12 Best Sleeping Pads for Camping & Backpacking (2024)

Making sure that you get a good night’s sleep on your next camping trip is almost just as important as where you are planning to go. Long gone are the days of sleeping on the cold ground while you shiver in your sleeping bag and wake up before sunrise because you tossed and turned all night. Today’s camping and outdoors gear offer the camper a much more enjoyable experience. Make sure that you take the time to invest in your experience so you can soak in the beauty of nature; the real reason you choose to spend a night outdoors. In this comprehensive guide, we analyze and unveil the best sleeping pads for camping and backpacking in 2024.

A high quality sleeping pad not only cushions your body from the uneven group but also provides insulation against the chill of the night. There is nothing worse than snuggling up in your tent only to realize that you set up your tent on some rocky terrain. With the evolution of camping gear technology, sleeping pads have undergone remarkable transformations, offering campers unmatched levels of comfort, support, and relaxation.

The curated list below has options for everyone; whether you are a seasoned backpacker or an overnight novice camper. We have compared the best sleeping pads from the most trusted outdoors brands to provide a detailed analysis of what will work best for your needs. 

Sleeping Pads

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Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad

Best Warmth, Air: Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated Sleeping Pad

Best Value, Air: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad

Best Comfort, Air: NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

Best Option, Self-Inflating: Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

Best Budget-Friendly, Self-Inflating: Sea to Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

Best Option, Foam: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

Best Value, Foam: Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad

Best Value, Couples: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad – Double

Best Comfort, Couples: Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad

Best Option, Kids: REI Co-op Kindercamp Sleeping Pad – Kids’

Best Value, Kids: NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad

Type	Air Pad
R-Value	7.3
Pad Thickness	3”
Dimensions	77 x 25
Weight	1lb

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad leads the industry in its warmth-to-weight ratio and makes it the best overall sleeping pad on the list. Comparable weighted pads offer about half of the warmth as the XTherm NXT. At just 16oz, it packs down small and is lightweight enough to take on any backpacking trip. It comes with an additional 2.5oz pump sack included but could be removed if you don’t mind blowing it up with your lungs. Therm-a-Rest’s patented technology uses durable, high quality materials to create maximum comfort and the ability to keep you warm in cold weather. The pad comes in Regular, Regular Wide, and Large sizes. The expense might be the only downside of this sleeping pad but with a lifetime warranty, this good value is tough to beat. 

Pros:

• Excellent insulation
• Lightweight and compact
• Stable and supportive design

Cons:

• Expensive
• Cold to the Touch

Type	Air Pad
R-Value	4.3
Pad Thickness	3.5”
Dimensions	72 x 20
Weight	1lb 9oz

The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated is one of the best sleeping pads for tall campers and side sleepers. There are size options for Regular, Regular Wide, Long, Long Wide, and Long X-Wide. With a 4.3 R-Value, this sleeping pad will keep you warm in colder temperatures but should be considered more for three-season use. The durable, cushioned top provides a soft, pillow-like surface that makes it less noisy than most sleeping pads. 

Pros: 

• Soft cushion top for extra comfort
• Multiple size options

Cons: 

• Packs small but not as low weight as comparable options

Type	Air Pad
R-Value	4.2
Pad Thickness	3.5”
Dimensions	78 x 25 (Wide Long)
Weight	1lb 9oz

The best choice for larger campers and/or side sleepers is the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Sleeping Pad. The Wide Long sized version comes in at 78” x 25” and 3.5” thick to provide enough room to roll around while you sleep. As with all Big Agnes products, the pad is made with high quality materials and the plush quilted top does a great job of not being too noisy when you move. The 4.2 R-Value will keep you warm during cold nights and makes this a great option for cold weather camping. Setting up the pad is also extremely easy if you use the included inflation sack to inflate. 

Type	Air Pad
R-Value	3.3
Pad Thickness	3.5”
Dimensions	72 x 20
Weight	1lb 9oz

The NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated is built for comfort and a great option for 3-season campers. The well designed head baffle is slightly elevated to help prop up your camping pillow for a more comfortable sleeping experience. The pad is on the heavier side for its size compared to other air pads but packs down to a small size. The rectangular shape and 3.5” pad thickness is a good match for side sleepers. 

Pros:

• Elevated head baffle
• Easy inflation

Cons: 

• Not a good lightweight option

Type	Self-Inflating Pad
R-Value	6.0
Pad Thickness	2.0”
Dimensions	72 x 20
Weight	2lbs 8oz

The Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad is only 2” thick but offers an impressive 6.0 R-Value to keep you warm in cold weather. Because of its heavier weight, this is a great inflatable sleeping pad option if you are car camping or frontcountry camping. Therm-a-Rest’s patented valve has three times the air flow rate of a normal valve so the ease of use makes setting up a breeze. Consider upgrading to the Large size to get an additional 5” of width if you are a side sleeper. 

Pros: 

• Warm material
• Max comfort

Cons:

• Heavy
• Packing up can take longer

Type	Self-Inflating Pad
R-Value	4.2
Pad Thickness	1.5”
Dimensions	72 x 20
Weight	1lb 9oz

The Sea to Summit Camp Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad offers a great cost-friendly option for campers. The low weight offered by this pad is tough to beat if you’re looking for a self-flating pad. With a 4.2 R-Value, the pad provides great warmth though it may not be quite insulated enough for winter’s colder temperatures. The Regular sized option is mummy shaped so consider going with the Regular Wide or Large Rectangular if you don’t want a narrow sleeping space. 

Pros:

• Convenient self-inflating design
• Budget friendly option

Cons:

• Slower inflation and deflation
• Limited insulation

Type	Closed-cell Foam Pad
R-Value	2.0
Pad Thickness	0.75”
Dimensions	72 x 20
Weight	14oz

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is a great choice for those looking for a little added comfort under their sleeping pad. This pad is lightweight and folds up easily to attach to your backpack. The 2.0 R-Value is not enough to keep you toasty but it is a good amount of insulation considering its narrow thickness. One added value with the folded design is that it can be used as a nice seating cushion around the camp before going to bed. 

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Comfortable considering the thickness

Cons:

• Low R-Value
• Thickness not good for side sleepers

Type	Closed-cell Foam Pad
R-Value	1.5
Pad Thickness	0.7”
Dimensions	72 x 20.5
Weight	12.3oz

Exped FlexMat Sleeping Pad is another quality closed-cell foam sleeping pad option. The R-Value and harder top layer make this not as appealing of a pad as the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. However, if budget is most important and you are only looking for a low cost, the FlexMat might be your go to. This will add more support than what you can find from a $10 yoga mat at your local convenience store and if paired on top of an air mattress, provides a pretty decent sleep. 

Pros: 

• Most budget-friendly option
• Low weight

Cons:

• Not as comfortable as Z Lite Sol

Type	Self-Inflating Pad (Double)
R-Value	4.1
Pad Thickness	3”
Dimensions	72 x 50
Weight	5lbs 13oz

Considering the size, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad – Double Wide is surprisingly lightweight and easy to use. Even with 2 people, it does a great job of staying fully inflated the entire night to provide max comfort for both sleepers. Or use it for just yourself if you are above average size or just like to stretch out. By all accounts, it is well worth the somewhat costly price tag. 

Pros:

• Excellent Cushioning
• Dual Chamber Construction
• Durable and Long-lasting

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy
• Expensive

Type	Self-Inflating Pad (Double)
R-Value	10.6
Pad Thickness	4”
Dimensions	77.6 x 52
Weight	13lbs

The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad is a beast. Plain and simple. At a whopping 4” thick with a 10.6 R-Value, this pad is the closest thing to your bedroom mattress that you will find outdoors. If lightweight is not a big factor, this product is an absolute winner. The materials are comfortable, durable, and hold air throughout the night to keep the pad inflated firmly. The level surface provides a true mattress-esque feel and would be a comfortable option to just have on hand if you had to use it for guests or kids in your house. A great option for side sleepers. The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus above is a great option, but if you are car camping or setting up a basecamp, this MegaMat will ensure you get a good night’s sleep. 

Pros: 

• Mattress-like feel for max comfort
• Quality materials
• Warm

Cons: 

• Very heavy
• Long setup and breakdown

Type	Self-Inflating Pad
R-Value	4.5
Pad Thickness	1.5”
Dimensions	60 x 20
Weight	1lb 13oz

Incredibly easy to use, the REI Co-op Kindercamp Sleeping Pad for kids is a great option for families with little campers. The high 4.5 R-Value will keep kids warm even in colder temperatures. The pad is lightweight and packs down really well. The 60 x 20” dimensions allow for some room to grow and they are durable enough to be used for years. 

Pros: 

• Designed for kids
• Easy Inflation and Deflation
• Excellent ​​cushioning and support

Cons: 

• Limited insulation
• Limited firmness adjustment

Type	Closed-cell Foam Pad
R-Value	2.0
Pad Thickness	0.9”
Dimensions	51 x 20
Weight	10.5oz

The Short sized version of the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad is another great option for kids. This closed-cell foam pad offers a more lightweight alternative for your kids and you don’t have to worry about it popping or having any issues with it deflating throughout the night. The Switchback is not designed for kids but the short version can be used for those still growing but maybe haven’t passed the 4’ mark. As with any foam pad, the comfort isn’t going to blow you away but the cost and ease of use make it a considerable pad. 

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Lightweight
• No ‘pop’ worry for kids

Cons: 

• Comfort level is low
• Bulky when packed up

Types of Sleeping Pads

There are 3 types of sleeping pads to consider: closed-cell foam pads, self-inflating pads, and air pads. There is no such thing as a backpacking sleeping pad vs. a camping sleeping pad; technically, all sleeping pads on the market can be used regardless of your activity. What your trip entails and what you want out of a sleeping pad is what is most important. The ultimate goal of your sleeping pad, regardless of type, is to sleep in comfort without freezing your tail off. 

Closed-cell foam pads

Closed-cell foam pads are essentially mats made with dense foam with small pockets of air in the foam. The closed-cells function to prevent air and moisture from getting through and to keep the sleeper insulated. These sleeping pads are the cheapest that you can find so they present the best option to campers on a tight budget. But they are also the least comfortable of the 3 types. The closed-cell foam pads fold up in a bulky bundle but are fairly lightweight. You will see most backpackers with these pads strap them to the outside of their backpacks. More often than not, car campers will not elect to go with the closed-cell foam pads considering comfort outweighs a lightweight option if you don’t have to pack everything into your campsite. Ease of use is also not the most important factor for regular camping. 

Air pads

Air pads have no foam in the and rely solely on air for full insulation. Not to be confused with an air mattress, air pads do require the camper to blow them up manually which can take a few minutes. The designs of air sleeping pads have come a long way in the last decade and are a great option for stomach sleepers or side sleepers. Backpackers tend to choose this type of sleeping pad considering they are lightweight, can pack down to a compact size, and offer a much more comfortable experience than foam pads. The biggest drawbacks of air pads are that they are much more expensive than foam pads and much less durable. As with any outdoors gear of good quality that you may have, it is important to make sure to take care of and properly store these to make sure they last. 

Self-inflating pads

Self-inflating pads are somewhat a mixture of closed-cell foam pads and air pads. To use the pad, campers will open a valve to allow air to flow into the pad and cause the foam to expand for easy inflation. The inflatable pads are probably the most common type of sleeping pad that is used today for numerous reasons, though they may not be the best sleeping pads for backpacking. This is mainly because they are heavier and more bulky (for the most part) than air pads or foam pads. For normal camping they can’t be beat. Self-inflating pads are extremely comfortable, durable, and offer the most insulation from the ground. Not to mention that the ease of use of self-inflating pads is much better than air pads. There are also a wide-range of self-inflating pads to make sure any camper is getting the most out of their sleeping experience. 

Factors to Consider

Take the time to carefully consider what features in a sleeping pad are most important to you. 

Comfort, Warmth, & R Value

If you have ever gone camping, even in the summer, and put your sleeping bag directly on the ground or floor of your tent, you can feel how cool the ground keeps you at night. Part of finding a comfortable sleeping pad is finding one that will keep you warm throughout the night. The R-Value of a sleeping pad is just its insulation or rating based on the pad’s (r)esistance to heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more resistant it is to heat loss and the better it will keep you warm; R-values range anywhere from 1-10. The general rule of thumb is that you will only need a sleeping pad with an R-value of 1-2 for summer use, 3-4 for cool or cold weather, and an R-value of 6 or more for winter camping. You don’t typically see any sleeping pads with R-values near the double digits; those are primarily rated for more bulky mattresses.  

Weight & Pad Thickness

The weight of your sleeping pad is an important factor to consider, especially if you will be carrying your pack around for a long period of time. For those car camping or on a short hike, you may have the luxury of carrying a bulkier self-inflating sleeping pad. Low weight or ultralight sleeping pads are nice to carry around but can be expensive. More often than not, thru-hikers and backpackers will often resort to carrying low weight closed-cell foam pads that they cut down to a smaller size since every ounce counts. Mummy shaped pads are also an excellent option to save on some weight. Thicker pads do not always come at the cost of added weight, there are several thicker air pads that are just as low weight as some other thicker pads but in a different type. Side sleepers may also want to keep pad thickness in mind as it could make for a more enjoyable sleep. 

Ease of Use

Ease of use is important for any piece of gear when setting up camp. Fortunately, even blowing up air pads should only take a few minutes. Everything in this article is primarily focused on sleeping pads for camping; we won’t discuss the old air mattresses at your in-laws house that somehow takes 10 minutes to blow up. For those that value every second of setting up and breaking down camp, closed-cell foam pads take the ‘ease of use’ prize by a landslide. Set it down and pick it up – easy as that. 

Body Type

Maybe one of the most ‘slept on’ factors to consider when shopping for a sleeping pad for camping is what body type you are. Not only that but how do you like to lay down to sleep. Are you a back sleeper or a side sleeper? Your back and hips will take a lot of the force when sleeping on the ground. If you are tall or if you want to make sure your back is properly aligned, make sure to get a full length sleeping pad. Try not to let your legs dangle off of the end of the pad for the entire night. Side sleepers will want to consider a wider pad and probably stay away from the mummy shape pads. 

Budget

Everyone loves a good deal but it is wise to consider investing in a quality sleeping pad that will keep you warm, comfortable, and rested all night when the colder temperature sets in. If you just want to add a little insulation between your sleeping bag and the ground, most closed-cell foam pads are extremely affordable. So much so that you may want to consider getting two just so you can get the cushion you want without spending too much. To budget for a quality sleeping pad that should last you quite a while, consider spending in the $150-250 range. 

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