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Best Sleeping Pads for Camping and Backpacking 2017 – Reviews and Guides

Updated November 29, 2016 By Leroy

When planning to go camping with friends or family members, it is imperative to carry a sleeping pad to make the retreat more enjoyable and exciting. Otherwise, sleeping on the ground can turn out to be stressful, as you will have nothing to protect your body from the hard ground. To get the best camping experience, it is recommended to scout for the best backpacking sleeping pad in market by carrying out an intensive research online as well as offline. You could ask for recommendations from your peers to get value for money especially if this is your first time purchasing this product.

Different Types of Camping Sleeping Pads

Manufacturers have worked smart to design different sleeping pads to meet the diverse clientele needs and preferences. Here is a quick look at the various types of sleeping pads in the market. It is our hope that this information will help you find the best camping sleeping pad.

Air PadsSelf-Inflating padsClosed-Cell Foam Pads

The new technologies have made it possible for manufacturing companies to make air pads that are extremely light in weight and ideal for camping expeditions. They come with reflective and insulation materials that will keep you warm throughout the night. The modern ones can be inflated with your breath in less than 3 minutes. Some also come with an inbuilt pump for inflation purposes. There are also manufacturing companies that sell an external hand pump alongside the pad.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad - Air Pads

Advantages

  • Comfortable and light in weight
  • Have a compact design that makes it easy to pack
  • Have additional insulation and reflective materials to increase warmth
  • One can customize the mattress’ firmness by releasing or increasing the air quantity in the chambers

Disadvantages

  • Can be ripped by thorns and tree twigs
  • Expensive
  • In rare case, moisture can get trapped inside leading to mold issues during summer and freezing during winter
  • Some make annoying crinkly sounds when moved

Self-inflating pads have an open valve that you can use to fill the air chambers before night falls. Just like the air pads, they have proper foam insulation to increase warmth and can be folded or rolled up to fit in the backpack. Models that are tailored for car camping can be easily rolled up without folding.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad - Self-Inflating pads

Advantages

  • Compact and comfortable
  • Firmness can be adjusted by increasing or releasing some air
  • Made using sturdy fabrics that can stand the test of time

Disadvantages

  • Heavier than the simple foam pads
  • There is always the risk of it being punctured and ripped

These are considered the primary backpacking pads and are made from a foam material that has numerous air cells. You can roll or fold them in a Z formation after the camping expedition.

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad - Closed-Cell Foam Pads

Advantages

  • Very lightweight
  • Durable
  • Offer excellent insulation
  • Inexpensive
  • Less prone to leaks and punctures
  • Can be used as sitting pads in the camping site

Disadvantages

  • Less comfortable
  • Relatively firm and stiff

This video can also give you more insights on how to select the light backpacking sleeping pads.

How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pads for Camping, Backpacking

Let us shift gears and look at some of the key factors that you should consider to the camping activity.

Car Camping

Go for a self-inflating pad or a thick air pad that offers lots of cushioning. Even though it might be heavier and bulkier, you will enjoy the insulation that it provides.

Backpacking/Kayak & Canoe Touring

For this kind of retreat, you do not want to carry heavy stuff. The best is an air pad that is self-inflating, has a compact design, and is lightweight. By deciding to use this one, you will save time and avoid exhausting your body muscles unnecessarily.

Minimalist Backpacking

For a minimalist backpacking activity, should an ultra-light air pad instead of the heavier options. Ideally, the air pad should be light in weight and easy to pack up.

Thru-Hiking

When going for a thru-hiking trip, it is recommended to have a closed cell foam pad that is durable and capable of keeping you warm during the night. Though it may not be comfortable, this type of sleeping pad is less prone to punctures. You can also easily repair it in the field if it is ripped accidentally.

Winter Camping

The cold weather outdoor during winter does not mean that you should not have some fun. Get yourself a new well-insulated air pad and go camping to relax and connect with nature in spite of the cold weather. The best are often made from synthetic fiber material and has enough insulation material to prevent you from freezing. Check the R-value to know the level of insulation that it offers.

Reviews 2017: Top 7 Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

1. Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad

Klymit Static V sleeping pad is one of the most comfortable and top rated pad in the world today. One of the main reasons why most people prefer it to other conventional models in the market is that it has a compact design. You can fold it to the size of a water bottle. It also has dynamic side rails that are tailored to keep it firmly rooted on the ground all night.

[img_center img_code=”61dCNtZE8PL” alt=”Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad” code=”B007RFG0NM”]

Pros

  • Made from top quality synthetic materials that are durable
  • Ideal for virtually any outdoor adventure activity
  • Lightweight
  • Has a V-chamber that prevent air movement and heat loss
  • Has a push valve that facilitates quick deflation and inflation

Cons

  • Not self-inflating
  • The top surface is not textured, and this makes it slippery

2. Fox Outfitters

Fox Outfitters is a premium sleeping pad that is made of a durable material that is less prone to tearing or ripping. The base fabric is abrasion resistant, and this makes it perfect for camping on rugged outdoor terrains. The manufacturer also went ahead to add an open cell foam that offers additional comfort as well as a diamond pattern that lowers its total weight.

[img_center img_code=”61X1a9LAOFL” alt=”Fox Outfitters Ultralight Series Self Inflating Camp Pad – Perfect Foam Sleeping Pads” code=”B00L2YPKIA”]

Pros

  • Very durable and lightweight
  • The base is abrasion resistant
  • Ideal for rugged outdoor terrains
  • Self-inflating
  • Comes with compression bands and a repair kit

Cons

  • Slicks if you toss around in your sleep
  • Expensive
  • Not adapted to harsh outdoor weather conditions

3. Lightspeed Outdoors

Lightspeed Outdoors is a one of a kind self-inflating sleeping pad that comes in three different thicknesses and sizes to suit your preferences. Unlike other similar products in the market, this one has dual oversize air valves that allow one to inflate in within two minutes without using a pump. Has a high R-value and so you can count on it to keep you warm throughout the night. The materials used to make it are PVC free, so no crinkle plastic noises at night.

[img_center img_code=”71xMP4wkfbL” alt=”Lightspeed Outdoors PVC-Free Warmth Series Self Inflating Sleep Camp Pad” code=”B01F7WEQWS”]

Pros

  • Dual oversized air valves that make it easy to inflate the pad
  • Materials are PVC free so no plastic odors and annoying noises at night
  • Comes with an integrated pillow for added comfort
  • Ideal for backpacking and car camping
  • Compression strains and oversized carry bag for easy movement
  • Perfect for people who experience lower back pains

Cons

  • Compared to other sleeping pads in the market, this one is a big bigger

4. Therm-a-Rest Basecamp Sleeping Pad

Basecamp sleeping option is an affordable and luxurious product that you can use for car camping as well as outdoor camping activities. It is ideal for all seasons and offers immense support and stability to all users. It is one of the top rated self-inflating products in the market, and the materials are durable. The die-cut foam will keep you comfortable throughout the night.

[img_center img_code=”41gNlnuZ2WL” alt=”Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad” code=”B008O6JFM6″]

Pros

  • Made from high-quality materials that are durable
  • Material is friendly to all skin types
  • Outstanding self-inflation and compact design
  • Affordable
  • Generously thick to give you immense comfort

Cons

  • Not durable
  • Has shiny, slippery surfaces on both sides, the manufacturer should consider making the surface non-skid

5. TETON Self-Inflating Camp Pad

Made with comfortable stretch microfiber material, this is by far one of the most comfortable sleeping pads. The gray non-slip base made it possible for campers to set it up in different terrains. The deflation and inflation valves allow you to set it up or pack in the morning quickly. The material is durable and easy to clean. It comes with a stuff sack with a shoulder strap and a half-moon shaped handle for easy carrying.

[img_center img_code=”61dTXMndBsL” alt=”TETON Sports ComfortLite Self Inflating Camp Pad” code=”B00HC9QTO8″]

Pros

  • The material is durable and easy to clean
  • Has a rapid deflation and inflation valve
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Offers minimal protection to leaks
  • Material is highly prone to rips
  • As compared to other pads, this one is less comfortable

6. Big Agnes Sleeping Pad

Big Agnes Sleeping Pad comes with a two-piece valve that facilitates quick inflation and rapid deflation. The manufacturers also offer a repair kit that is packed with everything that you might need to repair it. It is comfortable and the weight is evenly distributed thanks to its stabilizer construction. The synthetic insulation material will keep your body warm and protect you from the cold surface beneath the pad.

[img_center img_code=”51oWh23z01L” alt=”Big Agnes – INSULATED DOUBLE Z” code=”B00M3U1CZ2″]

Pros

  • Easy to inflate and deflate
  • Stabilizer construction distributes the weight evenly thereby creating a comfortable and smooth sleeping surface
  • Compact design make it easy for one to carry it around
  • Fairly priced
  • Excellent insulation

Cons

  • Not self-inflating
  • Noisy and less comfortable than other sleeping pads that we have tried out

7. Nemo Astro Air Sleeping Pad

Nemo sleeping pad is tailored to make your camping experience memorable and fun by providing a comfortable sleeping surface. The lateral baffles on this product prevent the pad from curving around your body while you sleep. The compact design allows one to pack it alongside other luxuries quickly. The material is durable and can withstand adverse weather conditions well. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty, and this is clear proof that this product can stand the test of time and it is worth the price.

[img_center img_code=”61HxEOah1BL” alt=”Nemo Astro Air Sleeping Pad” code=”B00SZCVJ28″]

Pros

  • Has lateral baffles to prevent the material from curving
  • Compact design and size
  • Light weight

Cons

  • The material is sensitive to harsh weather conditions

Frequently Asked Questions about Backpack Sleeping Pad

1. What is R-Value?

The R-value is a metric that is used globally to describe the level of insulation that a particular sleeping pad offers. It is recommended to choose a pad that has an R-Value of at least 4. Such a product can keep your warm even during the coldest weather conditions.

2. How should I take care of the sleeping pad?

Just like other camping gear, it is imperative to clean the sleeping pad when you get back home to enhance its durability and efficiency. For instance, the inner compartments should be cleaned and allowed to dry in open air for a few hours to allow all the moisture trapped inside to evaporate and prevent the growth of molds.

3. What are the benefits of purchasing a sleeping pad that is made from PVC –free material?

PVC material is well known for making annoying noises and producing a plastic smell when exposed to high temperatures. Due to these downsides, it is recommended to purchase a pad that is made from the PVC-free material. Check the description of the product or get in touch with the support team to make an informed decision.

4. What is covered by a lifetime warranty?

Most of the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on all products a way of showing their clients that the product is worth the price and capable of withstanding harsh outdoor weather conditions. The warranty policy varies from one company to another, and so it is important to read the document to know the specific things that are covered.

5. Does thickness affect comfort rating?

Well, there is no definite answer to this question. Some of the sleeping pads that are thin are made from a sturdy foam material that offers excellent support just like the thick pads. Hence, you should consider the thickness factor with other important aspects such as the price and insulation rating.

6. Are all pads made with the skin-friendly material?

Some people are allergic to certain synthetic materials. To avoid any reactions, you will need to check with the manufacturer to know the specific materials used to make the product. Your doctor can also advise you accordingly as you scout for the pad.

7. Are backpack sleeping pads ideal for people who experience back pains?

The manufacturers are aware of the fact that most campers experience back pains. As a result, some have come up with designs that are ideal for people who experience back pains and other backbone related complications. There are also sleeping pads that come with a pillow for added comfort.

Conclusion

After carefully testing and evaluating all the above backpacking sleeping pads, we have arrived at a unanimous decision that the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad is the best. One of the reasons why we choose this product is that it is ideal for any outdoor activity and environment and it is lightweight. It also has a V-chamber that prevents air movement and heat loss during the night, and this is the reason why it has a high R-value.

The synthetic materials used to assemble it are durable, friendly to skin, and comfortable. There is also a push valve that facilitates quick deflation and inflation at any time of the day. You do not need any prior experience to get maximum utility from this product, as it is easy to use and all the information that you need to operate it is provided in the user’s manual. Finally, it is moderately priced to suit all customers.

Feel free to share your experience with any of the above products through the comment section. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to interacting with you more on this and other topics.

Filed Under: Camping Gear Tagged With: backpacking sleeping pad, camping gear, camping sleeping pad, sleeping pad

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