Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 3.3What we like: A versatile and comfortable pad for backpacking, camping, and more.What we dont: Heavier than most air pads here. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events, and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. I am currently using an REI Trecker 1.75, I also have the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad. They layered it on another mattress to double the warmth rating, accordioned it on its side to create a windbreak for their stoves and laid it on the beach in lieu of a towel. If you need an extra long sleeping pad, you could do worse than this one. Okay, there are a few other tips. Test Results: Its no surprise that a closed-cell foam pad was the lightest, most durable and most affordable in our test. Delivering a cushy 3 inches of padding, this self-inflating sleeping pad is also built from 30-denier stretch-knit top fabric, which is going to deliver a slightly more durable performance over lightweight pads. REIs $100 Flash used to be one of our favorite budget pads, but their new Helix takes aim at a different market with a warmer, more insulated design (R-value: 4.9). Our testers also praised the guardrails on the Insulated Air Core Ultra. Compared to the uber-popular Therm-a-Rest XTherm above, the Ultra 7R is slightly warmer and a full inch thicker, but the tradeoff comes in terms of weight and durability: The XTherm is almost 3 ounces lighter and has a 70-denier base. Bringing along a patch kit should alleviate most concerns, but its still the biggest reason to not buy an air pad. Definitely the best budget sleeping pad Ive used. Its a great travel sleeping pad. Side sleepers might want to opt for something even thicker. All in all, its an impressive pad for just $100, and side sleepers especially will like the plush 3.25-inch thickness. Specs tell the tale for weight and warmth; cushiness is more subjective. And Im old.. *not that old (^^)* and I have back pains but no complains about cheap products. And with a recent update, the Nemo now has an identical R-value of 4.2 (the non-insulated version checks in with an R-value of 2.5). I would like to see a higher R Value given the weight of this pad. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated. See the Therm-a-Rest ProLite PlusSee the Women's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus. Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad, Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra (wide long), Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Sleeping Pad, Stuff sack, dry air pump and patch kit included. Every adventure you go on is different. This basic 3/4-inch pad features tough closed-cell foam, a reflective coating for a boost in warmth, and a budget-friendly price of $55. Getting in some quality Zzzzs refreshes your mind and body and sets you up for an awesome day on the trail. It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. less than our top-rated Tensor above), and the R-value of 4.2 is plenty for most 3-season trips (the women's model is even warmer at 5.4). Moreover, most of Therm-a-Rest's newofferings feature theirWingLock valve, which is a twist on a more traditional design. As someone who has roughed it camping out in freezing temperatures and tropical jungles, I can honestly tell you I would rather have a sleeping pad than a tent. In the end, both designs are ideal for weight-conscious backpackers, and your final choice might come down to size: The Nemo comes in both rectangular and mummy shapes and two lengths and widths, while the Therm-a-Rest is offered in three lengths and one extra-wide version (all mummy-shaped), in addition to a women's model.See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite See the Women's Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. Anyone can join, and everyone belongs. In this process, pads are sandwiched between a hot plate (35 degrees Celsius) on top, which mimics the body, and a cold plate (5 degrees Celsius) underneath, mimicking the ground. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Backpacking sleeping pads fall into three general categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Bonded insulation or baffling techniques can bring impressive warmth, highlighted by the Therm-a-Rest XTherm(R-value: 6.9). On our list above, thickness ranges from the 15-denier, 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite to the 70-denier (and much heavier) NeoAir XTherm. We love the knowledge that our content keeps you adventuring. wide). Beyond the slim profile, they often have dedicated openings for inflating and deflating, and importantly, a flap that keeps air from escaping while blowing into the opening. Editors note: Inventory can be unpredictable this year with COVID-19, so some of the items in this list might be temporarily out of stock when you read this guide. Their new build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air. Its V-like baffles also cant match the sleeping comfort of the premium options above from Sea to Summit, Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and Nemo, which drops the Klymit to the very bottom of our list. vs. 6.8 x 11 for the Therm-a-Rest). 6 oz.Thickness: 3.25 in.R-value: 4.5What we like: Impressive warmth and plush 3.25-inch padding for just $100.What we dont: Relatively heavy; vertical baffles are not the most comfortable design. If you are a side sleeper or dont sleep particularly well in the outdoors, check out a substantial pad like the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe(3.5 inches thick in the middle and 4.25 along the sides) or Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated (4 inches thick). The NeoAir XLite inflates quickly, offers great warmth and comfort and is a solid choice if you want to pick up the top Thermarest sleeping pad from last year. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Ultralighters love the low weight and dependability, budget backpackers love the price, and winter campers use it as a second mat for a boost in warmth. From cheap sleeping mats to backpacking sleeping pads, weve got it all. What we dont: Pricey and overkill for most conditions. Sleeping pads for backpacking are light, pack down small, and are reasonably comfortable. Category: Air padWeight: 14.5 oz.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 4.2What we like: Light but a generous 3 inches thick; best pump sack design on the market.What we dont: Thinner fabric yet heavier overall weight than the XLite below. That said, keep your expectations realistic. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Open the valve, wait about eight minutes and top off with a few big breaths. Below are our top trail runners of 2022, from See the Women's Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated ($189), See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra ($100), See the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, See the Women's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus, Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated ($179), See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe, Back to Our Sleeping Pad Comparison Table. tall outer chambers to keep you from drifting off the side), a competitive R-value of 4.5, and a 4 x 8-inch packed size (for reference, the Nemo Tensor above compresses to 3.5 x 9.5 in.). When it comes to saving weight, there are always going to be compromises and the compromise here is the relatively low R value. I update this post pretty regularly as we are constantly testing new gear so as well as the examples above, there are few other sleeping pads included as honourable mentions in this review roundup. Both air and self-inflating sleeping pads utilize a valve to inflate/deflate, and there have been a fair number of changes in the designs over the past few years. If you are car camping and dont have to carry your gear very far then this is a great choice as one of the best camping sleeping pads. Check back in August for exciting updates and to learn how to apply. But all in all, for side sleepers looking to put as much space as possible between their body and the ground, the Ether is hard to beat. And although we give the slight edge to the Nemos valve, we still like the XLites WingLock, which features one-way inflation for improved efficiency and boasts plastic wings along the side that can be twisted open to quickly release air. Hi there! for your first email from REI. For starters, the Therm-a-Rests included pump sack cant match the speed or convenience of the Tensors bag, and the XLites internal baffling means its louder and crinklier throughout the night. Sea to Summit includes a similar system with models like their Ether Light XT and Comfort Light Insulated, and weve found it takes only around three or four full bags to inflate the pads. Can you confirm/clarify? Compared to the uber-popular and long-standing Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL below, the Switchback wins out in most ways. The Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is one of them. Its worth noting that we had the aforementioned XLite in this top spot until recently, but the Tensor Insulated has overtaken it for a few key reasons. But as a versatile add-on or a dedicated UL pad that wont pop, the Switchback is a great piece of gear to add to your kit.See the Nemo Switchback. Buy here. In contrast to the horizontal or vertical baffles of most air pads, both Sea to Summit models have an innovative cell design (dubbed Air Sprung Cell technology) that maximizes surface area connecting the pad to your body, resulting in better support and weight distribution throughout. For one, the valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths. Best Sleeping Pad for Fast-and-Light Backpacking. A crew of enthusiastic co-op members took the best sleeping pads that $100 can buy at REI into the wilderness in search of tranquil nights under the stars. 2022 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. On the other hand, the Comfort Light here is a bit warmer despite its thinner designparticularly from the hips upand offers a plusher feel than the slightly more rigid Ether (especially for back sleepers). On this list, youll find everything from the 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLiteto the 1-pound-9-ounce Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated. The XLite is a few ounces lighter than the Tensor and a bit more durable, but the tradeoff is a larger price tag (by $10) and a half-inch less cushion. So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking style. 7 oz.Thickness: 2 in.R-value: 3.3What we like: The thickness of an air pad and reliability of a self-inflating model.What we dont: Thin 20-denier shell. Conqueror of mountains, survivor of deserts, and crusader for cheap escapades. 7 oz.) The NeoAir Xtherm ditches the mainstream rectangular shape for a contoured build. Glad you asked cause weve got the answers! Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. I have had positive experiences with Nemo tents and sleeping bags as well, thus I a a big fan of NEMO gear in general. 2022), LIGHTEST INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD FOR HIKERS, MOST COMFORTABLE SELF INFLATING SLEEPING PAD. 9 oz.Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 4.3What we like: Thick construction offers impressive comfort and warmth.What we dont: Raised outer chambers result in a narrow-feeling pad. Featuring PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation and a very thick 3.5-inch construction (its sides are even taller at 4.25 in. Even the best sleeping pad needs air! Compared to air pads, they are heavier and bulkier to pack (you likely must strap it on the outside of your pack), but theyre also more affordable. Further, the XLite stuffs down impressively small and takes up very little space in your pack, in addition to featuring relatively durable 30-denier fabric. Let us be clear: denier matters and you can feel the difference. Kind of like double sleeping bags I love the concept but the reality does not always produce the best nights sleep. The Insulated Air Core Ultra is an air pad, which means that its louder than other mattresses in this lineup. ), which adds Thermolite insulation to achieve an R-value of 6.2, as well as the lighter, summer-focused Ether Light XT Air ($189, 13.8 oz. If you are like most backpackers, you dont head out year-round. Find the pack that suits YOU. Tribal Bali: The Best Coworking Hostel in the World Has Opened Its Doors. We dont ask for money, but if youd like to find out how you can help the site in more organic ways, click the button below. Any backpacking pad can also be used for car camping. For tips on fixing both air pads and self-inflating pads, read How to Repair a Sleeping Pad. The main difference between the two comes in terms of insulation and design: The Q-Core here is warmer with an R-value of 4.3 (vs. the Nemos 3.3) and features Big Agnes I-Beam construction rather than the Nemos horizontal baffles (in our experience, the raised outer chambers of the Q-Core Deluxe result in a rather narrow feel). Dont underestimate R-value: using an uninsulated or too lightly insulated pad even in cool temperatures can make you quite cold throughout the night. You pop your email here, and we promise to send you only travel content thats actually relevant sounds like a pretty good deal to us! The right mattress will cushion your joints, insulate you from the cold ground and pair nicely with your sleeping bag. To store a self-inflating pad in the offseason, make sure to leave it unrolled and the valve(s) open. When folded, the Switchbacks nodes nest together, so it packs down just as small as thinner closed-cell foam pads, making it a good option for backpacking. For many people and uses, its the whole package: The XLite is comfortable with Therm-a-Rests signature internal baffling, weighs just 12 ounces (2.5 oz. The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. For extended adventures its very reliable. Its also a bit more expensive and no warmer than the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus above, but the Nemo wins out in thickness (2 in. To start, theyll be shorter than the unisex padfor comparisons sake, the size-regularTherm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is 72 inches long for the unisex version versus 66 inches for the womens model. On the flip side, we really like Sea to Summits Air Sprung Cells found on their Ether Light XT and Comfort Light pads above, which have a decidedly plush and nicely padded feel. Our favorite self-inflating design is Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which hits a nice balance of warmth, toughness, and price. Some even compress to the size of a can of soda, which is a far cry from the foam and self-inflating pads that dominated the market only a decade ago. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Last but not least, winter camping requires an R-value that exceeds 5, with the most popular model being the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm and its R-value of 6.9. on their Comfort Light, and 4 in. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. Stay tuned to see what stellar product Big Agnes replace it with. Remove all the air from the pad and keep it rolled up in its storage bag to protect it from punctures. They cowboy camped in Utahs desert, backpacked in Glacier National Park, posted up in rustic backcountry lean-tos in New Yorks Adirondacks and yes, threw down in their backyardsall in the name of gear testing. Category: Air padWeight: 12 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 4.2What we like: Ultralight, comfortable, and durable.What we dont: A little thin and crinkly, $10 more than the Tensor above. You have three main sleeping-pad styles to choose from. Though some of our testers found the 1-inch-thick mattress suitable (one compared the insulation to memory foam), side sleepers wanted more cushion. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. Steamboat Springs-based Big Agnes makes some of our favorite lightweight backpacking gear, and the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe stands out as one of their most premium sleeping pad designs. So lets get down to it and run through the very best sleeping pads of 2022. For a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained. We often are asked by different outdoor brands if well test out there sleeping pads too so I update this post regularly whenever we find a new sleeping pad that makes the cut and offers great value. Read on to find the ideal, less-than-$100 sleeping pad for you. Designs like the XLite pack down impressively small and can be gripped in one hand. We also love Nemos intuitive Vortex pump sack that requires very little effort: Simply snap it onto the flat, micro-adjustable valve, blow lightly into the opening, and roll the collar down to force air into the mat. The old closed-cell foam pads still have a place on this list as a dependable, tried-and-true option. Thanks for the informative reading BrokeBackpacker. In use, weve found its not as fast as the flat valve competition, but its sturdy build and replaceability (something thats not typically possible with a flat valve) make it worth the tradeoff in efficiency for high-volume users like thru-hikers. So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! Will has been on the road for more than a decade, travelling to far-flung lands on a shoestring budget. It only takes 10-15 breaths (my average was 11) to fill up this backpacking pad and crucially the Static V2 doesnt leak air, like a lot of other sleeping mats Ive tested over the years. The cold and the mosquitoes I can handle, sleeping on the bare ground with a root in your back? In addition, the extra cushioning that the Sea to Summit offers comes with a bump in weightthe Ether Light XT Insulated is over 5 ounces heavier than the XLite above. All quality air pads have some form of insulation inside, ranging from down to synthetics like PrimaLoft to sophisticated arrays of reflective paneling. . It has a larger opening, which allows up to three times the airflow compared to the previous iteration, the brand says.