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 powerful 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. Considered one of our favourite options of the XLite is simply how light-weight it’s whereas nonetheless sustaining wonderful insulation and sturdiness. Conserving pack weight down on backcountry journeys is vital, 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 satisfied 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 via the wringer over 1000’s of miles on the path. It’s an all-time nice backpacking sleeping pad, and we predict you’ll agree.

Take a look at our full evaluate 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 checklist? It’s simply that good.

Insulation (R-value) is a extremely underrated attribute in sleeping pads. If you happen to’re a chilly sleeper otherwise you backpack in sub-freezing temps, we advocate 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 top-of-the-line 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 severe winter adventures, it’s no marvel why the NeoAir XTherm has been a fan favourite for a few years.

Take a look at our full evaluate 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 season backpacking journeys. It’s very snug, has a tiny packed dimension, and better of all – it’s ridiculously light-weight. This helps us maintain 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 need to watch out with it to keep away from punctures. We clear sharp rocks and pokey sticks from underneath our tents, and we at all times carry restore tape simply in case. Utilizing this small quantity of care, we’ve had nice outcomes preserving the UberLite totally inflated and tremendous cozy.

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

Take a look at our full evaluate of the UberLite right here.

Bored with worrying about your air pad staying inflated? Look no additional than the reasonably priced 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 checklist.

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

The draw back with foam pads just like the Switchback is that they are typically much less snug than air pads, until you favor sleeping on agency surfaces. For that reason, we have a tendency to decide on air pads for many of our backcountry journeys – we attempt to watch out with them, and we at all times convey restore tape simply in case.

Nonetheless, there’s so much to like concerning the comfort, affordability, and sturdiness of the Switchback. So for those who desire a agency sleeping floor, simplicity, and worry-free consolation, the NEMO Switchback is perhaps precisely what you’re on the lookout for.

Take a look at our full evaluate of the Switchback right here.

Large Agnes is called the mom of consolation, they usually’re positively incomes that title with the Zoom UL. Added consolation can usually imply added bulk and weight in the case of backpacking gear, however the Zoom UL delivers an exceptionally comfortable evening’s sleep in a small, light-weight bundle.

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 middle (and three.5 inches on the aspect rails to assist maintain you within the center), that is additionally one of many thicker pads on our checklist. It is a actual benefit for side-sleepers and those that 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 high of our checklist? 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 most important gripes on this planet, however in the case 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 for those who prioritize saving cash over having just a few additional conveniences, you received’t be upset by the Zoom UL. Be taught extra in our full evaluate of the Zoom UL right here.

The Klymit Static V is among the greatest funds 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 snug, however the giant areas between air chambers imply you could backside out whereas shifting round. The 2 greatest downsides of this pad are its low R-value – this pad is greatest for summer season journeys – and its fundamental 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 just elevated to 1.9.

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

The NEMO Tensor Insulated sleeping pad is thick, snug, and quieter than nearly any air pad we’ve examined. So for those who’re trying to keep away from the crinkle sound some pads have, the Tensor is a wonderful possibility.

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/large 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 the case of consolation.

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

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

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

At 3 inches thick, the Helix could be very comfortable and cozy. However side-sleepers and those who shift round so much would possibly expertise some bottoming out on account of its dimpled design. Hikers who lie on their again in all probability received’t have a difficulty with this, although, and can doubtless 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 checklist, nevertheless it’s additionally one of many warmest. We at all times advocate preserving pack weight to a minimal to extend total consolation on path, however the Helix has a very reasonable price ticket and is insulated sufficient for chilly sleepers to remain snug.

Sea to Summit makes a few of the most snug 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 help of the mattresses we use at house, they usually cradle the physique in a means customary air pad baffles can’t.

The Both Gentle can be 4 inches thick, which is able to allow you to dial in your most well-liked firmness and make sure you by no means backside out. As well as, the marginally wider aspect rails on the Both Gentle assist to maintain you focused on the pad all through the evening. 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 evening.

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

Take a look at our full evaluate 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 snug backpacking pads we’ve examined. Its “air sprung cells” present comfortable consolation that feels surprisingly like your mattress at house.

The profit the Ultralight has over the Ether Lite largely is available in its extra reasonably priced price ticket. The Ultralight can be nearly as heat and cozy because the Ether Lite, nevertheless it’s barely much less cumbersome. At 2 inches thick, some customers would possibly backside out when shifting round on this pad, and the Ultralight won’t be the very best match for aspect sleepers. That mentioned, the Ultralight nonetheless offers a really snug evening’s relaxation.

The Ultralight has a very good valve system and is extra sturdy than the typical air pad as effectively. So for those who’re available in the market for a snug, light-weight, and sturdy backpacking sleeping pad that prices lower than most of its rivals, the Sea to Summit Ultralight is a good alternative.

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

The Rapide can be 3.5 inches thick, making it one of many thickest backpacking pads in the marketplace. It will can help you dial within the excellent firmness stage to fit your sleeping fashion. At 19 ounces, the Rapide is among the many heavier sleeping pads on our checklist, however its distinctive consolation and reasonably priced value level nonetheless make it a fantastic alternative for a lot of backpackers.

For individuals who prioritize consolation over all else, the Large Agnes Rapide SL is a high contender.