Our test team included a host of hardcore ladies and a few gentlemen who put these pads to the test all over the country while on climbing trips in the Alaska Range, thru-hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim, and backpacking portions of the Sierra High Route and John Muir Trail. This gave us ample opportunity to test these pads in all kinds of conditions, from snowy slopes to hard granite slabs to prickly desert landscapes. After hours of exploring, relaxing, and socializing, we assessed each product based on five carefully chosen metrics.
Comfort
We did a lot of sleeping, lounging, and reading on these pads. Ultimately, the ones that we reached for to set up on the grass, over sandy desert terrain, and on most of our trips were those that felt the most comfortable. We also noted if each made noise with movement and which felt the closest to our mattresses at home.
Weight
Simple! We weighed each pad to see how many extra ounces it would add to your backpack. We also considered included accessories like pumps and stuff sacks, though we based our final scores on just the weight of the pad alone.
Warmth
We spent most of our time testing during the Spring, Fall, and Summer, but we also did the work to sleep on each pad during the coldest of seasons. After sleeping out, we were able to determine where we felt cold or warm and where the pads had less insulation. We also looked at the construction of each product to see where each is reinforced with more (or less) material.
Packed Size
After rolling up each pad, we determine how much room it will take up in a pack. This information is critical for those who appreciate a super packable and ultralight set-up. We also note which are the bulkiest and are best left in the car.
Construction Quality
We set each up in tents and on different surfaces. We rolled each pad up, tossed them around, and even let our dog tromp around on them when fully inflated. We also assessed the materials of each, the seams, valves, and the inflation mechanism for longevity.
