Our Favorite Sleeping Pads to Take on Your Next Camping Trip
A good sleeping pad will keep you comfortable, rested, and ready to tackle whatever adventure awaits.
Courtesy of Therm-a-Rest
We’re officially on summer’s doorstep, and warmer weather all over the country inevitably means a continued surge in camping interest for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the West.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced camper, there’s one piece of gear that is absolutely paramount to comfort and, in turn, trip success. No one should ever overlook the importance of sleeping pads, especially after a long day of physical exertion and the prospect for even more the following day.
Not to mention, if you happen to be a side-sleeper like myself, giving camping a whirl sans a sleeping air pad elicits next-morning thoughts typically along the lines of, “Was I beat up last night?”
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Fortunately, easily inflatable, lightweight, and affordable sleeping pads eliminate the aches and pains stubborn campers may be all too familiar with. From one brand to another, sleeping pads span the spectrum of firmness, thickness, and weight to appeal to all manner of camper—from the backcountry to the back yard.
Insulation is another measurement that can help you find the sleeping pad that best suits your camping habits. A pad’s R-value, a scale that typically ranges between 1 and 7, is helpful in determining the effectiveness of the pad in keeping heat insulated between your body and the ground. The higher the R-value, the better the pad will perform in colder climates.
Considering these factors, we compiled a list of a few of our favorite pads that will keep you comfortable, warm, rested, and ready to tackle whatever adventure awaits.
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
A gear maker that has “Rest” in its name better be buttoned up when it comes to comfortability, and Therm-a-Rest makes sure to live up to it and then some—especially with the ultra-durable NeoAir XLite, a 12-oz. featherweight that offers 2.5 inches of inflatable padding and easy compressibility for occupying as little space in your pack as possible.
The air pad’s WingLock design allows for one-way air flow that can be twisted to inflate or release air. And even though it’s not considered an insulated model, the lightweight pad packs an impressive R-value punch of 4.2. In addition to the standard mummy version, women’s and extra-wide versions are available as well. Get the Therm-a-Rest here.
Klymit Static V
I’m admittedly partial to Klymit sleeping pads, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, tough, and don’t break the bank. The Static V is no different. Made from durable polyester, this Klymit pad is one that has kept me comfortable on many trips. At just under 19 oz., the lightweight air pad uses a V-Chamber design that conforms to a person’s body while maintaining the integrity of the pad’s air pockets and comfort for side and stomach sleepers alike. When packed, the pad is just 3×8 inches.
A simple 10 to 15 breaths of air in an easy-to-use valve will have the pad ready to help you unwind after a long hike. With an R-value of 1.3, the Static V is geared more toward warm-weather outings. If you’re venturing into cold climates, try the $99 Insulated Static V Lite for added defense. Get the Klymit here.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated
Even in the summer months, you might find yourself sleeping in an environment where temperatures dip well into chilly status. Few air pads stand up to a cold ground better than this Sea to Summit gem that boats an impressive 6.2 R-value.
Four-season performance shines thanks to the pad’s XT Air Sprung Cells that provide a full 4 inches between you and the ground. Dual layers of insulation line the inner part of the pad, trapping body heat. Inflation is quick and easy thanks to a multi-function valve that works with a pump that doubles as the pad’s stuff sack. Also included is a repair kit comprising six adhesive patches and a spare valve. Mummy and rectangular models are available in numerous sizes. Get the Sea to Summit here.
Nemo Tensor Ultralight Insulated
The insulated Tensor Ultralight is an air pad that lives up to Nemo’s status as a well-established titan in the camping industry. The Tensor offers surprising comfort and durability despite weighing just 15 oz., and does so while mastering weight distribution.
Fabric and packaging is made from 100% recycled material that, with the insulated version, is distributed into multiple layers of film that create 3 inches of space between you and the ground and an R-value of 4.2. A repair kit, draw string bag, and vortex pump sack are included, allowing users to inflate at high altitudes without sacrificing oxygen. Numerous sizes and versions—mummy, non-mummy, non-insulated—are available. Each pad comes with Nemo’s lifetime warranty. Get the Nemo here.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Pad
A sleeping air pad list wouldn’t be complete without at least one two-person version to eliminate the headache of you and your travel buddy packing multiple. The Rapide SL fits seamlessly into most two-person backpacking tents and offers a doublewide air chamber that carries an R-value of 4.2 to keep you, your partner, or four-legged friend insulated during a minimum of three seasons.
A durable, quilted sleep surface and more than 4 inches of width, when inflated, ensure maximum comfort. The pad’s heat reflective barrier, meanwhile, keeps things toasty as temperatures outside plummet, while outer air chambers cradle sleepers in the middle of the pad. The kit includes an inflation sack, a high-volume valve for quick air adjustments, a protective storage sack, replacement valve, and repair patches. Get the Big Agnes here.
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