OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Packs away small
Very warm
Pump sack is also a stuff sack
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Some edge collapse
Expensive
16 ounces |7.3
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is an absolute beast of a sleeping pad. It has a remarkable 7.3 R-value while still weighing only a pound and packing down to a very small size. We can't find a single comparable pad on the market that balances warmth and comfort with such versatile features. We also love the updated valve system. The XTherm is a clear top choice, especially if you plan to be sleeping in colder temperatures.
Yes, the XTherm NXT wins our highest honors, but that doesn't mean some of the more wallet-friendly options aren't also great. There's no denying that this is an expensive pad. But it's well-constructed and should last you a long time, so we still think it's worth the price. If the narrow, 20-inch profile of the regular-sized XTherm puts you off, check out the Regular Wide or Large sizes, though they'll put an even bigger dent in your wallet. Fairweather campers in the market for a more budget-friendly buy can save a decent chunk of change with the inexpensive Klymit Static V2 or even the Sleepingo Large.
Read more: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT review
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the warmest pad we tested and a great overall sleeping pad.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Wider, especially at the feet
Compact and light
Great value
REASONS TO AVOID
Low R-value and warmth score
Dated inflation valve
17.7 ounces |1.3
There are many inexpensive sleeping pads on the market. However, the Klymit Static V2 is one we highly recommend for your next summer backpacking trip. It's light, comfortable, and packs down small. Surprisingly, the Static V2 is 3 inches wider than the standard 20-inch-width of most pads we tested, making the low weight and price that much more impressive. The Static V2 practically disappears in a pack when it's deflated, but it's still 2.5 inches thick, so it doesn't sacrifice comfort for packability.
The bargain-basement price comes with a major drawback. The Static V2 has one of the lowest R-values of any pad we tested, making it unsuitable for temps below freezing unless you have a burly sleeping bag or a closed-cell foam pad to boost the insulation. Still, for three-season use, it's hard to ignore the price, comfort, and durability this pad offers. Those planning on backpacking in colder weather should look at our other contenders, like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. Though it will cost you, it offers a significantly higher R-value for cold-weather camping.
Read more: Klymit Static V2 review
Testing the Static V2 in Colorado. It's affordable, comfortable, and packs down small.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Good warmth-to-weight ratio
Can be packed in several configurations
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Becomes less supple over time
14.5 ounces |2.0
Many people with some exposure to the outdoors will be familiar with closed-cell foam pads. While they can't offer the high level of comfort most air pads do, this style has some redeeming features that shouldn't be ignored. The Nemo Switchback is an excellent choice for those wanting to add a bit of versatility to their arsenal of camping equipment. For ages, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL was our go-to closed-cell foam pad, but the Z Lite recently surpassed the Switchback in price, and we find the Switchback to be the more comfortable of the two.
The downside to these types of pads is they're less packable and less comfortable overall. Most people like to strap them to the outside of their packs since they are bulky. And there's no two ways about it — an air pad is just more comfortable on hard surfaces. The closed-cell foam definitely won't deflate on you in the night, but it also takes up a lot of space for how little comfort it actually provides. Still, if you're seeking high value, outstanding durability, and reliability on the trail, this is an excellent choice. For a more comfortable and packable air pad, we like the Klymit Static V2, which also comes at an affordable price, or the mid-range Sea to Summit Ultralight Air.
Read more: Nemo Switchback review
The Switchback is an excellent adjunct for cold weather camping and can be added underneath another three-season pad to stack R-values.
Credit: Brian Martin
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
High R-value for such a light pad
Small packed size
Good balance of comfort and lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
13.6 ounces |4.5
The newest version of the legendary Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT again takes home high honors in the ultralight category. The most current version of this pad gained some extra warmth and shaved off a few ounces. Plus, it's now considerably quieter than previous versions — light sleepers who couldn't handle the crinkling sound from this pad can now sleep soundly.
It's critical to retain decent insulative properties in order to be versatile enough for high-elevation backpacking and other shoulder season missions. The 4.5 R-value of the XLite NXT makes it incredibly cozy for cold summer nights in the mountains. This pad is comfortable for fall days in the desert when you wake up with a bit of frost on your bivy, and we've weathered quite a few snowstorms with it keeping us warm, too. The width of this pad is a bit tight for larger individuals (20 inches), and it's also pretty expensive. If you can dish out a bit more, consider checking out the Regular Wide or Large size options if you're wider, taller, or both. If you value comfort above all else in the backcountry, check out the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated.
Read more: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT review
We love how comfortable, warm, and packable the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Very comfortable
Excellent pump sack
Fair price
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Large packed size
Heavy
25.0 ounces |3.3
The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated is a supremely comfortable sleeping pad. And while more expensive than the most budget-minded options, it's still a great value for anyone looking for an all-around sleeping pad for camping and backpacking. It inflates incredibly easily with the included pump sack, which was the best of any pump sack we tested. This pad is also made of durable materials, and the 3.5 inches of cushion will keep you dreaming peacefully beneath the stars all night.
The Quasar is affordable, comfortable, and inflates quickly, but it is also one of the heavier pads we reviewed. If you bring this backpacking, you won't regret it when you have it set up in less than a minute. And yet, you may think twice about it when you're leaving the trailhead and your pack feels downright heavy. We think it's better suited for car camping in front country sites or short backpacking trips. For those adventures, this pad is a terrific choice. For longer journeys, the lightest pad we tested is the Therma-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite which is around 1/3 of the weight of the Quasar, but you're giving up some comfort and durability.
Read more: Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated review
We loved how easy it was to inflate the Nemo Quasar 3D with the included pump sack.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Super comfortable
Two air chambers for comfort adjustment
Quiet operation
Supportive
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Heavy
28.7 ounces |4.0
The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated is the only pad in our review to utilize two separate air chambers, allowing different pressures and densities to fine-tune your sleep surface. Even thicker sleeping pads just don't have the same adjustability and ultra-high level of comfort you can achieve with this pad. On top of that, two air chambers mean that if one pops, you won't be rendered to sleeping on the hard ground. That's the kind of insurance we like.
The Air Sprung Cell Technology, coupled with variable density chambers and a high R-value, makes for one heck of a sleeping pad. The only real downside to the Comfort Plus is its weight relative to our warmest sleeping pads. This isn't the pad we'd recommend if you're counting every gram. If you seek lavish comfort while out on the trail, this will provide it, but it comes at the cost of packability and weight. Others who value weight savings and comfort will find the 13.6-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT more attractive.
Read more: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated review
Durable fabrics stood up to pine cones, duff, and even sharp teeth with ease.
Credit: Matt Bento
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Extremely lightweight
Decent warmth-to-weight ratio
Easily packed
Very inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most comfortable
No pump sack
14.6 ounces |2.1
The Sleepingo Large is one of the most affordable air-construction sleeping pads in our fleet. It is certainly not the most comfortable out of the bunch, but it offers enough, particularly for the price. Compared to closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol, which are often similar in price, the Sleepingo offers far superior comfort. While this pad might not be our first choice for side sleepers, given its relatively thin padding, it does perform well when sleeping on your belly or back.
Though the Sleepingo is very affordable and performs decently, we should mention some important considerations. First, this pad provides the least amount of padding compared to the rest of the air-construction pads in our lineup. Second, it lacks an ASTM-tested R-rating, which makes the stated value a little less valuable than it would be otherwise. For these reasons, we feel it's best to use this pad in fair weather only. When the temperatures drop, the warmth and comfort of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is a better pick.
Read more: Sleepingo Large review
The Sleepingo packs up into a tidy little package - small enough to be packed into a Nalgene bottle!
Credit: Brian Martin
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$43The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is incredibly warm, considering how light it is.
Credit: Sam Schild
For this review, we analyzed what makes a great sleeping pad based on our years of experience sleeping in the backcountry. Then, we devised a plan to compare the best pads in side-by-side comparison tests. The pads in this review went on guided backpacking trips in Colorado and New Mexico, and we brought them along on trips in the Eastern Sierra and Utah. All the while, we paid attention to how well they performed in key areas crucial to a sleeping pad's function, like comfort, ease of inflation, packed size, and weight.
Rolling up the NeoAir XTherm after another solid night of testing.
Credit: Sam Schild
We tested these backpacking sleeping pads across
For more information on our testing process, see our how we test article.
Our wide and varied sleeping pad review team is led by Sam Schild, a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Colorado Trail three times, along with countless shorter backpacking trips. Sam is joined by Matt Bento and Brian Martin. These two come to the campsite with heavy climbing backgrounds — a pursuit where you learn to appreciate a restorative night's sleep outdoors. Matt and Brian are both alumni of Yosemite Search and Rescue, where versatile, reliable, and durable equipment is a necessary part of everyday life.
This pad inflates easily with 12-14 big breaths.NeoAir XTherm pads. Nose Bivy, Mt. Huntington, AK.This pad is thick and comfortable, with smooth horizontal baffles.We've tested sleeping pads in a variety of real-world scenarios on adventures across the world.
Our sleeping pad review has something for everyone. We sent out folks of all different sizes equipped with each pad to do a deep dive into critical features such as comfort, weight, packed size, warmth, ease of use, and construction quality. Using these metrics as an anchor point for assessment, we rated each product based on performance. While there are many high performers, many have specific niches that shouldn't be missed.
Value can mean many different things to different people. In our case, we aren't just looking at the price of a sleeping pad — we look at how well it performs across a range of metrics and if this performance justifies the price. If you want the creme de la creme, be ready to shell out a few extra bucks. In general, the lower the price, the less warm you can expect your pad to be. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT are incredibly expensive but are still a good value as they offer durable construction, extra warmth, and excellent all-around performance.
If you're anything like our testers, your first sleeping pad may well be a closed-cell foam pad, and rightfully so. These pads are an excellent choice for those getting into backpacking because they are lightweight and super affordable. But when you upgrade to an inflatable pad, you don't have to chuck that old closed-cell foam friend. Instead, save it for an extra layer of warmth during winter camping. Now that's value.
The Klymit Static V2 offers excellent comfort at a lower price. But with an R-value of just 1.3, this pad is only warm enough for summer backpacking. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated is more expensive, but a good value for a comfortable and reliable pad that's easy to use. Other low-priced (and high-value) options are the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol and Nemo Switchback. While these closed-cell foam pads score low in the comfort metric, they're one of the most reliable pad options since they're not in danger of springing a leak.
Finding a balance between price, durability, warmth, comfort, and weight can certainly be a tricky process. Our goal in this review is to take an in-depth look at the pros/cons of what is available on the market today.
Credit: Brian Martin
Both the Z Lite Sol and Switchback offer a versatile layer of insulation that you could use for winter warmth, rip in half for an uber-light solution for fastpacking, or bring a few sections along to use as a sit pad on your next backpacking trip. If you want us to split hairs (which we expect is why you're here), the Switchback has a better feel on the ground, taller dimples, and seems to offer slightly more comfort.
A strong competitor for a heat reflective foam pad, the Switchback just barely edges out the competition for a touch of extra comfort.
Credit: Brian Martin
Many of our testers have noticed their priorities shifting through the years. We've gone from ultralight and minimalist to more comfort-oriented. It's undeniable — as you get older, you want more comfort. A plush air pad offers significantly better sleep than the shoulder-crushing closed-cell pads from decades past. Fortunately, many inflatable sleeping pads are even lighter than closed-cell foam pads while also being more comfortable.
Hands down, the most comfortable pads we snoozed on are the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, and the Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated. These pads offer a nice variability in firmness while keeping you well-cushioned from uneven ground and rocky surfaces below.
The most comfortable pad will depend on your preferences. Our comfort scores come from a host of reviewers who each used one. Some testers were first-time campers on guided trips (they typically gave a lower comfort score), and many were seasoned backpackers (they tended to rank the pads higher). Side sleepers preferred a wider pad with minimal collapse around the edges, while back sleepers could sleep better on a narrow pad. Keep in mind that our ratings are relative. A score of 9/10 means that the pad was among the most comfortable competitors, not that it's going to offer the same level of comfort as your Tempur-Pedic.
The Comfort Plus is quite special, as the dual inflation zones can be inflated to different pressures. This gives you a nice pillow top with a firm under construction. While this increases the pad's overall weight, the ability to have dual densities creates a uniquely comfortable pad. The Ether Light XT Extreme provided an impressive level of comfort as well. With a whopping four inches of thickness, you won't feel any lumps underneath you. The Quasar 3D Insulated is also an extremely comfortable pad overall, with 3.5-inch thick air baffles and a softer face fabric than most other sleeping pads.
The dual air chambers of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus allow you to dial in the feel of the pad to your preference, perfect for side sleepers.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated provided an impressive level of comfort as well, thanks to some large side rails. It is undeniable how much overall comfort is boosted when you don't feel like you're going to slip off to one side of your sleeping pad. The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated is another remarkably comfortable pad. It has a unique two-way baffle design that feels firm underneath you and gives enough cushion in any position. It also has side rails and is 2.75 inches thick in the middle and 3 inches on the side rails. This is notably not as thick as advertised (and we double and triple-checked), but either way, it'll still provide an extremely comfortable night's sleep.
The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated has 2.75-inch thick baffles with 3-inch rails to keep you centered on the pad all night.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and NeoAir XTherm offer excellent comfort at a fraction of the weight. They aren't quite as cozy as the more comfortable and heavy offerings on the market, but they still have all the necessary features to get a good night's sleep. Plus, your back won't be as tired at the end of the day if you're carrying one of these pads.
The XLite NXT is an excellent sleeping pad that makes shoulder season backpacking gear decisions easy.
Credit: Sam Schild
A few of the sleeping pads we tested come in a double size: the Exped Ultra 3R, Sea to Summit Comfort Plus, and Nemo Quasar 3D all come in this bigger size that will fill your entire tent floor. These double-wide options are incredibly comfortable and can provide some of the best backcountry sleep you'll have.
The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated has plush cushioning that makes sleeping on lumpy ground a non-issue.
Credit: Sam Schild
Weight is an omnipresent factor when selecting and using outdoor equipment. If all other considerations are equal, and one item weighs less than another, you should select the lighter item. Unfortunately, there are always tradeoffs when using ultralight equipment. With sleeping pads, you may have to make sacrifices regarding durability, warmth, or the size of the pad's footprint. More important than weight is making sure whatever you end up with is something that satisfies your specific needs rather than just selecting whatever is lightest.
Many pads are available in multiple sizes, which will affect the weight. Some backpackers minimize weight by taking short, torso-length pads and using a backpack, boots, or other gear under their legs. Some backpackers get large or wider-sized pads to increase comfort, but this will also increase the weight.
Check the warmth score of a lightweight pad before purchasing it to make sure it will meet your needs. Generally, the higher the R-value, the heavier a pad will be.
The weights of the single pads we tested range from the 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite to over 28 ounces. The UberLite is extremely light, but you sacrifice warmth and durability if you want this amount of weight savings. You'll have to be careful if you're using this pad, but if you need to strip ounces above all else, this pad will get you there.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is incredibly light and packs down very small.
Credit: Matt Bento
The Sea to Summit UltraLight Air is also impressively light without losing all its comfort. That said, it has the lowest R-value of any pad in our lineup, so you'll need to relegate it to your summer gear kit. Our favorite pad for ultralight backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. It weighs well under a pound and has an impressive R-value for the weight. It packs down to about the size of a 1-liter bottle and has an impressive amount of plush comfort.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is one of lightest pads we tested and has a great warmth-to-weight ratio.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Klymit Static V2 is not the absolute lightest, but it's one of the lightest wider pads. Most of the options under 17 ounces are about 20 inches wide, while the Static is 23 inches. A wider pad may be worth a few extra ounces if you tend to toss and turn. However, keep in mind that this pad also lacks insulation and is best used for summer excursions.
The Klymit Static V2 isn't the lightest, but it's also wider than most standard pads.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
If you're like us, you go backpacking and camping to enjoy nature, not to shiver through the night, only to run back to your car for the heat in the morning. Anyone who has suffered through a bone-chilling night out knows the value of a solid insulation layer between you and the frozen ground you're sleeping on. We spent nights with our teeth chattering, so hopefully you won't have to. Thanks to the new ASTM R-value standardization, we can now pretty reliably know how well a sleeping pad will insulate if it has a published R-value.
Thermal conductivity in pads is a complicated issue with many variables, but let's discuss the basics. First, cold is nothing more than the absence of heat, and heat moves energy from warmer objects to colder ones. Second, we lose heat via three mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. If you sleep on the ground without a sleeping mat, the ground can conduct heat away from you up to 160 times faster than the air around you. The products in this review are designed to lift you off the ground, preventing heat from being lost through conduction.
Warmth isn't nearly as important for summer hikers as it is for winter wanderers. Unless you are a cold sleeper, most of the pads in this review will be warm if you only like recreating in temperate climates. And, if you camp in the heat, you probably don't want a warm pad at all. But if you get cold when camping, upgrading the R-value of your sleeping pad is recommended, though this often comes at the expense of added weight and bulk.
For warm-weather backpacking, an R-value of 1-3 will be sufficient. If you're going to be camping in colder conditions, then look for an R-value closer to 4 or 5. If you're going winter camping, you'll want a pad with an R-value higher than 6.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT supplied an unmatched level of warmth for its weight and packed size. While it isn't as light as some pads, the 7.3 R-value is outstanding, especially considering the pad packs down small and barely weighs a pound.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is shockingly-warm and is competitively light, too.
Credit: Sam Schild
For most backpackers, we think the amount of warmth that the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT provides is more than adequate. We've used the NeoAir XLite with a down quilt in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's kept us warm enough.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is another of the warmest pads we tested. This pad is warm enough for 4-season use, but the thick insulation inside the air chambers means it doesn't pack down very small. It's also one of the heavier pads we tested.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme is a true 4-season pad that's ready for winter camping.
Credit: Sam Schild
If having some customization with your kit is crucial, consider using an inflatable pad with an added closed-cell foam pad during frigid days out. This will add a significant amount of insulation to your sleeping setup. The Z Lite Sol and the slightly more comfortable Switchback will both bump the R-value of your sleep system up by 2 if used underneath an inflatable pad. Either way, adding one of these pads to your system will give you the versatility to take them alone or in combination with an inflatable for colder conditions.
Layering your pad over a closed-cell foam pad will add more insulation value.
Credit: Clayton Kimmi
Tent floor-sized double sleeping pads can also greatly increase how warm you sleep in a tent. Intrepid camping duos should consider the benefits of these larger double-width pads. The insulation of two-person sleeping pads covers the entire floor of your tent, resulting in a massive boost in warmth. The Exped Ultra 3R, Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, and Sea to Summit Comfort Plus all come in this snuggle-inducing wider size for couples to stay warm.
While they are generally heavy, the warmth and comfort benefits of tent floor-sized sleeping pads can't be overlooked. We found warmth benefits beyond the stated R-values when compared to single person pads.
Credit: Brian Martin
If a sleeping pad doesn't fit in your pack along with the rest of your gear, it's not a good choice for backpacking. For this reason, we considered the size of a sleeping pad when fully deflated. We've quantified packed size in liters because we find this unit of measurement best, especially for visually understanding volume. It's easy to understand the size of one liter since most people have seen a Nalgene bottle. To calculate the total volume of a sleeping pad when packed, we measured the dimensions in inches, calculated the total cubic inches, and converted the cubic inches to liters.
Many of the sleeping pads that pack up the smallest are also some of the least warm, thinnest, or both. The exception to this is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, which packs down into a 2-liter stuff sack but is 3 inches thick when inflated, and it has an R-value of 4.5. We think the XLite hits the sweet spot in terms of packability while still remaining comfortable and warm enough for most conditions. However, if packed size is your top priority, you can do even better than the XLite. The Sea to Summit UltraLight Air packs down to 0.8 liters and is 2 inches thick when inflated. The tradeoff is an R-value of only 1.1.
The Sea to Summit UltraLight packs down quite a bit smaller than most other products in the review. If you want the smallest pad possible and don't need extra warmth, consider this one.
Credit: Jeremy Bauman
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite also packs down to a small 0.9-liter package. It's 2.5 inches thick and has a slightly higher R-value of 2.3. The Klymit Static V2 packs down to the same 0.9-liter size and is 2.5 inches thick, but the 1.3 R-value won't keep you warm on chilly nights either.
The Klymit Static V2 packs down into one of the smallest stuff sacks of any sleeping pad we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
If you need to save all your pennies but still keep things compact, the Sleepingo is absolutely worth a look.
There were a few pads that stood out for their extremely large packed size as well. The Nemo Switchback and Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol are both closed-cell foam pads, which means they don't deflate. You'll likely have to carry either of these pads strapped to the outside of your backpack if you go with one of these no-frills options.
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol doesn't pack down small enough to fit inside most backpacks.
Credit: Bennett Fisher
If your sleeping pad doesn't hold up to the abuses of the trail, then you can't rely on it on your next backcountry endeavor. We've used inflatable pads for 150-day thru-hikes without any durability issues. We're pretty impressed by how much abuse most of these pads can handle without tearing or delaminating. Take care of your pad, and it will take care of you.
Modern materials make lightweight inflatable pads durable enough to keep you comfortable and warm for long stretches of time without failing. That said, we always recommend traveling with a mini repair kit. Most of the sleeping pads we tested here come with one.
Even the most durable pads can be punctured with a sharp thorn, a rock, or a shard of glass. It only takes a tiny hole to render a pad completely useless, and this can be a potentially dangerous scenario in colder temperatures. A small repair kit weighs a few ounces at most, and most repairs are pretty easy in the field. If you want to add even more durability to your pad, you can use Tyvek as an inexpensive ground cloth. Few other materials add as much protection for their weight.
Some of the most well-constructed and durable inflatable pads we tested are the Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, Nemo Quasar 3D, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, and Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe. They all utilize thicker materials that won't puncture as easily.
The Boundary Deluxe is well-constructed with a recycled nylon ripstop bottom.
Credit: Sam Schild
The most indestructible pads we tested are the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and Nemo Switchback because they are made of foam and will not puncture like inflatable pads. Even if they rip or break down, they can still function as a barrier between you and the ground. For those who want to go ultralight and fast, give both of these pads some serious time and consideration. They can be cut down to shave off more weight and virtually never completely fall apart. An important note with closed-cell pads is that they do crush over time, losing valuable millimeters of loft.
About six months of use versus a brand new Z Lite. You can see the foam cells break down eventually losing a significant amount of padding over time.
Credit: Brian Martin
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite is constructed from a 15-denier nylon that feels alarmingly thin. We never punctured this pad during our testing but would never leave home without a patch kit and a ground cloth when carrying it.
Another aspect of construction quality we looked at was how easy a pad is to use and inflate. With the difficulty of inflation being one of the main drawbacks of air construction mats, manufacturers have developed an array of valve styles to help alleviate this issue.
Filling up a sleeping pad the old fashioned way can be pretty exhausting. While pump bags may seem gimmicky, they are incredibly useful both for keeping moisture out of your pad as well as speeding up the process.
Credit: Brian Martin
Some pump bags can be frustrating, but some work really well. We were especially impressed with how well the inflation sack worked on the Nemo Quasar 3D. The included sack works the best of any inflation system we tested, filling up the pad after less than four rounds of filling the inflation bag.
The sleeping pad stuff sack on all Sea To Summit pads also doubles as an inflation bag. While this inflation bag doesn't work quite as well as the one from Nemo, it still gets the job done. And since the inflation bag is integrated into the stuff sack, you don't have to keep track of one more thing.
The Sea To Summit Ether Light's stuff sack doubles as a pump sack for inflation.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Exped Ultra 3R has perhaps the most unique inflation bag design of any we tested. This inflation sack has a gooseneck portion that pushes air into the pad at a higher pressure. We had this inflation bag pop off the first couple of times we were using it, so it's not perfect, but it definitely allows for higher pressure inflation.
The Exped Ultra 3R has a uniquely-shaped inflation bag that funnels air into the pad to get higher pressure inflation.
Credit: Sam Schild
The newest design in the vast sea of valve/sack options is the Winglock valve on the Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT, XTherm NXT, and UberLite. The Winglock isn't perfect, but it is a massive upgrade to these pads, allowing air in and out exponentially faster and easier than before. These pads also come with an inflation sack that doubles as a stuff sack, though we didn't find it worked quite as well as the one from Nemo.
The XTherm NXT's Winglock valve and pump sack allow for easy inflation.
Credit: Sam Schild
Self-inflating pads have been on the market for decades and make the task of inflating easier. However, the downside of self-inflating pads is that they are less comfortable, bulkier, and heavier than air-construction pads. While these pads have their cult following, the new sleeping pad technologies are certainly getting lighter, warmer, and even more comfortable, making these self-inflating pads a bit less attractive.
Testing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT while backpacking in Arizona.
Credit: Sam Schild
Choosing the right sleeping pad can be a daunting task. This essential piece of backpacking gear can be very expensive, but we think spending more here is often worth it. Hopefully, this will help you narrow your choices in searching for the perfect sleeping pad for your needs. We'll continue to add the best and most promising products into this category to find the best sleeping pads available so everyone sleeps well in the backcountry.
From packable pads to comfortable air beds, we found the best camping mattresses and sleeping pads to fit every adventure and budget.
Sleeping out under the stars is one of our favorite ways to unwind, and unlike backpacking, frontcountry camping allows for the full comfort outdoor experience — without the worry over pack weights and size. And with that, one of the first pieces of kit we splurge on is the perfect camping sleeping pad. Ultra-cushioned, cozy, and warm — all assets in ensuring your night out is a memorable one.
We all have different needs when it comes to sleeping pads, so while there isn’t a single camping pad that will suit everyone out there, we’ve broken them up into categories to help you find the right camp pad for you. And our picks aren’t skin-deep, either — in total, our team has put in over 300 hours of slumber over the seasons, testing sleeping pads from across the market and seeking out the best for every conceivable camp situation.
During all of our testing, we tallied weights, timed inflation rates, and stuffed these mattresses mercilessly into the backs of our rigs, comparing each against the other in our search for the best. Packed size, comfort, warmth, ease of use, and durability were all considered, and we tested just about every mattress we could get our mitts on. These are the sleeping pads we recommend to just about anyone looking for a good night out in the wilderness.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys that span the camping mattress spectrum. At the end of our list, we’ve included a buyer’s guide that spells out the ins and outs of camping mattresses, ensuring you can key in on the one for you. We’ve also included a product spec table for easy comparison. And, if you still have questions about camping mattresses, there’s an FAQ for that.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Camping Mattress guide on April 2, 2024, to add the REI Co-op Campwell Mattress — a budget-friendly pad that boasts an out-sized R-value that slides in under $130.
Best Overall Camping Mattress
5 lbs., 8 oz.
10.3" x 26" rolled
7
4.25"
Polyester, open-cell foam
Warm
Thick
Comfortable
Durable
Not as easy to inflate initially as other comparable pads
Tube-style stuff sack requires extra work to fit pad into
Nick Belcaster
Best Budget Camping Mattress
6 lbs., 6 oz.
30" x 11" rolled
6.6
4"
Polyester, open-cell foam
Plush comfort
Easy to use inflation and deflation valves
Updated pump sack makes inflation a breeze
Large packed size
Nick Belcaster
Best Basecamp Camping Mattress
5 lbs., 8 oz.
10" x 16" rolled
6
4"
75-denier polyester, open-cell foam
Comfortable
Durable
Connects to another Roamer pad to create a queen-size mattress
Expensive
Valve leaks over time
Nick Belcaster
Best Crossover Pad for Camping & Backpacking
1 lb., 7 oz.
9.5" x 5.7" (rolled)
3.7
4"
50-denier polyester, nylon
Packed size rivals some backpacking sleeping pads
Internal structure limits the amount of bounce
TwinLock valves make for easy inflation and deflation
Non-vertical sidewalls mean less usable space
Durability will be less than other sleeping pads
Nick Belcaster
Best Double Sleeping Pad
9 lbs., 14 oz.
11" x 22" rolled
9.5
3.9"
50-denier nylon top, 75-denier polyester bottom, open-cell foam
Supremely comfortable
Durable
Doesn't translate movement
Generous sleeping area
Expensive
Large packed size
Heavy
Nick Belcaster
Best Air Mattress
4 lbs., 12 oz.
17" x 14" x 5"
N/A
6"
PVC-free polyester
Comfortable
PVC-free
Included electric pump
Not as plush as larger air mattresses
Not insulated
Nick Belcaster
Best Mattress for a Truck Bed
32 lbs.
78" x 25" x 7.8"
Unavailable
3.9"
Polyurethane-backed nylon, two types of polyfoam
Highly durable
Ideal for truck bed camping
Two types of foam for both firm and soft support
Expensive
Large overall packed size
Nick Belcaster
Best of the Rest
6 lbs., 6 oz.
17" x 11" rolled
8.3
5"
Polyester and spandex top, polyester bottom, open-cell foam
Very warm R-value
Vertical side walls
Durable
Heavier than other comparable mattresses
Nick Belcaster
1 lb., 12 oz.
8" x 4.5" rolled
1.8 non-insulated, 3.3 insulated
3.5"
30-denier polyester ripstop
Excellent packed size
Body-contoured pad baffles and elevated head
Vortex pump sack works great
Finicky valve system
Not quite as warm as comparable pads
Nick Belcaster
3 lbs., 4 oz.
9.5" x 21" rolled
6
3"
Polyester, open-cell foam
Budget-friendly
Comfortable
Reversible valves make inflating and deflating simple
Large packed size
Requires full inflation to avoid lumps
Nick Belcaster
2 lbs., 6 oz.
8" x 11.5" rolled
2.3
3"
75-denier polyester, open-cell foam
Compact packed size
Plush and soft foam topper
Single flip valve works well for inflation, deflation
R-value of 2.3 is on the lower end of the pads we tested
Nick Belcaster
2 lbs., 2 oz.
6.5" x 11" rolled
4.1
3"
30-denier polyester, open-cell foam
Comfortable
Reversible valves make inflating and deflating simple
Can be used for backpacking and camping
Heavy
Thinner denier fabric may lead to lower durability
Nick Belcaster
7 lbs., 9 oz.
11" x 31.1" rolled
10.6
6"
50-denier nylon top, 75-denier polyester bottom, open-cell foam
Air-mattress thickness without the bounce
Includes Exped Mini Pump for inflation top off
Durable 75D polyester bottom material
Packed size is a beast
Pricey
Nick Belcaster
3 lbs., 8 oz.
6.2" x 26" rolled
7
2.5"
Soft stretch polyester top, recycled polyester bottom, open-cell foam
Great value for the money
Toggle system for securing pads together or to cot is novel
Simple inflation and deflation valves
Impressive R-value for the price
Not as thick as many other camping mattresses
No included inflation sack
Nick Belcaster
Finding the perfect camping mattress isn’t always a cut-and-dry affair, and we aren’t the types to take bad advice lying down. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching and field-testing sleeping pads for this guide over multiple summer seasons.
Our selection comes service of input from backpackers and campers across the country, and during testing, we consider all facets of a proper camping mattress, including packed size, comfort, warmth, and ease of use. We also looked at long-term durability, as well as the value you’re getting for your money.
And because a good night’s sleep is subjective, we also shove off sleeping pads into the packs of talented gear testers and friends — ensuring that we have input from all types including the tall to petit, side or back sleeper, and thru-hiker to weekend warrior. These camp mattresses have traveled in the backs of overlanding rigs to lofty pullouts above Colorado, been unfurled in the high-alpine fire lookout towers of the Pacific Northwest, and toted to campgrounds across the country.
Leading our current testing efforts is Senior Editor Nick Belcaster, an intermittent wilderness guide based smack-dab between the mountains of the Cascades and the waters of the Salish Sea in Washington State. Belcaster has spent entire seasons sleeping outdoors while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and has years under his belt equipping outdoors-goers to bed down in some of the most challenging terrain.
To date, we have saddled up for sleep atop more than 20 different sleeping pads and have nearly 300 hours of shuteye logged in our search for the best of the best for any circumstances. We know that every camping trip may look a little different, which is why we’ve scanned the spectrum of options and tested everything from lightweight pads that’ll do double-duty in backpacking and camping, to mondo-sized 6-inch-thick mattresses that’ll rival your own at home.
At the end of the day, we’re confident these are the best camping mattresses available today. And, as new pads hit the market, we’ll fold them into our testing to ensure our line-up is hip to the latest trends in backcountry bedding.
From car-camping tents to the back of the pickup, we’ve tossed camping mattresses pretty much everywhere to give them a good shakedown; (photo/Erika Courtney)Before reading our buyer’s guide, take a few moments to think about how you plan to camp and sleep.
Will you be driving up to a camp spot, sleeping in your vehicle, hiking a mile or so in, or heading out on a weeklong backpacking trip? Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Is extra cushioning important, or do you care more about saving weight?
Understanding your sleep preferences will help determine the best sleeping pad. Read on for the most important factors in choosing a camping pad. For this particular roundup, we focused specifically on pads made for car camping and similar applications. We did not test pads or mattresses designed to fit into a backpacking pack. If you’re looking for a backpacking pad, check out our favorite products here.
Remember, camping pads are made for comfort! You’ll be hard-pressed to fit two of these mats in a backpacking tent; (photo/Eric Phillips)Self-Inflating: Laid up with a hybrid air/foam construction, a self-inflating camp mattress is filled with open-cell foam that can be compressed and expanded with the turn of the valve. Once open, air fills the chamber and expands the mat to its full volume, with all of the benefits of the added cushion of foam.
This foam does make these mats a good bit less packable and heavier, but for most campers who don’t have very far to travel, a self-inflating mattress makes the most sense. Consider the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D as the standard bearer for self-inflating mattresses.
Foam Pads: Large and in charge, all foam mattresses are made with different densities of polyfoam to support and cradle you as you sleep — just flop it down and you’re good to go. While most foam mattresses today, like the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite or NEMO Switchback, are oriented more for backpacking, there are others still that bulk up on the foam and forgo the portability in favor of comfort.
The greatest benefit of a foam mattress lies in its simplicity and ease of use, along with the guarantee that it won’t pop when in contact with any errant pokies. The Hest Dually was the only all-foam design to gain high marks from our testing, but it did so with ease.
Air Mattresses: The most simple of all camping mattress designs, air mattresses are completely suspended by the volume of air they trap. This means that you’ll need to inflate them, either courtesy of your lungs, or with a pump sack or electric air pump. The payoff for your effort comes in the form of packed volume, which is often much more compact compared to their self-inflating and foam counterparts.
On the car-camping side of the spectrum, the ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed goes up easy, and if you need a sleeping pad that can do it all, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe or NEMO Quasar 3D are both equally at home in a backpacking pack or the back of your truck.
The difference between a sleeping pad and a mattress is a gray area. Consider the terms to exist on a continuum, with sleeping pads being more of your standard backpacking fare and prioritizing compressibility, and mattresses being thicker, cushier, and less portable. These mattresses also very often incorporate more foam in their builds, and this can be a sure sign that a mattress prioritizes comfort over all else. At 32 pounds, the HEST Dually is definitely in the “mattress” category.
Sleeping pads are relatively thin, light, and portable. Though this list mostly focuses on car camping products, certain camping sleeping pads are portable enough to bring along on river trips and short backpacking missions. The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Sleeping Pad is a prime example of a versatile sleeping pad.
Then, there are some options that buck convention and exist comfortably in between titles. A pad like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe is relatively thick at 4 inches, but due to its full air-pad design, compresses down to a size that rivals many through-and-through backpacking pads. The Klymit Klymaloft, with its hybrid half-foam, half-air design also lands in this category.
If you’re mainly car camping, you can maximize comfort by going with a more padded, inflatable option like the NEMO Roamer or a deluxe foam mattress like the Hest Dually. The tradeoff is that these don’t pack down as small and are too heavy for backpacking.
If you plan on hiking into the backcountry, a pad that packs down small and weighs less is ideal. Just how small and light you want to go is up to you. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle and weighs just 1 pound, 7 ounces.
Consider also how you’re going to be transporting your camping mattresses around. Many manufacturers today are getting wise to the issues caused by tube-style stuff sacks, which while they may work the first time, good luck returning a mat to its nylon sleeve after you’ve used it. Many camping mattresses today now come with side-opening stuff sacks, which feature a wide mouth for easy storage, as well as compression straps to cinch down the whole affair for easy transport.
In general, the thicker the pad, the more comfortable it is. Additionally, having a bit of foam or extra insulation increases the comfort factor and decreases the noise (see below).
Since camping sleeping pads don’t need to often be carried far, they can afford to bump up the thickness in many cases. The average thickness across the pads we tested was 4 inches, with the thinnest of the bunch being the REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad at 2.5 inches and the thickest being the luxurious Exped MegaMat 15 Max at 6 inches.
Pads that rely on air alone for their structure can sometimes feel a bit bouncy if underinflated, which is why many will incorporate closed-cell foam in their construction. This gives the pad a self-inflating quality as the foam bounces back. We have found through our testing that around 3 inches is about the minimum we’re comfortable sleeping on a mattress that features no foam at all — while a mattress with foam has the ability to keep us comfortable down to below this thickness.
If you’re a side sleeper, you understand the need for plenty of cushioning under your hips and shoulders. For a better night’s sleep, you’ll want to consider a thicker sleeping pad.
Denier is a unit of measurement used to describe textile strength. The higher the denier, the thicker and stronger the fabric. When it comes to sleeping pads, this is mainly important for puncture resistance.
On one end, the lightweight and packable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe is made with 50-denier nylon. On the other end, consider that the NEMO Roamer is made with 75-denier polyester. As you can imagine, there’s often a tradeoff between durability, weight, and packability.
Consider also the durability of the components used elsewhere in the pad, such as the interior closed-cell foam, or the inflation valves. As in most things, the maxim of getting what you pay for applies here as well. We have used certain sleeping pads for entire thru-hikes and have been impressed by their tenacity and ability to shoulder abuse. As always, take care of your equipment and it will pay dividends in longevity.
Repairing your camp mattress can be a stressful endeavor, but being prepared for the situation can greatly alleviate that. Many pads today will ship with a small patch kit, which can be utilized in the field to repair small leaks. For more serious issues, consider a more total solution like the Therm-a-Rest Permanent Home Repair Kit, which features a long-cure epoxy and fabric patches. Even certain valves today are user-replaceable.
We love a good value. But even more than that, we appreciate gear that performs well and lasts through several seasons of use.
If you only plan to sleep outside a weekend or two a year, a cheaper pad may get the job done just fine. But if camping is a regular occurrence, it’s worth investing more in a pad. At just above $119, the REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad is an impressive value, but it certainly won’t be winning any awards for absolute luxury.
We find that pads and mattresses in the $250-300 range are about the sweet spot when it comes to balancing price and features. These include pads such as the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing, Big Agnes Captain Comfort, and the NEMO Roamer.
Toward the upper end of the spectrum are the luxuriously thick and warm pads, such as the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 and MegaMat 15 Max. These pads both will put a bigger hurting on your wallet at $300+, but offer up incredible comfort in return.
This is the foundation of your sleep, and getting enough rest at night will make spending all day outside that much more enjoyable. In general, forking over a few extra bucks will get you some combination of increased comfort, durability, and warmth.
In addition to comfortable cushioning, a good camping pad should provide some insulation from the ground. Enter the R-value: a measure of thermal resistance that can shed some light on just how warm a sleeping pad might keep you.
R-value testing goes a little like this: inside a cold chamber, a sleeping pad is placed between two metal plates. An array of sensors measure the temperature flow between these plates, and provide a numerical value relative to the sleeping pad’s ability to retain and reflect warmth.
Since testing can occur in different ways, many sleeping pad manufacturers have adopted the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) R-value Standard. The higher the R-value, the warmer and more insulating the sleeping pad will be. Notably, the MegaMat and Big Agnes Captain Comfort clock in with whopping 9.5 and 8.3 R-values, respectively, making them both cozy for year-round car camping.
The R-value you need depends a bit on whether you tend to be a warm or cool sleeper, as well as the specific sleeping bag that you’ll be using. In general, you’ll want a sleeping pad with a value greater than 5 for comfortable winter camping. For summer, something in the 2 to 4 range should work for warmer nights.
If waking up with a cold back is a common complaint, consider choosing a warmer sleeping pad or adding a foam pad like the Z-Lite under your normal pad for additional insulation.
Most camping sleeping pads come in regular and long versions. Some also come in short, wide, and extra-long varieties. The length and width you need depend not only on your dimensions but also on your camping goals. The pad you go with will also ultimately depend on the space that’s available to you to sleep in. Consider that typical backpacking tents more often have more space-efficient floor plans, while camping tents will provide more space for larger sleeping pads.
We’ve found that while many backpacking sleeping pads begin at around 20 inches wide, many camping pads start at around 25 inches and expand from there. And while mummy-style profiles are popular in backpacking pads, most all camping mattresses will afford the extra comfort and space that comes with a true rectangle design.
We know tall thru-hikers who happily cut their Z-Lite pad in half to shave a few ounces off their pack weight. And we know some tiny testers who prefer a wide sleeping pad because they like the ability to roll around in their sleep.
The main thing to remember is an increase in length and width almost always corresponds to an increase in price and packed size.
Up until recent years, almost all sleeping pads utilized a twisting plastic valve. Turn one direction to open it for inflation, and (quickly!) turn the other to close and trap air inside.
While this system works, it’s not the easiest to inflate. Because air can freely move back and forth, you need to either create constant pressure while blowing it up or skillfully use your tongue to stop air from exiting the pad while inhaling. It can be done, but we prefer the new inflation technology when tired on the trail.
Luckily, many sleeping pads now use flat valves with dedicated inflation and deflation settings. Best of all, a one-way flap keeps air from escaping during inflation.
While many pads feature separate valves for inflation and deflation, the Klymit Klymaloft has a valve that flips from one mode to the next. This makes achieving the perfect firmness a breeze.
An inflation bag can be a great way to save your lungs, and the Vortex Pump Sack included with the NEMO Quasar gets top marks; (photo/Erika Courtney)In addition to valves, many pads now come with inflation bags. The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D comes with an inflation bag integrated into the stuff sack. The Big Agnes Pumphouse Ultra ($35) is sold separately and works as both a dry bag and an inflation bag. Utilizing these pump sacks has multiple benefits, and they are easy to use once you get the hang of them.
Begin by attaching the sack to the valve of your sleeping pad, then expand the bag so that it fills with air. We often find that a light breath will expand the bag quickly. Then, close off the opening and compress the bag so that it forces the trapped air into the pad.
The upside to this system is not only speedy inflation but also that no moisture from your warm breath enters the sleeping pad. At its most benign, warm air will contract overnight and lead to a saggy mattress, but there are also concerns of mildew to be mindful of.
Finally, many manufacturers are now coming out with diminutive electric air pumps to assist in getting your sleeping pad up and running. These include the Exped Widget, the Klymit USB Rechargeable Pump, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Micro Pump ($43). Bringing these along may seem trivial at the trailhead, but after a long romp in, we’ve happily borrowed many to get our camp set up quickly.
Self-inflating, also abbreviated as ‘SI,’ pads have been around the block for a number of years, and rely on a foam interior to rebound to their original dimensions to inflate the mattress. We have found that given enough time, these generally will get about 75% of the way to fully inflated, and will require a quick few breaths or pumps from a pump sack to fully inflate the pad.
Consider tossing your self-inflating mattresses into your tent early on in your camp setup, to better ensure that it has enough time to fully reconstitute itself. It’s also worth noting that these mattresses are less susceptible to cold contraction overnight, as the air they are filled with is ambient temperature, versus the warm air from your lungs.
The most common complaint about camping sleeping pads is the loud, crinkly noise. While packing less is great, sleeping on a pad as noisy as a potato chip bag is less than ideal. And having your tentmate toss and turn all night is even worse.
Fortunately, brands are taking note and making quieter sleeping pads. On this list, the Exped MegaMat is noticeably crinkle-free. This is largely due to the inclusion of foam in the build, and any pad that utilizes it will see a definite reduction in noise overall.
What is the most comfortable sleeping pad?
We find that sleeping pad comfort is very often directly tied to overall thickness, as well as the inclusion of foam in the build. Because of this, hybrid-style designs such as the NEMO Roamer or Exped MegaMat Duo 10 will always be high on our lists of the most comfortable.
If price and weight are no concern, the Hest Dually is a unique foam mattress that provides top-tier comfort. For a more packable camp mattress, the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing is a winner.
How thick should a sleeping pad be?
This depends entirely on your individual comfort level. Generally, we’d recommend 1.5 inches as the bare minimum.
And if price and space are not a concern, go with something in the range of 4+ inches. This not only offers increased padding, but also greater warmth and protection from the ground. If a sleeping pad is purely suspended by air alone, it will need to be thicker than designs that use air and foam together to support your body.
How do you choose a sleeping pad for camping?
Finding the right sleeping pad can make or break your camp trip. First consider, where, when, and how often you plan to camp.
Are you camping in the hot, humid South? Or do you camp a lot in the winter? And are you spending a lot of time outside or just getting started with a night or two camped out?
If you’re camping when it’s cold, you’ll want to prioritize a higher insulation (R-value) level. And if you’re just testing it out or on a tighter budget, go with something like the sub-$120 REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad.
What is the best mattress for car camping?
The best thing about car camping is that you don’t need to obsess over the weight or packed size. As long as it reasonably fits in your car, you can focus more on comfort.
After more than a year of testing, we found the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing topped the charts for durability, comfort, and ease of use. If you’re looking for a foam mattress, the Hest Dually delivers traditional comfort that will never let you down overnight.
What is the R-Value for camping mattresses?
The R-value, generally speaking, is a measure of the ability of a sleeping pad to resist heat transfer. Because a sleeping pad is such a vital part of your camping sleep system, it’s important to match your pad and sleeping bag for the overnight temperatures you’ll be anticipating.
The higher the R-value of your sleeping pad, the greater it will resist giving away your hard-earned body heat to the ground beneath it. R-values in backpacking pads typically range from 1 to 6, while camping mattresses are often warmer, and can sometimes reach double digits. For 3-season camping, consider a sleeping pad with an R-value of between 1 and 4, and for shoulder season or winter camping, you’ll want a pad with a value greater than 5.
It’s important to note that this rating system has only recently become standardized, and is now set in place by the international regulating agency ASTM International. This levels the playing field when it comes to comparing different sleeping pads.
How thick should a sleeping pad be for side sleepers?
When it comes to side sleeping, having a thicker camp mattress can make or break your overnight experience. Throughout our testing, we have found 3 and 4 inches of cushion to be about perfect for ensuring that our hip bones don’t come in contact with the ground.
It’s important to note that mattresses that utilize a foam and air construction often support side sleepers better than pads that are only supported by air. This is because the foam helps to spread out the pressure points caused by side sleeping. Side sleepers should consider a mattress like the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap, which has body-mapped foam to better support the hips during sleep.