Sleeping Pad Reviews

The NEMO Switchback is an accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad that can be used as an ultralight pad by itself or to augment the warmth of a second sleeping pad when sleeping outdoors in colder weather. It’s quite similar to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad, but made with …

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad is an updated version of the original stem-valve NeoAir UberLite pad, featuring Therm-a-Rest’s new Winglock Valve, which can be used as a one-way (non-leaking) valve during inflation and a two-way valve during deflation. The NeoAir UberLite is the lightest and most compact pad Therm-a-Rest …

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad (2020 edition) is an insulated air mattress designed for three-season camping with an R-value = 4.2, measured using the new Outdoor Industry Sleeping Pad R-value Standard. Weighing just 12 oz (see below), the XLite is also lightweight, durable, and rolls up small, which explains …

The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3″ thick. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don’t have to bust a gut blowing it up. This pad also has an R-value …

The Exped FlexMat Plus is a folding accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad with an R-Value of 2.2 (using the new sleeping pad R-value standard). While it is heavier than the comparable NEMO Switchback and Therm-a-Rest ZLite foam sleeping pads, it’s also about 10% more insulating based on the new R-value …

The NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that’s available in a wide variety of lengths and widths. It’s undergone substantial improvement since we last reviewed it a few years ago including a new flat 2-way valve, new insulation, reduced weight, and inclusion of an inflation …

A Sleeping Pad R-Value measures a sleeping pad’s ability to prevent heat loss (to the ground) when you lie on it at night. Pads with higher R-values do this more effectively than pads with lower R-values. R-value isn’t a measure of warmth per se, but of a pad’s ability to …

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad (2020 edition) is an insulated air mattress designed for cold weather camping with an R-value = 6.9, using the new Outdoor Industry sleeping pad R-value measurement standard. Weighing just 15 oz (see below), the XTherm is also lightweight, durable, and rolls up small, which …

The MassDrop Klymit Ultralight V Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated sleeping pad that’s the result of a special design collaboration between MassDrop and sleeping pad maker Klymit. With an R-Value of 4.4, the Ultralight V is ideal for spring or autumn backpacking and camping when the ground temperature is …

The Sea-to-Summit Women’s Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is a 66″ x 21.5″ inflatable sleeping pad that is 2 inches thick and has an R-value of 3.8. Weighing 13.8 oz, it is a very quiet and comfortable pad, with individual “air sprung cells” that conform to your body like a …

The Paria Recharge UL Sleeping Pad is an inflatable insulated sleeping pad suitable for backpacking and camping. Weighing 20 ounces, it’s on the heavy side compared to popular three-season sleeping pads, but it is inexpensive, making it a good option for cost-minded backpackers. Specs at a Glance Weight: 20 oz …

The Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad is SectionHiker.com’s 2019 Gear of the Year. This is an annual award I give to the outdoor product that has had the biggest positive impact on my hiking and backpacking experience each year. While I normally issue this award at year-end, the …

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad is an ultralight and ultra-thin closed-cell foam pad that can be used to completely eliminate sleeping pad slip on silnylon and Dyneema DCF tent floors. A true multi-purpose item, this 1/8″ foam pad can also be used as a dog bed, a windbreak for …

The Therm-a-Rest Z-lite sleeping pad (long and short) is a top-rated non-inflatable foam sleeping pad you can buy from a mainstream manufacturer. With an R-value of 2, it doesn’t absorb rainwater and folds up like an accordion so it can be easily strapped to the outside of your pack. The …