Having a good backpacking mat is very important if you are going to be spending a couple of days in the wilderness. A mat can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better. Sleep is very important in order to gain back the energy that you have lost. There are a lot of backpacking mats to choose from however, I have listed a few that are very good. I urge you to take a look at the mats below because they are very comfortable and very durable as well.
Best Backpacking Mats – Quick Chart
| Backpacking Mats | Weight | Material | Inflation | Packed Size |
| 1. Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad | 18.6 Ounces | 75D Polyester | 10-15 breaths | 3″ x 8″ |
| 2. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad | 14.5 oz | 20D Ripstop tear resistant nylon | 10 to 15 Breaths | |
| 3. OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad | 16 oz | 20D Ripstop Woven Nylon | 10-15 breaths | 8″ x 3.5″ |
| 4. Gear Doctors Self Inflating Sleeping Pad | 2.2 lbs | 40d Nylon | Self-inflating | 8″ x 12″ |
| 5. MEETPEAK Camping Sleeping Pad | 1.76 lbs | 40D Nylon | Built-in Pump | 11.81″ x 5.51″ |
| 6. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress | 8 oz to 1 lbs, variable sizes | 30D rip HT nylon | Self inflating | 9″ x 4″ |
| 7. EcoTek Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad | 18.0 oz | 70D woven polyester material | 10-15 breaths | 10″ x 3″ |
| 8. IFoRRest Sleeping Pad – with Armrest & Pillow | 2.3 lbs | Waterproof 190T Polyester | Self inflating | 17.70″ x 6.30″ x 6.30″ |
| 9. Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad- Gear Doctors ApolloAir | 17 oz | Nylon | Pump Sack | |
| 10. Trekology UL Sleeping Pad | 1.19 lbs | 40D Nylon | Blow air or electric pump (not included) | 7.3″ x 4.7″ |
| 11. Hikenture Backpack Sleeping Pad | 17 oz | 90% NYLON / 10% TPU | A few breaths | 10″ x 3.2″ x 3.2″ |
| 12. ALPS Mountaineering Featherlite Series Air Pad | 1.6 lbs | 40D nylon Ripstop fabric | built in pump | 11” x 4” |
| 13. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress | 8 oz to 1 lbs, variable sizes | 30D rip HT nylon | Self inflating | 9″ x 4″ |
| 14. Terra Hiker Ultralight Sleeping Pad | 2.2 lbs | 20D TPU nylon fabric | Self inflating | 11″ in” x 5.9″ |
| 15. OutdoorsmanLab Self-inflating Sleeping Pad | 2.2 lbs | Ripstop 75D polyester fabric | Self inflating | 10″ x 6.5″ |
How To Choose A Backpacking Mat
Types Of Backpacking Mattresses
Self Inflating
A lot of backpacking mattresses are self inflating or easy to inflate. You will often only need 12-15 breaths to inflate most backpacking mattresses. This is really the most popular design right now. This type of mattress is very lightweight and compact which makes this ideal for backpacking.
Air Mattress With A Pump
There are also a lot of mattresses that require a pump to inflate. These mattresses for the outdoor are not very good for backpacking because they are often very heavy and not compact. This type of mattress is often very comfortable and feel good to sleep on.
Closed Cell Foam
Closed cell foam mattresses are not as popular as they used to be. I still see a lot of people bring them to backpacking but most people bring air mattresses now. Closed cell foam mattresses are like yoga mats. They are somewhat comfortable and can be rolled to make the item more compact.
Open Cell Foam
Open cell foam mattresses are very comfortable but they are not that lightweight. People still bring them for backpacking purposes since these mattresses provide a lot of comfort. These mattresses do not roll very easily and they are not that compact.
Hammock Pads
Hammock pads often have wings or rails built into them. There are not a lot of mattresses made for hammocks. The ones I have seen are very expensive as well.
Outdoor Activity Considerations
Backpacking
If you are going backpacking and not walking for a lot of miles, then getting an open cell mattress would be ideal since they provide a lot of comfort. It is a lot easier to sleep on an open cell mattress than an inflatable mattress but an inflatable mattress is more light in weight and more compact.
Car Camping / RV camping
If you are going car camping or RV camping, you will be able to carry heavier equipment. It is better to get air mattresses that uses a pump. They are very bulky, and heavy but they provide the most comfort.
Minimalist Backpacking
For people who want to carry the lightest possible mattress then I recommend getting an inflatable air mattress that is self-inflating or only require a few breaths to inflate. These mattresses are very lightweight and compact which makes them perfect for backpacking especially if you are hiking for a lot of miles.
Winter Camping
Winter camping is a little bit different as you will need a lot of protection from the cold ground. The cold ground can definitely take away a lot of the body’s warmth and heat. This can cause the person to get sick or even die. Most people would get a closed cell foam mattress and combine it with an air mattress. Both will often have a very high R-value to keep the person very insulated.
Backpacking Mat Features We Should Consider
Weight
The weight of the backpacking mat is very important. We cannot carry a lot of weight. We are going to get tired rather easily. Weight is very important. Every item that you are going to bring will have a weight. Some might just be a few ounces but they do add up very fast. The more fatigue we get, the more we are not going to have fun also. We go out to the outdoors to have fun. If we are not having fun, we are definitely not going to go backpacking again.
Comfort
The more comfortable the bed, the better. We need to have a good night sleep. The more and better we sleep; the more energy we are going to have. It is best to have a comfortable bed. If you have a good night sleep, you will have more energy to walk. Not to mention that if you didn’t get enough sleep, it is likely that you will be grumpy and cranky in the morning.
Durability
The durability of the mat is very important. You don’t want to sleep once and then it is going to pop or burst. Some inflatable beds are like that. You should make sure that you are getting a very durable item. You don’t want to waste your money. We all work hard for our money so we should at least make sure that the item we are buying is very good.
Inflation
Inflating the backpacking mattress can be very tiresome. We have to puff and blow till the bed is comfortable. So we have to make sure that the bed is easy to inflate and deflate. We cannot bring a portable pump while backpacking because most portable pumps are heavy. A good bed that is easy to inflate should be sufficient enough for most of us.
Compact
We just have a limited amount of backpack space that we should make sure that the item is very compact. We still have to carry cookware, tents, sleeping bags, and so on. Having a compact bed can be very good for us who love the outdoors. Luckily for us, there are some nice compact beds out there. If you ever buy a big bed that is not compact, you can also strap the bed at the bottom of your backpack.
Backpacking Mat Accessories
Patches
There is not telling when your air mattress will get a hole or puncture. You don’t want to get a new mattress every time there is a hole or puncture in your current mattress. Patches made out of really good material can help save and repair the current mattress that you have.
Pillows
A lot of people cannot sleep well without a good pillow. There are plenty of backpacking pillows that are very lightweight and compact. They are perfect for backpacking purposes. Pillows might be something you want if you cannot sleep well while in the outdoors.
Air Pumps
If your air mattress is too hard to inflate or you just don’t like to blow air into an air mattress, then I recommend getting an air pump. There are lightweight air pumps that work well.
Built In Rails / Wings
If you are going to use a hammock, it is recommended that you get a backpacking mat with rails. There are a couple of backpacking mats with built in rails. This is great if you move a lot also. The rails will keep you inside the mat.
Understanding R-Value And Insulation
The higher the R-value of the mattress, the better it can protect you from the cold ground. The R-value is the rating that determines how much the mattress can resist the cold ground. The higher the value, the better the mattress can protect you from the ground.
Best Backpacking Mats
Here are some amazing backpacking mats that are very comfortable and light in weight. They are also very compact and durable as well. All product links are affiliate links.
1. Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad
Weight: 18.6 Ounces
Material: 75D Polyester
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 3″ x 8″
Feature Summary: Affordable lightweight camping pad with v-chamber design to limit air movement and heat loss for better support and comfort, easy-to-use push valve allows for quick inflation and deflation
Short Review: This backpacking mat is among the finest that I have ever tried. This is remarkable and it has lots of customer feedback. I am recommending this item for the reason that it is well made and it is extremely budget friendly. I love how comfortable this feels on the skin because of the soft material it is made out of. A very useful item for the outdoors and this makes sleeping in the wilderness more fun. The company did a terrific job at designing this sleeping pad considering that it is useful and works well. This is exactly what was advertised and I know that you will love this as well.
2. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
Weight: 14.5 oz
Material: 20D Ripstop tear resistant nylon
Inflation: 10-to-15 breaths
Packed Size:
Feature Summary: Super sturdy and extremely comfortable, great for any sleep position, tough, durable, large and comfy sleeping pad features a lifetime warranty, lightweight sleeping pad is made of super strong waterproof and camping grade ripstop nylon fabric
Short Review: The high quality components used to develop this mat for backpacking made this amazing. This is a very affordable item. I highly recommend it to anyone just mainly because of the price. If you would like something affordable and will not break easily then this is a wonderful choice. This is meant to be very comfortable and lots of people enjoy sleeping with this. A very good item to have if you love the outdoors and this provides lots of usefulness. When in doubt, always examine the customer reviews. This item has plenty of positive consumer feedback. I like the feel and the weight of this plus it works well.
3. OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Weight: 16 oz
Material: 20D Ripstop Woven Nylon
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 8″ x 3.5″
Feature Summary: Ultralight sleeping pad can roll up to 8×3 and weighs only 14.5oz – similar to a water bottle, perfect for backpackers who want to pack light and compact, R-value of 2.2, you can stay nice and toasty camping out in temps all the way down to 40 F (4 C)
Short Review: I love this mat for the outdoor. In the beginning, I was really surprised for the reason that this worked incredibly well especially when I didn’t have high expectations of it. You will be really content with this one simply because this is one of the very best. This saves a lot of space and will not take up much room. Versatile item that makes backpacking in the outdoors a lot more fun. We should always listen to what a lot of people are expressing about items we are thinking about. This has plenty of positive consumer feedback. This is absolutely worth getting as this can create a comfortable place to sleep while in a backpacking trip.
4. Gear Doctors Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Material: Polyester, Foam
Inflation: Self-inflating
Packed Size: 8″ x 12″
Feature Summary: Specialized thermo-insulation 4.3 r-value foam of our fully self-inflating compact sleeping pad units, inflating and deflating our sleeping pads is as easy as 1-2-3, twist the pad’s leak-proof valve and unroll your pad, air starts filling up the pad’s open cell foam
Short Review: I have used and analyzed this light sleeping mat. This is among the best mainly because of affordability and sturdiness. I really like this company and this item of theirs really works well. We all love items that are easy to setup like this one so that we have more time for other things. The outdoors is a lot more fun if you have a good item like this and this is very useful as well. I am happy that I discovered this item simply because I like using it. I believe that this high quality item surpassed my expectations and I know it will surpass yours as well.
5. MEETPEAK Camping Sleeping Pad
Weight: 1.76 Pounds
Material: 40d Nylon
Inflation: Built-in Pump
Packed Size: 11.81″ x 5.51″
Feature Summary: V shape air cells ergonomically support all of your pressure points, no matter lying flat or on side, sleeping pad made of extra thick non-toxic 40d nylon provides a unique balance between low weight & durability
Short Review: One thing I understand for certain is that this backpacking mat is rather excellent. The price of this item is incredibly low. You can obtain some more if you would like. This is absolutely wonderful. I recommend it for men and women who want create a comfortable place to sleep. Easy to carry because of the compact design which gives us more room in our backpacks. Multi-purpose item that makes the outdoors a lot easier. You will really like this high quality item due to the fact this is wonderful and works well. A considerable amount of work is put into the design of this item which makes it extremely resilient.
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6. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
Weight: 8 oz to 1 lbs, variable sizes
Material: 30D rip HT nylon
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 9″ x 4″
Feature Summary: Equipped with a dependable and rugged winglock valve, the pad inflates 3 times faster than a standard valve and features lightning-fast deflation, 4.2 r-value means the xlite can keep backpackers and campers warm
Short Review: I like using this backpacking mat and I know you will also. I know that you will be really satisfied with this because this has a whole lot of positive customer reviews. I really like this item very much and I am so glad I purchased it at an incredibly inexpensive price tag. Setting this up is very easy and instructions are very easy. Multi-purpose item that makes the outdoors a lot easier while also being very versatile. It has been known that we all like high quality items like this one because mass produced items all over the world wide web are often crappy. This has a good amount of characteristics that makes this high quality and I know that you will like it.
7. EcoTek Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Weight: 18.0 oz
Material: 70D woven polyester material
Inflation: 10-15 breaths
Packed Size: 10″ x 3″
Feature Summary: Innovative rapid one-way valve design makes both setup and stow a breeze , with 2.5 inches of loft and an r value of 2.2, the hybern8 provides 3 season warmth and comfort you can count on to help get you the shuteye you deserve
Short Review: This backpacking mat is remarkable and I know you will like it when you try it. The people who designed this item is one of the reasons why a great deal of people are acquiring it. This has a one of a kind design which received plenty of praises simply because of its versatility and elegance. Offers a lot of comfort which is why lots of people enjoy sleeping with this. Items like this one make the outdoors a lot more fun and this is very durable also. I love that this is pretty durable simply because there are a considerable amount of items in this category that are really fragile. This has a large amount of amazing consumer reviews and this great item is what I was looking for.
8. IFoRRest Sleeping Pad – with Armrest & Pillow
Weight: 2.3 lbs
Material: Waterproof 190T Polyester
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 17.70″ x 6.30″ x 6.30″
Feature Summary: This camping foam air mattress is made of strong waterproof 80d polyester, will protect you from the wet rough ground in all extreme conditions, a true 4-season camp bed with an R-value of 4.9
Short Review: This is a great outdoor mat that I know you will like. There are a great deal of useful and valuable info that can be found if you consider the positive consumer reviews of this item. It is true that I find this as essentially the most satisfying items that I have ever tried and it can create a comfortable place to sleep. I love that this is very compact which allows me to carry more stuff. Multi-purpose item that makes the outdoors a lot easier and this provides lots of usefulness. This has a large amount of features that I need and I am glad I can find it online. I would not worry if you are thinking the price tag is going to be high. This is very budget friendly.
9. Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad- Gear Doctors ApolloAir
Weight: 17 oz
Material: Nylon
Inflation: Pump Sack
Packed Size:
Feature Summary: Silent ergonomic design with 5.2 R-rating, 4 step anti leak valve system, to store just vertically trifold it after deflation then roll towards the valve direction and it’ll perfectly fit into it’s carry pouch, water-resistant hexagon shield 40d nylon fabric with e-last coating makes Apolloair camping mattress 2.5 x times stronger than current market standards
Short Review: This lightweight mat is among the best that I have ever tried. If you really like items with exquisite design, then you will definitely really like this. I purchased this item mainly because of the positive customer feedback that it has. Easy guidelines which makes this easy to setup and takes no effort at all. Items like this one make the outdoors a lot more fun. I am incredibly happy I found this for the reason that it is amazing. This is one of the best that you can get on the internet and I know that you will like making use of this.
10. Trekology UL Sleeping Pad
Weight: 1.19 Pounds
Material: 40D Nylon
Inflation: Blow air or electric pump (not included)
Packed Size: 7.3″ x 4.7″
Feature Summary: Stay warm and comfortable from cold, wet, and uneven camp floor, larger valve opening for faster inflation and deflation, upgraded 40d material making it super light and ultra durable
Short Review: This is an unbelievable light sleeping mat. The design allowed this item to be both practical and affordable. Among the finest things I like with regards to shopping on the web is that the items I find are really affordable like this one. Being very compact is amazing because this means we have more room for other items. I see this a lot with people who love the outdoors because this works well. Nothing fancy, but an outstanding item. I love the price on this item and it can create a comfortable place to sleep.
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11. Hikenture Backpack Sleeping Pad
Weight: 17 oz
Material: 90% NYLON / 10% TPU
Inflation: A few breaths
Packed Size: 10″ x 3.2″ x 3.2″
Feature Summary: Incredible compact design, material feels good on the skin, great item for outdoor activities
Short Review: Just by going through the positive user reviews, I know that this backpacking mat is incredible. The positive customer feedback of this item are accurate and if I knew that I would have purchased this sooner. People acquire this item considering that they know it is really resilient. The space saving design is great for the outdoors. This is a pretty good item for the outdoors that is also very affordable. I wasn’t expecting much from this item when I bought however I was exceptionally surprised when it worked very well. It does what it describes so no grievances here.
12. ALPS Mountaineering Featherlite Series Air Pad
Weight: 1.6 lbs
Material: 40D nylon Ripstop fabric
Inflation: built in pump
Packed Size: 11” x 4”
Feature Summary: Takes no effort to setup, very durable construction, guidelines to setup are not complicated
Short Review: There are plenty of people who like this outdoor mat. There are a lot of items that I have tried. This one is extremely budget friendly and it can create a comfortable place to sleep. I received this quickly in the mail, very comfortable and easy to inflate. I have no difficulties with this. The lightweight design is great and this is very versatile. This just makes the outdoors a lot easier. I can easily state that there are a good amount of things I like relating to this high quality item this is why I urge you to take a closer look at it. Very durable yet very comfortable at the same time.
13. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
Weight: 8 oz to 1 lbs, variable sizes
Material: 30D rip HT nylon
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 9″ x 4″
Feature Summary: Versatile outdoor item, durable and made to last for many years, this has been known to be durable
Short Review: This is a great lightweight mat that I know you will really like. We can be positive that this item can create a comfortable place to sleep simply because of the positive consumer reviews. I usually look for the lowest price tag, no matter what type of item I am purchasing. This has a great price tag. This is very compact and small enough to fit inside your backpack. If you love the outdoors, then this is a great item to have because this makes sleeping at night easier. This is one of the finest items I have ever tried plus this can create a comfortable place to sleep. This may not look sturdy however this can take on a whole lot of everyday punishments.
14. Terra Hiker Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Material: 20D TPU nylon fabric
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 11″ in” x 5.9″
Feature Summary: Designed to save space, this will not break easily, nice and comfortable
Short Review: I am excited to recommend this backpacking mat mainly because this is astonishing. I did not really think I will like this. Good thing I was wrong. This is extremely good. I am joyful to state that the customer reviews relating to this item are accurate. The weight of this is very light so we can carry more items. A great item to have if you love the outdoors. I like that this is extremely durable. You do not have to obtain this item but you may end up with an exceptionally fragile one if you do not listen to my recommendations. This has a low price tag and it is well-crafted.
15. OutdoorsmanLab Self-inflating Sleeping Pad
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Material: Ripstop 75D polyester fabric
Inflation: Self inflating
Packed Size: 10″ x 6.5″
Feature Summary: Amazing item for the outdoors, practically no time required to setup, company is very good
Short Review: I am suggesting this light sleeping mat considering that I am positive you will love it. I find it amazing that I do not have to replace this item for an exceptionally long time mainly because this is extremely sturdy. If you must know why I recommend this item, it is because of the affordable price tag. The space saving design is great for the outdoors. The outdoors can be easier with this and this makes hiking a lot more fun. This is way better than I originally expected. I have ordered different items before but this is one of the best. Affordability and this is made by a fantastic company should be adequate reasons why lots of men and women are obtaining this.