pad in the business. This pad has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, has a solid r-value for three-season camping and backpacking, and scores highly in the comfort metric.

For something a little cheaper, we recommend the Klymit Static V and the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra. The BA Air Core is the warmer and more comfortable of the two, but the Klymit Static V is a real bargain and ideal for summer camping.

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