10 Best Sleeping Pad for Camping In 2022 [Detailed Reviews]
Perhaps one of the most excellent way for adventure enthusiasts to connect with Mother Nature is by spending the nights in the woods, through camping. However, we believe many campers have struggled to have a good night sleep in the wilderness. Therefore, a mandatory "asset" that you should invest in - a good sleeping pad to provide you the comfort.
Looking for the best sleeping pad for camping has never been an easy task, with so many brands on the market and lots of factors to look out for. That's why we have listed down our top 10 sleeping pads in this article which we think can be helpful for you in choosing your ideal sleeping pad. For those who wants to jump straight to our final verdict, here are our top picks.
Table Of Comparison
We have designed a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.
| Product | Features | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
 Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus Self-Inflating Pad | Sizes Available: S/M/L Dimension (inches): 20 x 47(S) / 20 x 72(M) / 25 x 77(L) Thickness: 1.5 inches R-Value: 3.4 Packed Dimension (in): 11 x 4(S) / 11 x 4.8(M) / 13 x 5.1(L) Top Fabric: 50D mini hex rip polyester Bottom Fabric: 50D polyster Foam Type: Urethane foam | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
 Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Mat (Regular) | Dimension: 72 x 21.5 inch Thickness: 2.5 inch R-Value: 5 Weight: 27.6 ounces Packed Size: 5 x 9 inch Air Spring Cells: 548 Season Rating: 4 | 4.7/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 AmazonBasics Self-Inflating Air Pad | Dimension: 77 x 25 inch Thickness: 2.5 inch Weight: 4.3 lbs Top: Diamond ripstop fabric Bottom: Polyester | 4.4/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite | Available Sizes: 3 Dimension (inch): 20 x 47 / 20 x 72 / 25 x 77 Thickness: 2.5 inch R-Value: 3.2 Weight (ounces): 8 / 12 / 16 Season Rating: 3 | 4.8/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 Klymit Insulated Statix V | Dimension: 72 x 23 inch Thickness: 2.5 inch R-Value: 4.4 Weight: 1.5 lbs Packed Size: 5 x 8 inch Inflation: 10-15 breaths Fabric: 75D polyester | 4.8/5.0 Price: $ More Details |
 Exped MegaMat Duo 10 (Long Wide) | Length: 77.5 inch Shoulder Width: 52 inch Thickness: 3.9 inch R-Value: 9.5 Weight: 10.2 lbs Insulation: 16kg/sq-meter opencell PU foam Available Sizes: Medium / Long Wide | 4.7/5.0 Price: $$$$ More Details |
 Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Inflatable Sleeping Pad | Sleeping Capacity: 1 Person Dimension: 72 x 20 inch Thickness: 3.75 inch Weight: 9.6 ounces Insulation: PrimaLoft Silver synthetic Season Rating: 3 Temperature Range: 32°F Available Sizes: 2 | 4.3/5.0 Price: $$$ More Details |
 Exped SynMat 7 (Long Wide) | Length: 77.5 inch Shoulder Width: 25.6 inch Thickness: 2.8 inch R-Value: 4.9 Weight: 2.3 lbs Insulation: 160 g/sq-meter Texpedloft microfibre Available Sizes: Medium / Medium Wide / Long Wide | 4.6/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
 Klymit Insulated Static V LITE | Dimension: 72 x 23 inch Thickness: 2.5 inch R-Value: 4.4 Weight: 1.24 lbs Packed Size: 5 x 8 inch Inflation: 10-15 breaths Fabric: 30D polyester | 4.3/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
 Sea to Summit Ultralight Mat (Regular) | Dimension: 72 x 21.5 inch Thickness: 2.0 inch R-Value: 0.7 Weight: 13.9 ounces Packed Size: 3 x 6.5 inch Air Spring Cells: 181 Season Rating: Summer use only | 4.5/5.0 Price: $$ More Details |
Top 10 Sleeping Pads Reviewed
1. Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus - Best for Side Sleepers
If you are looking for a solution for your winter camping adventures, then you got one in Therm-a-Rest. It has an extra layer meant for warmth between the sleeping bag and the ground. Its diagonal-cut foam gives more warmth while its lightweight makes it easy for packing.
Manufactured by Cascade Designs Inc., it can self-inflate itself which makes providing firmer support easier. This camping pad is perfect for excursions in the alpines and skis touring. It comes in 3 different sizes, some repair kit, and a lifetime warranty.
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2. Sea to Summit Comfort plus Insulated Mats - Best for Big Guys
This air mattress is usually insulated with Exkin platinum and Thermolite. Exkin is a kind of metalized fabric layer of the pad making it silent. Thermolite HL-1 is usually constructed with solid fibers and a hollow core making it very light and durable.
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3. AmazonBasics Self-Inflating Air Pad - Best Foam Sleeping Pad
You can now enjoy comfort away from home by having AmazonBasics Self-Inflating Air Pad. This camping pad has an insulating layer for warmth. It comes along with handy repair kits, compression straps, and a stuff sack so that you can carry it comfortably. This inflating sleeping pad can easily inflate itself fast, and when rolled up it deflates itself.
Besides its ease of portability, packing, and comfort, it has cushioning support which makes your neck more comfortable. It’s an abrasion-resistant sleeping pad that will give you enough comfort.
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4. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite - Best For Car Camping
This sleeping pad is primarily for three seasons: camping, mountaineering, and backpacking. The mattress offers enough warmth because of its padded layer.
It is made using ThermaCapture technology which harbors heat within the mat because of its reflective nature. Its triangular Core Matrix prevents heat loss when you are sleeping.
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5. Klymit Insulated Static V - Best for Hammock
You now have your camping partner of all-seasons in your backcountry. This model is engulfed with a Body Mapping Technology which is developed in V-shaped design and enhanced comfort.
This air mattress is a great camping sleep pad for stomach, side, and back sleepers. Its side rails make this pad secure and very comfortable especially by positioning yourself in the center and enabling turning.
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6. Exped MegaMat Duo 10 - Best for Couples
Whether it is car camping, field work or base camp, Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is there to ensure your comfort needs. This particular sleeping pad is well-loved by most couples who enjoy camping.
The MegaMat Duo 10 features 3D mats technology, especially at the edge. The Oeko-Tex materials are free from any chemicals. It is specifically designed to serve in all seasons from winter to summer, spring to autumn.
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7. Big Agnes Insulated AXL Air Sleeping Pad
This camping pad is known for its comfort and lightness. The Big Agnes sleeping pad is well designed with thru-hikers, technical gears, and gram counters to ensure it serves you best in three seasons. It is made of nylon rip-stop that ensures the mat is stable and comfortable.
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8. Exped SynMat 7
You now have your winter companion which will ensure you have the full comfort that you need in your adventure. Exped SynMat 7 is an award-winning mat characterized by durability, compactness and its outstanding design.
This sleeping pad is ideal for car camping, hiking, and mountaineering. It is well laminated on the top and bottom to ensure it maintains heat. It is 2.8 inches thick, which ensures you get the full comfort.
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9. Klymit Insulated Static V LITE
With a comfortable sleeping mat like Klymit Insulated Static V LITE 4, you will be sure to have enough sleeping area. The valve is secure and simple, making inflation fast in the ten breaths and deflates the map quickly too.
The anti-microbial laminate prevents the microorganism growth which may cause odors.
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10. Sea to Summit Ultralight Pad
If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort for weight, then Sea to Summit Ultralight is another perfect choice for you. Its Air Sprung Cell technology makes it easy to be packed and light. This camping pad is quick to inflate using the Airstream Pumpsack; with only 2-3 cycles, the mat will be filled.
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Sleeping Pad Buying Guides
As you may have seen, sleeping pads for camping come in different types, colors, prices, and sizes. There are various options you can choose from depending on your preferences. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to choosing your right sleeping pad.
Weight of the Pad
Depending on the type of camping, the weight of backpacking sleeping pads are very critical. If you do a lot of walking before reaching your destination, you need an ultralight foam sleeping pad like air pads.
On the other hand, if you will drive right to your destination, you can decide to carry a memory foam camping mattress.
Your Sleeping Style
People like sleeping on their back, stomach or their side. There are pads specifically designed for back sleepers. You need to choose the one that suits your style.
Foam pads are more stable but bulky while air pads are bouncy. Depending on your body size, select a sleeping pad that has the right dimensions. Don't purchase a short sleeping pad that will force you to add extra clothes to support your legs. Hence, it is essential to have the measurements before buying.
The Pattern of the Pad
Various backpacking sleeping pads for camping have integrated technology that makes the cushioning styles different. Consider the curves like V-shaped that will be comfortable on your back, stomach, and side. The pattern is mostly determined by the material used in making the pad. Avoid a pad that will make you slide when you’re sleeping. Also, consider the noise being produced when one is turning. Avoid a sleeping pad that is noisy.
Price
The budget should not be ignored as you don’t want something that will drain your bucks in a single trip. One of the least costing sleeping pads is Therm-A-Rest. Despite being a little bulky, it offers enough comfort for any adventurer.
It is important to note that getting good quality backpacking sleeping pads are not cheap, you need to be prepared to dig deeper into your pocket if you are looking for a good one. Keep in mind that their prices are attached to their durability and material used in making them.
Durability
Of course, you don’t want something that will tear off after some days or months of camping. This is where you check the material that has been used in making the sleeping pad.
Most of the recommended backpacking sleeping pads above are made of 40D nylon fabric, polyester material, TPU Laminated, honeycombed embossed and insulated. It is also good to note that, the storage and general maintenance of the pad will play a role in their durability.
The Users
Certain sleeping pads are specifically designed for couples or multiple people. A sleeping pad like Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is a great one for couples.
Others like Exped SynMat 7 are great for big guys and heavyweights. If your sleeping pad is not designed to handle multiple people, avoid using it for a group of people. Otherwise, it may start leaking, and it will be a waste.
Warranty
Although it can be viewed as a usual thing, don't buy a pad that doesn't have a warranty. Most of the above sleeping pads have a limited lifetime warranty while others have five years. This will avoid the stress of getting a replacement in case your pad gets a puncture or destroyed before the warranty is expired.
Comfort
The essence of owning a sleeping pad for camping is to give you comfort during your adventure. It will help you avoid bad backs, sides and painful muscles because of the poor sleeping ground. The best camping mattress for bad back ensures you get the comfort you need on your back.
Type of Camping
If you are doing mountaineering hiking, you need a sleeping pad that is thick enough to help you to avoid the effect of the hard rocks on your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does R value mean for sleeping pads?
R in sleeping pads is used to measure how effective a pad can sustain heat. The higher the value, a warmer the pad will be.
2. Does the sleeping pad go inside sleeping bags?
Yes, a sleeping pad should be inserted into your sleeping bag. When you wake up, remove the pad from the bag.
3. Should you wear clothes in sleeping bag?
Yes and no. If the outdoor temperature is low, then you should wear clothes. If it is high then there is no need to wear clothes while sleeping.
4. how does a self-inflating pad works?
Self-inflating pad is a holy grail for campers as it is very convenient, takes seconds to inflate and deflate. Check out here for more information.
FINAL VERDICT
Having gained some thorough understanding of what to look out for when buying the best sleeping pad for camping, you can now avoid falling into the traps of appearance. That’s why it is good to read through the comments and reviews of the other customers to know the ups and downs of a specific pad.
From the above sleeping pads, we would recommend the NeoAir XLite mattress from Therm-a-Rest as the best camping pad. This is due to its considerable price, its flexibility of usage in the three seasons, its comfort, the warmth it provides, its lightweight, and durability. We give it 4.8 out of the possible five stars.
