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Best Camping Sleeping Pads

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Big Agnes Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Big Agnes
Insulated Backpacking Sleeping Pad
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

You know Big Agnes delivers quality outdoor camping goods, and this insulated, inflatable sleeping pad takes it to the next level.

Pros

The stretch top provides a connective, pillow-like surface to use. Heat-reflecting technology uses your own body heat to keep you warm in cold conditions. You get a quilted top that makes it all more comfortable, too. The 70D nylon won't rip easily. Buyers praise its quality, durability, and ease of setup.

Cons

This option is pricey, make sure you know what you're getting.

Best Bang for the Buck
Tame Lands Self-inflating Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Tame Lands
Self-inflating Backpacking Sleeping Pad
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Ultralight Design
Bottom Line

This affordable sleeping mat requires just a few breaths to fill, and it weighs only 17 ounces while you carry it on your camping trip.

Pros

Designed to withstand rough terrains without holes or tears. The clip-on feature helps you attach it to your partner's identical sleeping pad. Buyers praise how easy it is to set up. It's the size of a water bottle when you're not using it. The 40D nylon should withstand prolonged use.

Cons

It is not thick enough for some campers' liking.

Teton Sports Foam Sleeping Pad with Canvas Shell
Teton Sports
Foam Sleeping Pad with Canvas Shell
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

A good choice if you prefer a non-inflatable pad and like its feature set, but if portability is your top concern, consider other options.

Pros

Features an easy roll-up design, carrying straps, and a handy accessory pocket. The canvas cover easily wipes clean. Available in 3 sizes to accommodate most campers.

Cons

On the pricey side. A bit heavy/bulky to transport. Some users say it sags in the middle.

KingChii Foam Camping Sleeping Pad
KingChii
Foam Camping Sleeping Pad
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A handy camping pad that rolls into an easy-to-transport cylinder for easy transportation to your destination.

Pros

Handy to keep around for company and camping trips alike. It comes with a removable waterproof cover for the elements and lets people sleep on the floor at your home without discomfort. The anti-slip design won't slide across the floor while you sleep. Side pockets hold your phone, wallet, and other items.

Cons

It's thicker than others when it is rolled up.

Therm-a-Rest Backpacking Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest
Backpacking Sleeping Pad
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Adjusts to You
Bottom Line

This ridged sleeping pad provides a comforting layer between you and the ground below.

Pros

A 3" profile thick inflatable mattress cover. It inflates quickly and easily rolls into a simple, compact shape. The triangular core matrix helps keep you warm in cold and frigid conditions. Its 70D nylon won't rip easily, either. Rapid inflation and deflation make it easy to adjust to your liking. You get the mattress and a repair kit in the box.

Cons

It's too noisy, and the valve doesn't live up to the rest.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for Best camping sleeping pads

Camping is a lovely way to commune with nature, but for many people, it’s tough to get a good night’s rest when you’re trying to sleep on the ground. Even if you’re in a nice tent, the ground can feel lumpy and hard – and it can get pretty cold, too.

That’s why a camping sleeping pad is such an important piece of gear to pack when you’re headed into the woods. With a sleeping pad, you get extra cushioning and insulation, so you can sleep almost as comfortably as you would at home in bed.

If you’re ready to purchase a camping sleeping pad, take a look at the product list above for our top recommendations. If you want general tips on choosing a sleeping pad, continue reading this shopping guide.

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You can use a sleeping pad in a tent or camping hammock for increased insulation.

Types of sleeping pads

A sleeping pad is essentially a large cushion that makes sleeping in a tent more comfortable. It also provides insulation so you don’t lose heat as you lie near the cold ground. In most cases, you’ll place your sleeping pad beneath a traditional sleeping bag. Additional blankets may be added to the setup for extra warmth.

When shopping for a camping sleeping pad, you’ll undoubtedly encounter three broad categories of the product: air pads, self-inflating pads, and closed-cell foam pads. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each type.

Air pads

Air pads are an extremely lightweight type of sleeping pad that’s ideal for hiking or backpacking trips. They’re often inflated using breath, but some have built-in pumps for quicker, easier inflation.

Air Pad Pros:

  • Comfortable

  • Lightweight and easy to carry

  • You customize firmness


Air Pad Cons:

  • Easily be ripped or punctured; difficult to repair

  • May lose air due to temperature fluctuations

  • A bit noisy, especially for restless sleepers

Self-inflating pads

Self-inflating pads combine air with foam insulation to provide cushioning. When the pad valve is open, air automatically fills its compartments. Some self-inflating pads fold easily for storage in a backpack while hiking.

Self-Inflating Pad Pros:

  • Comfortable

  • Outstanding insulation

  • Customizable firmness

  • More durable than air pads

  • Don’t tend to lose air
     

Self-Inflating Pad Cons:

  • Heavier than air pads

  • Fairly expensive

  • Prone to rips/tears, though easier to repair than air pads

Closed-cell foam pads

Closed-cell foam sleeping pads feature dense foam that creates small, closed air cells. These pads can be rolled or folded up for easy portability.

Closed-Cell Foam Pad Pros:

  • Lightweight/easy to carry

  • Inexpensive

  • Not likely to rip or tear

  • Durable

  • Also serves as a sitting pad
     

Closed-Cell Foam Pad Cons:

  • Can be fairly stiff, uncomfortable

  • May be bulky and difficult to pack

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Did you know?
Some sleeping pads can make quite a bit of noise when you move around on them. The noises tend to die down with regular use, though.
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BestReviews

Choosing the right sleeping pad size and thickness

Length

For a comfortable night’s rest on a camping sleeping pad, your shoulders and hips need to be on the pad. For many people, a “short” pad (three-quarters the length of a regular pad) that measures 47 or 48 inches in length should suffice. However, if you want extra insulation and cushioning for your legs and feet, opt for a regular or extra-long sleeping pad that measures somewhere between 72 and 78 inches in length.

Width

Most standard pads are 20 inches wide. However, for larger people or anyone who tends to toss and turn, an extra-wide pad that measures 25 to 30 inches may be more comfortable. In most cases, longer sleeping pads also provide extra width.

Thickness

To provide adequate cushioning, a camping sleeping pad needs to be thick enough to offer the appropriate support. In most cases, a pad that’s approximately two inches thick delivers enough cushioning to be comfortable.

Keep in mind that the larger or thicker a sleeping pad is, the harder it may be to pack for your trip.

A special note for hikers

If you’re hiking or backpacking to your camping destination, the weight of your sleeping pad will impact you in particular. Heavier sleeping pads can weigh you down and take up valuable space in your backpack. For you, choosing the right sleeping pad is a balancing act between how much weight you want to carry and how much comfort you need while sleeping.

We recommend that hikers and backpackers choose a camping sleeping pad that weighs one pound or less. You can find weight-related information in the product specs. In general, camping sleeping pads made of closed-cell foam weigh the least.

The importance of insulation and r-value

To ensure that you stay warm, a camping sleeping pad should have some type of insulation. Air pads and self-inflating pads usually feature an interior synthetic insulation layer to help you sleep comfortably.

If you’re unsure whether a particular product would offer you enough insulation and warmth in colder weather, pay attention to its R-value. This figure depicts the pad’s degree of resistance to heat flow. A camping sleeping pad with a high R-value provides extremely effective insulation. Consider these figures.

  • A camping sleeping pad with an R-value of 1 indicates minimal insulation.

  • A camping sleeping pad with an R-value of 10 indicates maximal insulation.

  • For summer camping, an R-value of 3 to 4 is usually sufficient.

  • For camping in the colder months, choose a sleeping pad with a higher R-value.

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For your safety
For winter camping, avoid using a sleeping pad with an R-value lower than 4.
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Camping sleeping pad prices

Camping sleeping pads vary in price depending on the type, size, thickness, and degree of insulation offered. You could spend anywhere from $10 to $300 for one.

  • For a closed-cell foam camping sleeping pad, you’ll usually pay between $10 and $50. Notably, these pads also tend to be the lightest in weight.

  • For an air sleeping pad, you’ll usually pay between $25 and $125.

  • For a self-inflating camping sleeping pad, you could pay between $75 and $300.

Tips

  • Consider a textured pad. If you have a habit of tossing and turning while you sleep, choose a camping sleeping pad with a textured or brushed fabric surface. The texture makes it more difficult to slide off the pad, and it can help keep your sleeping bag in place, too.

  • Bring a patch kit. If you’re using an air pad or self-inflating sleeping pad, always pack a patch kit with your camping supplies. You’ll be glad to have it should a rip or tear occur.

  • Double up as needed. If you’re camping in a colder climate, you may want to use more than one sleeping pad. One solution would be to place a closed-cell pad beneath a more cushioned air pad or self-inflating pad to provide extra insulation. If you don’t have an extra sleeping pad, you can place folded clothing or other flat gear under your pad to add insulation and increase warmth.

  • Clean your sleeping pad. To clean a sleeping pad, wipe the surface with a soft cloth that’s damp with water and mild soap. Avoid getting any water in the pad valves. Never machine-dry a sleeping pad. Let it dry in the open air before storing it.

  • Take care of your sleeping pad when not in use. After your sleeping pad has been cleaned and aired out, roll it up loosely and store it in a spot where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Never store a sleeping pad while it’s inflated. It’s more likely to sustain damage that way.
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Did you know that when you lie on the ground, you can lose up to 40 times more heat to the soil beneath you than to the air above you? That’s why campers rely on sleeping pads to help them stay warm on camping trips.

FAQ

Q. Can you use the same sleeping pad for camping year round?

A. If you choose a sleeping pad with an R-value of 4, 5, or 6, you can use it for all four seasons because it’s designed for cold-weather use. You might be a little warmer in the summertime, but you could always vent your sleeping bag to cool off a bit.

Q. What type of sleeping pad is best for hiking?

A. If you’re going on a camping trip that involves lots of hiking, choose a lightweight sleeping pad that’s easy to pack and carry. Closed-cell foam camping sleeping pads are the best option because they’re light, thin, and easy to roll up and carry in backpack.

Q. What type of sleeping pad is best for car camping?

A. When you’re driving to your campsite, the size and weight of a sleeping pad doesn’t matter much, so you can choose comfort over convenience. Self-inflating camping sleeping pads are a good option because they inflate easily and provide plenty of cushioning and insulation. Air pads can also be pretty comfortable for car camping, though they require more time and effort to inflate.