10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

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

The NeoAir XLite is the most popular inflatable sleeping pad sold today and for good reason. It packs up small and flat, taking up little room in a backpack. The XLite is 2.5 inches thick, providing plenty of comfort for side sleepers and back sleepers, with an R-value of 4.2 making it one of the best 3-season pads available. The XLite is available in a variety of widths and lengths, with the 72″ x 20″ regular size weighing in at just 12 oz. The XLite also comes with an inflation sack that can be used as a stuff sack. Read our Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

2. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

The NeoAir XTherm is nearly identical to the NeoAir XLite but has more insulation and a tougher cover fabric for greater dependability in cold weather and winter. It also packs up small and flat, taking up little room in a backpack, despite having more insulation. The R-Value of 6.9 will keep you warm down to 40 below zero F, while the inflatable 2.5 inch thick pad provides plenty of cushion for side sleepers. The NeoAir XTherm is available in a variety of widths and lengths with the 72″ x 20″ regular mummy size weighing in at just 15 oz. The XTherm also comes with an inflation sack that can be used as a stuff sack. Read our Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

3. Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Pad

The Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad has extra thick 4″ air sprung cells provide excellent comfort for side and back sleepers. ThermoLite synthetic insulation and a platinum liner reflect warmth back to you to minimize radiant heat loss. A flat valve makes it quick to inflate and deflate, and a combination stuff sack/air pump is included for ease of use. The Ether Light has an R-Value of 3.2, making it suitable for three-season use, while a size regular (72″ x 20″) weighs in at 15 oz. Multiple sizes are available. Read our Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw

4. NEMO Tensor Insulated Air Pad

The NEMO Tensor Insulated Air Pad strikes an excellent balance between low weight and comfort. Three inches thick, it provides plenty of clearance for the bony hips of side sleepers, but rolls up flat and surprisingly small when deflated. While it contains internal reflective layers like Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir pads, it’s noticeably quieter and not crinkly sounding. Weighing just 15 ounces in a size regular (72″ x 20″), the Tensor has an R-value of 3.5, making it suitable for 3-season use. The Tensor Insulated pad is available in a wide range of lengths and widths, including a 9 0z short 48″ mummy which is ideal for ultralight backpacking. An inflation sack is included. Read our NEMO Tensor Insulated Air Pad Review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

5. NEMO Tensor Alpine Air Pad

The NEMO Tensor Alpine is a four-season insulated sleeping pad that lightweight enough that it can be used year-round. With an R-value of 4.8, the Tensor Alpine is 3 inches thick and insulated with 3 layers of aluminum film much like Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir pads but far quieter without any crinkly sounds to disturb your tent partner. A low profile flat valve provides rapid inflation, deflation, and micro-adjustments so you can fine-tune the inflation firmness. Weighing just 17 oz, the Tensor Alpine includes an inflation sack for rapid deployment.

Check out the latest price at:
Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

6. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad

The Big Agnes Insulated Q Core SLX is a super comfy, lightweight inflatable sleeping pad, that’s 3.5 inches thick with 4.25 inch side baffles to keep you centered on the pad. With an R-value of 3.2, the Q-Core SLX is covered with a luxurious quilted top with flat valves for increased durability and rapid deflation. Insulated with Primaloft Silver, the pad is very quiet compared to pads insulated with reflective foil and includes an inflation sack for rapid inflation. A regular-sized (72″ x 20″) Insulated Q Core SLX weighs 18 oz, but the pad is also available in a very wide variety of lengths and widths.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

7. Sea-to-Summit Ultralight Insulated Pad

The Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad has 2″ thick air-sprung cells that adapt to a sleeper’s curves like the mattress of their bed at home, providing excellent comfort for side and back sleepers. Flat valves make it quick to inflate and deflate, and a combination stuff/air pump is included for ease of use. The Ultralight has an R-Value of 3.1, making it suitable for three-season use, while a size regular (72″ 20″) weighs in at 16.9 oz. Multiple sizes are also available. Read our Sea-to-Summit Ultralight Sleeping Pad Review

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Moosejaw | Amazon

8. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Pad

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is an ultralight, inexpensive, and virtually indestructible foam sleeping pad, making it a favorite among ultralight backpacking fanatics and parents alike. Made with closed-cell foam, it folds up into accordion-like sections making it easy to carry and attach to the outside of a backpack. One side has an aluminized reflective coating with radiates your body heat back at you. With an R-Value of 2.0, the Z Lite Sol is a good warm weather sleeping pad. A size regular (72″ x 20″) weighs 14 oz, but it’s also available in multiple sizes. You can also trim a foam Z Lite Sol with scissors to shave off gear weight. Read our ZLite Sol Review.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Moosejaw | Sunny Sports | Amazon

9. NEMO Switchback Foam Pad

The NEMO Switchback is folding accordion-shaped closed-cell foam pad with a reflective coating, like the Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol. The only real difference between the two is that the Switchback folds up slightly smaller when folded up. A size regular (72″ x 20″) weighs 14.5 oz, and has an R-value of 2. Like the Z Lite Sol, you can cut a Switchback up to save gear weight or reshape it for a specific purpose. Price Range: $40-$50. Read our NEMO Switchback Review.

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.

Check out the latest price at:
REI | Campsaver | Amazon

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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11 comments

Mark
March 17, 2020 at 3:27 pm

What do you think of the REI Flash pads?

- Philip Werner
  March 17, 2020 at 3:40 pm
  
  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/
  
Matt (Pack Rat)
March 22, 2020 at 6:32 pm

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.

Christine Benton
March 22, 2020 at 6:40 pm

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.

- Philip Werner
  March 22, 2020 at 6:54 pm
  
  Sounds lovely!
  
Dan
March 22, 2020 at 7:04 pm

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?

- Philip Werner
  March 22, 2020 at 7:05 pm
  
  The lists are unordered.
  
David Terrie
March 23, 2020 at 1:51 pm

Why does no one make a wide model? It would still carry just fine

- Philip Werner
  March 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm
  
  Not enough demand.
  
Eric B.
March 23, 2020 at 4:16 pm

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.

Randy Brissey
March 30, 2020 at 6:20 pm

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.