Best Camping Sleeping Pads
The best sleeping pads for camping, thru-hiking, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors.
The best camping sleeping pad isn’t necessarily a question with a single answer. Which pad is best for you will depend on multiple factors including the conditions you’ll be using it in and the importance of variables such as weight, price, and comfort.
You’ll first need to assess how warm of a sleeping pad you need based on conditions – measured with the pad’s R-value. Next, look at inflatable pads versus foam sleeping pads. In colder temperatures, using a combination of both can be an excellent (and warm) solution. Finally, you’ll want to consider how important pad weight, comfort, and compatibility are in terms of your setup. For ultralight backpacking, you may want to consider something like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, but for shorter backpacking trips where weight might not be as much of an issue, the comfortable Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated may be a better option.
The following list of the best sleeping pads for camping, thru-hiking, and backpacking comes from my personal experience and the results of tens of thousands of hiker responses provided by the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and John Muir Trail hiker surveys.
The chart at the bottom includes other (similar) sleeping pads available.
Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
+ Fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio weighing just 13 oz / 369 g with an R-value of 4.5
+ Much quieter than previous versions of the same pad
+ Easy-to-use one-way inflation and deflation valve
+ Packs down to 9 x 4.1 in / 23 x 10 cm
– More expensive than many other options
– 30D rip HT Nylon susceptible to punctures
– Takes a few extra seconds to fully deflate
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is the latest and notably improved, version of the Therm-a-Rest XLite sleeping pad. At just 13 oz / 369 g with an R-value of 4.5, it offers one of the best weight-to-warmth ratios available in a three-season sleeping pad. The NXT has also addressed a long-standing issue with the XLite and it’s now significantly quieter. It has an easy-to-operate, one-way valve that makes inflation, deflation, and adjustments easy. The pad is made with 30D nylon and you’ll need to be careful where you set it up as it is susceptible to punctures. Besides that, the price of the XLite NXT may be what holds some buyers back. Check it out here.
Runner-Up: NEMO Equipment Tensor (Mummy/Insulated)
+ Great warmth-to-weight ratio with a 4.2 R-value and weighing 14.5 oz / 410 g (mummy/insulated)
+ Low-profile, one-way inflation valve with quick deflation
+ Insulated and non-insulated versions with mummy, rectangular, rectangular/wide, and long/wide options
+ Comfortable “Spaceframe baffle construction”
+ Included pump sack
– Thin fabric susceptible to punctures
– Manual inflation requires pressing your face into the pad
The NEMO Equipment Tensor has recently become a favorite among thru-hikers and weekend backpackers alike. It boasts a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio with a 4.2 R-value in a 14.5 oz / 410 g package. Multiple sizes and styles are also available with both insulated and non-insulated versions available in regular mummy, regular, regular wide, and long wide configurations. Its one-way valve makes inflation and deflation easy, but because the valve is low-profile if you’re not inflating the pad with the included pump sack, you’ll need to smash the pad into your face to get it all the way inflated. The baffle construction is also quite comfortable for sleepers of all positions. Check it out here.
Foam Option: NEMO Equipment Switchback
+ Available in regular and short lengths
+ Easily deployed and folded up
+ Inexpensive compared to air pad alternatives
– Can expect the pad to flatten out substantially with repeated use
– R-value of 2 not suitable for cold environments
– Bulky (the nature of all foam pads)
– Not comfortable for most side sleepers
The NEMO Equipment Switchback is a foldable foam sleeping pad that weighs 14.5 oz / 415 g with an R-value of 2. It’s a lightweight package that can be easily deployed, packed away, or used as an accessible sit pad during the day. That said, like all foam pads, it’s quite bulky and if you’re not using it as part of your pack’s frame, you’ll have to strap it to the exterior of your pack. It will compress significantly with extended use and the already thin pad will get even thinner. If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to be wary of foam pads for this reason. But the Switchback is a practical and affordable alternative to most of the air pads available. Check it out here.
Budget Option: Klymit Static V2
+ One of the most affordable inflatable sleeping pads
+ Relatively lightweight – especially given the price – at 16 oz / 454 g
+ Packs down to 8 x 3 in / 20 x 8 cm
+ 75D bottom fabric tougher than most ultralight sleeping pads
+ One-way inflation valve
– R-value of 1.3 not suitable for cold environments
– Thin for an air pad at 2.5 in / 6 cm
– Takes some work to fully deflate
The Klymit Static V2 breaks the mold of the air pad market by not breaking the bank. While most pads are over $100 or even $200, the Static V2 sits well below $100 making it one of the most affordable inflatable sleeping pads available. If you want an even less expensive version, there’s also the Klymit Static V (not the V2) for around $5 cheaper, but I think the improvements to the V2 make it worth a bit more money. The Static V2 is 16 oz / 454 g with an R-value of 1.3 which means it won’t be suitable for colder conditions. It’s also a bit thinner than other air pads at 2.5 in / 6 cm when fully inflated. Check it out here.
Lightest Option: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
+ 8.8 oz / 250 g in size regular
+ Easy-to-use one-way valve
+ Packs down to 6 x 3.6 in / 15 x 9 cm
+ Includes (optional) pump sack and repair kit
+ Available in four sizes
– 15D nylon extremely susceptible to punctures
– Thin for an air pad at 2.5 in / 6 cm
– Takes some work to fully deflate
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is the lightest full-size sleeping pad available. It weighs just 8.8 oz / 250 g in a size regular (6 oz / 170 g in a size small). The UberLite achieves this by using an incredibly thin 15D nylon and by maintaining a slightly thinner profile at 2.5 in / 6 cm. The UberLite is nearly transparent. It packs down small to 6 x 3.6 in / 15 x 9 cm and uses the Therm-a-Rest WingLock valve which makes inflation, adjustments, and deflation easy. In addition to regular and small sizes, it’s also available in a regular/wide size and a large (i.e. long) version. Be extremely careful when setting this pad up and when packing it next to hard edges in your backpack. Check it out here.
Warmest Option: NEMO Equipment Tensor Extreme Conditions
+ R-value of 8.5 suitable for all conditions
+ Weighs just 15 oz / 454 g in regular/mummy size
+ 3.5 in / 8.9 cm thick
+ Low-profile, one-way inflation valve with quick deflation
+ Available in mummy, rectangular, wide, and long/wide versions
+Lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials
+ Pump bag included for (optional alternative) inflation
– 20D nylon more susceptible to punctures
– Expensive
The NEMO Equipment Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad boasts an impressive 8.5 R-value at a weight of just 15 oz / 454 g (in the regular/mummy size). Besides having an incredibly long name, it’s an incredibly warm pad suitable for colder climates when saving weight is of the utmost importance. However, it doesn’t come cheap and the 20D nylon will puncture if you’re not careful. It has a low-profile one-way valve for easy inflation and quick deflation. For anyone looking for different sizes, it’s also available in mummy, rectangular, rectangular/wide, and long/wide versions. Check it out here.
Comfort Option: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated
+ Comfortable egg carton baffle construction
+ 4 in / 10.1 cm thick
+ Pillow lock system to keep pillow in place
+ Five sizes available
+ Pump sack included
– Expensive
– R-value of 3.2 is a bit low for the weight
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat has an egg carton construction that I find to be one of the most comfortable available when it comes to inflatable sleeping pads. It’s also 4 in / 10.1 cm thick instead of the typical 3.5 in / 8.9 cm. The pad weighs 17.3 oz / 490 g in the regular size and comes in four additional sizes: small, large, rectangular wide, and rectangular large. If you use a Sea to Summit pillow, you can use the pad’s pillow lock system to keep it in place. Fully packed, it measures 4.5 x 9.5 in / 11 x 24 cm. Finally, it has a one-way inflation valve that allows for easy inflation with (or without) the optional pump sack and a quick deflation valve. Check it out here.
Vertical Baffle Option: Exped Ultra 1R Mummy
+ One of the lightest full-size sleeping pads available at just 10.9 oz / 309 g
+ Compact – packs down to 6.7 x 3.7 in / 17 x 9.4 cm
+ Pump bag included for (optional alternative) inflation
+ More affordable than other inflatable sleeping pads
+ Dedicated deflation valve for quick deflation
– R-value of 1.3 not suitable for cold environments
– Aggressive taper means weight savings but also a narrower pad overall
– Manual inflation requires pressing your face into the pad
– 20D ripstop polyester more susceptible to punctures
The Exped Ultra 1R Mummy is a full-length mummy sleeping pad with vertical baffles that weighs just 10.9 oz / 309 g. It also comes in wide and long/wide versions weighing 13.2 oz / 374 g and 14.3 oz / 405 g respectively. Its R-value is 1.3 which means it’s not a great choice for colder climates, but if you’re looking for the lightest, full-length sleeping pad available, then look no further. It’s also not as expensive as many other inflatable sleeping pads making it an okay budget choice as well. You’ll also find this pad packs down much smaller than most – to just 6.7 x 3.7 in / 17 x 9.4 cm. Check it out here.
Rectangular Option: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Max
+ R-value of 4.5
+ Much quieter than previous versions of the same pad
+ Easy-to-use one-way inflation and deflation valve
+ 25 in / 64 cm wide
– Expensive
– 30D rip HT nylon susceptible to punctures
– Not as compact as mummy-style pads when packed down – 4.6 x 11 in / 11.7 x 28 cm
– Takes a few extra seconds to fully deflate
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Max is essentially the same pad as the best overall pick, the NeoAir XLite NXT, but in a wider package. It’s 25 in / 64 cm wide, 77 in / 195 cm long, and weighs 20 oz / 567 g. As is the case with other Therm-a-Rest NXT versions, this pad has also addressed the noise issue with the XLite and it’s significantly quieter. The pad’s one-way WingLock valve is easy to operate making for relatively painless inflation, deflation, and adjustments. The 30D nylon isn’t incredibly durable, so pad placement is important when setting up for the night. Check it out here.
Short Option: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (Short)
+ Fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio weighing just 11.5 oz / 326 g with an R-value of 4.5
+ Much quieter than previous versions of the same pad
+ Easy-to-use one-way inflation and deflation valve
+ Packs down to 9 x 4.1 in / 23 x 10 cm
– More expensive than many other options
– 30D rip HT Nylon susceptible to punctures
– Takes a few extra seconds to fully deflate
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (Short) is essentially the same idea as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Max. It’s just the best overall pick, the NeoAir XLite NXT, in a different package. The short version of the XLite NXT weighs 11.5 oz / 326 g – 1.5 oz / 43 g less than the regular version – and is 66 in / 168 cm long – 8 in / 21 cm shorter than the regular version. It also addresses the noise issue with the XLite and has the one-way WingLock valve. As is the case with the other versions of the pad, the 30D nylon isn’t incredibly durable, so pad placement is important. Check it out here.
Camping Sleeping Pad Comparison
| PAD | PRICE | WEIGHT | R-VALUE | THICKNESS | TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exped Ultra 1R | $140 | 10.9 oz | 309 g | 1.3 | 3 in / 7.6 cm | Air |
| Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad | $22 | 2.7 oz | 76 g | 0.5 | 0.12 in / 0.3 cm | Foam |
| Klymit Static V2 | $75 | 16 oz | 454 g | 1.3 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm | Air |
| NEMO Switchback | $55 | 14.5 oz | 415 g | 2 | 0.9 in / 2.3 cm | Foam |
| NEMO Equipment Tensor Extreme Conditions | $250 | 18 oz | 510 g | 8.5 | 3.5 in / 8.9 cm | Air |
| NEMO Tensor (Insulated/Mummy) | $200 | 14.5 oz | 410 g | 4.2 | 3 in / 7.6 cm | Air |
| Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated | $159 | 16.9 oz | 480g | 3.1 | 2 in / 5 cm | Air |
| Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated | $199 | 17.3 oz | 490 g | 3.2 | 4 in / 10.1 cm | Air |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite | $230 | 8.8 oz | 250 g | 2.3 | 2.5 in / 6.4 cm | Air |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | $210 | 13 oz | 369 g | 4.5 | 3 in / 7.6 cm | Air |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | $240 | 19 oz | 539 g | 7.3 | 3 in / 7.6 cm | Air |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | $58 | 14 oz | 397 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm | Foam |
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