Best 10 Backpacking Sleeping Mattresses Of 2024

In order to have a very good night’s sleep while in the wilderness then you will need to have a very good backpacking sleeping mattress. A sleeping mattress will help you stay warm and above ground. The ground can suck out all the warmth out of you so using a good mattress to get a good night’s sleep is crucial. I have listed a few amazing backpacking sleeping mattresses down below. I hope you will at least find one of them to be satisfactory and perfect for your backpacking adventures.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Mattresses – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Sleeping Mattress

Types Of Backpacking Sleeping Mattresses

Air Mattress With A Pump

Air mattresses are very popular for people who often have guests and visitors staying in their home. An air mattress would inflate with the use of an air pump. There are air mattresses meant for camping. These mattresses are very bulky and heavy which is why they are not good for backpacking. However, they are very comfortable and ideal for car camping and RV camping.

Hammock Pads

Hammock pads are very unique as they will often have wings or rails on their sides. There are not a lot of hammock pads but they are very distinct and easy to see.

Open Cell Foam

A good example of open cell foam sleeping mattress is a memory foam bed. Most memory foam beds are open cell foam. They retain their shape even after getting bent, folded, pushed and so on. Unfortunately, this type of sleeping mattress is not very compact.

Closed Cell Foam

A closed cell foam sleeping mattress is somewhat comfortable and easy to carry. Yoga mats are a great example of closed cell foam mattress. They are not breathable and do not let air to pass through. These mattresses can be folded or rolled to make them more compact. They are often seen at the bottom of the backpack of a hiker or backpacker.

Self-Inflating

Self-inflating sleeping mattresses are very popular as a lot of people are getting them for backpacking. They are very light in weight and compact which makes them very easy to carry. These beds are also very easy to inflate. They can be inflated by blowing air into them or by waiting for them to inflate themselves.

Types Of Outdoor Activities To Consider

Car Camping / RV camping

When you are going car camping, you do not need to worry about weight since you are not going to walk a lot of miles to your camping spot. For people that go car camping, they often get air mattresses that are very bulky and big. They provide a lot of comfort and these beds are rather heavy which is why they are not ideal for backpacking. However, for car camping, they are great.

Backpacking

If you are not planning on hiking for a lot of miles then you can bring an open cell foam sleeping mattress. These mattresses are somewhat light but they are not very compact. However, if you are not planning on walking for a lot of miles, then you may just use these mats. They are very comfortable and easy to fall asleep with.

Minimalist Backpacking

If you are going to be hiking for a lot of miles then getting a very light and compact sleeping mattress would be ideal. Self-inflating pads are often a good choice as they are very good for backpacking purposes. They are easy to inflate and easy to carry.

Winter Backpacking

Backpacking or camping during the winter is a little bit different. You will have to shield your body very well from the cold ground. If you do not, you may end up dying due to cold or hypothermia. It is recommended that you get a very good closed cell foam sleeping mattress along with an inflatable mattress to keep yourself warm or away from the ground.

Understanding R-Value And Insulation

The higher the R-value of the mattress, the better it can resist the cold. This is a very important rating since the cold ground can suck away all of the heat from your body. The R-value is basically how good the item can resist the cold. So always look for a very high R-value when it comes to getting sleeping mattresses for the wilderness.

Backpacking Sleeping Mattress Features We Should Consider

Lightweight

The weight of the sleeping mattress should always be considered. We just have so much stuff to bring and we have a finite amount of weight we can carry. We have to try to get the lightest possible mattress for the outdoors that we can. The more weight we carry, the more tired we will become. It is just not that wise to get items that are very heavy.

Pack Size

The pack size of the mattress matters a lot. The backpack has a limited space or room. We have to bring a lot of other items too. A mattress can be very big especially if it is a foam mattress. The pack size of the mattress should be considered. You may be filling up your backpack already just with a mattress. You may not have enough room for other items.

Dimensions

The overall dimensions of the mattress also matter. A lot of people cannot sleep if their feet are dangling. They need a big mattress. A lot of backpacking mattress are not that big. They often cut back on materials to make the item very lightweight. So always check the dimensions of the mattress. Make sure that it will fit you. You will have a better good night’s sleep if you have a comfortable and good size sleeping pad.

Durability

The durability of the sleeping mattress should be considered also. We are going to be sleeping on it. We going to end up applying force and pressure to the sleeping pad while sleeping. It is important that the item can handle a lot of punishment. If the item tears up easily or easily gets damage, then it is not a good item. The air will be released and the mattress will deflate. You will end up with dead weight while in the wilderness.

Comfort

We all get a mattress for their comfort. We need to be able to sleep comfortably in the outdoors. The better or deeper we sleep; the more energy we will have in the morning. The more hours and deeper we sleep has a lot to do with comfort. The more comfortable the sleeping mat, the better. But keep in mind also that the most comfortable sleeping mattresses are often very heavy so you should consider the weight as well.

Backpacking Sleeping Mattress Accessories

Rails or Wings

There are a few mattress pads that have rails or wings. They are great for blocking the sides in case the user moves too much. These mattress pads are often used for hammocks though or that they are meant for hammocks.

Pillows

I recommend getting a backpacking pillow if you are having problems sleeping while backpacking or camping. A good pillow will give you a lot of comfort. There are a lot of people also that cannot sleep well without a good pillow. There are some very lightweight and compact pillows that are made for backpacking. I recommend checking them out.

Air Pumps

You can also get air pumps from third party companies. If you want more power or an easier way to inflate your bed, then getting a very good air pump is a wise decision. Just be sure that they are compatible with the air bed that you have.

Patches

You can repair and save your sleeping mattress if you have patches that are meant for them. This is very good for inflatable mattresses that are prone to getting punctured or prone to getting holes. You can repair and patch up a sleeping mattress rather than getting a new one.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Mattresses

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1. Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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 is one of the best backpacking sleeping mattresses. This is constructed out of sturdy 75D polyester fabric designed to stand up to any surface you decide to set it on. This features innovative V-chamber that limits air movement and heat loss for all-night support and comfort. This is lightweight and considerably less than other air mattresses and self-inflating pads of the same size. This is a really good and solid item that is also quite low-priced. I am amazed that this item can provide a comfortable place to sleep. It is solidly built and has a superb selling price. I just love how this feels good and very comfortable which is why this should provide you with lots of sleeping time.

2. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: This outdoor bed is amongst the best that you can purchase. This lightweight sleeping pad is made of super strong, waterproof, camping-grade ripstop nylon fabric that works well for the outdoors. This ultra-light and super-portable sleeping pad will fit in any backpack and won’t cause backaches. Amazing item that is super sturdy and extremely comfortable. I know that you will love this item and I find this item to be really amazing. The lightweight design allows us to carry more in our adventures. Ideal item to have for the outdoors and this will provide lots of usefulness.

3. OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: One of the best things that you can get is this bed for the outdoors. This is amazing and made out of durable and ripstop 20D nylon. This has patented sleeping pad technology provides optimal support, comfort, and warmth. This has a quick inflation with 10-15 breaths and deflates in seconds. There are a great deal of men and women that thinks that this is extraordinary including myself. This is really useful and well worth the money I spent on it simply because of that you will be delighted if you get this item. This is meant to be very comfortable which is why lots of people are satisfied with this. Having a great item like this is great for the outdoors.

4. Gear Doctors Self Inflating Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: This is an astonishing light bed that I have grown to like a great deal of. Amazing item that is very high-quality and made out of premium non-toxic materials. This has a unique THERMO insulation foam technology with it we could achieve an outstanding R-Value of 4.3 Which prevents the ground from sucking the heat of your body to the cold ground. Compact design is very useful because we do not have infinite amounts of backpack space. The usefulness this brings for outdoor purposes is amazing and this is high quality as well. I am positive that you will really like this item simply because of the low price tag and this is also extremely good.

5. MEETPEAK Camping Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: I am extremely happy that I purchased this mainly because this is a really wonderful bed for the outdoors. This comes with thermoform sealing and TPU coating make the camping mat performance better in severe conditions. This has a V shape air cells ergonomically support all of your pressure points, no matter lying flat or on side. Lots of items do not look good which is the reason I recommend this item simply because the design is remarkable. Space saving design is amazing because items that are compact are easily organized. Amazing item for the outdoors that is also very affordable.

6. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress

Technical Specs
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: There are numerous backpacking sleeping mattresses that I like however this is one of my favorites. This has 4.2 R-value means the XLite can keep backpackers and campers warm in anything but the most extreme conditions. This features patented Triangular Core Matrix delivers warmth using a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam. Constructed with innovative, proprietary material that reflects radiant heat and minimizes heat loss without adding extra weight or bulk. This works really well. I recommend it. This is really versatile. Not complicated and easy to setup plus very user friendly. Amazing item for the outdoors and this works well too.

7. EcoTek Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: I unquestionably love this bed for the outdoors given that it is exceptional. This Hybern8 ultralight sleeping pad is made of a woven polyester blend with some pretty awesome features. This comes with patent-pending FlexCell technology that causes the air passages to constrict and the cells to self-isolate. Wonderful sleeping pad that provide support for all your pressure points while reducing convective heat loss. This is very comfortable and provides a great night sleep. A great item to have if you love the outdoors. I must confess I was a skeptic however this works incredibly well.

8. IFoRRest Sleeping Pad – with Armrest & Pillow

Technical Specs
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 lightweight bed is pretty inexpensive and it has a great deal of pleased consumers. This is constructed out of strong waterproof 80D Polyester, will protect you from the wet rough ground in all extreme conditions. This has a built-in armrests and an ergonomic pillow for additional comfort and support. This patent-pending technologies for superior comfort and support to ensure that even those who really struggle to get comfortable at night. This is an extremely good item and you can expect it to last for a while due to the fact its resilience is superb. The compact design works well for me who carries a lot of items. This brings lots of usefulness whenever you are in the outdoors.

9. Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad- Gear Doctors ApolloAir

Technical Specs
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: If you are looking for an astonishing bed for backpacking, then this is a good choice to try. This is constructed out of water-resistant hexagon shield 40d nylon fabric with e-last coating. This features horizontal insulating air chambers will effectively distribute your weight on the sleeping pad while preventing the ground from sucking the heat out. Affordability and durability are just some of the main factors why I like to recommend this to my website visitors. I read that a lot of people are satisfied with this item because this is very light which allows them to carry more items. There are no problems here as this is pretty good.

10. Trekology UL Sleeping Pad

Technical Specs
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: There are plenty of lightweight bed in the Internet however this is quite wonderful. This is constructed out of 40D material making it super light and ultra durable. Amazing heavy-duty mat is made of strong and durable 40D nylon with a premium water-resistant coating. Amazing sleeping pad that provides 3.9 inches(10 cm) thick, providing you with a good amount of support while you sleep. Compact design is very useful because we do not have infinite amounts of backpack space. This is a multipurpose outdoor item. Wonderful for outdoor adventures.