With a slightly more competitive price tag than the NeoAir XLite, the Ultralight is one of the best sleeping pads for hiking fast and light. Although closed-cell foam pads offer excellent value, they aren’t typically comfortable, so most people should look for a self-inflating or air pad style model which is between one and two pounds. The pad is an impressive 7cm thick and filled with recycled polyester and Primaloft Black Insulation Eco. But most outdoor enthusiasts prefer other styles. Dimensions when unfurled: 72 x 23 x 2.5 inches 2. Like the XLite, it is a little on the narrow side, but has the added benefit of a rectangular design to make up for it, and is surprisingly stable for a pad of this depth making it a hot competitor as the best sleeping pad for side sleepers. They take very little effort to inflate, unlike air-filled pads. Most individuals should strive to find a product which offers a good balance between padding and weight. People who sleep on their back are likely to find most styles of sleeping pad comfortable. Self-inflating sleeping pads generally stand up to a bit more battering than air pads, and you can place more confidence in their ability to not puncture when used directly on the ground. And if you’ve not got one yet, then, as with every bit of outdoor gear, a little knowledge on what to look for in the best sleeping pads and what’s available will go a long way. The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus is proof that good quality camping gear doesn’t need to break the bank. However, ultralight hikers or anyone who wants to do a multi-week hike would be wise to pick the lightest pad possible, even if it means sacrificing a little bit of comfort. AirExpect, whose sleeping pad is available in green and navy, place this pad’s weight capacity at 660lb. An essential addition to your sleeping kit – especially when using air construction pads. Well-insulated four-season products will weigh more, while pads specifically designed for ultralight hiking will weigh less. Sleeping Pad Considerations for Side Sleepers. As mentioned above, most modern lightweight models will be between one and two pounds. 1. This Klymit sleeping pad is a good value and tiny option for fast and light backpackers. The Synmat isn’t ideal for winter camping, but its high-quality materials make it a perfect choice for most outdoor activities. The synthetic insulation provides warmth down to 15ºF (-9ºC), which equates to an R-Value of around 4.5. However, Princess and the Pea slumberers, will definitely prefer an air construction sleeping pad, whose cosiness will have you yearning for more nights out in the wild just to get a great night’s sleep. Having a comfortable sleeping pad is a pretty major factor when deciding which pad to choose, but if the insulation isn’t up to scratch, all that luxury won’t count for much – it’s no fun shivering your way through the night. The air-cells are designed to handle that much weight without affecting the air inside this pad because the material will not allow any leaks. Despite the slightly narrow sizing and usual repair kit requirement of an air construction sleeping pad, the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite is an excellent choice for backcountry minimalist and luxury car camper alike, and wins our All Rounder Award without question. You should also look for sleeping pads which have an internal heat barrier of some kind. When it is unrolled, the foam expands on its own allowing air to enter the pad. Nemo doesn’t supply us with an R Value but it’s a good 3 season option. Check out more details in our review of the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite review. Lastly, but not necessarily the least important is durability – pads are going to take some of the rough (from the ground) so you don’t have to. She can’t get enough of being outdoors – whether that’s lounging around the campfire cooking up a feast, hitting the trail in her running shoes, or attempting to conquer the waves on her surfboard – she lives for it. It is an air pad that boasts 3 solid inches of height and an extremley comfy quilted baffle pattern that mimics your bed at home. They usually carry a hefty price tag, that although can be an instant turnoff, is worth considering if you value your sleep. What we don’t: Pricey and overkill for most conditions. And the single layer of divided chambers create dimples that mimic those of a bed mattress, molding to your body for optimal comfort. And since its recent redesign, the ProLite Plus is warmer, lighter, and more comfortable than ever. Their pads are often touted as being very comfortable, with models that often extremely impressive warmth ( high R-value). This is a sleeping pad made with backpackers in mind and it’s extremely lightweight yet very comfortable. This allows this product to pack down to the size of a water bottle and weigh less than 1 pound. An extra $70 will get you the very similar but much warmer XTherm, or opt for the Speedvalve convenience of the XLite Max SV – new on the scene for 2016. If cold weather camping is in your future, look for either a self-inflating pad or for an air pad which has insulated baffles. The Q-Core is a good compromise if you require more warmth than the XLite but don’t want to take the financial hit of the XTherm. Even side sleepers and larger-framed people will find it comfortable. If you’ve ever managed to forget your sleeping pad on a camping trip, then you will know first hand just how essential it is to have protection from the cold ground. Closed-cell mats are undoubtedly the most indestructable, but a good air pad shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you know how to repair it yourself. Last update on 2020-12-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. During this process, you may find that tapered pads don’t allow enough room for your legs, or you may decide that you prefer deep baffles to shallow ones. Thankfully, a new generation of ultralight pads has emerged in recent years which provide more cushion and warmth but weigh less and have a smaller packed size than closed cell foam mats. The Air Sprung system works in the same way coils in a traditional mattress do, and distribute your weight more evenly thus preventing low spots in the mat. The V-shaped baffles also prevent free movement of air within the sleeping pad, which makes this design both warmer and more comfortable to sleep on. Either way, the XP9 LW (long and wide) is the best sleeping pad for big guys that will keep even the largest of snow sleepers happy, comfortable and very warm. When inflating through the one-way valve, you can take a break without the whole things deflating! The thick polyester coating on the bottom of the pad helps reduce the risk of punctures, but the upper is much thinner, so a repair kit (included) is essential. Find the latest price on:Therm-A-Rest | Amazon | REI. When it is time to decamp, the valve is opened, and the air is pressed out of the pad. This is a good value sleeping pad and the best closed cell foam sleeping pad for fast and light thru-hikers, who will most likely be too tired to need a bed of feathers to aid their sleep. 0-1 – only really suitable for warm summer conditions, when the ground doesn’t lose too much heat at night. It’s no secret that the costs of bikepacking add up quickly, but the Hikenture Backpacking Sleeping Pad … At 59cm wide, the Static V2 is a little wider than most sleeping pads and still manages to pack down to the size of a soda can, AND provide OK levels of warmth and comfort. To top it off, this super warm winter sleeping pad packs down to a tiny 1.6L, so if you’re happy to take the financial hit, then the unmatched warmth to weight ratio of the XTherm will not disappoint. During colder weather, you’ll be most comfortable on a model which does not allow any part of your body to come into contact with the floor of the tent. R Value: 1.3When it comes to getting bang for your buck, Kylmit makes the best value sleeping pads. With a pack volume of 12L, you’ll be limited to securing the mat to the outside of your pack; OK in dry conditions, but can be problematic in the wet. However, they are often bulky and are not as comfortable or cushioned as other types. An excellent value, sturdy pad that won’t win any prizes for comfort but does the basics very very well. Despite its budget price, the Klymit Static V2 has some impressive features. The key feature of these mats are the V-shaped internal baffles. However, some campers found the shape of the regular pad to be too narrow and combined with the slippery fabric; some found it hard to stay on the pad while sleeping. The key to the Exped Syn Mat Hyperlite’s comfort are the unique insulated baffles which provide excellent protection from the cold ground yet deflate to almost nothing. Getting the right balance is, of course, the best option if you want to sleep like a baby. After a sleeping bag, a decent sleep pad is the next best investment toward ensuring a sound night’s rest. Weight (for Regular): 3 lbs. It is also a good option for campers with canine companions – the rugged nature of the mat is much more able to deal with dog claws than an expensive air construction mattress. In our opinion, due to it’s heavier weight we’d rate this as the best camping sleeping pad. If you know that once you’re down you won’t get up, then stay upright for longer by turning your mat into a stool. If you buy them, we get a small share of the sale revenue from our partners at no additional cost to you. Best Sleeping Pad for those on a Budget: REI Co-op Flash. Considerations include ease of inflation, weight, compactness, insulation and R-Values, length and shape of your pad. However, most decent sleeping mats will cost more. However, due to its materials and innovative design, the Syn Mat is more expensive than average. Here’s the test winner after 10 hours of research: The V-shaped baffles not only make it one of the warmest pads on the market but also make it perfect for side sleepers and individuals who like to push the boundaries of three-season camping. The outer fabric is made from a hard-wearing 20D TPU fabric which is environmentally preferable to PVC. 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