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If you are a backpacker, hiker, or camper, you know the struggle of trying to get a good night’s sleep in your tent on the bumpy ground or trail. Backpacking and hiking can make us tired, but unfortunately not tired enough to overcome the brutal sleeping conditions that can sometimes come along with life out in the woods. Luckily, there is a solution to this dilemma. Sleeping pads are a great addition to your camping or hiking gear and they can help you sleep on bumpy ground and bad trail conditions. In addition to being more comfortable than just a sleeping bag, they also provide insulation to keep you warm during those long cold nights camping or hiking. Finding the best backpacking sleeping pad can be a bit of a challenge, but if you follow along with our guide, you won’t have a problem.
[Overall Best Backpacking & Camping Sleeping Pad]
TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Sleeping Pad for Camping
Editor's Rating:
4.4/5
[Best for the Money]
Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad for Camping Ultralight – with a Free Bonus Camping Pillow
Editor's Rating:
4/5
[Best Deluxe Double Size Sleeping Pad]
KingCamp Deluxe Series Camping Sleeping Pad, Single and Double 4 Size
Editor's Rating:
4.2/5
How to Choose the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Camping sleeping pads are generally very simple types of gear, but you do have a lot of options when it comes time to choose one. There are countless brands and models who all appear to offer the same thing. Luckily for you, we’ve taken a deep dive into what makes these sleeping bags good or bad and we’re happy to offer our analysis to you.
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First, we’re going to cover what factors you should be on the lookout for when you are selecting the best sleeping pad for backpacking, camping, or hiking. Not all of these will be important to you personally, but you should know what kind of value and features that you are getting out of your sleeping pad before you purchase it.
Sleeping Pad Types: Foam, Blow Up, & Self-Inflating
The first factor that you’re going to want to consider when shopping for backpacking sleeping pads is the type of material that your sleeping pad is going to be made out of. The type of material that you select is largely going to depend on your willingness to compromise when it comes to comfort, mobility, and convenience. There are three basic types of materials for sleeping pads: foam, blow up, and self-inflating pads. We’ll cover each and give a brief rundown of the benefits and drawbacks.
Foam sleeping pads are the first type. The benefit of foam pads is that you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to quality and comfort. Foam is generally going to be more comfortable than an inflatable sleeping pad. However, there is one downside. Foam is light, but it takes up a lot of room and thus is harder to transport. Foam pads can be tightly rolled up, but it will take up much more space in your pack than something that can be blown up.
The second type of sleeping pads for backpacking are blow up mattresses. Blow up mattresses aren’t always the most comfortable things to sleep on, but they do just fine. You can bring a blow-up sleeping pad on your camping or hiking trip. The main advantage of blow up mattresses is that they can be collapsed into a pretty small size. When they are deflated, they are very easy to transport. However, the space that you save is often negated with traditional blow-up mattresses because you have to bring equipment to inflate them. You’ll also need to consider that you may not have electrical power on your trip, which is often required for blowing these up.
The final type of sleeping pad is the self-inflating pad. Self-inflating pads are by far the most mobile and easily transportable of all the types of sleeping pads for hiking or backpacking. They inflate on their own usually by pulling a cord. The self-inflating system doesn’t require electricity or additional equipment, and that makes it a great decision if mobility is a priority for you.
Weight and Convenience
Another factor that you should consider when shopping for a sleeping pad for camping or backpacking is the weight and convenience of the pad. If you are camping, you can probably venture into more weights since you won’t have to be transporting it as much. You might also want something made with more durable material since you don’t need to sacrifice mobility for quality.
If you are hiking or backpacking, however, you should prioritize weight and convenience. Since you will be moving around a lot with you sleeping pad, it needs to be easy to pack up and carry when the time comes.
Backpacking Sleeping Pad Size: Single or Double?
Whether you get a single or double sleeping pad is completely up to you and it’s a matter of preference. However, you should be sure to be aware when you are shopping so that you get the right size. If comfort is a big deal to you, you might consider getting a double-sized pad even if you don’t need it or think you may need it in the future and want to prepare.
Single sized pads limit you a little bit more, but they’re also a bit more affordable and can also be lighter and easier to carry. If you are considering a double sleeping pad, you should take a look at large camping tents to go along with it!
Thickness and Compactness
The thickness and compactness of your sleeping pad are going to depend on how light and easily transported that you want it to be. Your desired level of comfort will also affect your decision in this area.
A thicker sleeping pad will mean more comfort, but it could also be significantly more weight to carry and cause you inconvenience. A compact mattress will generally be a little less comfortable, but easier to transport than something that is thicker.
Insulation and Durability
Insulation is going to be an important factor for those who are purchasing a sleeping pad with the intent to use it for warmth. Increased insulation can be the difference between a night of shivering and a toasty warm sleep. If you are going to be camping or hiking in a place that is known for colder weather, you might want to get something with added insulation to keep you warm.
If you are going to be using your sleeping pad frequently and in rough conditions, you definitely want to consider getting something that has a lot of durabilities. Generally, this is going to mean that it’s made with better materials that can stand up to rough conditions. Alternatively, if the camping you do is pretty straightforward and doesn’t occur in rough conditions, you can settle for something that is made of slightly lesser materials and doesn’t have as much insulation.
Backpacking and Hiking Sleeping Pad Buying Guide
This buying guide is designed to help you find the right sleeping pad for you. In our reviews, we go in-depth into what makes each of these pads great and we’ll also touch on some of the drawbacks. By the end, you should have a good idea of which popular sleeping pad is right for you.
Editor's Rating:
4.3/5
This sleeping pad for camping is made by TETON and it earns our title as the best backpacking & camping sleeping pad on our list. This pad comes in 3 different sizes for maximum versatility. You can use it easily with almost any size tent!
One of the main properties of this pad is comfort. It features a thick, comfortable base that is made of open-cell foam that keeps its shape over time. If you prioritize comfort on your camping trips, you definitely want to look into getting this pad for your bivy sack or tent!
In addition to the comfort that the padding offers, the insulation on this pad offers even more! It gives you an extra layer of warmth, helped along by the outer shell of brushed canvas. Despite all of its features for comfort, this pad is still lightweight and easy to use. It comes with a roll assister to help you roll it up and pack it into your bag.
It also comes with straps and compression buckles to compress the pad into the smallest possible area. This pad isn’t just a pad, either. It can be used as a stand-alone ground pad, with a cot, or as an extra bed for your guests.
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Editor's Rating:
4.0/5
This sleeping pad from Ryno Tuff is one of the most versatile sleeping pads on the market. The 2-inch thick sleeping pad will help to protect you from both the cold and uncomfortable ground. This pad is inflatable, and is about 75 inches long and 24 inches wide when fully inflated. It’s the perfect sleeping pad for hiking, camping, or backpacking.
When deflated, this pad is an impressively small size. When deflated, both the pad and pillow together measure a combined 4 inches in diameter and 15 inches in height. This is very impressive and means that you can very easily transport your equipment without problems.
This pad isn’t just a fancy piece of equipment, though. It also has some great features. It contains insulating features to help keep you warm. It’s also built to last with premium materials, which makes it a great value for the price. This pad is made with 20D nylon and a TPU coating to help it last you throughout the years.
To top it all off, the company offers a lifetime warranty to cover any damage that happens to it during normal usage. This amount of confidence is rare for a company to offer, so we’re really impressed that they’re that confident in the product.
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Editor's Rating:
4.2/5
This self-inflating sleeping pad is excellent for couples or those who are traveling in a pair and want to bring one sleeping pad. It’s made form jet stream foam that allows for super fast inflation and deflation. The outside is 100% polyester and is also damp-proof, environmentally friendly, and extremely comfortable.
These pads feature two very durable brass valves, which speed up the process of inflation and deflation to save you time and frustration. They also allow you to adjust the level of comfort by changing the inflation level while you are using it or about to use it.
The compression straps and oversized oxford carrying bag ensure that you won’t ever feel inconvenience when carrying the sleeping pad and it will serve you well on the trail or on the road. It also comes with a handy repair kit to take care of any minor problems that might happen with the pad.
In addition to being useful on the trail or your next camping trip, the comfort level of this sleeping pad also make it a good option to keep at home and use for guests when necessary. To inflate this sleeping pad, all you have to do is open the two valves. It will inflate on its own quickly and conveniently.
Once you have it set up, you are all set for a night of comfortable sleep no matter where you are.
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Editor's Rating:
4.8/5
This affordable sleeping pad by Sleepingo is the perfect solution for those looking for an affordable, but high-quality inflatable sleeping pad. When inflated, this pad is 2 inches thick and provides a lot of comfort. It also feels very sturdy, unlike a lot of inflatable air mattresses.
When packed down, the sleeping pad is only the size of a water bottle, meaning that it will be very easy to bring with you on your travels. You won’t have any problems finding space for it in your backpack and it’s also very light, so it won’t weigh you down. The sleek storage pouch tops it all off and ensures that you can carry it with you wherever you go.
In addition to being easy to transport, it’s also well made. It’s made of durable material and also comes with a lifetime warranty. This large comfortable camping sleeping pad will give you everything you could want out of an inflatable sleeping pad. The tear-resistant nylon fabric will keep you comfy for the years to come.
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Editor's Rating:
4.1/5
This inflatable sleeping pad is great for those on a budget. At the very low end of the spectrum in terms of pricing, this sleeping pad still offers a fair bit of quality and durability. It’s available in four different colors to fit your personal style and it also comes with a complimentary inflatable pillow, which is a nice tough.
The U-shape ergonomic design helps you to relieve neck stress and ensure comfort whether you are having a sleepover or on the trail. This sleeping pad is not self-inflating, but you won’t have much trouble figuring out the proper way to inflate it because it has a simple two-valve design that emphasizes efficiency and speed.
You can either inflate this pad with your breath or with a small air pump.
This isn’t the most convenient system out there, but it will work well for most people. There’s also an innovative buckle design that X-Lounger offers, allowing you to connect two pads together to form a larger sleeping surface.
Finally, the quality of this sleeping pad is great. It’s made of 40D ripstop nylon with a TPU coating for added durability. These materials are superior to almost any other in the areas of waterproofness, abrasion-resistance, and air tightness.
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Editor's Rating:
4.3/5
If you are looking for an ultralight solution, you’re going to want to give this sleeping pad a good long look. It weighs only 16 ounces, which makes it perfect for backpacking, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities that require the use of a highly mobile sleeping pad. It’s quite large and will fit you comfortably coming in at 73 inches long and 22 inches wide.
This pad is inflatable and can be assembled with just 10-15 breaths. Having to inflate a sleeping pad isn’t always ideal, but it’s still a great choice for those who want something simple and affordable.
The easy-to-use air valve doesn’t make the process complicated and you can give it a couple of extra breaths to increase firmness and support if that is a concern for you. It also deflates quickly and easily.
This sleeping pad is unique from others in that it has a patented design that is designed to conform to the shape of your body as you sleep and provide extra support. If you are someone who has back problems and needs something ergonomic while you camp to prevent pain, this is a great choice.
Finally, this sleeping pad is built with high-quality materials, considering the low price. It’s made of lightweight and flexible abrasion-resistant nylon to protect your purchase. It’s also water-resistant and rip-resistant. We don’t see this being a pad that you have to worry about much on your trip when it comes to durability.
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Editor's Rating:
4.5/5
The WELLAX comfort sleeping pad is an affordable sleeping pad that is made of nylon with a TPU coating for durability. It is available in two different colors and is designed to deliver budget comfort.
This sleeping pad is unique from some others because of its air cell design. As you sleep on this pad, the flexing air cells help to support you and replicate the support of a spring mattress. Because of the design of this pad, you can comfortably sleep on your back, belly, or side and still get a good night’s rest while camping or hiking. It also helps to prevent you from sinking into the mattress and bottoming it out.
The inflation and deflation system is standard and easy to use and only takes 4-6 breaths to inflate, which is much less than many other sleeping pads.
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Editor's Rating:
4.7/5
This sleeping pad from Explonique is a very basic sleeping pad but it does have some surprising features. This pad is ultralight for easy travel and also helps to protect you from the cold, which is a rare thing in sleeping pads this affordable.
If you are going on a short-term trip, this sleeping pad should serve you well. We are skeptical of its effectiveness for camping in severe environments, but it should do well for basic needs. It’s lightweight and made from polyester for durability. In total, this pad weighs just over 1 pound. You won’t have a problem bringing it with you and it certainly won’t weigh you down.
It takes 10-15 breaths to inflate this pad, which is pretty standard for this kind of pad. What we really like about this pad is that it helps to insulate you and keep you warm. Other than that, it is pretty standard and great for someone who wants something to get the job done and not break the bank.
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Editor's Rating:
3.9/5
As we touched on earlier, we love self-inflating pads for how easy they are to set up and how convenient they are to carry around. This double pad comes in at a fantastic price for the size and added benefits.
It is available in four different vibrant colors and also comes with 2 complementary pillows. It is the perfect solution for the person or couple who prioritizes comfort and ease of transport on their camping, hiking, or backpacking trip.
The two brass valves allow rapid inflation and deflation, so you don’t have to spend time waiting around for an air compressor to get your bed ready. All you have to do is open the valves and the pad will inflate itself.
In addition to the self-inflating mattress, the pillows are also self-inflating. You can pack the entire pad away in very little space and it won’t inconvenience your trip at all!
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