Sleeping Pads are such a basic and important part of your outdoor packing list. No matter your mission, if you’re sleeping under the stars, in your car, or in a tent, a good night’s sleep can make or break your trip. You want to be comfortable, warm, and without the hassle of a bulky sleeping mat or air mattress. With such a variety of options out there, how do you choose? Is more expensive always better? Will this pad keep in heat? We looked at a variety of options, doubles, backpacking pads, luxury pads, etc. to help you make sure you feel confident in your next sleeping pad purchase.
What kinds of sleeping pads are there?
Backpacking Sleeping Pads: These are super lightweight, they pack up extremely small. Backpacking sleeping pads should be durable and functional. Ideal for any trip where you need to pack light and efficiently. The right one will offer comfortable sleep even for months on the Appalachian Trail or the PCT.
Rafting Sleeping Pads: Durable, waterproof and typically made from PVC, these pads serve a double purpose and provide comfortable seating for rafting gear boat passengers. There are a variety of manufactures. With Jack’s Plastic, RMR, and NRS at the top.
Classic Sleeping Pads: Usually some combination of air and foam, these typically roll up to a reasonable size, but they are a bit more cumbersome than a backpacking pad. If you’ve got a little extra room to carry, these are a great option. More portable than an air mattress or a cott, and slightly heftier than some of the ultra-lightweight backpacking alternatives.
Luxury Sleeping Pads: Sleeping pads have come a long way. If you’re looking for a sleeping pad for a long term journey, or just need a little more support, these can be great options. Whether they’re self-inflating, or use a pump, luxury pads often offer a boost of comfort worth the extra cash.
Double Sleeping Pads: Regardless of your favorite activities a double sleeping pad can come in handy. Whether you’re typically in the outdoors with a partner or friend, or just like a little extra room, a double can be a great choice. Great for tent camping, car camping, even backpacking, there are double options of all shapes and sizes.
Using these categories you’ll know which type of sleeping pad you need! Once you know what you’re looking for, this list of our favorite sleeping pads should be an inclusive guide to purchasing the pad that is right for you. Here are the sleeping pads that we think are doing all the right things to get you a great night’s sleep in the great outdoors:
Top Sleeping Pad Picks for Your Next Adventure
KLYMIT STATIC V Sleeping Pad, Lightweight
MSRP $74.95
- Ultra-Lightweight 18. 6 Ounces
- V-chamber design prevents heat loss
- Super Easy-To-Use valve allows for quick inflation and deflation (10-15 Breaths)
- Packs small: 3 x 8 Inches
- Highly Durable 75D polyester fabric
- Inflated Size: 72 x 23 x 2. 5 Inches
- Stuff Sack and patch included
Backpacking, Single
WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad – Self-Inflating 3 Inches Camping Mat
MSRP $82.99
- Highly Durable Ripstop Nylon
- Comfort and Warmth for happier camp mornings
- Ultra-Flex Memory Foam prevents back pain
- 3” Inches of sleeping pad means you can sleep on your side and roll over
- Self-inflating convenience meets air mattress comfort
- Packs up remarkably small 27”x8”
- Inflated size is 77” x 28” x 3”,
- Despite slightly larger pack size great for backpacking, and other light pack trips
- Laminated 20D Rip-stop Nylon and TPU Layer make this sleeping pad tear resistant
- Reflects back radiant heat to the sleeper.
- Waterproof
- No more crinkly or squeaky noise
- Advanced SELF INFLATING technology that includes 2 valves
- Great for all seasons
- No Risk Purchase: Guaranteed Refund or Replace if you are not 100% satisfied
Classic, Single
KLYMIT KLYMALOFT Sleeping Pad, Revolutionary Air + Foam design
MSRP $149.95
- Upgrade from your Klymit Static V.
- Plush foam topper conforms for support and eliminates pressure points
- I-beam air chambers create loft and stabilize the sleeping pad
- Highly Durable Double Layered Exterior
- Air and Foam create comfort and warmth while allowing small pack size and light weight
- Fast and Easy Inflation – Made even easier and Faster with Klymit Pump
- Weight 38. 5 oz
- Size 72 x 23 x 2. 5 inches Inflated
- 2. 1 R-Value
- Patch and stuff sack included
- Multiple Size options (Single or Double)
Luxury, Single or Double
Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad for Camping Ultralight
MSRP $38.89
- Highly Durable 20D Nylon
- 2” inches thick sleeping support
- Protects you from the cold and uncomfortable ground.
- Inflated Size: 75 inches x 24 inches wide
- Perfect for backpacking and long treks
- Packs down extremely small 4×15 Inches
- The Camping mat and pillow weight about 16 ounces combined
- Snaps also allow you to connect two pads together to create a double camping pad
- Real insulation to protect you from cold nights on the ground or in a hammock
- TPU Coating for extra toughness
- “Lifetime Warranty” so any time your sleeping mat malfunctions during normal usage we will replace them free of charge.
- With every purchase at Ryno Tuff we will plant a tree for you through the National Forest Foundation.
Backpacking, Single – Double
Therm-a-Rest Basecamp Self-Inflating Foam Camping Pad
MSRP: $79.95-129.95
- Basecamp Self-Inflating sleeping pad for great rest car camping in the front country
- Solid foam creates a warm and stable mattress
- Light, soft fabrics for extra comfort
- 2-inch thickness provides a high level of warmth and support
- Sturdy, durable, classic design provides an outstanding value
- ThermaRest is a trusted and original brand
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
- Large size measures 77x25x2 inches,
- Small pack size 26×7.5 inches
- Weighs 3 pounds 6 ounces
- Stuff sack included
Classic- Luxury, Single
Hikenture Double Sleeping Pad – Inflatable Camping Air Mattress
MSRP $78.99
- Polyester Fabric PVC-free
- Ultra-light Weight
- Size 78.7×47.5×3.75 inches
- Pack size is 14×6 inches
- Remarkably lightweight double (58 oz)
- Multi-functional storage bag is also a pump bag
- Easy to Inflate/Deflate
- Each double wide sleeping mattress pad has 2 valves
- Valve for easy inflating within 3-8 minutes by using the pump bag
- General valve is for rapid deflation and other inflation pump.
- 3.75” inch thick
- Comfort for side, stomach, and back sleepers
- High Durability Made with polyester pongee with TPU lamination technology
- Waterproof
- Ideal for family camping, hiking, backpacking, car camping, and cowboy camping
- 100% Money Back Guarantee for 90 days
Backpacking, Double
JACK’S PLASTIC Large Paco Sleeping Pad
MSRP $214.99
- Material: high-density urethane foam in a welded PVC pouch
- Style: self-inflating foam
- Shape: rectangular
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 24 x 72 L
- Packed Size: [rolled diameter] 7 in
Rafting, Single
Lightspeed Outdoors 2 Person PVC-Free Air Bed Mattress
MSRP $74.99
- Durable Phthalate and PVC-Free air bed
- Adjustable firmness from two-way Boston valve and patented stabilizer system
- High Durability TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material construction
- Packs up small 16.5 x 8.9 x 8.9 inches
- Lightweight approximately 5.6 pounds
- Dimensions-80.1 x 55.1 x 7.1 inches
- Fits Standard queen sheets
- Temperature stable, abrasion resistant, and is more durable than regular PVC air beds
- Battery operated pump and an oversized storage bag
Classic, Double
Kelty Tru. Comfort Camp Bed Doublewide Sleeping Pad
MSRP $179.99
- Great for maximum sleeping space in two-three person tent
- Designed with Kelty’s Vortex inflation system for easy set up
- Storage bag serves as pump bag
- Horizontal baffles and a vertical sidewall for wide and even sleep surface on any terrain
- 140g synthetic insulation to keep you warm on cold nights
- TPU-backed 75D polyester for durability
- The Vortex valve for 3X faster inflation
- 4.75″ height for unbelievable comfort
- 78 x 57 x 4.75 inflated
- 10 x 9 x 8″ when packed
- Weight 7lbs 13oz
Luxury, Double