The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025
Top Picks
- Weight: 13 oz.
- R-value: 4.5
- Thickness: 3″
- Material: 30D rip HT Nylon
Pros
- Super light for its high R-value
- Comfortable and sturdy
- Durable enough for 2,000+ mile thru-hikes
- Update is 6 times quieter than previous model
Cons
- Update adds 1 oz. (but is thicker and warmer)
- Weight: 18.6 oz.
- R-value: 1.3
- Thickness: 2.5″
- Material: Polyester
Pros
- Packs small
- Affordable
Cons
- Not insulated
- Long-term durability concerns
- Weight: 1 lb., 1 oz. (Regular Mummy)
- R-value: 8.5
- Thickness: 3.5"
- Material: 20D and 40D GRS-certified & Bluesign-approved nylon
Pros
- Best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market
- Small pack size
- Durable construction despite light weight
- Quick inflation time
- Quiet
Cons
- Extremely difficult to fit into stuff sack
- Slippery material
- Not our favorite valve construction
- Weight: 8.5 oz. (regular mummy), 8.3 oz. without the stuff sack
- Baffle thickness: 3"
- R-value: 2.4
- Lengths available: Regular mummy (72") and short mummy (63")
- Width: 20"
- Packed size: 3" x 5.5"
- Fabric: 10D Cordura nylon ripstop
- Insulation: Aluminized film
Pros
- The lightest inflatable sleeping pad available
- Impressive durability
- Comfortable 3-inch thickness
- Relatively quiet
- Effective included pump sack
Cons
- Slightly slippery face fabric
- 2.4 R-value limits four-season use
- Regular (model tested):
- Weight: 1 lb., 9 oz.
- Length: 73”
- Width: 22”
- Packed size: 5.7” x 9.5”
- R-value: 4.7
- Thickness: 4.6”
- Material: 50d poly knit (top), 75d poly knit (bottom)
- Price: $240
Pros
- 4.6” of soft loft
- 4.7 R-value for year-round comfort
- Quiet
Cons
- Rolling off this sleeping pad hits different
- Weight: 14.5 oz.
- R-value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.9″
- Material: PE Foam
Pros
- Dual-density foam offers plush comfort while still being supportive
- Taller nodes and smaller pack size than other models
- Indestructible
Cons
- Not as comfortable as inflatable pads
- Bulky pack size
Other Trail-Worthy Pads We Tested
- Available sizes: 20×66”; 20×72”; 25×72”; 20×78”; 25×78”; 40×72”
- Thickness: 4.25"
- Weight: 18 oz. for 20×72”
- R Value: 4.8
- Compressed size: 4×7” for 20×72”
Pros
- Comfortable
- Great warmth-to-weight ratio
- Compact and easy to carry
Cons
- Standard size is small
- Weight: 1 lb. 13.8 oz.
- R-value: 4
- Thickness: 2.5″
- Material: 30D/40D nylon with anti-microbial TPU lamination
Pros
- Dual air chambers provide redundancy and allow for custom firmness
- Packs down small
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as light as other pads
- Weight: 13.8-15 oz.
- R-value: 4.2 (insulated), 2.5 (uninsulated)
- Thickness: 3"
- Material: 100% PCR PU polyester, Bluesign-certified
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Remains quiet when rolling around
- Stable yet plush
Cons
- Not the warmest
- Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.
- R-value: 3.3
- Thickness: 2″
- Material: 100% Recycled PU Polyester, Bluesign Approved
Pros
- Foam durability and padding
- Plus air pad comfort
- Self-inflating
Cons
- Heavier/bulkier than some other options
- Not super thick
- Weight: 30.2 oz. (med.)
- R-value: 7.8
- Thickness: 3.5"
- Material: Recycled 75D/170D ripstop fabric
Pros
- Tough, durable material
- Warm – rated down to -40° F
- Comfortable – both the cushion and the fabric
- 3 size options – med., med. wide, long wide
Cons
- Heavier weight
- Relatively expensive
- Weight: 15 oz.
- R-value: 3.8
- Thickness: 4″
- Material: 30D/40 D nylon with liquid-extruded TPU lamination
Pros
- Warm
- Light
- Packs small
Cons
- Expensive
- Weight: 14 oz.
- R-value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.75″
- Material: Polyethylene
Pros
- Super durable
- Multifunctional
- Light
Cons
- Not quite as comfortable as inflatable pads
- Bulky pack size
Backpacking Sleeping Pad Comparison Chart
Sleeping Pad | Price | Weight | R-Value | Thickness | Material |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | $200-240 | 13 oz. | 4.5 | 3″ | 30D rip HT nylon |
Klymit Static V | $65 | 18.6 oz. | 1.3 | 2.5″ | Polyester |
NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions | $250 | 17 oz. | 8.5 | 3.5″ | 20D and 40D GRS-certified & Bluesign-approved nylon |
NEMO Tensor Elite | $200 | 8.3 oz. | 2.4 | 3″ | 10D Cordura nylon ripstop |
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft | $240 | 25 oz. | 4.7 | 4.6″ | 50d poly knit (top), 75d poly knit (bottom) |
NEMO Switchback | $50-60 | 14.5 oz. | 2 | 0.9″ | PE foam |
Big Agnes Rapide SL | $149 | 1 lb., 2 oz. | 4.8 | 4.25 | Superlight nylon double ripstop |
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated | $239-259 | 1 lb., 13.8 oz. | 4 | 2.5″ | 30D/40D nylon with anti-microbial TPU lamination |
NEMO Tensor | $200-230 | 13.8-15 oz. | 4.2 (insulated), 2.5 (uninsulated) | 3″ | 100% PCR PU polyester, Bluesign certified |
NEMO Flyer | $140-160 | 1 lb., 6 oz. | 3.3 | 2″ | 100% recycled PU polyester, Bluesign approved |
Exped Dura 8R | $250 | 30.2 – 36.9 oz. | 7.8 | 3.5″ | Recycled 75D/170D ripstop fabric |
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT | $189-219 | 15 oz. | 3.8 | 4″ | 30D/40 D nylon with liquid-extruded TPU lamination |
Therm –a-Rest Z Lite Sol | $48-58 | 14 oz. | 2 | 0.75″ | Polyethylene |

How We Tested the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
Our Testing Grounds
Bench Testing

Buyer’s Guide: The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
Types of Sleeping Pads: Foam, Self-Inflating, and Air Pads

Air Pads

Self-Inflating Pads
Foam Pads

Weight
Thickness
Comfort
R-Value Explained

Sleeping Pad Dimensions

Packed Size
Inflation and Deflation

Durability

Caring For and Storing Sleeping Pads

Pump Sacks: Do They Work?

Women’s-Specific Sleeping Pads
Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
Different backpackers have different comfort preferences. The most comfortable pad is the one that allows you to sleep soundly after a full day of hiking. Before you purchase a pad, make sure that it meets your criteria for size, thickness, materials, price, and above all else, comfort.
On the low end, lightweight air pads can be as little as 8 ounces. Heavy foam pads may weigh well over a pound. A four-season pad will contain more material and insulation, and a total weight between 12 and 18 ounces is normal.

Side sleepers will want a thicker pad than back sleepers. If you consistently sleep on your side, consider purchasing an air pad that is at least 3 inches thick. The Therma-a-Rest NeoLoft scored high marks from our side sleepers.
For cold-weather or winter camping, you’ll want a sleeping pad with an R-value of at least 5. The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated or Exped Ultra 7R pads fit the bill.


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