Best 10 Backpacking Sleeping Pads Of 2024

If you want to have more energy in the next morning while in a backpacking trip then you will need to have a good night’s rest. In order to get a good sleep at night, you will need an amazing backpacking sleeping pad. Sleeping pads provide lots of comfort, warmth and cushion. There are many different kinds of sleeping pads and getting one that fits your needs can be difficult. However, I have listed a few amazing sleeping pads and one of them might be able to accommodate your backpacking needs.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads – Quick Chart

How To Choose A Backpacking Sleeping Pad

Types Of Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam sleeping pads provide a little bit of comfort while in the outdoors. A good example of this type of sleeping pad is a yoga mat. A yoga mat is not breathable or it does not let air pass through it. It provides a little bit of cushion from the ground but this is still not very comfortable.

Open Cell Foam

Open cell foam sleeping pads are very comfortable. They retain their shape even after being pushed down, folded, rolled and so on. The only drawback is that these sleeping pads are not very compact. They are very hard to roll or fold. It is often not very easy to carry them and not that easy to pack them away.

Self-Inflating

This is most likely the most popular sleeping pad design right now for backpacking. The sleeping pad will inflate itself if you open the valve. The user can also blow air into the valve to speed up the process. Most of the time, it will take around 12-15 breaths for a sleeping pad to inflate. It depends on the design though.

Air Mattress With A Pump

These sleeping pads are meant for car camping and RV camping. They are very heavy and bulky. They are not very compact and not very light in weight. They come with their own electric air pump which will inflate or deflate the bed. This type of sleeping pad or mattress are very comfortable and very easy to fall asleep onto.

Hammock Pads

Hammock pads will often have wings or rails built into them. These types of pads are not yet very popular. There are very few models that I know of.

Outdoor Activity Considerations

Car Camping / RV camping

If you are going car camping, I recommend getting air beds that are meant for camping. Since you are not going to be hiking or carrying equipment, you can bring very heavy mattresses or beds. Some air beds are very heavy but very comfortable. There are lots of beds to choose from different companies and manufacturers.

Backpacking

If you are going backpacking but not planning on hiking for a lot of miles then you can bring an open cell foam mattress. But if you are going to be hiking for a lot of miles then something light would be better. I recommend self-inflating sleeping pads or closed cell foam pads for this type of occasion.

Minimalist Backpacking

If you are not planning on carrying a lot of weight, then getting an inflatable sleeping pad would be better. These sleeping pads are very light in weight and very compact. They do not take a lot of backpack room and they are easy to setup as well.

Winter Camping

For people planning on going camping or backpacking during the winter, I recommend getting a closed cell foam mattress and a self-inflating sleeping pad. The cold ground can take away all of the warmth from your body and you may end up dying because of this. You will want to shield and protect yourself well with high quality sleeping pads with high R-value or high insulation.

Backpacking Sleeping Pad Features We Should Consider

Lightweight

The lighter the weight of the sleeping pad, the better. We cannot carry an infinite amount of weight. Most people can only carry up to 25 pounds. We have to carry a lot of backpacking gear like tents, cookware, survival gear and so on. Having a very lightweight sleeping pad can definitely help a lot. If you are going to pick one, I suggest getting the lightest possible. When you have done more backpacking, then you can get heavier and comfortable outdoor mattresses.

Pack Size

The pack size of the sleeping pad should be considered. There are really big sleeping pads that have a big pack size. Most of these items are very comfortable. So if you are looking for something very comfortable, the pack size of the sleeping pad will often be very big. You often need to make a decision whether the extra comfort is worth the extra dimensions on the pack size.

Inflation

The inflation and setting up of the sleeping pad is very important. You really don’t want to spend a lot of effort and time on inflating and deflating the sleeping pad. After lots of hiking, you just want to eat and sleep. You really don’t want to put a lot of effort with setting up the tent, sleeping bag, mattress and so on. So the inflation and deflation of the sleeping pad should be considered.

Durability

Of course, durability matters. It is something you should consider. Durable sleeping pads will last for a long time. You don’t need to replace them for years. You can use them all the time. Sleeping pads that are not durable may not even last for one night. There are pads like that. The quality control is terrible or the company is a counterfeit. So you need to make sure that the item that you are getting is pretty durable.

Comfort

The more comfortable you are, the better or deeper you are going to sleep. Comfort is a big factor. Comfort allows you to sleep well. However, the more comfortable the sleeping pad, the heavier it will be. So you need to achieve a balance between comfort and weight.

Backpacking Sleeping Pad Accessories

Pillows

If you would like to be more comfortable while backpacking, then I recommend getting backpacking pillows. There are a couple of pillows that are very lightweight, compact and very durable. They are specifically made for the outdoors.

Air Pumps

You can also get air pumps to help inflate your backpacking sleeping pad. This is more of a luxury though and you most likely will not need it. Most backpacking sleeping pads can be inflated without an air pump.

Patches

If your sleeping pad ever gets a hole or puncture, we can patch it up if you have extra patches to spare. Some companies give out patches with the sleeping pad that you have bought. This only works for inflatable sleeping pads though. It is better to patch up a hole or repair the sleeping pad rather than buying a new one.

Understanding R-Value And Insulation

The higher the R-value, the better the sleeping pad can protect you from the cold ground. The ground will suck away all of the warmth and heat that your body has if you sleep on it. It is important to shield yourself from the ground while backpacking. The R-value of a sleeping pad determines how well the pad can resist the cold ground. The higher the value, the better it can shield the user.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

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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: Made by an amazing company, setting up this item is effortless, company is very trust worthy

Short Review: If you need something outstanding then this backpacking sleeping pad fits your needs. This is lightweight, and packable air pad that incorporates body-mapping chambers for ultimate comfort. Comes with V-Chamber design conforms to the shape of your body while maintaining ample, lofted air pockets. The valve allows for quick inflation and deflation of the Static V sleeping pad. This is rather easy to inflate and deflate. You don’t need to put a lot of effort setting this up and packing it up. I like that this is very resilient also. This is absolutely a superb item with an even better selling price. This is a very comfortable sleeping pad that is also very durable and for the price the company is asking for, this is practically a steal.

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: The way I view it is that this backpacking air mattress is a very good deal. This is very compact and easy to transport because this is ultra-light and will fit in any backpack and won’t cause backaches from its weight. This is constructed with strongest outdoor-grade material, this sleeping pad is perfect for any weather conditions. This item surpassed my expectations. This has a whole lot of positive customer reviews mainly because this is very inexpensive and effective. This is very compact which is why it is great because this barely takes any backpack space. The comfort this brings for outdoor purposes is amazing and this is high quality as well.

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: This backpacking air mattress is amazing and numerous men and women think so too. This ultralight sleeping pad can roll up to 8×3 and weighs only 14.5oz – similar to a water bottle. Amazing sleeping pad is built to last and provide you with as many great nights of sleep as possible. This has an R-value of 2.2, you can stay nice and toasty camping out in temps all the way down to 40 F. The reason why I recommend this is that this is very comfortable. Easy to inflate and deflate as well. I definitely like this inflatable mattress pad a great deal because this can create a comfortable place to sleep while in the outdoors. Space saving design is amazing as well.

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 backpacking air mattress is incredible and I know you will love it when you try it. This has a non-leak valve, so that people will never again worry about jagged rocks, uneven ground or air leaks during the night. This features unique thermo insulation foam technology with it we could achieve an outstanding r-value of 4.3. This features exclusive Micro Coated 75D green Polyester to give it not only Extra Strength but also UV and water-resistant as well. This really does amazing things for my situation. This item is incredibly simple to use. It looks fantastic and I love it. This provides lots of comfort to help you fall sound asleep and feel renewed in the morning.

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: Personally, I have tried and evaluated this backpacking air bed. This has V shape air cells that ergonomically support all of the person’s pressure points, no matter whether they are lying flat or on side. This is constructed out of extra thick 40d nylon provides a unique balance between low weight and durability. Comes with a built-in foot press pump makes it easy to inflate, single-layer air release valve design, only need 1s deflate. This high quality item exceeded my expectations simply because this is very comfortable and very durable. The comfort that this brings when you are about to sleep at night is amazing. I love that this is very easy to setup. Easy to inflate when you are about to sleep and deflate when you are about to leave. Ideal item to have for the outdoors because of the weight and comfort that this brings

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: If you are searching for an unbelievable backpacking sleeping pad then look at this. This has an internal structure that provides support and comfort in a 2.5-inch inflated mattress for a restful night in the backcountry. This is perfect for lightweight expeditions thanks to its innovative tapered design and materials, which eliminate bulk, making it possible to pack the ground pad to the size of a one-liter water bottle. This is rather comfortable to sleep on but a little bit heavy. I recommend that you to examine this high quality item for the reason that you may love it. Amazing design that saves space and frees up a lot of room in the backpack. The comfort that this brings for sleeping in the outdoors is amazing which is why this has lots of satisfied customers.

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: This is a pretty awesome backpacking air bed. This design is pretty good and the material feels very durable. This has an easy-to-use one-way valve makes inflation and deflation simple and fast, allowing you to set up and break camp in as little time. This comes with patent-pending FlexCell technology that causes the air passages to constrict and the cells to self-isolate as the pad is inflated. This inflates in less than 10 breaths which is amazing. I am exceptionally happy with this and it is incredible that I can purchase it on the web. Easy guidelines which makes this easy to setup. Easy to inflate and deflate. This inflatable pad came from a really popular company this is why I know that you will love this.

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 backpacking air bed is amazing and this has a lot of positive consumer recommendations. This camping foam air mattress is made of strong waterproof 80D Polyester, will protect you from the wet rough ground in all extreme conditions. This sleeping pad includes built-in armrests and adjustable pillow that provides additional comfort. The price of this item is great that I recommend it all the time. You will like this high quality item for the simple fact that this is exceptionally good. Compact design makes this very desirable especially for outdoor adventures. This is a very gorgeous item that has a great deal of functionality and it is also very budget friendly.

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: This impressive backpacking air mattress will amaze you. This is constructed out of water-resistant hexagon shield 40d nylon fabric with e-last coating that makes it the perfect balance for mobility comfort and warmth. This features 5.2 R-Value, which means that the ground won’t suck the heat from your body and that makes it ideal for 4 season camping. This is a pretty awesome item and I really like using it. I love this company and judging by this incredible sleeping air pad, plenty of people will fall in love with them as well. I love the lightweight material this is created out of because no one wants to carry heavy items. A very good item to have if you love the outdoors and this provides lots of comfort.

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: This outdoor blow up mattress is one of the best that I truly love. This is easy to inflate and deflate with our enlarged air valve. People can blow air to for their desired firmness by mouth or by using standard electronic pumps. This is constructed out of strong and durable 40D nylon with a premium water-resistant coating. The positive consumer feedback are some of the best info that you can get concerning this inflatable mattress. This is accurately what I expected and came in the earlier than anticipated. The space saving design is great and should give us more room in our backpacks. There are a good amount of useful info that we can get by reading through the positive consumer reviews of this sleeping pad. Very comfortable and feels good on the skin as well.