Section Hikers Backpacking Blog Hiking and Backpacking for Beginners and Experts
In 2020, most major sleeping pad manufacturers began using a common R-value testing standard to measure and rate the insulation values of their sleeping pads. This is a big win for backpackers because you can now compare the warmth provided by pads made from different manufacturers. Therm-a-Rest, REI, Sea-to-Summit, NEMO, Exped, and Big Agnes has released air mattresses and sleeping pads with the new R-values. See this comprehensive list of the latest Sleeping Pad R-values from all of these manufacturers, including a comparison of their old ratings and the new R-value ratings.
| Make / Model | Type | R-Value | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite | Air | 4.2 | 12 oz | $190 |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | Air | 6.9 | 15 oz | $215 |
| Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Insulated | Air | 3.2 | 16.3 oz | $190 |
| NEMO Tensor Insulated | Air | 3.5 | 15 oz | $160 |
| NEMO Tensor Alpine UL | Air | 4.8 | 17 oz | $225 |
| Big Agnes Q Core SLX | Air | 3.2 | 18 oz | $150 |
| Sea-to-Summit Ultralight Insulated | Air | 3.1 | 16.9 oz | $140 |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | Foam | 2 | 14 oz | $45 |
| NEMO Switchback | Foam | 2 | 14.5 oz | $50 |
| Exped FlexMat Plus | Foam | 2.2 | 17.6 oz | $55 |
While the R-value of a sleeping pad is important, particularly in cooler weather it’s best to also consider its weight, durability, size, thickness, comfort, and price. Here are our picks for the best 10 sleeping pads available today based on these dimensions. Many of these sleeping pads are available in different lengths, widths, and weights, making it easy to find a good choice to fit your needs.
1. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
2. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
3. Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Pad
4. NEMO Tensor Insulated Air Pad
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
5. NEMO Tensor Alpine Air Pad
Check out the latest price at:
Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
6. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
7. Sea-to-Summit Ultralight Insulated Pad
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
8. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Moosejaw | Sunny Sports | Amazon
9. NEMO Switchback Foam Pad
Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon
10. Exped FlexMat Plus Foam Pad
The Exped FlexMat Plus is a 1.5″ thick folding closed-cell foam sleeping pad with an R-value of 2.2. While it is slightly heavier than the comparable NEMO Switchback and Therm-a-Rest Z Lite foam sleeping pads, it’s substantially thicker more comfortable for side and back sleepers. If you’d given up on closed-cell foam sleeping pads because they’re too thin and uncomfortable, you might want to try out the 1.5? thick FlexMat Plus a try. The size regular (72″ x 20.5″ x 1.5″ ) pad weighs 17.6 oz. Multiple sizes are also available or you can easily trim the size you need with a pair of scissors. Read our Exped FlexMat Plus Review.
Backpacking Sleeping Pad Guide
Choosing a sleeping pad requires prioritizing across multiple factors, some of which can be at odds with one another.
Sleeping Pad Thickness
Thicker sleeping pads are often more comfortable for side sleepers because they provide more cushioning under the hip bones. Depending on their length and width, it may take more breaths to inflate a very thick air pad, something to factor into your decision.
Sleeping Pad Dimensions
Most popular sleeping pads are available a wide range of lengths and widths. While large pads are often more comfortable, they’re often heavier. Most pads are available in a standard 72″ x 20″ size. But many pads are also available in longer, shorter, and wider sizes, or mummy and rectangular shapes.
Sleeping Pad Weight
A sleeping pad is one of the most important items on your gear list in terms of comfort and sleep insulation. While the weight of all backpacking gear matters, don’t make the mistake of being miserable at night by choosing a pad that compromises the quality of your sleep, simply to reduce the weight of your gear list. For example, most sleeping bag and quilt temperature ratings assume that you’re sleeping on a pad with an R-value between 4.0 and 5.0. If you sleep with a pad that has a lower R-value, even in summer, you probably won’t be able to experience the full temperature rating of your sleep insulation. That’s a sobering thought.
Sleeping Pad Compactness
The size and compactness of a sleeping pad can be an important fact depending on your style of packing and the size of your backpack. Inflatable pads usually pack up smallest, self-inflating pads are usually larger, and foam pads are the largest. Depending on how you pack, foam sleeping pads may need to be attached to the outside of your backpack because they’re so large. While closed-cell foam pads don’t absorb water if they get wet, you’ll want to dry one off before you put a sleeping bag or quilt on top of it, after a wet day on the trail.
Sleeping Pad Types
There are three types of sleeping pads: air mattress, self-inflating mattresses, and closed-cell foam pads. Air mattresses provide the greatest comfort and pack up the smallest when deflated. Most come with a lightweight stuff sack that can be used to inflate them. Self-inflating mattress are usually the heaviest and will up partially with air when unrolled for use. You still have to blow them up a bit, but only a minor amount. Closed-cell foam pads are the least expensive but they are bulky have to be attached to the exterior of your pack. They are very reliable however because they’re made with foam so they can’t be punctured and they’re waterproof, so they won’t get heavier if it rains.
Sleeping Pad R-Values
The most reliable measure of insulation is R-value. Beginning in 2020, a new Sleeping Bag R-Value Standard was adopted by the outdoor industry and most of the major sleeping pad manufacturers including Therm-a-Rest, NEMO, Sea-to-Summit, REI, and Big Agnes has retested and re-rated their sleeping bags using it. Klymit, notably, has not. This new standard benefits consumers because it makes it possible, for the first time, to compare sleeping bags by their R-values because they all use the same testing methodology.
For three-season backpacking and camping, an R-value of 2, or higher, is recommended. For winter backpacking and camping, an R-value of 5, or higher, is recommended. R-values are additive, so you can stack two pads to increase your warmth level. Women need higher R-values pads because they have lower body mass than men. An additional R-value of 1 is usually a good hedge for women and other cold sleepers
Sleeping Pad Durability
Foam sleeping pads are the most durable, self-inflating pads are the next most durable, and inflatable air mattresses the least. Inflatable air mattresses pads tend to fail in two places: the valves and at the seams of fabric. Flat valves that are flush with the surface of the sleeping pad are more durable than stick valves because they have no moving parts and can’t catch on obstructions.
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What do you think of the REI Flash pads?
They’ve had quality issues over the years and they have a tendency to change the design each year, which makes me wonder about what will be wrong this year…. While they have new flat valves this year, they’re still only 2″ thick which means your elbows and knees are going to hit the ground when you use them. If you want maximum comfort, it’s best to get a thicker pad. My current pad is the S2S Ether Light XT which is 4″ thick. It makes a world of difference. You can compare all the pad thicknesses on the chart on this page.
https://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values/
One feature of inflatable sleeping pads I’ve become keen about is the valve system and inflation sacks used by each manufacturer. I have purchased both of the Therm-a-rest, the Sea-to-Summit Etherlight, and the Big Agnes SLX on your list in the last few years while putting together my kit for my 2020 AT through hike (left the trail this week after 400 miles due to covid-19). Sea-to-Summit and Big Agnes are far superior to Therm-a-Rest in this aspect. Even Therm-a-Rest’s optional 2020 valve and plastic orifice pump sack, while better, isn’t as well thought out as the others. One neat trick I found is the S2S inflation sack will also work on the typical Therm-a-Rest valve and Big Agnes exhaust port requiring one or two breaths to finish. A great way to help out your shelter mates.
I really find that a 25 inch pad makes a big difference in comfort. I’m not rolling off or hanging over the edge. I bought a 25 inch XTherm even though it was 77 inches long! With great trepidation (what am I doing???) I chopped off about 13 inches and resealed it with a hot iron. It worked! Now it only weighs 1 oz. more than a regular XTherm.
Sounds lovely!
Hey Philip – I’m your stellar review of the ether light xt, you opened with “ Move over NeoAir, there’s a new boss in town. This Etherlight XT has air-sprung cells which are way more comfortable, with a durable flat valve, and soft cover fabric.”
I’m wondering what changed your mind back to putting the NeoAir back on top?
The lists are unordered.
hello philip what do you think about thermarest neoair small pad some people using this and their backpack for sleep are they enought for 3 season bpacking ? or fastpacking :)
Yes, absolutely.
Why does no one make a wide model? It would still carry just fine
Not enough demand.
Phil, Are these pads/mattresses introduced ONLY in 2020?
Otherwise if they are the best PRODUCED in 2020 I would certainly include the REI FLASH Insulated and All Season air mattresses.
The 3 season REI FLASH Insulated mattress has a nice 3.7 R value and the All Season has a 5.3 R value for winter use. At 15 oz. for the FLASH Insulated Regular size is a great value, especially with its Sea to Summit compatible inflation valve. I use a StS inflation dry bag with both of my FLASH mattresses and it’s a Godsend at 9,000+ ft.
For some reason my Exped Flexmat Plus (regular size) weighs 14.64 ounces while my Nemo Switchback weighs 14.73 ounces. When was the last time a manufacturer of outdoor gear produced an item that weighs less than the website states. The Exped is definitely larger in volume but it is much more comfortable.
I’d rate my 15 oz. REI FLASH Insulated 3 season pad (new standard 3.7 R value) as good as the Sea to Summit Ultralight. In fact it even uses a StS comparable valve so I use a StS inflating dry bag.
Liked it so much i got the REI All season mattress.