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We purchased and tested 14 sleeping pads from Therm-a-Rest, Nemo, Big Agnes, Sea to Summit, Klymit, and others to find the best option for your next backpacking trip
Testing sleeping pads in side-by-side testing in Colorado.
Credit: sam schild
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated September 5, 2025
It can be a challenge to get a great night of sleep in the backcountry. But if you choose to buy a lightweight sleeping pad that's both warm and comfortable, you're well on your way to building out a great sleep kit that will leave you feeling refreshed for whatever the next day brings.
For most backpacking gear, considering gear that's lightweight and packable often comes first. However, you don't want to choose a sleeping pad that's not comfortable. Our team of experts purchased 14 of the best sleeping pads available and tested them side-by-side while guiding backpacking trips and on their own backcountry adventures.
Our favorite overall sleeping pad is the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated. It checks all the boxes: it's comfortable, lightweight, well-insulated, and packs down small. For winter camping, we love the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT — it's warmer, and barely weighs more than the Tensor.
However, pads like the Tensor All-Season and NeoAir XTherm NXT are expensive. If you're only planning on backpacking during the warmer summer months, the Klymit Static V2 is lightweight, reasonably comfortable, and costs a fraction of the price of other top pads.
If you're putting together your backcountry sleep kit, you'll need a backpacking sleeping bag to go with that new sleeping pad. If car camping is more your style, have a look at our camping mattress and camping cot reviews.
Editor's Note: We updated our sleeping pad review on September 5, 2025, after retesting the award-winning Nemo Switchback and Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, and the updated versions of the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated and Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated balances comfort, weight, and warmth better than any other sleeping pad on the market. “This pad is practically as comfortable as my bed at home,” says our lead tester. Even given the stellar comfort, it weighs less than a pound and is warm enough for most conditions. It has an R-value of 5.4, which is higher than most — though not as high as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT below. It's warm enough for shoulder season conditions and will definitely feel cozy on summer backpacking trips. It has an easy-to-use inflation valve, and Nemo's pump sack is one of the best we've tested. This redesigned sleeping pad features 40D material on the bottom for added durability. Previous versions of the Tensor used thinner 20D bottom material, so this is a welcome change to a stellar sleeping pad.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
15.4 oz
Claimed R-Value
5.4
Thickness
3.5 in
Packed Volume (L)
2.1 L
Type
Air construction, sythetic insulation
With top honors also comes top dollar, and the Tensor All-Season has a high price tag. We tested less expensive options that would be ideal for summer backpacking at lower elevations, like the Klymit Static V2, which is almost as comfortable and not much heavier than the Tensor. “The Tensor is super light and packable, but I found it hard to stuff it into its included stuff sack,” griped our tester. Nevertheless, this pad checks all the boxes for what makes a great all-around sleeping pad, and we think it's worth the price. If you want an even lighter option and are willing to pay slightly more, check out the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is an absolute beast of a sleeping pad. It has a remarkable 7.3 R-value, which is great for cold weather, yet it still weighs less than a pound and packs quite small. We can't find another comparable pad that provides this much warmth and comfort in such a lightweight package. And the ultra-durable bottom material is much less likely to puncture than most other sleeping pads. “I even use this pad when backpacking in the desert because the 70D nylon can stand up to sharp rocks and sticks,” one tester admits. The XTherm NXT is a clear top choice if you plan to sleep in extremely cold conditions or if you are simply a cold sleeper. Technically, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated has a higher R-value than this pad, but the XTherm NXT is lighter and more packable than the Ether Light. Both of these pads are insulated enough to sleep down to -40°F, and when it's that cold, we're not splitting hairs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
16.0 oz
Claimed R-Value
7.3
Thickness
3.0 in
Packed Volume (L)
2.4 L
Type
Air construction, synthetic insulation
While XTherm NXT wins our highest honors for cold-weather camping, that doesn't mean some of the more budget-friendly options aren't also great. This pad is downright expensive, and it's probably overkill for temps above 32°F. Fairweather campers shopping for a more wallet-friendly option can save big with the inexpensive Klymit Static V2 or Nemo Switchback. That said, the XTherm NXT is well-built and should last a long time, so we still think it's worth the investment. If the narrow, 20-inch profile of the regular-sized XTherm won't do for you, check out the Regular Wide or Large sizes, though they'll put an even bigger dent in your wallet.
The market is full of inexpensive sleeping pads. However, the Klymit Static V2 is one we highly recommend for your next summer backpacking trip. It's light, comfortable, and packs down small. Surprisingly, the Static V2 is 3 inches wider than the standard 20-inch width of most pads we tested, making the low weight and price that much more impressive. When deflated, the Static V2 practically disappears in a pack, but it's still 2.5 inches thick, so it doesn't sacrifice comfort for packability. “I love this pad's extra width for nights when I'm tossing and turning,” says our lead tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
17.7 oz
Claimed R-Value
1.3
Thickness
2.5 in
Packed Volume (L)
0.9 L
Type
Air construction
The bargain-basement price comes with a major downside. The Static V2 has one of the lowest R-values of any pad we tested, making it unsuitable for cold temperatures unless you have a burly cold weather sleeping bag or a closed-cell foam pad to boost the insulation. “I wouldn't want to take this pad camping at elevation on cold spring or fall nights,” one tester remarked. Those planning on backpacking in colder weather should consider other award winners like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT. Though pricey, it offers significantly less weight and a higher R-value for cold-weather camping. Still, for fair-weather backpacking, it's hard to ignore the price, comfort, and durability of the Static V2.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is a legendary sleeping pad in the ultralight backpacking world. Nothing balances weight savings, packability, and a high enough R-value to push well into shoulder season better than the XLite NXT. “This is my go-to pad for thru-hiking, when saving as much weight as possible is a priority, but I can't sacrifice warmth and comfort either,” claims our lead tester. The current version of this pad gained some extra warmth and shaved off a few ounces from the previous “non-NXT” version of this pad. Plus, the NXT is considerably quieter than previous versions — light sleepers who couldn't handle the crinkling sound from this pad can now sleep soundly.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
13.6 oz
Claimed R-Value
4.5
Thickness
3.0 in
Packed Volume (L)
2.0 L
Type
Air construction, synthetic insulation
While we love the XLite NXT for ultralight missions, it is expensive. If you want a more affordable pad and you're willing to carry a few extra ounces, check out the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. It's just as warm and even more comfortable than the XLite NXT. Comparatively, the Regular mummy-shaped version of the Xlite NXT that we tested leaves no extra room to spread out. If you can dish out more cash, consider checking out the Regular Wide or Large size options – well worth the investment if your body is already pushing the extent of this pad. Alternatively, the Rapide SL comes in even more widths and sizes, and every pad is rectangular instead of mummy-shaped, so you get a little extra room. That said, for serious ultralight backpackers, we still recommend the XLite NXT above any other pad.
The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated is a supremely comfortable sleeping pad. Though more expensive than the most budget-minded options like the Nemo Switchback, this pad is still a great value for anyone looking for an all-around option for camping and backpacking. “This is the one pad I'd buy if I mostly go car camping, but still want something light enough for the occasional backpacking trip,” says our lead tester. It inflates incredibly easily with the included pump sack, which was the best of any pump sack we tested. In addition, it's built from durable materials, and the 3.5 inches of cushion will keep you dreaming peacefully beneath the stars all night.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
25.0 oz
Claimed R-Value
3.3
Thickness
3.5 in
Packed Volume (L)
2.1 L
Type
Air construction, synthetic insulation
The Quasar is affordable, comfortable, and inflates quickly, but it is also one of the heavier pads we reviewed. If you bring this backpacking, you won't regret it when you have it set up in less than a minute. And yet, you may think twice about it when you're leaving the trailhead and your pack feels downright heavy. We think it's better suited for car camping in front-country sites or short backpacking trips. For those adventures, this pad is a terrific choice. For longer journeys, a pad like the Sea to Summit Ultralight Air is half the weight and maintains decent comfort and a mid-range price tag.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated comes in the most sizes of any sleeping pad we tested, making it the most inclusively sized pad in our lineup. We're not just talking about mummy and non-mummy sizes, either. This pad really is available in 6 unique sizes, from short and narrow to wide and long. It's also the thickest pad we tested, and has extra-wide side rails that keep you from rolling off the pad if you toss and turn at night. Yet all of this comfort doesn't come at the cost of performance. It packs down small and doesn't weigh much more than comparable ultralight pads. Even though it doesn't feature the highest R-value, the thickness makes it suitable for all but the coldest conditions. “I slept with this pad and a down quilt during a summer snowstorm at 12,000 feet in the mountains of Colorado, and it kept me cozy and warm all night,” states our lead tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
18 oz
Claimed R-Value
4.8
Thickness
Interior: 3.5 in (outside rails: 4.25 in)
Packed Volume (L)
1.9 L
Type
Air construction, synthetic insulation
The only major drawback of the Rapide SL Insulated is that the side rails aren't as insulated as the center of the pad. So, if you sleep on your side with your knees bent, your hips or knees might not be as warm. This problem is easily solved by getting a wider pad – and you certainly have options to do so – but that wider size will, of course, weigh more. If you're looking for a more reliable cold-weather pad, we recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. The XLite NXT isn't quite as comfortable as the Rapide SL, but it is warmer and more packable (albeit more expensive). But for a dreamy night's sleep, it's hard to beat the Rapide SL.
The Nemo Switchback is an excellent choice for those wanting to add some versatility to their camping equipment. It doesn't offer the same level of comfort as a plush air pad, but this style of pad has some redeeming features that shouldn't be ignored. For ages, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL was our go-to closed-cell foam pad, but the Z Lite is slightly less comfortable and more expensive than the Switchback. The biggest selling point of the Switchback is certainly its affordability – this pad costs a fraction of other top inflatable pads we tested. However, because it doesn't inflate, it also can't pop, which is a huge win for durability. You can throw this pad down on any surface, and it's great to use for lounging during lunch breaks.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
14.5 oz
Claimed R-Value
2.0
Thickness
0.9 in
Packed Volume (L)
9.0 L
Type
Closed-cell foam
The disadvantage to the Switchback is that it's less packable and less comfortable than an inflatable pad. “I've been using closed-cell foam pads for years, and they never disappoint, but they never really impress me, either, ” admits our lead tester. For a warmer and more packable air pad, we like the Klymit Static V2, which comes at a comparable price point. If you're concerned about popping your inflatable pad and sleeping on the hard ground all night, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated offers two independent air chambers. Unlike most other models, even if one of those chambers deflates overnight, your pad will still at least hold some air. But for long-lasting reliability, nothing beats the closed-cell Switchback.
The Sleepingo Large is one of the most affordable air-construction sleeping pads in our fleet. It is certainly not the most comfortable out of the bunch, but it offers enough, particularly for the price. Compared to closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol, which are often similar in price, the Sleepingo offers far superior comfort. “While this pad might not be my first choice for side sleepers, given its relatively thin padding, it does perform well when sleeping on your belly or back,” our tester said.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
14.6 oz
Claimed R-Value
2.1
Thickness
2.0 in
Packed Volume (L)
1.2 L
Type
Air construction
Though the Sleepingo is very affordable and performs decently, we should mention some important considerations. First, this pad provides the least amount of padding compared to the rest of the air-construction pads in our lineup. Second, it lacks an ASTM-tested R-rating, which makes the stated value a little less valuable than it would be otherwise. For these reasons, we feel it's best to use this pad in fair weather only. When the temperatures drop, the warmth and comfort of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is a better pick.
The Sleepingo packs up into a tidy little package - small enough to be packed into a Nalgene bottle!
Credit: Brian Martin
Compare Product Specifications
Specifications
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated
Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated
Sea to Summit Ultralight Air
Klymit Static V2
Exped Ultra 3R
Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated
NEMO Switchback
Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol
Sleepingo Large
Awards
Best Sleeping Pad for Extreme Cold
Best Overall Sleeping Pad
Best for Ultralight Adventures
Most Inclusive Sizing
Top Tier Comfort and Inflation
Best Bang for the Buck
Budget Pick for Basic Performance
Measured Weight
16.0 oz
15.4 oz
13.6 oz
18 oz
19.8 oz
25.0 oz
12.5 oz
17.7 oz
16.4 oz
20.5 oz
28.7 oz
14.5 oz
14.0 oz
14.6 oz
Claimed R-Value
7.3
5.4
4.5
4.8
7.4
3.3
1.1
1.3
2.9
3.7
4.0
2.0
2.0
2.1
Thickness
3.0 in
3.5 in
3.0 in
Interior: 3.5 in (outside rails: 4.25 in)
3.9 in
3.5 in
2.0 in
2.5 in
Interior: 2.5 in (outside rails: 2.8 in)
2.0 in
2.5 in
0.9 in
0.75 in
2.0 in
Packed Volume (L)
2.4 L
2.1 L
2.0 L
1.9 L
2.6 L
2.1 L
0.8 L
0.9 L
2.3 L
1.6 L
3.2 L
9.0 L
9.0 L
1.2 L
Type
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, sythetic insulation
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, Air Sprung cells
Air construction
Air construction, synthetic insulation
Air construction, Air Sprung cells, synthetic insulation
Air construction, Air Sprung cells, synthetic insulation
Closed-cell foam
Closed-cell foam
Air construction
Available Sizes and Styles
Regular: mummy, 20 x 72 in
Regular Wide: mummy, 25 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25 x 77 in
Regular: 20 x 72 in, rectangle
Regular Mummy: 20 x 72 in, mummy
Regular Wide: 25 x 72 in, rectangle
Long Wide, 25 x 76 in, rectangle
Regular Short: mummy, 20 x 66 in
Regular: mummy, 20 x 72 in
Regular Wide: mummy, 25 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25 x 77 in
All sizes are rectangle:
20" x 72"
20" x 78"
25" x 78"
25" x 72"
20" x 66"
40" x 72"
Small: mummy, 21.7 x 66 in
Regular: mummy, 21 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25.2 x 78 in
Regular Rectangular Wide: rectangle, 25.2 x 72 in
Large Rectangle: rectangle, 25.2 x 78 in
Regular: rectangle, 20 x 72 in
Regular Wide: rectangle, 25 x 72 in
Long Wide: rectangle, 25 x 76 in
Double: rectangle, 52 x 76 in
Small: mummy, 21.5 x 66 in
Regular: mummy, 21.5 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25 x 78 in
One size available
M: rectangle, 20.5 x 72 in
MW: rectangle, 25.6 x 72 in
LW: rectangle, 25.6 x 77.6 in
(also available in Mummy)
Regular: mummy, 21.5 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25 x 79 in
Regular: mummy, 21.5 x 72 in
Large: mummy, 25 x 79 in
Regular: rectangle, 20 x 72 in
Short: rectangle, 20 x 51 in
Regular: rectangle, 20 x 72 in
Small: rectangle, 20 x 27 in
One size available
What We Tested
Regular
Regular
Regular
20" x 72"
Regular
Regular
Regular
One size available
M
Regular
Regular
Regular
Regular
One size available
Shape Tested
Mummy
Rectangle
Mummy
Rectangle
Mummy
Rectangle
Mummy
Rectangle
Rectangle
Mummy
Mummy
Rectangle
Rectangle
Rectangle
Measured Length
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
70 in
72 in
72 in
72 in
75 in
Measured Width
20 in
20 in
20 in
20 in
21.7 in
20 in
20 in
23 in
20.5 in
21 in
21.5 in
20 in
20 in
23 in
Insulation Technology
Triangular Core Matrix construction and ThermaCapture technology
Aluminized Film
Triangular Core Matrix construction and ThermaCapture technology
Heat reflective film
ThermalCore insulation
PrimaLoft 100% PCR
No additional internal insulation
Not stated
60 g/m2 Texpedloft microfiber
Exkin Platinum fabric and Thermolite
Exkin Platinum and Thermolite HL-1
Closed-cell foam and low-emissivity film
Closed-cell foam and reflective ThermaCapture coating
Not stated
Bottom Material
70 D nylon
40 D nylon (bluesign approved)
30 D rip HT nylon
Nylon double ripstop
30D/40 D nylon
100% PCR PU polyester ripstop
30 D/40 D nylon
75 D polyester
Recycled 20 D ripstop polyester
30 D/40 D nylon
30 D/40 D nylon
PE foam
PE foam
20 D ripstop nylon
Double Size Available?
No
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is incredibly warm, considering how light it is.
Credit: Sam Schild
How We Tested
For this review, we analyzed what makes a great sleeping pad based on our years of experience sleeping in the backcountry. Then, we devised a plan to compare the best pads in side-by-side comparison tests. The pads in this review went on guided backpacking trips in Colorado and New Mexico, and we brought them along on trips in the Eastern Sierra and Utah. All the while, we paid attention to how well they performed in key areas crucial to a sleeping pad's function, like comfort, ease of inflation, packed size, and weight.
Rolling up the NeoAir XTherm after another solid night of testing.
Credit: Sam Schild
We tested these backpacking sleeping pads across five rating metrics:
Comfort (30% of total score weighting)
Weight (30% weighting)
Warmth (20% weighting)
Packed Size (10% weighting)
Quality of Construction (10% weighting)
Testing the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated in Colorado.
Credit: Sam Schild
Why Trust GearLab
Our wide and varied sleeping pad review team is led by Sam Schild, a backpacker, trail runner, and mountain biker based in Colorado. He has backpacked the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail three times, along with countless shorter backpacking trips.
Sam is joined by Matt Bento and Brian Martin. These two come to the campsite with heavy climbing backgrounds — a pursuit where you learn to appreciate a restorative night's sleep outdoors. Matt and Brian are both alumni of Yosemite Search and Rescue, where versatile, reliable, and durable equipment is a necessary part of everyday life.
We've tested sleeping pads in a variety of real-world scenarios on adventures across the world.
Analysis and Test Results
Our sleeping pad review has something for everyone. We sent out folks of all different sizes equipped with each pad to do a deep dive into critical features, such as comfort, weight, packed size, warmth, ease of use, and construction quality. Using these metrics as an anchor point for assessment, we rated each product based on performance. While there are many high performers, many have specific niches that shouldn't be missed.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Value can mean many different things to different people. In our case, we aren't just looking at the price of a sleeping pad — we look at how well it performs across a range of metrics and if this performance justifies the price. If you want the creme de la creme, be ready to shell out a few extra bucks. In general, the lower the price, the less warm you can expect your pad to be.
The size, weight, and price of the Klymit Static V2 is hard to pass up, especially for dirtbags who prefer a cowboy camp.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Klymit Static V2 offers excellent comfort at a much lower price point than the top pads we tested. But with an R-value of just 1.3, this pad is really only warm enough for summer backpacking. The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated costs twice as much as the Static V2. But it offers improved comfort and more warmth (an R-value of 4.8), and is still less expensive than directly comparable pads at the top of our lineup.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL is one of the most comfortable pads we've ever tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated is slightly more expensive than the Rapide SL, but is directly comparable for its blend of comfort, reliability, and ease of use. This is a pad that you can use just as easily on a backpacking trip as you can for car camping.
Closed Cell Foam vs. Inflatable Pads
If you're anything like our testers, your first sleeping pad may well be a closed-cell foam pad, and rightfully so. These pads are an excellent choice for those getting into backpacking because they are lightweight and super affordable. But when you upgrade to an inflatable pad, don't chuck that old pad. Instead, save it for an extra layer of warmth during winter camping. Now that's value.
Other low-priced, high-value options are the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol and Nemo Switchback. While these closed-cell foam pads score low in the comfort metric, they're one of the most reliable pad options since they'll never spring a leak.
Both the Z Lite Sol and Switchback offer a versatile layer of insulation that you could use to bolster the insulation of a winter setup, rip in half for an uber-light solution for fastpacking, or bring a few sections along to use as a sit pad. If you want us to split hairs (which we expect is why you're here), the Switchback has a better feel on the ground thanks to taller dimples and is slightly more comfortable than the Z Lite Sol.
The Nemo Switchback is a great value for a lightweight and reliable closed-cell foam sleeping pad.
Credit: Sam Schild
Comfort
Many of our testers have noticed their priorities shifting over the years. We've gone from ultralight and minimalist to more comfort-oriented. It's undeniable — as you get older, you want more comfort. A plush air pad offers significantly better sleep than the shoulder-crushing closed-cell pads from decades past. Fortunately, many inflatable sleeping pads are even lighter than closed-cell foam pads while also being more comfortable.
Hands down, the most comfortable pads we snoozed on are the Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated and Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. These pads are the thickest air pads we tested. They offer a nice variability in firmness while keeping you well-cushioned from uneven ground and rocky surfaces below. They also have larger side baffles that keep you centered on the pad. And sleeping on any sleeping pad is infinitely more cozy than waking up on the hard ground.
Sleeping Pad Comfort is Relative
The most comfortable pad will depend on your preferences. Our comfort scores come from a host of reviewers who each used one. Some testers were first-time campers on guided trips (they typically gave a lower comfort score), and many were seasoned backpackers (they tended to rank the pads higher). Side sleepers preferred a wider pad with minimal collapse around the edges, while back sleepers could sleep better on a narrow pad. Keep in mind that our ratings are relative. 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.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is also remarkably comfortable, especially considering how comfortable it is to carry on your back. It provides the most comfort in a lightweight package, and its 3.5-inch thick baffles and soft face fabric cradle you while lying in any position.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is the most comfortable ultralight sleeping pad.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated is the only pad we tested that has two air chambers that can be inflated to different pressures. This gives you a nice pillow top with a firm under construction. While this increases the pad's overall weight, the ability to have dual densities creates a uniquely comfortable pad. Some of our testers absolutely love this pad's dual-chamber design, but it does make the pad significantly heavier than comparable options. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated, wth nearly four inches of thickness, all but guarantees you won't feel any lumps underneath you.
The XLite NXT is an excellent sleeping pad that makes shoulder season backpacking gear decisions easy.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and NeoAir XTherm offer excellent comfort at a fraction of the weight of these other pads. They aren't quite as cozy as the bulkier options, but they still offer plenty of cushion to help you get a good night's sleep. Plus, your back won't be as tired at the end of the day if you're carrying a lighter-weight sleeping pad, right?
A few of the sleeping pads we tested come in a double size: the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated, Exped Ultra 3R, and Nemo Quasar 3D. These double-wide options are incredibly comfortable and can provide you with some of the best opportunities for an incredible night's sleep in the backcountry.
The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated has plush cushioning that makes sleeping on lumpy ground a non-issue.
Credit: Sam Schild
Weight
Weight is an omnipresent factor when selecting and using outdoor equipment. If all other considerations are equal, and one item weighs less than another, you should select the lighter item. Unfortunately, there are always tradeoffs when using ultralight equipment. With sleeping pads, you may have to make sacrifices regarding durability, warmth, or the size of the pad's footprint. It's most important to buy a sleeping pad that fits your needs, but lightweight gear is often needed for outdoor pursuits.
Many pads are available in multiple sizes, which will affect the weight. Some backpackers minimize weight by taking short, torso-length pads and using a backpack, boots, or other gear under their legs. Some backpackers get large or wider-sized pads to increase comfort, but this will also increase the weight.
Warmth vs. Weight
Check the warmth score of a lightweight pad before purchasing it to make sure it will meet your needs. Generally, the higher the R-value, the heavier a pad will be.
The Sea to Summit UltraLight Air is impressively light without sacrificing too much comfort. That said, it has the lowest R-value of any pad in our lineup, so you'll need to relegate it to your summer gear kit.
Our favorite pad for ultralight backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. It weighs 13.6 ounces and has an impressive R-value for the weight. It packs down to about the size of a 1-liter bottle and has an impressive amount of plush comfort.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is one of lightest pads we tested and has a great warmth-to-weight ratio.
Credit: Sam Schild
At 15.4 ounces, the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is nearly as light as the NeoAir XLite NXT and has a slightly higher R-value. The Tensor is also slightly more comfortable than the Xlite, with 3.5-inch-thick baffles compared to the XLite's 3-inch thickness. We tested the “regular” shaped Tensor as well, which is rectangular. The mummy-shaped version of this pad is even lighter, rivaling the XLite in weight.
The Klymit Static V2 is not the absolute lightest, but it's one of the lightest wider pads. Most of the options under 17 ounces are about 20 inches wide, while the Static is 23 inches. A wider pad may be worth a few extra ounces if you tend to toss and turn. However, keep in mind that this pad also lacks insulation and is best used for summer excursions.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated weighs only 15.4 ounces and provides well-insulated comfort as well.
Credit: Sam Schild
Warmth
If you're like us, you go backpacking and camping to enjoy nature, not to shiver through the night, only to run back to your car for the heat in the morning. Anyone who has suffered through a bone-chilling night out knows the value of a solid insulation layer between you and the frozen ground you're sleeping on. We spent nights with our teeth chattering, so hopefully you won't have to. Thanks to the new ASTM R-value standardization, we can now pretty reliably know how well a sleeping pad will insulate if it has a published R-value.
Thermal Conductivity Basics
This issue is complicated with many variables, but let's discuss the basics. First, cold is nothing more than the absence of heat, and heat moves energy from warmer objects to colder ones. Second, we lose heat via three mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. If you sleep on the ground without a sleeping mat, the ground can conduct heat away from you up to 160 times faster than the air around you. The products in this review are designed to lift you off the ground, preventing heat from being lost through conduction.
Warmth isn't nearly as crucial for summer hikers as it is for winter wanderers. Unless you are a cold sleeper, most of the pads in this review will be warm if you only like recreating in temperate climates. And, if you camp in the heat, you probably don't want a warm pad at all. But if you get cold when camping, we recommend upgrading the R-value of your sleeping pad, though this often comes at the expense of added weight and bulk.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is shockingly-warm and is competitively light, too.
Credit: Sam Schild
For warm-weather backpacking, an R-value of 1-3 will be sufficient. If you're going to be camping in colder conditions, then look for an R-value closer to 4 or 5. If you're going winter camping, you'll want a pad with an R-value higher than 6.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT supplies an unmatched level of warmth for its weight and packed size. While it isn't as light as some pads, the 7.3 R-value is outstanding. And this pad isn't heavy either. It barely weighs a pound and packs down to a 2.4-liter package that's slightly larger than a Nalgene.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated has an R-value of 7.4, so it's technically even warmer than the Xtherm NXT. But, both of these pads are warm enough to sleep in temperatures as low as -40°F/-40°C. And we can't tell you the difference one degree makes when it's this cold.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is warm enough for cold shoulder season backpacking but not too warm for summer trips.
Credit: Sam Schild
For most backpackers, the warmth provided by the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT or Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is more than adequate. We've used the NeoAir XLite, which has a 4.5 R-value, with a down quilt in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and it's kept us warm enough. The Tensor has a slightly higher R-value of 5.4 and is also comfortable down into the low teens — about 10-15 degrees depending on how warm or cold you sleep. The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is warm enough for most conditions. This pad's 4.8 R-value is warm enough for any conditions you'd experience during spring, summer, and fall, but may not be quite enough for winter camping.
Although they are minimally thick, closed-cell foam has an exceptional insulation value.
Credit: Sam Schild
If having some customization with your kit is crucial, consider using an inflatable pad with an added closed-cell foam pad during frigid days out. This will add a significant amount of insulation to your sleeping setup. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and the slightly more comfortable Nemo Switchback will both bump the R-value of your sleep system up by two if used underneath an inflatable pad. Either way, adding one of these pads to your system will give you the versatility to take them alone or in combination with an inflatable for colder conditions.
Tent floor-sized double sleeping pads can also greatly increase how warm you sleep in a tent. Intrepid camping duos should consider the benefits of these larger double-width pads. The insulation of two-person sleeping pads covers the entire floor of your tent, resulting in a massive boost in warmth. The Exped Ultra 3R, Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, and Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated all come in this snuggle-inducing wider size for couples to stay warm.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated is very warm but not as light and packable as many pads we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
Packed Size
If a sleeping pad doesn't fit in your pack along with the rest of your gear, it's not a good choice for backpacking. For this reason, we considered the size of a sleeping pad when fully deflated. We've quantified packed size in liters because we find this unit of measurement best, especially for visually understanding volume.
It's easy to understand the size of one liter since most people have seen a Nalgene bottle. To calculate the total volume of a sleeping pad when packed, we measured the dimensions in inches, calculated the total cubic inches, and converted the cubic inches to liters.
Many of the sleeping pads that pack up the smallest are also some of the least warm, thinnest, or both. The exception is the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, and Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. These models all pack into a roughly two-liter stuff sack and have R-values of 5.4, 4.5, and 4.8, respectively.
The Tensor inflates to 3.5 inches, and the XLite inflates to three inches thick. The Rapide inflates to a wildly thick 4.25 inches, and is every so slightly smaller when packed than the XLite and Tensor All-Season.
All three of these pads hit the sweet spot in terms of packability while still remaining comfortable and warm enough for most conditions. They use thin, reflective material for insulation rather than the bulkier foam that some warmer pads use.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated rolls down to a 2.1-liter size, which is smaller than most pads and much smaller than most other high R-value pads.
Credit: Sam Schild
If packed size is your top priority, you can do even better with the Sea to Summit UltraLight Air. This model packs down to 0.8 liters and is two inches thick when inflated. The tradeoff is an R-value of only 1.1.
The Klymit Static V2 packs down to a small 0.9-liter size and is 2.5 inches thick, but don't count on its low 1.3 R-value to keep you well-insulated on chilly nights, either.
The Klymit Static V2 packs down into one of the smallest stuff sacks of any sleeping pad we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
If you need to save all your pennies but still keep things compact, the Sleepingo Large is worth a look. This pad packs down to 1.2 liters, but like the Ultralight Air and Static V2, it doesn't do much to insulate you from the cold ground.
There were a few pads that stood out for their extremely large packed size as well. The Nemo Switchback and Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol are both closed-cell foam pads, which means they don't deflate. You'll likely have to carry either of these pads strapped to the outside of your backpack if you go with one of these no-frills options. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, which has a layer of foam insulation that doesn't compress, rolls into a comically large size for an inflatable pad. This model's packed volume is eight liters, which is barely smaller than the closed-cell foam Z Lite and Switchback.
The Nemo Switchback is often packed on the outside for easy deployment. However, with careful packing, it can fit inside a backpack.
Credit: Sam Schild
Quality of Construction
If your sleeping pad doesn't withstand the rigors of the trail, you can't rely on it for your next backcountry endeavor. We've used inflatable pads for 150-day thru-hikes without any durability issues. We're pretty impressed by how much wear and tear most of these pads can handle without puncturing or delaminating. Take care of your pad, and it will take care of you.
Modern materials make lightweight inflatable pads durable enough to keep you comfortable and warm for long stretches of time without failing. That said, we always recommend traveling with a mini repair kit. Most of the sleeping pads we tested here come with one.
Closed-cell foam pads like the Nemo Switchback will never deflate, so you can throw them down anywhere without worrying about punctures.
Credit: Sam Schild
Repair and Protect Your Pad
Even the most durable pads can be punctured with a sharp thorn, a rock, or a shard of glass. It only takes a tiny hole to render a pad completely useless, and this can be a potentially dangerous scenario in colder temperatures. A small repair kit weighs a few ounces at most, and most repairs are pretty easy in the field. If you want to add even more durability to your pad, you can use Tyvek as an inexpensive ground cloth. Few other materials add as much protection for their weight.
Some of the most well-constructed and durable inflatable pads we tested are the Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, Nemo Quasar 3D, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, and Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated. They all utilize thicker materials on the bottom of the pad that won't puncture as easily.
The most indestructible pads we tested are the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and Nemo Switchback because they are made of foam and will not puncture like inflatable pads. Even if they rip or break down, they can still function as a barrier between you and the ground. For those who want to go ultralight and fast, give both of these pads some serious time and consideration. They can be cut down to shave off more weight and virtually never completely fall apart. An important note with closed-cell pads is that they do crush over time, losing valuable millimeters of loft.
Another aspect of construction quality we examined was how easy a pad is to use and inflate. The difficulty of inflation is one of the main drawbacks of air construction mats, so manufacturers have developed an array of valve styles to help alleviate this issue.
The Nemo Vortex pump sack, used with the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated and Quasar 3D, works better than most inflation bags.
Credit: Sam Schild
Some pump bags can be frustrating, but some work really well. We were especially impressed with how well the inflation sack worked on the Nemo Quasar 3D and Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated. The included sack works the best of any inflation system we tested, filling the pad with fewer than four inflation bags.
The sleeping pad stuff sack on all Sea To Summit pads also doubles as an inflation bag. While this inflation bag doesn't work quite as well as the one from Nemo, it still gets the job done. And since the inflation bag is integrated into the stuff sack, you don't have to keep track of one more thing (but you also can't decide to leave the inflation bag at home without leaving behind the stuff sack).
The Exped Ultra 3R has perhaps the most unique inflation bag design of any we tested. This inflation sack has a gooseneck portion that pushes air into the pad at a higher pressure. We had this inflation bag pop off the first couple of times we were using it, so it's not perfect, but it definitely allows for higher-pressure inflation.
The Exped Ultra 3R has a uniquely-shaped inflation bag that funnels air into the pad to get higher pressure inflation.
Credit: Sam Schild
The newest design in the vast sea of valve/sack options is the Winglock valve on the Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT and XTherm NXT. The Winglock isn't perfect, but it is a massive upgrade to these pads, allowing air in and out exponentially faster and easier than before. These pads also come with an inflation sack that doubles as a stuff sack, though we didn't find it worked quite as well as the one from Nemo.
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated has an easy-to-use inflation bag that fills the 4.25-inch thick pad in about four bags of air. This pad also has separate inflate and deflate valves, so you don't have to mess with twisting valve mechanisms or other more complicated systems used on single-valve sleeping pads.
Self-inflating pads have been on the market for decades and make inflating easier. However, the downside is that they are bulkier and heavier than air-construction pads. While these pads have their cult following, new sleeping pad technologies are certainly getting lighter, warmer, and even more comfortable, making these self-inflating pads a bit less attractive.
Testing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT while backpacking in Arizona.
Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
Choosing the right sleeping pad can be a daunting task. This essential piece of backpacking gear can be very expensive, but we think spending more here is often worth it. Hopefully, this will help you narrow your choices in searching for the perfect sleeping pad for your needs. We'll continue to add the best and most promising products into this category to find the best sleeping pads available so everyone sleeps well in the backcountry.
