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We purchased and tested the best sleeping pads from brands like Therm-a-Rest, Nemo, Sea to Summit, Big Agnes, Klymit, and others to help you pick out the perfect one for your next backpacking trip
Some of the best sleeping pads on the market, from left to right: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, Klymit Static V Base, Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated, Nemo Switchback.
Credit: Sam Schild
By Sam Schild ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated October 9, 2026
Your sleeping pad matters more for warmth and comfort than your sleeping bag. It insulates you from the cold ground – even the warmest sleeping bag will feel much colder if you don't pair it with a good sleeping pad. And for backpacking trips, a lightweight, packable pad is essential.
Our favorite overall sleeping pad is the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated. It checks all the boxes: it's well-insulated, comfortable for back and side sleepers, lightweight, it packs down small, and it's beloved by both our men's and women's testers.
The Klymit Static V Base is lightweight, reasonably comfortable, and for the frugal shopper, it's 1/4 the price of the Nemo Tensor. However, its lack of insulation means you should use it only for summer trips, or pair it with a simple foam pad, like the Nemo Switchback, to add some insulation.
If you want the most comfortable sleeping pad available, the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is it. It's 1 inch thicker than the Nemo Tensor and 2 inches thicker than the Klymit Static – even if it's a bit heavier than these other pads, it's a reasonable tradeoff for such a plush pad.
We purchased 12 of the best sleeping pads on the market and tested them side by side. Our experts used them for months while guiding backpacking trips and on our own backcountry adventures. We then rated and ranked them, so you can easily pick out the best overall value for your needs and budget.
Editor's Note: We updated our review of sleeping pads on October 9, 2026, to update our award winners and include additional advice for first-time buyers.
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
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 a higher insulation value than most of the pads we tested. It's warm enough for fall or spring trips – where it's often colder at night – 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 also now features a thicker nylon bottom for added durability, a welcome update from the previous version.
With top honors also comes top dollar, and the Tensor All-Season has a high price tag. We tested less expensive options ideal for summer backpacking at lower elevations, such as the Klymit Static V Base, which is nearly 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. It's worth comparing it directly against the very similar Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. While the Tensor All-Season is slightly warmer, the XLite NXT is slightly lighter.
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
You may have noticed that the Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated won our Editors' Choice award for Best Overall Sleeping Pad (above), but here it is again. Why is that? We also asked our test team to assess all the sleeping pads from a women's perspective, and again we chose the Tensor All-Season as the best pad for women, specifically. Though it's a unisex pad, we felt like the rectangular shape and extra width offered more room for our hips. With its ultra-comfy cushioning and ample insulation, we were always warm and cozy, even when the temperature dropped on chilly fall nights. Perforated baffles were a welcome change from traditional vertical baffles, which can sometimes feel like you're sleeping on a pool floatie. Instead, the Tensor All-Season's unique ridges cradled us in the center of the pad, even when we rolled around. “Plus, the included pump sack makes it a literal breeze to inflate this baby at altitude—no huffing and puffing required,” added our lead tester.
There's no way around the fact that it's expensive. While the Klymit Static V Base is certainly a bargain, unlike the Tensor All-Season, it's uninsulated. If you plan to camp at elevation or during the chillier months of early spring or late fall, pair the Static V Base with a simple foam pad, like the Nemo Switchback, to add insulation. It's also pretty disappointing that the Tensor All-Season isn't offered in a Short version to better suit folks shorter than 5'6" – if you specifically want a short pad with almost as much insulation as the Tensor All-Season, you'll need to look to either the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated, or the even lighter Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT.
Our women's testers loved the Tensor All-Season, too! The rectangular shape makes it more comfortable for wider hips, insulation helped keep colder sleepers warm and comfortable, and best of all, it packs down tiny.
Regular: 22 x 73 in
Regular Wide: 26 x 73 in
Large: 26 x 78 in
Good sleep in the backcountry can make the difference between an enjoyable time out and a complete and unintended sufferfest. For the ultimate comfort miles from the trailhead, we grab the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft. At 4.6 inches, it's thicker than any other pad we tested. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, you can sink into this pad while staying fully supported above the ground. “As a side sleeper, I can't describe to you just how comfortable my bottom hip is. It never hits the ground,” says one tester. The 22-inch width is ample, and its box construction creates more space to lie on because the edges don't slope off. This is especially attractive to active sleepers who often find themselves off the side of their pad and on the cold ground. We also love how quiet this pad is; the soft, slightly stretchy material doesn't crinkle like a standard sleeping pad.
All these perks come at a price: the NeoLoft weighs quite a bit more than some others, and it takes up a significant amount of space inside a pack as well. This pad holds a lot of air, which makes manual inflation a chore. Thankfully, the included extra-large pump sack makes it easy to inflate. A fairly comprehensive patch kit is also included – cleverly tucked away in its compression sack – to quickly fix any leaks in the field. Even though it's thick, the NeoLoft actually isn't the warmest pad we tested. If you plan on winter camping, we recommend the highly insulated Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated instead. Or, for a similarly comfortable but more affordable pad, check out the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated.
All sizes are rectangle:
20 x 72 in
20 x 78 in
25 x 78 in
25 x 72 in
20 x 66 in
40 x 72 in
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated comes in more sizes than 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 comes in six unique sizes, from short and narrow to wide and long. It's also one of the thickest pads we tested, with extra-wide, extra-deep 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 weighs as much as comparable ultralight pads. Although it doesn't have the highest insulation value, its 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.
The only major drawback of the Rapide SL Insulated is that the side rails aren't as insulated as the pad's center. 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 want a more reliable cold-weather pad, we recommend the Nemo Tensor All-Season. It's not 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 market is full of inexpensive sleeping pads, but few of them are worth their weight. The affordable Klymit Static V Base, however, is one we highly recommend for your next summer backpacking trip. It's lightweight, comfortable, and packs down small. This inflatable pad costs about as much as the simple foam Nemo Switchback. The differences between the two are that the Static V Base practically disappears in your pack, while the Switchback will most likely live on the outside. Inflated, it's much thicker than the Switchback – which is basically like sleeping on the ground – so it doesn't sacrifice comfort for packability. Surprisingly, the Static V Base is also 3 inches wider than the standard 20-inch width of most pads we tested, making its low weight even more impressive. And the air chambers at the edge are slightly fatter than the ones in the center of the pad, so as you toss and turn, you won't fall off. “I love this pad's extra width for nights when I'm tossing and turning,” says our lead tester.
The bargain-basement price comes with some downsides, though. The Static V Base has one of the lowest insulation values among the pads we tested. “I wouldn't want to take this pad camping on cold spring or fall nights,” one tester remarked. “In fact, I probably wouldn't take this pad to sleep above 9,000 feet in any season,” they continued. Anyone planning to backpack in colder weather will need a more expensive, more insulated pad, such as the Nemo Tensor All-Season. As an affordable alternative, you can also pair the Static V Base with a closed-cell foam pad such as the Nemo Switchback to boost insulation. This versatile setup is fairly common among backpackers. However, if you mainly stick to lower elevations and summer trips, it would be silly to ignore a very reasonable pad like the Static V Base – we were certainly impressed.
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
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is a legendary sleeping pad for thru-hiking long trails, like the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Coast Trail. No other pad balances lightweight, packability, and insulation better than the XLite NXT. “This is my go-to pad for thru-hiking,” our lead tester says, “when saving weight is a priority, but I can't sacrifice warmth and comfort, either.” He went on to say, “I've hiked over 10,000 miles with the XLite over the years, and at this point I'm emotionally attached to my little, yellow, inflatable friend.” The most recent version of this pad, the XLite NXT (now several years old), added extra insulation and shaved a few ounces off compared to the previous “non-NXT” version. Plus, the newer NXT is considerably quieter than previous versions — light sleepers who couldn't handle the nearly unbearable crinkling sound from this pad are sure to sleep more soundly on this updated pad.
That said, it is still louder than some sleeping pads. If you're particularly sensitive to noise at night, we recommend the very similarNemo Tensor All-Season. Then again, if you're that sensitive to sounds at night, we recommend buying some earplugs, as other sounds of the woods will be more disruptive than the swish-swishing as you curl up on the XLite NXT. Gram-counting backpackers should also consider the Nemo Tensor Elite. The Tensor Elite isn't as warm as the XLite NXT, but it's almost 4 ounces lighter. “I used the Tensor Elite for a southbound thru-hike one fall,” explains our lead tester. “While I loved the weight savings, I would never choose it again over the XLite NXT. This pad strikes the ideal balance of warmth with weight – that's why I continue to use it more than any other pad for long-distance backpacking.” While the XLite NXT is legendary among thru-hikers, we highly recommend it for anyone seeking the best balance of weight and comfort.
When grams matter, and your pack volume is already maximized, the Nemo Tensor Elite is here to fit into your ultralight lifestyle. This pad weighs a scant 8.9 ounces on our kitchen scale, and you can roll it up in its included stuff sack to take up less space than a 1L Nalgene bottle. The Tensor Elite makes a great complement to the rest of your ultralight kit for summer adventures. Bring along the 0.3-ounce pump sack, and you can inflate the pad in less than a minute. “When I want to put down serious miles on my backpacking trip, and I need my pack weight as low as possible, the Tensor Elite is one of the only inflatable pads I would even consider,” said one tester.
These attractive specs may have you smiling while on your fastpack or thru-hike, since you'll barely notice the Tensor Elite nestled somewhere in your pack, but there are the usual compromises to be aware of. The insulation value is lower than other options, so this pad may be best for summertime use. The pad width is 20 inches at the shoulders, but it tapers fairly aggressively at the foot end. Finally, this pad will require a bit more attention and care, as the thinner material is less durable and more prone to leaks from pokey things left on the ground. You could tuck a closed-cell foam pad like the Nemo Switchback underneath to help protect it and add more warmth, but that would add extra weight, which somewhat defeats the purpose. The Elite's bigger brother, the Nemo Tensor All-Season, is also a much more durable option. That peace of mind could mean the difference between a good night's sleep and staying up worrying about your gear.
Regular: 72 x 20 in
Regular Wide: 75 x 25 in
Long Wide: 76 x 25 in
Regular Mummy: 72 x 20 in
The Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated is the pad we reach for when we're going camping in the coldest conditions, whether that's in the deep winter or the frigid alpine. We've yet to come across a sleeping pad that's as insulated as this new model from Nemo – it effectively makes cold seeping up from the ground a non-issue. Despite its astronomically high insulation value, it's still relatively lightweight and packable. This is essentially the same pad as our overall favorite, the Nemo Tensor All-Season, but the Tensor Extreme has more insulation. It's also very similar to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. While the XTherm is slightly more durable and lighter, the Tensor Extreme is warmer and slightly more comfortable. Both of these pads are warm enough to sleep down to -40°F, and when it's that cold, we're not splitting hairs.
While Tensor Extreme wins our highest honors for cold-weather camping, it's downright expensive. Considering the overnight temperatures backpackers typically experience, the insulation value is probably overkill. If you don't see yourself camping in temperatures below 0°F, we think the Tensor All-Season or NeoAir XLite NXT are better options. Both pads are warm enough for the cold temperatures you're likely to experience in spring, summer, and fall, even at higher elevations. The insulation value of the XLite and Tensor All-Season – R-values between 4.5 and 5.5 – is the sweet spot for most backpackers. You can also add extra insulation by pairing one with closed-cell foam Nemo Switchback or Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. But for a dedicated winter sleeping pad, you can't do better than the Tensor Extreme.
Regular: rectangle, 20 x 72 in
Short: rectangle, 20 x 51 in
The Nemo Switchback is an excellent choice for those who want to add versatility to their camping gear. It doesn't offer the same comfort as a plush air pad, but this style of pad has redeeming features you shouldn't ignore. 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. Many experienced thru-hikers use a shortened 4- or 6-panel Switchback as their pack's back padding, proving its versatility beyond just sleeping.
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, more packable air pad, we like the Klymit Static V Base, which costs about the same. We even recommend combining an uninsulated pad like the Static V Base with the Switchback for a warmer, more durable combo – even both pads together are about half the price of the other premium pads we tested.
If you're less concerned with weight and packed volume and more with your wallet, check out the Wannts Ultralight inflatable pad. Ultralight is a bit of a misnomer here, but what really sets this pad apart is just how much area it covers. It's both wider and longer than most of the other sleeping pads we tested. Pad inflation can be handled by a clever foot-actuated diaphragm pump, allowing you to inflate it fully – including the integrated pillow – in just about a minute. (Conventional valves are still included.) “This pad surprised me with how comfortable it was for sleeping on my back. The integrated pillow was a standout feature,” mentions our tester.
Wannts doesn't state an insulation value for this budget sleeping pad, and we doubt the R-value is much higher than that of a closed-cell foam pad. “Side sleepers may want to avoid this pad, as it may not give you enough padding on the hip bone,” suggests our lead tester, as the diamond-baffled construction can leave you with no real insulation between you and the ground at the seam points. We're a little suspect of overall durability, though we haven't had any problems ourselves. The Klymit Static V Base is slightly more expensive than the Wannts Ultralight, but it's proven itself in the field and is 10 ounces lighter. Still, we're intrigued by this sleeping pad's value for casual, infrequent backpacking trips.
Using the built-in pad inflator on the WANNTS Ultralight is a unique experience! Credit: Justin Simoni
Product Comparison Table
Testing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT on a cold spring morning in southern Colorado. Credit: Sam Schild
How We Tested
For our sleeping pad review, we first analyzed what makes a great sleeping pad based on our years of backcountry experience. 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, construction, packed size, and, of course, weight.
Rolling up the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated to pack away after another solid night of testing. Credit: Sam Schild
We tested and scored 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
Sam Schild is our men's tester. Sam is 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.
Emily Pennington is our women's tester. A resident of Boulder, Colorado, Emily has visited every U.S. national park, hiked on all seven continents, and spent hundreds of nights curled up in her trusty backpacking tent.
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 includes something for everyone. We sent folks of all sizes, each equipped with a 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, we rated each product on performance, then added those individual metric scores to reach an overall score.
Our Editors' Choice award-winner offers the best balance overall. It may not be the highest-scoring pad in every metric – it may not even be the highest-scoring pad overall! But after testing all of these products side by side, our team agrees it's the best option for most people. Other pads that perform well in certain metrics tend to be niche products that will appeal to backpackers looking for a special type of pad – we highlight these with Top Pick awards. The Best Buy award winner won't be a top-scoring pad. It may score nearly as well as other top performers in certain metrics, offering the best performance for the price. However, there will always be a tradeoff – in the case of sleeping pads, that tradeoff is commonly insulation.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The Klymit Static V Base is a comfortable, lightweight sleeping pad at a much lower price point than the top pads we tested – we're talking 1/4 of the price of many other award winners. However, it has a low insulation value, so it's really only warm enough for summertime backpacking. This is, of course, when most people go backpacking, which makes it a reasonable choice for many people, first-timers and experienced backpackers alike. However, if you're planning trips in spring or fall, or you're planning to spend nights at higher altitude, consider a more insulated sleeping pad.
The Klymit Static V Base is hard to pass up considering its packability, weight, and price. Credit: Sam Schild
If funds are very tight – or you're still not even sure you're bought in on this whole backpacking thing – consider the Wannts Ultralight pad. The built-in foot inflator is a unique, clever feature, and the built-in pillow is sure to supplement anything else you bring for the job (even if it's a stuff sack of unworn clothes). Despite our initial skepticism from its price tag alone, it's durable enough for backpacking, so you shouldn't wake up lying on the cold, hard ground (at least, we didn't!). However, because the baffles are spaced farther apart than other pads, we don't recommend it for side-sleepers.
The price of the WANNTS Ultralight pad intrigued us, but we were worried about how well it delivered on comfort. Back sleeping was most comfortable, while side sleeping could be less so, given the baffle pattern. Credit: Justin Simoni
The Nemo Switchback is a closed-cell foam pad, and although it may not be as comfortable as an inflatable pad, it will also never spring a leak. Foam pads are downright reliable, making them a low-priced, high-value option for minimalist backpackers.
Closed Cell Foam vs. Inflatable Pads
In the days of yore, many folks' first sleeping pad was a closed-cell foam pad, and rightfully so. They're lightweight, affordable, and never spring a leak – seems like the perfect pad for newer backpackers. However, technology has advanced in the last decade, and inflatable pads are now lighter and much more reliable than ever before. If you're upgrading to an inflatable pad, don't chuck that old foam pad. Instead, save it for an extra layer of insulation for cold weather trips, or trim off a section and use it as a sit pad.
If you like to keep it simple, it's hard to beat the affordable, reliable Nemo Switchback. Credit: Brian Martin
Comfort
Many of our testers have noticed their priorities shifting over the years, moving from ultralight and minimalist to a slightly more comfort-oriented approach. It's undeniable: as you get older, you crave 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 lighter and more comfortable than ever.
Comfort is different for people who sleep on their back, sides, or stomach. The Nemo Tensor All-Season is surprisingly comfortable for an ultralight pad. Credit: Sam Schild
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 that doesn't collapse around the edges, while back sleepers could sleep just fine on a narrow pad. Keep in mind that our ratings are relative. A score of 9/10 means the pad was among the most comfortable compared to its competitors, not that it will offer the same level of comfort as your Tempur-Pedic mattress at home.
Sleeping Pads Are Gender Neutral
In the past, some brands made women's-specific sleeping pads (and we even produced a review focused on them). However, most brands have moved away from gender-specific sleeping pads and now offer the same pads in a wider range of sizes. This approach is more inclusive and simplifies your search for a new sleeping pad – check out the Available Sizes and Styles (which we list under Specifications), and choose a pad that fits your body, rather than based on the tag.
Hands down, the most comfortable pads we snoozed on are the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft and the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. These pads are the thickest air pads we tested, offering a nice range of firmness while keeping you well cushioned from uneven ground and rocky surfaces below. The NeoLoft is an impressive 4.6 inches, and the Rapide SL is 3.5 to 4.2 inches. Both pads have larger side baffles that keep you centered on the pad. And sleeping on any sleeping pad is infinitely cozier than waking up on hard ground.
The NeoLoft is almost an inch thicker than any other pad we tested. Combined with its soft face fabric, it's one seriously comfortable pad. Credit: Justin Simoni
The only sleeping pad we tested that comes in a double size is the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated. Double-wide options are incredibly comfortable and offer some of the best opportunities for a great night's sleep in the backcountry.
From double-width to short, the Rapide SL is sold in the widest range of sizes.
Compared to the thick, insulated air pads we tested, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is really just a thin piece of foam. Although it will never pop – and there's always a risk of that with inflatable pads – it's only 3/4-inch thick. If you want us to split hairs – which we expect is why you're here – the Nemo Switchback has taller foam dimples than the similar Z Lite Sol, making the Switchback slightly more comfortable.
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is one of the easiest pads to set up since you don't have to inflate it, but it's also not nearly as comfortable as an air pad. 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, choose the lighter item. Unfortunately, there are always trade-offs when using ultralight equipment. With sleeping pads, you may have to sacrifice durability, warmth, or pad footprint size. The most important thing is to buy a sleeping pad that fits your needs, but lightweight gear is often desired for outdoor pursuits.
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated is comfortable, well-insulated, and still weighs less than 1 pound (16 ounces). Credit: Sam Schild
Many pads come in multiple sizes, which affects weight. Some backpackers minimize weight by using short, torso-length pads – even by shortening foam pads – and by placing a backpack, boots, or other gear under their legs. Some backpackers use large or wide-sized pads for added comfort, but this also increases weight.
A wider pad may be worth a few extra ounces if you tend to toss and turn. Most of the ultralight pads we mentioned above come in wide sizing – 25 inches rather than about 20 inches wide – but, of course, a wider pad will be slightly heavier.
The Nemo Tensor Elite is one of the lightest inflatable sleeping pads on the market. It achieves these specs with lightweight, thin materials and a tapered profile. As we mentioned, both warmth and durability are affected, so only choose this sleeping pad if you understand these compromises – because it's not very insulated (it has a low R-value), it's only best for summertime backpacking.
The Nemo Tensor Elite pad alone only weighs 8.9 ounces / 251 grams! Credit: Justin Simoni
Our favorite pad for ultralight backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. It may be slightly heavier than the Tensor Elite, but it's twice as insulated – the Tensor Elite only has an R-value of 2.4, while the XLite NXT has an R-value of 4.5, making it much more versatile. Many backpackers are willing to trade a few ounces for increased warmth and durability.
The NeoAir XLite NXT packs down small, barely bigger than a Nalgene. Credit: Sam Schild
The “ultralight” part of the WANNTS Ultralight name is a complete misnomer. It's huge, measuring 23 inches across and 75 inches long. Combine all of that material with a built-in pillow and foot pump, and it's easy to understand why it's the heaviest pad we tested. While it may be lighter than camping mattresses, it's much heavier than modern backpacking pads.
All of the material on the enormous WAANTS Ultralight means that it is anything but ultralight. Credit: Justin Simoni
Warmth vs. Weight
Check the warmth score of a lightweight pad before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. Generally, the higher the R-value, the heavier a pad will be. But don't be fooled into thinking a pad that lofts higher is automatically warmer. The most insulating pads in our lineup feature internal insulation or heat-reflecting material to help reduce heat loss.
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.
Thermal Conductivity Basics
This issue is complicated and has many variables, but let's cover the basics. First, cold is simply 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 and prevent heat loss through conduction.
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. For warm-weather backpacking, an R-value of 1-3 will be sufficient. If you're camping in colder conditions, 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 of at least 6.
Warmth isn't nearly as crucial for summer hikers as it is for winter wanderers. Unless you are a cold sleeper, most pads in this review will be warm enough if you only recreate 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 your sleeping pad's R-value, though this often comes at the expense of added weight and bulk.
The Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated is warm enough for cowboy camping in any conditions. Credit: Sam Schild
The Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated provides unmatched warmth for its weight and packed size. The Tensor Extreme is the warmest sleeping pad we tested, with an astonishingly high R-value of 8.5. This pad weighs just over 1 pound and packs down well, too. Between the Tensor Extreme and the similarly high-scoring Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro Insulated and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, all 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 a few degrees make when it's that cold.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is shockingly warm and is competitively light, too. Credit: Sam Schild
But most backpackers don't need the absolute warmest pad on the market – 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 with a down quilt in temperatures as low as 15°F, and it's kept us warm enough. The Tensor is slightly more insulated than the NeoAir XLite, so it's also comfortable down into the low teens – about 10-15°F, depending on how warm or cold you sleep.
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
Consider using an inflatable pad with an added closed-cell foam pad to add significant insulation to your sleeping setup. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and the slightly thicker Nemo Switchback will both bump the insulation of your sleep system – increasing the R-value by 2 – when used under an inflatable pad. Foam pads also add quite a bit of durability, so you don't wake up on the cold ground in the middle of the night. A closed-cell foam pad like either of these is only warm enough for summer conditions on its own, though.
Adding a closed-cell foam pad underneath an inflatable sleeping pad increases the R-value, so you can use that 3-season inflatable pad for cold-weather camping. 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 packed volume of each pad, we measured the dimensions in inches, calculated the total cubic inches, and converted the cubic inches to liters.
Most backpacks are marketed by their capacity, also measured in liters. Knowing roughly the volume of your “Big 3” lets you start planning your gear at home well before you pack for your trip.
The Nemo Tensor Extreme packs down to roughly this much larger than a Nalgene, or 2.8 liters. Credit: Sam Schild
If saving space is a top priority, the Nemo Tensor Elite is the smallest pad on the market. We could pack it down with all of its accessories into a 1.1-liter package, and the pad alone squishes down to an incredible 0.60 liters! However, Many of the sleeping pads that pack up the smallest are also some of the least insulated, thinnest, or both – this is certainly true of the Nemo Tensor Elite.
The ultralight Nemo Tensor Elite packs down tiny.
The Klymit Static V Base packs down to a small 0.9-liter size and is 2.5 inches thick when inflated, but don't count on its low 1.3 R-value to keep you well-insulated on chilly nights, either.
The Klymit Static V Base packs down small, but the stuff sack is particularly small, making it a challenge to get the pad into it. Credit: Sam Schild
The slightly larger Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated, on the other hand, is well-insulated and inflates to roughly 3.5 inches thick. This pad hits the sweet spot of packability while staying comfortable and warm enough for most conditions. It uses a 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
The Nemo Switchback and Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol are both closed-cell foam pads, which means they don't deflate. These no-frills pads are quite large, and you'll likely have to carry them strapped to the outside of your backpack if you opt to go with one of these honkers.
Due to their size, closed-cell pads (like the Nemo Switchback here) are often packed on the outside. However, with careful packing, they 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 many years of sleeping in the dirt. That said, we always recommend traveling with a mini repair kit. Most of the sleeping pads we tested here come with a repair kit. Also, use a ground sheet beneath your inflatable pad, because sleeping directly in the dirt is the best way to find that perfectly shaped stick or rock that's sure to puncture your pad.
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 useless, and that can be dangerous in colder temperatures. A small repair kit weighs a few ounces at most, and most repairs are pretty easy in the field. Some of our most beloved sleeping pads are over 10 years old, wearing their repair patches like badges of honor, and we'll be happy to regale (or bore) you on how they acquired each and every one. 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. If you want to add both durability and warmth, double up your inflatable pad with a closed-cell foam pad. This trick helps us extend our summer sleeping pads well into the fall.
We found a few very small tears after a day of testing the Tensor Elite, which we patched up before going on an extended trip a few days later. Credit: Justin Simoni
The most indestructible pads we tested are the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol and Nemo Switchback, which 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. You don't need to carry a repair kit with either of these pads, which saves weight. 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.
Closed-cell foam pads, like the Nemo Switchback (orange) and Therm-a-Rest Z Lite So (blue)l, are a tradeoff. A foam pad doesn't hold air, so it'll never puncture, but it's also not as comfortable as an inflatable pad.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is one of the most durable inflatable pads we tested. Not only is the pad thick, but it features a thicker material on the bottom of the pad that won't puncture as easily as much thinner (and much cheaper) pads, like the Klymit Static V Base.
Even though the NeoLoft is less prone to punctures than other pads we tested, we'll often still carry a closed-cell foam pad, like the Nemo Switchback, to improve the longevity of the much more expensive air pad. Credit: Justin Simoni
Another aspect of construction quality we examined was how easy a pad is to use and inflate. Inflation is one of the main drawbacks of air pads, so manufacturers have developed a range of valve styles to help make it easier. Many pads now come with an inflation bag – in fact, most inflatable sleeping pads we tested include one. (Notably, the Klymit Static V Base does not.)
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
Self-inflating pads have been on the market for decades. While these pads have a cult following, they're bulkier and heavier than most modern sleeping pads. New sleeping pads are lighter, warmer, and even more comfortable, making self-inflating pads a bit of a thing of the past.
Testing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT while backpacking in Arizona. Credit: Sam Schild
How To Pick The Best Sleeping Pad For You
Let's move away from the test results for a moment, and consider some important questions to help guide your purchase decisions. Since we're trying to find the best sleeping pad for you, the more honest your answers are to these few key questions, the more likely you'll find the right one to fit your needs.
You lose heat in five ways: radiation, evaporation, respiration, convection, and conduction. For the sake of our sleep system – tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad – we're interested in managing heat loss due to convection and conduction. Convective heat loss happens when the wind blows over you; most people manage that by sleeping in a tent under a sleeping bag. So let's focus on conduction – and in the case of sleeping pads, we're mainly concerned about conductive heat loss to the cold ground.
If you're in direct contact with a colder object (the ground), then the only way to prevent conductive heat loss is through insulation. Your sleeping bag hardly prevents heat loss to the ground because, as you lie on it, you compress the insulating air pockets underneath you. That leaves your sleeping pad as the only insulating barrier between you and the ground – and it has a much bigger impact on your warmth than you may have realized!
Brands measure insulation using R-value – the higher the R-value, the better the pad resists heat loss to the ground, and the “warmer” the sleeping pad feels. As a general guideline:
R-values of 1 - 2 are best for warm nights (warmer than 60°F)
R-values of 3 - 4.5 are insulated enough for '3-season' camping – spring, summer, and fall
R-values greater than 5 are designed for early spring, late fall, or winter camping.
When people talk about sleeping bags not living up to their temperature rating, it's often not the bag's fault – it's been paired with an under-insulated sleeping pad. Make sure you choose a sleeping pad with an R-value appropriate for the seasons you like to camp in.
If you look at our Product Comparison Table, under Specifications, we've listed whether a sleeping pad is insulated and the claimed R-value. (Since R-value is verified through standardized testing methods, whatever R-value a brand lists is quite accurate.)
While back sleepers can get away with a more minimalist pad, if you're a side sleeper, you may want a bit more cushion. Sleeping on your back spreads out your weight more evenly across the pad – similar to lying on your back and treading water in a pool. Side sleepers, on the other hand, create a pressure point underneath their hips. Pay attention to the thickness of a sleeping pad (which we also list under Specifications in our Product Comparison Table). A back sleeper may be able to comfortably sleep through the night on a 2.5-inch thick pad, whereas a side sleeper should consider pads that are 3 inches and thicker.
Tapered, mummy-style sleeping pads, again, may be great for back sleepers who lie still, but folks who roll around a lot at night should also consider a rectangle pad. Fortunately, nearly all of the award-winning pads we tested – aside from the ultralight, ultra-minimalist, or ultra-cheap – are available in a range of sizes and shapes.
The short answer is: no, not really. Most brands have moved away from gender-specific pads and instead offer the same pads in different sizes. Even when women's-specific pads were still on the market, our women's testers chose unisex pads as award-winners.
If you're shorter than 5'6", you should consider a 'short' pad. These pads tend to run 64-66 inches long, as opposed to the 70-72 inches of a 'regular' pad. So, if the pad fits your body, you'll be just as comfortable and your pad will be lighter and more packable.
Ultimately, the right choice comes down to fit and comfort – if one version matches your body shape better, then that's the smarter buy.
We promise, there's a sleeping pad out there that's just perfect for you! Take time to read our in-depth gear reviews and compare the pads you're most interested in buying. Credit: sam schild
Conclusion
A sleeping pad is an essential piece of backpacking gear. We recognize that they can be very expensive, but we think spending more here is often worth it – getting enough quality rest can make or break a backpacking trip. We'll continue to update our review with the best sleeping pads on the market, so that you can find the perfect one for your needs and budget.
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, check out our camping mattress and camping cot reviews.
