best lightweight sleeping pad

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite is constructed from a 15 denier nylon that feels alarmingly thin, while the Nemo Tensor uses a slightly thicker 20D nylon. We spent Our search for the best camping mattress starts with A sleeping bag is a cornerstone of your overnight kit keep the pad inflated, with the valve open, to allow moisture out. And quilted pads, such as our top pick for comfort, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Air Sleeping Mat, tend to be cozier than pads with vertical or horizontal baffles. These pads both offer a nice variability in firmness while keeping you well-cushioned from a rocky surface below. That said, blowing up your pad with your mouth will introduce moisture into the pad which can reduce its overall warmth. If you want the lightest possible inflatable pad for fastpacking, theres no good reason not to choose this one; just be sure to treat it with care. We also love the Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad which is virtually the same pad as the unisex version, just warmer and shorter and recommend it for any human who is five feet, six inches tall or under. How can we improve GearLab? Weve chosen it as our best overall sleeping pad for fastpacking. Keep an eye out for updated ASTM R-values as many previous models have differing claimed values that have now shifted with this new standard. We aren't just looking at the price of a sleeping pad we're looking at how well it performs across a range of metrics and if this performance justifies the price. If you seek lavish comfort while backpacking, this is the pad to buy, but it comes at the cost of packability and weight. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. One of our testers swore off foam years ago after several nights of bruised hips, but, in the interest of this test, gave it a try. Pads marketed toward women are generally somewhat warmer than pads marketed as unisex due to the assumption that women sleep colder than men. We understand how annoying it is to carry a pad at all when youre trying to move fast, but at a minimum, we recommend something such as the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch. There are many inexpensive sleeping pads on the market. Inflatable sleeping pad versus foam sleeping pad; how should I choose? How have you modified your foam sleeping pad to optimize for low weight? The main downside is that its not comfortable and anyone choosing this pad wont expect it to be, but in combination with soft site selection, it can be a full step up from not carrying a pad at all. Testing a Big Agnes sleeping pad on a spring fastpacking trip in Colorado. For this reason, wed recommend looking at warmer unisex pads such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad if you are a woman who sleeps cold but is too tall for a five-foot, six-inch pad. If car camping is your dig, be sure to look at the Nemo Astro Insulated, which offers exceptional warmth but is a bit too large and bulky for backcountry carry. This pad weighs only 2.7 ounces, making it the lightest on our list. We used this pad for fastpacking loops in the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah where it was a joy to carry, packing vertically beside an ultralight sleeping bag and a tarp at the bottom of the Palante Packs Joey fastpack see both our Palante Packs Joey reviewand our best fastpacks guide to learn more about this fastpack. The closed-cell foam definitely won't pop, but it also takes up a lot of space for how little comfort it actually provides. For couples looking to up their snuggle game, this pad is an excellent choice and is portable enough to actually take out into the backcountry. Whether you seek the warmest or most packable option out there, we've got you covered. The solution for the weekend backpacker is often to choose comfort above all else, carrying a heavy, bulky, inflatable pad, but fastpackers have different priorities. The pad with the largest packed size on our list is the somewhat unwieldy NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad at 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches. More important than weight is making sure whatever you end up with is something that satisfies your specific needs rather than just selecting whatever is lightest. Larger individuals might want to consider the wider (25in) version as this one is pretty narrow at 20 inches. At $150, this pad seems like a good deal compared to other inflatable pads reviewed in this guide. If you trim it down to only eight sections which seems to be about the right size for most folks shoulders and hips it will weigh about eight ounces. Have you ever gone without a sleeping pad altogether. He is a finicky sleeper, though, and still cant do it while other testers have fewer issues with the firmness and sleep quite well on it. We would recommend that inflatable pad users always sleep in a bivy, inside a tent that has a floor, or on a ground tarp such as this window insulation plastic found at your local hardware store. He has climbed extensively worldwide and has also run a publishing company that put out bouldering guides to the Southwest. We did not predict how wonderfully warm having the entire floor covered with an insulated pad would be. In fact, a warm pad will pair well with a bottomless or quilt-style sleeping bag which has little to no insulation under the body. The iRunFar team has been fastpacking for over a decade, and we have watched this adventure niche grow. Our winning sleeping pads shown for size comparisons. Most of our testers have found that pads in the 16-ounce range are plenty light for running if everything else in your kit is optimized for low weight. Maybe this is due to life's natural course of trending towards feeling like the tin man needing oil, but it is undeniable. Some of our testers also like to cut foldable foam pads into a mummy shape to shave a few grams. Actual Weight: 16.6 ounces (472g) without the inflation bag, 18.7 ounces (529g) with the inflation bag, Packed Size: 9.5 x 4.5 inches (24.1 x 11.4cm), Comparing the inflatable Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat on the left and the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad on the right. These pads went on guided backpacking trips in Colorado and New Mexico, and we brought them along on trips in the Eastern Sierra and Utah. Unless you are a cold sleeper, most of the pads in this review will be warm if you only like recreating in temperate climates. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad weathers a snow squall in Colorado. Both the SLX Tent Floor Pad and the Therm-a-Rest Camper Duo seemed to out-perform their R-ratings compared to single pads. Female Menstrual Cycle and Ultra Performance, Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, Crinkly sound not as loud as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, 15-denier fabric is somewhat fragile and needs to be treated with care, Packs down smaller than other foam pads we tested, Needs to be carried on the outside of a pack, Extremely comfortable quilted baffle design, Moderately durable 30- and 40-denier fabrics, Not nearly as warm as the Therm-a-Rest pads reviewed in this guide. The Z Lite is an excellent choice for those wanting to add a bit of versatility to their arsenal of camping equipment. When compared to closed-cell foam pads, which are often similar in price, the Sleepingo is far superior in comfort. We spent nights with teeth chattering, so hopefully, you won't have to. Even when they rip or break down, they still function as a barrier between you and the ground. Synthetic insulation, such as that used in the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, can compress over time, just like a foam pad. However, the Klymit Static V2 is one we highly recommend. For instance, the warmer a pad is, the lighter your sleeping bag can be. If you're seeking packable and light, the Sea to Summit Ultralight should be considered, but it's not as warm as the Klymit Static V2. Not only does the Z Lite create a pop-free barrier between inflatables and the ground, it adds a significant insulation layer between your body and warmth sucking granite. But if youre the type of person who really likes to put in those long days and are content to sleep anywhere your feet will deposit you, look at this pad. What started off as two separate endeavors ultralight backpacking and adventure running have now merged into one, fastpacking. In a size regular, this is the heaviest pad on this list at 21.1 ounces with the inflation bag or 19.2 ounces without, but it isnt all that large to pack, or even all that heavy considering how warm it is. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. This update features 17 of the market's top models, pitted against each other in a side-by-side comparison to find the best products for your needs. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, for example, is made from a 15-denier fabric, whereas the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad is constructed out of 30- and 70-denier materials. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad is the pad we choose for early season fastpacking trips through the mountains where we may have to sleep on snow or when nighttime lows could dip into the teens. Foam pads are also relatively inexpensive. The lightest pads are generally also going to be the least comfortable and least warm, such as the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch. Why didnt you test my favorite sleeping pad? Surprisingly, the Static V2 is much wider than most pads we tested, making the low weight and price that much more impressive. Even sleeping pads offering four inches of cushion just don't have the same adjustability and ultra-high level of comfort you can achieve with this pad. The most compelling reasons to choose foam pads are their low cost and low weight. Unfortunately, it is heavier than pads with comparable R-values, so its hard to choose this pad over its competitors when youre looking specifically at warmth-to-weight ratios. We never punctured these pads during our testing but would never leave home without a patch kit while hiking with these pads. Thermal conductivity in pads is a complicated issue with many variables, but let's discuss the basics. But maybe most importantly for comfort, the pad is quilted instead of having horizontal or vertical baffles, so there is less tippiness. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. They can, however, get shredded when bushwhacking. Photo: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne. We recommend Aquaseal +FD for home repairs because it tends to be more permanent and durable than stick-on patches. They are significantly narrower than the more comfortable and heavy offerings on the market but retain the necessary features to get a good night's sleep. Two of our testers use trimmed-down versions of this for trips when they want low bulk and minimal weight but some extra comfort, when being able to move fast is the highest priority. The primary downside of the pad is its warmth-to-weight ratio. Its not particularly comfortable, but it will provide enough insulation to get you through the night. Maggie Guterl tests an Outdoor Vitals sleeping pad for this guide on a spring camping trip. The Static V2 on the far left is a similar packed size to other lightweight award winners such as the XLite and XTherm. If you aren't too picky about having an ultra-plush pad, this could work for you. From left to right are the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Air Sleeping Mat, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad, and Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. Even though a 72-inch long mummy-shaped pad and a 72-inch long rectangular pad are the same lengths if you measure right down the middle, the rectangular pad will feel quite a bit longer because you can sleep diagonally, utilizing the corners. When you realize how hard on your body they can be, you don't have to chuck it, just save it for an extra layer of warmth during winter camping. It felt like we had a heater running in the tent. Actual Weight: 17.9 ounces (506g) without the inflation bag, 19.3 ounces (548g) with the inflation bag, Packed Size: 9.5 x 5 inches (24.1 x 12.7cm). We found this pad to be extremely comfortable more so than our award-winning Therm-a-Rest pads, actually. In general, the lower the price, the lighter and less warm the pads tend to be. Yes, the XTherm wins our highest honors, but that doesn't mean some of the more wallet-friendly options won't get the job done in a similar fashion. While this pad might not be our first choice for side sleepers, given its relatively thin padding, it does perform well when sleeping prone or on your back. After letting the pad dry, apply whatever patch came with the pad, a stick-on patch such as Tear-Aid Type A, or a glue such as Aquaseal +FD or Aquaseal +UV. It is light enough to allow for the addition of the Z Lite without too much struggle. Stuff extra clothes in it and use it as a pillow. Got feedback? This year, we have looked far and wide to find all the sleeping pads on the market that are light and small enough to qualify as fastpacking pads. The pad is a good choice for self-sufficient stage races, too, where you carry your kit as youre racing. Fastpacking isnt just running, and it isnt just hiking: you take the absolute minimum equipment youd need to safely spend the night somewhere, and then go. This lack of durability is understandably worrying and made it difficult for some of our testers to trust this pad. Several of us at iRunFar have been using different versions of this pad for nearly a decade. And for the especially weight-conscious among us, it can be cut to shorter lengths. Most of our testers prefer inflatable pads for most trips and find the weight penalty to be worth a good nights rest. Inflate the pad about halfway, fold it in thirds, submerge it in a lake or bathtub, and then kneel or press down on it with both hands. As demonstrated, you also must be careful with hard and sharp plastic on a quilt. Self-inflating pads have been on the market for decades and make the task of inflating easier. Either way, adding one of these pads to your system will give you the versatility to take either pad alone or in combination to combat the cold. In our experience, this pad seems to have no tippiness bias, meaning the surface of the pad is largely flat and there are no protruding baffles to nudge your body one direction or the other. One of our female testers who sleeps cold but is too tall for the 66-inch Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad reviewed above prefers to use this pad because she prioritizes warmth over low weight. Most fastpackers and ultralight backpackers must strap folding foam pads to the back of the pack where they can get hung up on branches when bushwhacking. However, the downside of self-inflating pads is that they are less comfortable, bulkier, and heavier than air-construction pads. It is not mandatory to carry an inflatable pads inflation bag because it is totally possible to blow up any of the pads on our list with your mouth. If car camping is more your style, you may be more comfortable on a thick and cushy camping mattress. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ben explores all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. Our testers did find the pad to be comfortable, though, and warm to 22 degrees Fahrenheit on one of our Wasatch Mountains of Utah overnighters. Some of us also have found rectangular pads to be more stable, and therefore more comfortable, than mummy-shaped pads. Our testers all agree that they are more comfortable. If you're like us, you go backpacking and camping for enjoyment and return to nature not to rattle your fillings out shivering through the night only to run back to your car for the heat! Yes, there is some versatility loss in having one large pad, but that doesn't detract from the potential value of this fluffy cloud! Comparing the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad on the left and the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad on the right. We're fans of the pad's newly improved valve system and had no hesitation crowning the XTherm our favorite pad. Bulky pads also get in the way when bushwhacking off trail. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, named the best inflatable sleeping pad for fastpacking, tested on a night of cowboy camping in the Utah desert. How important is my sleeping pad in the context of fastpacking? It's hard to beat the new winglock valve and the rather minimal amount of air it takes to fill the new Therm-a-Rest pads. The XLite also weighs only 3.9 ounces more than the UberLite and costs $20 less. Compresses after many uses, losing insulating ability. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The value of the Static V2 holds strong. To find a suspected leak in your sleeping pad, you will need to submerge it in water and look and listen for bubbles. If the narrow profile of the XTherm puts you off, check out the wider Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max for a bit more wiggle room. Another super low-priced (and high value) option is the classic Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol. One thing our testers like about this pad is that it can be used as a frame sheet in some packs, making the pack more rigid and preventing sharp items from poking you in the back. The Ultimate Guide to Ultramarathon Training! This pad has a lower R-value but weighs nearly an ounce and a half more than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, which we reviewed above. The XTherm is quite comfortable especially considering the low weight. The Therm-a-Rest pads we tested are incredibly expensive but are indeed quite good value, as they offer durable construction and some mind-blowingly good performance. The comfort of new gen sleeping pads is quite impressive. Aquaseal +UV is better for field repairs because it cures in only 30 seconds. The result is a 1.2-ounce pad. You can see the foam cells break down eventually losing a significant amount of padding over time. Foam pads are generally thought of as being more durable than inflatable pads because they wont spring leaks. Aside from iRunFar, he has written for publications including Backpacker Magazine, Backpacking Light, Dark Mountain, and Section Hiker. Its also about an inch wider than those pads at 21 rather than 20 inches. If you want nearly the performance of our top-ranking inflatable pads at a little bit of a weight penalty, and want to save about $50, this is a good option. Layering the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm on top of the ZLite Sol will give you a cozy R-value of over 8. The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat neither offended nor impressed any of our testers. I am always cold when I sleep; whats the best sleeping pad for me? Packed Size: 19 x 3 inches (48.3 x 7.6cm). The pad is constructed of 30-denier and 40-denier fabrics, which we believe offer a good balance of decent durability and low weight. Our sleeping pad review quite literally has something for everyone. While it scores low in the metrics, it's one of the most reliable pad options out there, as it's made of foam and won't pop in the backcountry. The Sleepingo is one of the most affordable air-construction sleeping pads in our fleet. Depending on the trip, that might be exactly what you want. After a trip, you should keep the pad inflated, with the valve open, to allow moisture out. At 14.8 ounces, the Switchback is roughly the same weight as our top pick, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, and since it is foam, it will never spring a leak. That said, the UberLite is perfect for the right user, so read on to find out more about that one. Rounding the corners saves a decent amount of weight, but it also reduces the overall surface area of the pad significantly. Rounding the corners on foam pads will save even more weight. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi. Weight is an omnipresent factor when selecting and using outdoor equipment. Placing a small, trimmed foam pad inside your sleeping bag ensures it stays in the right place under the hips and shoulders. If you are always cold when you sleep, choose a pad with a high R-value, such as our top pick for warmth, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad, which has an R-value of 6.9. If it is warm out temperatures of greater than about 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night you may be able to skip a pad altogether and just sleep on your pack and rain jacket because you wont need much insulation from the ground. The Static V2, though not extremely thick, did an excellent job padding our tired hips from the rocks. Where that UberLite is constructed of paper-thin 15-denier nylon, this XLite uses a 30-denier fabric for increased durability. Due to the rating, we feel it's best to use this pad in fair weather. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We tested sleeping pads from Therm-a-Rest, Nemo, Sea to Summit, and others to find the best option for your next excursion. Take care of your pad, and it will take care of you. Fastpacking packs are usually low volume often between 20 and 30 liters so wed recommend choosing a pad that compresses down small, such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad at 6 x 3.6 inches or the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad at 9 x 4.1 inches.

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