10 Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2023

Therm-a-Relaxation’s new NeoAir XLite NXT is the very best all-around 3-season sleeping pad in the marketplace, arms down. It has a uncommon mixture of consolation, heat, and weight that make it very robust to beat for backpacking.

The brand new NXT model of the XLite is 3 inches thick, so it’s a bit cushier than earlier than, and it has a barely increased R-value too. One among our favourite options of the XLite is simply how light-weight it’s whereas nonetheless sustaining wonderful insulation and sturdiness. Retaining pack weight down on backcountry journeys is crucial, and the XLite is a stand-out on this area.

The principle knock on earlier XLite fashions has been the crinkly sound they make when shifting round. We’re completely happy to report that the brand new NXT model is way quieter. We’d say the XLite NXT is nearly as quiet as most air pads, however few can compete with its different specs.

The NeoAir XLite is a very distinctive sleeping pad that we’ve put by way of the wringer over hundreds of miles on the path. It’s an all-time nice backpacking sleeping pad, and we predict you’ll agree.

Try our full assessment of the XLite NXT right here.

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT is a hotter and extra sturdy model of the XLite pad listed above. So why does it deserve a particular spot on this listing? It’s simply that good.

Insulation (R-value) is a extremely underrated attribute in sleeping pads. Should you’re a chilly sleeper otherwise you backpack in sub-freezing temps, we suggest bumping as much as the XTherm. The newest NXT mannequin is hotter, thicker, and even a contact lighter than earlier than. With such a preposterous warmth-to-weight ratio, the XTherm is undoubtedly among the finest backpacking sleeping pads on the market.

The XTherm additionally has a sturdy layer of 70-denier material on the underside – which we love – to fight put on and stop punctures. This pad does make a slight crinkle sound once you shift round on it, however its appreciable strengths far outweigh this minor draw back.

With a weight that’s decrease than the standard 3-season pad, however an R-value prepared for critical winter adventures, it’s no surprise why the NeoAir XTherm has been a fan favourite for a few years.

Try our full assessment of the XTherm NXT right here.

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir UberLite is commonly the sleeping pad you’ll discover in our packs on summer time backpacking journeys. It’s very comfy, has a tiny packed dimension, and better of all – it’s ridiculously light-weight. This helps us hold our pack weight to an absolute minimal on burly, high-mileage adventures.

Like most ultralight gear, the UberLite is made with skinny supplies, so that you’ll wish to watch out with it to keep away from punctures. We clear sharp rocks and pokey sticks from beneath our tents, and we all the time carry restore tape simply in case. Utilizing this small quantity of care, we’ve had nice outcomes protecting the UberLite totally inflated and tremendous cozy.

Although it requires a bit extra diligence, the UberLite is a very distinctive ultralight backpacking sleeping pad for these trying to hold pack weight to a minimal.

Try our full assessment of the UberLite right here.

Uninterested in worrying about your air pad staying inflated? Look no additional than the inexpensive and hassle-free NEMO Switchback. This closed-cell foam pad is straightforward on the pockets and it’s additionally one of many lightest sleeping pads on our listing.

Foam pads are good since you’ll by no means must spend time inflating/deflating them, and also you’ll by no means have to fret about waking up on the chilly floor since they will’t spring a leak.

The draw back with foam pads just like the Switchback is that they are usually much less comfy than air pads, except you favor sleeping on agency surfaces. Because of this, we have a tendency to decide on air pads for many of our backcountry journeys – we attempt to watch out with them, and we all the time deliver restore tape simply in case.

Nonetheless, there’s rather a lot to like in regards to the comfort, affordability, and sturdiness of the Switchback. So in the event you choose a agency sleeping floor, simplicity, and worry-free consolation, the NEMO Switchback is perhaps precisely what you’re in search of.

Try our full assessment of the Switchback right here.

Massive Agnes is named the mom of consolation, they usually’re undoubtedly incomes that title with the Zoom UL. Added consolation can usually imply added bulk and weight in terms of backpacking gear, however the Zoom UL delivers an exceptionally soft night time’s sleep in a small, light-weight package deal.

Pads with comparable weight, R-value (heat), and packability will usually run you $200 or extra, however the Zoom UL is available in at a friendlier value level. At 3.25 inches thick within the heart (and three.5 inches on the facet rails to assist hold you within the center), that is additionally one of many thicker pads on our listing. This can be a actual benefit for side-sleepers and people who like a squishy pad, because you’ll have extra room to regulate the firmness with out bottoming out.

So with all that mentioned, why isn’t this pad on the very prime of our listing? It actually boils right down to comfort. The valve is a bit slower and extra finicky to deflate, and the pump sack is our least favourite out of all those we examined. These aren’t the largest gripes on this planet, however in terms of the very best of the very best we needed to be choosy.

Nonetheless, the Zoom UL is an superior worth pad that may have you ever sleeping like a child within the backcountry. So in the event you prioritize saving cash over having a number of additional conveniences, you received’t be upset by the Zoom UL. Be taught extra in our full assessment of the Zoom UL right here.

The Klymit Static V is among the finest finances air pads in the marketplace. It’s constructed with thicker supplies than most light-weight backpacking sleeping pads and is barely wider than the usual pad dimension as effectively.

The V-shaped air tubes on the Static V are fairly comfy, however the giant areas between air chambers imply chances are you’ll backside out whereas shifting round. The 2 largest downsides of this pad are its low R-value – this pad is finest for summer time journeys – and its primary valve. Klymit does supply an insulated model of the Static V, nevertheless it weighs fairly a bit extra, and its true R-value (ASTM) is barely elevated to 1.9.

Drawbacks apart, the Klymit Static V continues to be an awesome alternative for budget-conscious backpackers. It’s sturdy, comfy, and it’ll get the job accomplished at a fraction of the worth.

The NEMO Tensor Insulated sleeping pad is thick, comfy, and quieter than nearly any air pad we’ve examined. So in the event you’re trying to keep away from the crinkle sound some pads have, the Tensor is a wonderful choice.

One other factor that units the Tensor aside is the big variety of form and dimension choices, together with mummy, rectangular, and the elusive common/vast mannequin. The oblong fashions are standard, as they permit your ft to relaxation wider aside when again sleeping. This, together with 3 in. of thickness, makes the Tensor an actual stand-out in terms of consolation.

The Tensor additionally comes with among the finest pump sacks in the marketplace, making inflation quick and simple. On prime of that, the zero-profile valve permits for fast deflation and easy micro-adjustments.

We’ve been large followers of the NEMO Tensor for the reason that first mannequin hit the cabinets, and we nonetheless rock it for journeys the place additional consolation is a prime precedence.

REI’s Helix Insulated Air options the best R-value of any pad in its value vary, so it’s a superb worth for chilly sleepers on a good finances.

At 3 inches thick, the Helix could be very soft and comfy. However side-sleepers and those who shift round rather a lot may expertise some bottoming out resulting from its dimpled design. Hikers who lie on their again in all probability received’t have a difficulty with this, although, and can seemingly discover the air cells to be completely plush.

The most important draw back of the Helix is that it’s one of many heaviest sleeping pads on our listing, nevertheless it’s additionally one of many warmest. We all the time suggest protecting pack weight to a minimal to extend total consolation on path, however the Helix has a particularly reasonable price ticket and is insulated sufficient for chilly sleepers to remain comfy.

Sea to Summit makes a number of the most comfy sleeping pads in the marketplace, and the Ether Gentle XT Insulated (view ladies’s right here) is one in all their lightest and cushiest sleeping pads but. The distinctive “air sprung cells” mimic the assist of the mattresses we use at residence, they usually cradle the physique in a means normal air pad baffles can’t.

The Both Gentle can be 4 inches thick, which is able to provide help to dial in your most well-liked firmness and make sure you by no means backside out. As well as, the marginally wider facet rails on the Both Gentle assist to maintain you focused on the pad all through the night time. The “Pillowlock system” on this pad can be a pleasant contact. It’s designed to maintain your S2S Aeros pillow in place all through the night time.

With an R-value of three.2 and a sturdy construct, the Sea to Summit Ether Gentle is a superb match for 3-season backpackers in search of top-tier consolation.

Try our full assessment of the Ether Gentle right here.

Very similar to the Ether Lite XT listed above, Sea to Summit’s Ultralight Insulated pad (view ladies’s right here) is among the most comfy backpacking pads we’ve examined. Its “air sprung cells” present soft consolation that feels surprisingly like your mattress at residence.

The profit the Ultralight has over the Ether Lite principally is available in its extra inexpensive price ticket. The Ultralight can be nearly as heat and comfy because the Ether Lite, nevertheless it’s barely much less cumbersome. At 2 inches thick, some customers may backside out when shifting round on this pad, and the Ultralight may not be the very best match for facet sleepers. That mentioned, the Ultralight nonetheless supplies a really comfy night time’s relaxation.

The Ultralight has a superb valve system and is extra sturdy than the common air pad as effectively. So in the event you’re available in the market for a snug, light-weight, and sturdy backpacking sleeping pad that prices lower than most of its opponents, the Sea to Summit Ultralight is a superb alternative.

The Massive Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is an excellent soft, sturdy, and heat sleeping pad for 3-season adventures. The place the Rapide differentiates itself from different pads is its giant facet rails that assist to maintain you focused on the pad all through the night time.

The Rapide can be 3.5 inches thick, making it one of many thickest backpacking pads in the marketplace. It will permit you to dial within the excellent firmness degree to fit your sleeping type. At 19 ounces, the Rapide is among the many heavier sleeping pads on our listing, however its distinctive consolation and inexpensive value level nonetheless make it an awesome alternative for a lot of backpackers.

For many who prioritize consolation over all else, the Massive Agnes Rapide SL is a prime contender.