The Best Sleeping Pads for Camping and Backpacking
1. Nemo Switchback Foldable Sleeping Pad - Budget Pick
There are some people who absolutely don’t mind sleeping right on the ground – especially during the summer months but doing this can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable nights sleep and also doesn’t protect you from losing heat by sleeping directly on the ground. The Nemo Switch back may be large but it is also very comfortable being made from closed-cell foam.
The Switchback is nearly an inch thick when opened up and weighs less than a pound. It’s biggest downside is that it takes up a considerable amount of space even while folded which can make it difficult to stow during long backpacking trips if your backpack doesn’t have a proper way to carry it. The Nemo switchback is available for $49.95.
2. Exped Synmat UL Sleeping Pad
When it comes to weight and compact size, nothing beats inflatable sleeping pads. The Exped Synmat UL is one such sleeping pad that is easy to inflate and even includes a unique pumpsack so that you don’t have to further exasperate yourself after a long day of hiking and backpacking. When inflated the Synmat is just over two feet wide which makes for some good sleeping.
The Synmat has interior insulation as well so this is more of an all weather sleeping pad in comparison to some of the others on this list. However, if you’re looking for something inexpensive this probably isn’t it as the Synmat UL costs about $169.00.
3. Klymit Static V2 Sleeping Pad
As far as inflatable sleeping pads, I don’t think you’ll fight a more compact and affordable pad than the Klymit Static V2. While this may be an anecdotal observation, one of the things I like best about it is the specific pattern of the different sections of the air mattress – it just looks comfortable with its individual cells inflated.
The Klymit Static V2 weighs only a pound and when packed down for transportation it is small enough to fit inside of your backpack instead of hanging around on the outside of it. The pad itself isn’t very well insulated compared to others so this is probably best for the summer months when you won’t have to worry about losing heat from ground contact. As a final positive, the Static V2 is also just a bit wider than some of the more expensive options on this list making it more comfortable for those who have a broader frame. The Klymit Static V2 is available for $64.95
4. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite
If American made is a requirement for you then you’ll be happy to know one of the best options on this list is the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite. This sleeping pad is not only lightweight but shaped so that it offers you the most comfortable sleep area without taking up unnecessary space. The NeoAir XLite includes a hand powered pump sack for inflating the pad and is rated for nearly every season.
The WingLock valve and hand-powered pump sack mean that no moisture will enter the bag leading to it smelling weird over extended use. There is a “women’s” version of the NeoAir XLite which features a higher R-value and smaller size for those who tend to sleep a bit colder. The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite is available for $189.95.
5. Moosejaw x Klymit Snorigami Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad - Editor's Pick
Aside from the clever name this has to be my favorite sleeping pad on this list because of its wide range of features combined with its affordable price. The Snorigami is made from durable 75D polyester meaning it is less susceptible to punctures but even if it does get punctured somehow, you’ve still got the plush outer surface to keep you sleeping somewhat comfortably. Better yet, the two-inch thick sleeping pad is suitable for all four seasons of camping and backpacking and works just as well on a cot as it does on the ground.
The Snorigamic is a self-inflating sleeping bag and all you have to do to give yourself a bit more firm pad is to puff a few breaths of air in there to give yourself the perfect air mattress on the go. The Moosejaw x Klymit Snorigami self-inflating sleeping pad is available for an affordable $69.00
To sleep pad or not...
Is it necessary to use a sleeping pad when camping? Not at all. But it is also not necessary to bring along a tent to go camping either. Sleeping pads are all about comfort. If you’re camping in some of the colder regions of the states then having a sleeping pad is virtually a necessity unless you want to find yourself extremely cold in the middle of the night as the ground begins to cool underneath you. That is why it is probably best to always bring a sleeping pad or some sort of pad to keep you separated from the ground to give yourself a comfortable night’s sleep.
Sleep pads and side sleepers
For those of you who find yourself most comfortable on your stomach or your back when sleeping this might come as a surprise to you but sleeping pads (especially foam ones) tend to be very uncomfortable for those that sleep on their sides.
If you are a side sleeper my only advice would be to find the thickest sleeping pad you can and go with that. The thicker sleeping pads will give you the most comfort for that style of sleeping and only tend to be a couple of ounces heavier than your standard 2.5-inch thick sleeping pads.
Inside the bag or out
You’ll generally want to keep the sleeping pad underneath your sleeping bag as this is going to give you the best insulation from the ground. However, sometimes the thinner sleeping pads tend to slip out from underneath you so some people opt to place them inside of their sleeping bags to stop this from happening making it easier for them to move around without falling off the pad.
How long does it take a self-inflating sleeping pad to be ready to use?
Depending on the model, it usually take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes for a self-inflating sleeping pad to fully inflate. Any more than that and you might want to look for a different one as it could be a sign of a defect.
What's the best sleeping pad for comfort?
For straight up comfort, most of the thicker self-inflating pads offer the most comfort. Foam pads can be good, but you have to find the right one for you. For comfort alone, the thicker the pad the better you’ll be.
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