Best Sleeping Pads For Camping & Backpacking In 2022

While this product got chosen as Editor’s Choice, this one really should be labeled “Editor’s Partner’s Choice”. Given that this is a double pad, I had my boyfriend test this one with me. First, he borrowed it for a guy’s climbing trip in Leavenworth where he came back raving about the sleep he got on it. He said I should either replace my current bed in my van with this one or simply put it on top. That’s some high praise. So I loaded it on top of my van bed and we tested it during a weekend camping trip with friends and we both got some of the best sleep we’ve ever gotten in the van and it provided ample space for both of us. This rectangular pad was a hair larger than the current bed in my Transit Connect but it fit fine.

I particularly love that this is a self-inflating pad, meaning all I have to do is turn a valve. One of my complaints with some sleeping pads is the squeaky noises that happen when you move as you sleep or lay on the pad, but the soft stretchy fabric didn’t irritate me much at all, and the foam padding helped. This durable pad was quite comfortable for me as a side sleeper. Overall, I’m a fan of this pad. It’s perfect for couples and works really well for car camping and short hikes in sites but even with the stuff sack, this is not an ideal option for backpacking or sites that require any amount of trekking.

When you start to dive into this pad, it’s clear Big Agnes is detail-oriented and ensured every centimeter of the Rapide SL Insulated Pad was designed for comfort and extra warmth. Let’s go top to bottom. Durable nylon ripstop is tear-resistant and provides exceptional durability, even on rough ground. The offset I-Beam construction creates a cradle that keeps you in the center of your pad and from rolling off of it. The quilted top is impeccably soft and all materials are quieter than most on the market so you won’t be awoken by those obnoxious squeaks–one of my biggest pet peeves.

I hadn’t used an inflation sack before as I usually stick to folding pads or self-inflating options but I found it easy to use and had this set up in no time. This model has one of the highest R-value ratings of the pads on our list at 4.2 (but Stoic Double Cloud Camp Bed has a whopping 8.4 R-value). This means this is a truly three-season tent and maybe a four-season if you have mild winters. The additional Primaloft insulation and up to 4.25 inches of loft keep you much higher off the floor and much warmer than many other pads on the market which offer half the loft. There’s a huge variety in sizing, meaning you can snag a pad for your child, yourself or for cuddles with your partner, and even to cover your entire tent floor. I’ve had several Big Agnes products and have yet to destroy them, which is a big deal and the Rapide SL Insulated Pad is another exceptional product from a dependable brand.

Comparable to the classic Therm-a-Rest, the Wilderness Technology Reflective Zag Pad is a lightweight, durable and cost-effective folding sleeping pad that’s great as a liner or stand-alone pad. While I have a thru-hiker friend who has taken this identical pad on the PCT and is currently on the CDT with it and swears it’s comfortable on its own, I prefer this model as a supplemental pad. On bouldering trips, I usually sleep on my crashpads and use this light pad for extra comfort and warmth.

This pad features an r-value of 2.6, making it great for two or even three-season camping, and is quite durable. Rips or tears can be ripped off the pad with some ease or repaired quickly with duct tape. The closed-cell foam also won’t absorb water and this pad can be carried on the exterior of a pack for ease.

This brand has succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of customers with its super-affordable products. It has debunked the claim that quality comes at a steep price, with the release of the Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad. This sleeping pad is constructed from 30-denier nylon, which is an impressive denier rating for a sleeping pad. Just in case you were wondering, the denier rating is a measurement of the durability and strength of a product made from nylon or polyester material. Since nylon fiber is stronger than polyester, it would make sense if it was slightly pricier. Surprisingly, that is not the case here. Klymit still managed to offer the Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad at a budget-friendly price.

To facilitate the folding and unfolding process, the sleeping pad is fitted with a nozzle. You just have to pull the nozzle to open and unfold the pad and then push to shut it. It takes less than half a minute to inflate the pad. Once you shut the nozzle, you will hear a “clasping” sound, which is an indication that it is closed and secure. When the Klymit Insulated Static V is unfolded, it measures about 72 x 23 x 2.5 inches, which is unarguably one of the largest sleeping pads you can find. In fact, if you are as tall as 6’4”, you will still find the pad spacious enough. Since it’s a large sleeping pad, you may be under the impression that the pad is very heavy. But that is not the case. It weighs only 1.5 pounds, making it quite portable and travel-friendly. Don’t forget to also check out these handy blow-up tents, as well.

The cushioning that a sleeping pad offers goes a long way to determine whether it will be comfortable or not. If you’ve used a lot of sleeping bags and pads in the past, you will probably agree that sleeping on poorly-padded ones can be quite uncomfortable. Sometimes you’ll toss and turn all through the night in a bid to find a comfortable sleeping position. Thankfully, the Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad is equipped with foam that’s a whopping 2 inches thick.

Sleepingo understands the rough nature of outdoor activities such as camping, mountain climbing, and hiking, so they decided to produce a sleeping pad that can withstand harsh weather conditions and stand the test of time. The Sleepingo Camping bed is fitted with ripstop nylon material that won’t deform over time. Furthermore, the nylon material has a 20-denier rating, which makes it almost as strong as the Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad. Additionally, it is 100% water-resistant. So if you find yourself on rainy camping grounds, you don’t have to worry about getting wet. If that’s not enough, this comfortable pad comes with a cover that’s also water-resistant. When it comes to size, the Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad does not disappoint. It measures 75 x 23 inches when unfolded. With such dimensions, you have enough space to sleep comfortably regardless of your size. On the flip side, if you fold the sleeping pad, it measures only 8 x 3.5 inches, making it quite a compact and portable piece. Plus, it can easily fit into any travel backpack for you to carry along on your hiking or camping trip. 

For many good reasons, the Wellax Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad is an excellent option when you are looking for a sleeping pad. To start with, it is super comfortable. Contrary to popular belief, it’s hard to fall asleep after a hectic day of hiking and climbing. Your body will crave sleep, but the rough terrain can make sleeping practically impossible. To make you nice and comfortable, the Wellax Ultralight foam is nearly three inches thick. Even better, if you find yourself in a cold environment, the 2.1 insulation rating of this air pad will give you all the warmth you need to enjoy your sleep in late spring, summer and early fall.

Apart from comfort, the Wellax Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad is also very portable and compact. It weighs just over a pound, making it a lightweight sleeping pad that you can effortlessly carry on long-distance trips. And if you do not want to carry it in your backpack, you can simply attach it to the side of the backpack. For added convenience, you can fold the sleeping pad to a size of 10 x 3.5 inches when not in use. But when it’s unfolded and inflated, it measures up to 78 x 24 inches. So, it can comfortably accommodate anyone, regardless of their height and it’s wide enough to accommodate some movement throughout the night.

The Gear Doctors Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad is made with a 75-denier polyester foam that is non-allergenic. This is a great choice for people with sensitive skin – you can be confident that your skin won’t react to the foam even when laying directly on the air pad. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the sleeping pad because it is resistant to ultra-violet rays and water, all thanks to its 75-denier polyester fabric construction. In addition, it is well-cushioned with a 4.3 thermo-insulation foam rating to offer you a warm sleeping experience on those cold nights.

Even though the R-value rating of this foam is two times higher than many of the other options on the market, the Gear Doctors Self Inflating Camping Sleeping Pad still manages to come at a low price. The pad also takes less than 15 seconds to set it up – just have to turn the knob and then unfold the pad. And unlike most sleeping pads that require you to pump air in with your mouth or a portable ai, the Gear Doctors pad is self-Inflating. So once you turn the knob, air automatically fills the pores of the foam, inflating it. For a perfect night’s sleep, make sure to also have a quality camping pillow.

If you’re looking for ultralight sleeping pads that are hammock-approved, the ECOTEK Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad is the perfect option. This air pad features air-sprung cells that contour to your body and the hammock to provide exceptional comfort and additional insulation. Weighing in at 1.13 pounds and packing small, this model makes an excellent backpacking sleeping pad too.

For cold weather or chilly nights, this lightweight pad features 2.5 inches of loft and an r-value of 2.2 for three-season warmth. However, on chilly nights you will certainly want a warm sleeping bag too. Back sleepers and side sleepers can use this pad and even if you wiggle in your sleep, as the 75 denier polyester blend is durable enough to take a few scratches against the rough ground. If you love hammock sleeping but want more support and insulation, we highly recommend this one.

Therm-a-Rest has long been an industry leader in the field of outdoor sleeping comfort and their Z Lite Sol Mattress sleeping pad is yet another feather in their company cap. It features an innovative design with layers of foam of varying densities that ensure you’re comfortable while never in direct contact with the ground. It’s a warm sleeping pad as well thanks to the ThermaCapture coating applied to the exterior which allows it to more effectively capture and retain radiant heat. With an R-value of 2.6 and an affordable price, the Z Lite Sol earns its place on this list as the backpacker classic and one of our favorite lightweight sleeping pads.

The fact that this camping mattress folds up so nice and tight and weighs almost nothing, makes this an ideal sleeping pad for those intent on venturing deep into the heart of nature. There’s a good reason this is a common pick for thru-hikers attempting the PCT, AT and CDT. The clever distribution of the foam core elements and the ThermaCapture coating means that whether you sleep like a rock or rock and roll in your sleep you’ll be warm and comfy. There has been a lot of digital ink spilled over what a great supplemental sleeping pad this is (and it is) but we think that distracts from the fact that it stands tall on its own as one of the best backpacking sleeping pads out there. If your next adventure is taking you into the wilderness you owe it to yourself to have the Therma-Rest Z Lite sleeping pad in your backpacking backpack.

The TETON Sports Outfitter Camp Pad has a throwback look to it, but don’t let that fool you. There’s nothing throwback about the versatility and comfort of this awesome sleeping pad. The Sports Camp Pad is built for comfort and convenience from the built-in compression straps to the pillow pocket to the clip it has at each corner that allows you to secure the pad to just about any sort of cot. There are 2.5 inches of closed-cell foam to cradle you and a slew of other amenities designed to make sleep in the outdoors as comfortable as it is indoors.

The TETON Sports Camp Pad is a recreational closed-cell foam mat that hits all the right notes as far as being comfortable and versatile. It’s definitely not made to be dragged up K2 as this comfortable pad weighs nine pounds, but it’s perfect for outdoor holidays with the family, hunting trips, weekends at the shore, or out in the yard to catch some rays on that perfect summer afternoon. The pillow pocket is large enough to accommodate a regular-sized pillow or you can roll up your sweater and slide it into the pocket to create a less comfortable but perfectly useable elevated headrest. While this is one of the most expensive camping pads out there, it’s also one of the best sleeping mats, and you’ll likely conclude it’s worth the stretch. Make sure to also browse our list of the best camping cots on the market.

The PowerLix Sleeping Pad is the perfect companion you need for your nights atop mountains and under the stars. With a 2-inch thickness (or 5 cm), you get adequate space between you and the ground, ensuring cushioned comfort that will give you a great night’s sleep and keep your bones and joints feeling tip-top and ready for tomorrow’s 4 AM hike. The lightweight design is ideal for adventures, and unlike many other sleeping mats, it won’t weigh you down. It’s also ultra-comfortable, giving you the perfect snoozing experience.

The dual-action air valve makes this air pad easy to inflate and deflate, especially if you are in a hurry first thing in the morning to pack up camp. The thermal insulation will protect you from the cold ground too. The pump sack is also highly versatile and will serve a wide range of purposes, including a stuffable pillow and waterproof bag. There are several colors to choose from, and the 75D nylon ripstop exterior is durable enough for adventures both near and far. People often underestimate how crucial a good night’s sleep and general comfort are when out in the wilderness, but with the PowerLix, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.