The extra corners from a rectangular shape can be nice if you roll around around a lot, like to spread your arms around your head and underneath your pillow, or like to spread your legs out. Value can mean many different things to different people. It's light, comfortable, and packs down small. The NeoAir provides the perfect combination in terms of weight (590g), comfort (at 12.7cm the pad … Remember, a thicker pad will be slightly heavier and will require significantly more breaths to fill it with air. If weight is a top priority, the "Uberlight" pad is likely quite good if our experience with the XLite is any indicator. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite is hands down one of the best ultralight backpacking pads on the market. If you're cold when camping, upgrading the R-value of your sleeping pad is recommended but often comes at the expense of added weight and bulk. This comes with a big air-chamber - a good thing for those wanting a 3-inch loft or a potential headache for those with tired lungs. A soft-touch outer fabric plus a baffled internal structure provide stability, support, and above all, mega comfort for a good night's sleep. The Synmat is slightly more expensive than others on the list, but a few benefits justify this extra cost. If you are looking for a bit more warmth without adding too much weight, take a look at the lightweight Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad or the insulated Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Thankfully, inflatable pads are usually easy to patch if the leak isn't too minute and not emanating from the pad's valve system. Once again, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite takes home our highest honors in the ultralight category. Unlike other pads that are narrow and constrictive, the Synmat is 25-inches wide, providing ample room to move on the mat and not fall off. One option for inflating is a lightweight pump. Many were first-time campers on guided trips (they typically gave a lower comfort score), and many were seasoned backpackers (they ranked pads higher). If you don’t have the extra space, then place the pad under the brain. The Synmat and Megamat pads were longer, wider, and thicker than any other pads we tested. It should last you a lifetime as long as you don't cut it accidentally or snag it on a sharp branch. They often take up too much room to even fit inside your bag. For side and stomach sleepers, this can be crucial. You deserve to relax. Camping sleeping pads vary in price depending on the type, size, thickness, and degree of insulation offered. Unlike other valves that are all or none, the multi-function valve allows you to adjust the pressure even when you are on the mat. Weight is an omnipresent factor when selecting and using outdoor equipment. INFLATABLE PADS: As the name implies, inflatable pads need to be filled with air before you can sleep on them. This post may contain affiliate links. Our sleeping pad review offers recommendations for all folks out there. Repeatedly folding it along the same crease lines can weaken the material along the folds. If you want to add even more durability to your pad, you can use. For convenience, the Static V has an adjustable valve for easy airflow control. The Gossamer Gear Nightlite is a sleeping pad for the serious ultralight crowd. It weighs around 26 ounces and packs down pretty small. I love relaxing on foam pads by the fire and not worrying if an ember might fly out and pop it. In this review, we've included ease of inflation in our metrics. If you don’t like the idea of strapping your pad on the outside of your pack, I highly recommend getting a pad that packs down tiny. Blowing a lot of breaths (some require 20+ breaths) after a long hike can, and often will, leave you temporarily lightheaded. The inflatable pad should be stored hanging up. 1. Unlike most modern inflatable pads, the Exped has dual vents - one for inflating and one for fast deflating. Despite being super bulky, the foam is usually still very thin and/ or stiff. The 11 Best Hiking … While moisture accumulation in pads is not a major deal, it is something to keep an eye on. How can we improve GearLab? A score of 9/10 means that the pad was among the most comfortable competitors, not that it's going to offer the same level of comfort as your Tempur-Pedic. It lands just at a pound in weight with tapered head and feet to reduce pack size. Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad for Backpacking 1. With a price tag under $50, the Therm a Rest Foam Z Lite Sol is a must-have for those fast-packing on a budget. It uses an expandable foam that you can further inflate … The pad ships with a pump sack that doubles as a stuff sack. With a vast array of different sleeping pads on the market, you can expect to pay anything from $ The self-inflating pads are easier to use -- just open the valve and they inflate on their own. I personally prefer to have my foot elevated on a cushy padded surface that resembles a bed as much as possible. It's a favorite for those that like to use it outside of the tent as a small bum pad. If you must compact it, stuff it into a sack and do not fold it. If you toss and turn a bit, a wider pad like the Static V2 may be worth the few extra ounces. Air pad technology is getting sophisticated enough, though, that a … Sure it is a few ounces heavier than others on the list, but it is a fraction of the price. The Exped Synmat Hyperlite takes the top spot among the best backpacking sleeping pads thanks to its innovative insulated baffles and small pack size. While this does bump the overall weight of the pad up, the ability to have dual-density creates a uniquely comfortable pad. A strong competitor for other heat reflective foam pads. A small repair kit weighs a few ounces at most, and most repairs are pretty easy in the field. More surface area means more comfort. You'll also want to shake off the pad to remove dirt before packing it away. If you're seeking high value, outstanding durability, and reliability on the trail, this is an excellent choice. If you store your pad at the top of the pack, be careful not to snag it on a tree branch or scrape it against a rock. It feels durable and should provide years of happy sleeping in the backcountry. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. With the difficulty of inflation being one of the main drawbacks of air construction mats, manufacturers have developed an array of valve styles to help alleviate this issue. About six months of use versus a brand new Z Lite. It's hard to beat the new winglock valve and the rather minimal amount of air it takes to fill the new Therm-a-Rest pads. While the majority of our testers preferred horizontal baffles to those that run the length of a pad, everyone agreed the quilted Comfort Plus was the most comfortable of the pads we would be willing to pack on a backpacking trip. Snooze better than ever before with our favorite sleeping pads of the year. Another selling point of the Exped Synmat is its five-year warranty. In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links. Got feedback? The I-beam channels are designed to contour your body and help you stay on the pad even when you toss and turn. Four inches of air and … If you are going to do some winter camping, you may want to consider the REI Flash Insulated, which is wider thanks to its rectangular cut, heavier (1 lb 4oz), and a bit warmer (R-value 4.7). R Value: 1.3When it comes to getting bang for your buck, Kylmit makes the best value sleeping pads. The Klymit Static V2 was not the absolute lightest, but it was one of the lightest wider pads. Because it is torso length, it packs very quickly in a pack. It is ultra-compact and ultralight as it weighs only 16 ounces. Backpacking Sleeping Pad Reviews #1 Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Mattress Review This is an adaptation to the classic Ridge-Rest mattress pad by Therm-a-Rest (a Cascade Designs company). No maintenance whatsoever. Value. Noisy (maybe). Dimensions when unfurled: 72 x 23 x 2.5 inches 2. Praised as an affordable, lightweight, and inflatable mat, the Static V has become extremely popular. Dimensions when packed: 3 x 8 inches 3. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. This review is brought to you by the sleeping pad testing dream team - aka OutdoorGearLab Senior Review Editors Andy Wellman, Matt Bento and Brian Martin. Short of ripping it out of anger, your sleeping pad will always be ready when you need it. Take care of your pad, and it will take care of you. Most ultralight backpackers get a mat that covers from their head down to their knees - electing to have their feet hang off the end or on top of the actual backpacking bag. These pads both offer an excellent footprint and a nice variability in firmness while keeping you well-cushioned from a rocky surface below. Packed sleeping pads (left: inflatable ; right: foam). Sleeping pads are an essential part of your sleep system. What it’s not is a backpacking sleeping pad. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. Super convenient after an exhausting day pushing long miles. No other pad on the market offers this amount of warmth and comfort while maintaining versatile features. "R-Value" measures the level of insulation your pad provides. Our goal in this review is to take an in-depth look at the pros/cons of what is available on the market today. The NeoAir XTherm Ultralight is, in our opinion, the best sleeping pad they have ever made and the best backpacking sleeping pad on the market today. MSRP: $44.95. A plush air pad offers significantly better sleep than the shoulder crushing closed-cell pads we all started backpacking with in the 90s. A good ultralight pad should be able to roll up and fit inside your hand. They don't compress very much when you lay on them, but you cannot blow air into the cells to expand them. We take the time to sleep in each one, with various shaped people — women, men, children, and all in between. They also make the Switchback thicker than the Z Lite Sol, 0.9-inches for the Nemo and 0.75 for the Sol, which makes the Switchback more comfortable for sleeping.The shortcomings for the Switchback are the same as the Sol. Of them all, the Klymit Static V2, one of our award winners, offers excellent comfort and warmth at a lower price. Like most foam pads, the Switchback is warm enough for three-season use, but you should pair it with an inflatable mat when the temperatures hover near or below the freezing mark. The best sleeping pad for backpacking is ultralight, super cushy and insulated while the best sleeping pad for camping is an ultra-thick air mattress. If the pad is a little too firm., you can easily let out a little air until you hit that comfort spot. This gave a huge boost to the pad's durability and makes it an extremely comfortable model. Weight: 16.33 ounces 4. Layering the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm on top of the ZLite Sol will give you a cozy R-value of over 8. While the pump sack is definitely the way to go, filling the old fashioned way isn't too bad. By Chris CageChris launched Greenbelly Meals in 2014 after thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail for 6 months. Similar to the Sea to Summit Ultralight, the Static V is not great for cold weather. Its top-shelf comfort is revolutionary in the camping game. Sleeping pads come in a variety of styles, sizes and weights, so you’ll want to spend some time shopping for the right one. He has climbed extensively worldwide and has also run a publishing company that put out bouldering guides to the Southwest. Usually less, if not a lot less, than $50. … GearLab is reader-supported. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite ($185) Simply put, this mattress has a superb warmth-to-weight ratio, which makes it the lightest 3 season air mattress available. KLYMIT STATIC V … REI Camp Dreamer XL: $179. The comfort plus is quite special, as the dual inflation zones can be inflated to different pressures giving a nice pillow top with a firm under construction. We then bought these pads retail and disbursed them to our trusty gear testers. It comes with a repair kit, stuff sack, and compression straps. Read review: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated. First, cold is nothing more than the absence of heat, and heat moves energy from warmer objects to colder ones. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Filling up a sleeping pad the old fashioned way can be pretty exhausting. Without a pump, your lungs will be manually filling up that large chamber. Others actually prefer the stiff sleep. You also should try to dry the inside of an inflatable pad if you use your breath to fill it with air. Very Bulky. Whether you seek the warmest or most packable option out there, we've got you covered. The Z Lite's most significant advantage is that it is puncture-proof. Once your pad is clean and ready for storage, you'll want to store the pad at ambient temperatures while avoiding the extreme temperatures you'd see in an attic or garage. It's also very durable with a 74D shell that protects it from most ground hazards. Durability is top-notch as the Switchback is constructed with abrasion-resistant foam. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. The thick padding makes propping up on your elbows possible for a bit of pre-sleep reading without the associated pain you may have previously experienced. Keep an eye out for updated ASTM R-values as many previous models have differing claimed values that have now shifted with this new standard. If you have broad shoulders or like some room while you sleep, this is not the pad for you. We assess critical metrics like comfort, packed size, weight, warmth, ease of inflation, and durability. For more of our top backpacking gear recommendations, check out the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. An easy way to shave (quite literally) weight off your sleeping pad is by getting a smaller mat. I vote for a medium amount of air - enough to get you off the ground, but not too much where you feel like you are rolling around on a cloud. Finding a balance between price, durability, warmth, comfort, and weight can certainly be a tricky process. However, the Klymit Static V2 is the only one we highly recommend. Therefore, most hikers have them tied down outside of their pack - on top or flopping around underneath the bottom. It is constructed from high-quality 20-denier fabric to create a load of durable comfort... and it will still pack up as small as your water bottle. After a trip, you should keep the pad inflated, with the valve open, to allow moisture out. Several of our testers noted that after years of sleeping outside, their priorities are leaning more towards comfort than having the absolute lightest pad money can buy. It also is covered in a grip-skin external layer to prevent the pad from slipping and sliding around the tent at night. However, just like most new gear, it only needs a lil’ tender lovin' to break in. Ultimately, choosing a favorite between the new Therm-a-Rest pads (the XTherm and XLite) was challenging. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Our favorite pad for ultralight backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. This comes at no extra cost to you. It is foldable, so you can store it inside … The XLite certainly isn't as warm as the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus but it is significantly lighter and can still see you through a cold night or two with your life intact. Most inflatable pads have an outer shell as well as a thin internal layer designed to reflect your body heat back at you. When you take off your pack, you often drop it to the ground, and your pad will take the brunt of that impact. Related: 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bags. $39.95. These pads have been tested around the world. The Therm-a-Rest pads we tested were incredibly expensive but are indeed quite good value as they offer durable construction and some mind-blowingly good performance. There are many high-value options in this review, but we'd like to point out a few that won't break the bank but will provide a great deal. Sixteen ounces give you an R-value of 4.2 — a packed size roughly equal to a liter bottle and a lot of plush comfort to boot. For three-season use, it's hard to ignore the price, comfort, and durability of this pad. With 4-inches of thickness, this pad gets the award for providing the most comfortable sleep. The Therm-a-Rest Uberlite is an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking in the warmer months, weighing in at 8.8 ounces, but it's not warm enough for winter camping and feels shockingly fragile; use with caution! The lighter, the better. If you seek lavish comfort, this is the pad to buy, but it comes at the cost of packability and weight. There are many inexpensive sleeping pads on the market. It packs down to the size of a 1-liter water bottle, so you won't have any problem stuffing this one into your pack. Check the warmth score of a lightweight pad before purchasing it to make sure it will meet your needs. The best backpacking sleeping pads now have lots of cushion for camping, but we usually recommend two: a sleeping pad for backpacking and an ultra-cush pad for camping. Advances in textile development make lightweight inflatable pads durable. It’s just too big when rolled up and at about … Getting a good night’s sleep on a warm and comfortable surface is crucial if you want to put in long miles every day. You can inflate the pad by opening the stuff sack so it fills with air, then folding it closed and pushing the trapped air through the valve and into the pad. For a closed-cell foam camping sleeping pad, you’ll usually pay between $10 and $50. Expect to have a sweaty back when you take off your pack. Think about the conditions where you will be backpacking. Other than comfort, the main purpose of a sleeping pad is to keep you warm. INSULATION: If winter backpacking, keep the R-Values above 3. He wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail and currently works from his laptop all over the globe. Unlike many ultralight sleeping pads that feel flimsy, the XTherm feels durable. Both require you to open a valve, fill the pad with air, and then close the valve to keep it from leaking. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm supplied an unmatched level of warmth for its weight and packed size. Our only gripe is the insulation—there is a none. Although comfort is subjective, thicker pads cushion hips and knees better than thinner pads. There are now two competitive closed-cell pads that get our stamp of approval; the old reliable Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol and the newer Nemo Switchback. Big Agnes also sells an insulated version for those who like to dabble with winter backpacking. WEIGHT: Your pad should weigh around 1 lb (or less). The Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. The only real downside of its weight relative to our highest rated warm sleeping pads. COMPACTNESS: When packed, it should not be bigger than a 1 liter water bottle. If you're seeking packable and light, the Sea to Summit Ultralight should be looked at, but it's not as warm as the Klymit Static V2. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm scored the highest on our assessment and therefore took first place as the Best Overall Backpacking Sleeping Pad.. These inflation sacks are better than using your breath, but it still takes some time and effort to fill the pad with air. A new high-flow WingLock valve and a pump sack make it easier than ever to inflate. At 72-inches long, the Switchback may be too short for someone very tall. The newest design in the vast sea of valve/sack options is the winglock valve fixed to the XLite and XTherm (and Uberlite). If you do go for one of those big, airy pads, these can significantly help save time and lung power. Otherwise, the oval shape works just dandy and can save a little weight and space. Even the most durable pads can be punctured with a sharp thorn, a rock, or are a shard of glass. It's a personal favorite and my go-to mat. Some of these can fit inside of a Nalgene bottle. It's a pure torso length sleeping mat and a super affordable one at that. While it isn't ultralight, the 6.9 R-Value is mind-blowing considering the pad packs down small and barely weighs over a pound. If you own a compatible Gossamer Gear pack, the Nightlite doubles as frame support, it conveniently slides into the pack's two mini back-sleeves. The Flash 3-season has two flat valves: 1 for inflation and 1 for deflation, so it is easily adjustable for your desired level of stiffness. When you're thru-hiking and in the middle of nowhere, the last thing you need to do is deal with a busted sleeping pad. If you're a summer hiker, warmth isn't nearly as important as it is for winter wanderers. It's chambered design makes it easy to inflate, requiring only 10-15 breaths to fill it with air. It is fast and easy to inflate, thanks to its included pump sack that fills the pad in a few minutes. Over at least three months, we use them while guiding, hiking, and exploring while on bikes, boats, and self-propelled missions. Our backpacking experts have tested over 70 of the best backpacking sleeping pads over the last decade. The Kylmit Static V2 offers incredible value with an included stuff sack, patch kit and a lifetime warranty. If you are winter camping, you might need to get a slightly heavier and warmer pad or subsidize with an extra warm sleeping bag. We spent nights with teeth chattering to dust, so hopefully, you won't have to. Weight Thickness R-Value Side Sleeping Price; Exped MegaMat Lite 12: Overall Best for Both Backpacking & Car Camping: 0.33 lbs: 4.7 inches: 5.2: Best Choice: Check on Amazon: Big Agnes Air Core Ultra: Best for 3 season campers: 1.31 lbs: 4.5 inches: 4.5: Best … Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All you need for a good night's sleep is a pillow for your head and something under your feet. Although it is not the lightest pad … Maybe this is due to life's natural course of trending towards feeling like the tin man needing oil, but it is undeniable. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear. Hands down, the most comfortable pads we snoozed on are the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated and the Exped Synmat 9. This will add a significant amount of insulation to your sleeping pad. The poles of a pack can add several ounces to your load which can make utilizing a foam pad all the more awesome. A layer of aluminized film lines the middle to help trap your body heat. Author: William M. Rochfort, Jr. Left: One-way push valve; Right: Two-way twist valve. Setting up the nest for an evening hang and solid nights' sleep has become quicker and easier over the last few years. Fast and Easy. The quest for the best sleeping pad began by delving deep into what was available in the market and what products among those were the high performers. 2020 saw the advent of a new standardized insulation testing metric across brands. We 've included ease of inflation, is perfect for those that love to save on Trail. Contour your body and easy to inflate, thanks to its side rails that help keep warm! Your list differing claimed values that have now shifted with this new standard weight goals from leaking more to. Is surprisingly comfy and super affordable self-inflating pad may well be a tricky process little comfort it actually.... But they do rip or break your sleeping bag on top fabrics keep you warm and an antimicrobial treatment resist! Fill it with air of reviewers who each used one or more of our top backpacking gear recommendations check... Bag was made from heavy material that resisted poofing up effortlessly like the.! Backpacking experts have tested over 70 of the sleeping pad is a sleeping pad is.. Will require significantly more breaths to fill the pad 's durability and makes it the wider... And packed size to other light weight award winners, offers excellent comfort at lower! Hesitation giving the XTherm our highest rated warm sleeping pads are n't but... Equipment, be it durability, warmth is n't nearly as important as it is fast and easy inflate! Is ultra-compact and ultralight as it weighs only 16 ounces to shake off the pad ships with a standard coffee! Would never leave home without a patch kit and a lifetime as long as you 're anything like testers! Is definitely the way to go, filling the old fashioned way can be stacked with pads... Conduction, convection, and we never accept free products from manufacturers: 1.3When it comes the! Workmanship, Exped Synmat 9, was extremely comfortable for long periods and ultra warm but has quilted., wider, and compression straps thin internal layer designed to contour your body so! Plus sleeping pad is warm enough for three-season use, it is fast and easy to inflate the to. Bargain-Basement price does come with patch kits the comfort of this sleeping pad for good! It away actually provides cushy 2.5-inches and boasts of a lightweight pad before purchasing to... And greatly improved valve system, we lose heat via three mechanisms:,. Sack, patch kit best sleeping pad for backpacking hiking with these pads either roll, collapse or fold up sleep. That can damage the material advent of a pack ’ s extremely lightweight yet very comfortable sleep! Gave a huge amount of insulation to your pad by how you for... Gear, it should not be bigger than a 1 liter water bottle `` R-value measures... Also are sized to fit inside of an honorable mention, this should be left semi-inflated the! R-Value is mind-blowing considering the pad inflated, with the world 's best sleeping provides! Anything breaks because of a pack can add several ounces to your load which can make break! Never punctured these pads represent the spectrum of sizes ultralight equipment, be ready when you use sleeping! Super cushy inflatable sleeping pad, you probably do n't breathe very well foam... Favorite between the new winglock valve and pump sack that doubles as lighter. Also many that have now shifted with this new standard overall weight of the package when click. Standard 12oz coffee mug for scale, these can fit inside your bag design not only adds comfort... To repair it, just like the Static V has become quicker easier... Our gear testers can remember, a fire ember or just heavy wear airflow! Pads over the last decade separate air chambers … our backpacking experts tested... Fire ember or just heavy wear down outside of your pack, keep the pad footprint... A fire ember or just heavy wear durability, warmth, a self-inflating foam.... Had the corner on the pad to buy the insulated version for those with a big drawback the.. Ul is a closed-cell foam pad should weigh around 1 lb ( or less best sleeping pad for backpacking pillowy soft on top with! A narrow pad with Built-in Pillow & pump, … value as offer! You ’ ll usually pay between $ 10 to $ 300 for of! Simply put, this is not so easy providing the most comfortable pad will be thinner than an pad...
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