Best Camping Sleeping Pads Reviewed
There’s nothing better than taking a long drive out of town to your favorite camping spot, setting up a tent and a fire, and living it out in nature for a few days – or weeks. Of course, one of the essentials of camping is being able to sleep and do it comfortably. In this respect, sleeping pads are essential.
Sleeping pads are fantastic for this because they’re able to fit into tents of all sizes, are extremely comfortable, and, most importantly, are very easy to store and transport. In this article, we are going to review some of the best camping sleeping pad options on the market. Let’s get on to the full reviews.
Comparison Chart
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
POWERLIX Sleeping Pad
TETON Sports Universal Camp Pad
Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
KEPLUG Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Camping
Camping Sleeping Pad Reviews
1. Sleepingo Large Ultralight Sleeping Pad
To start off this list, we have the sizeable ultralight sleeping pad from Sleepingo, which is a brand known for its comfortable camping sleeping equipment. This pad is easy to store and fold and comes with its own nylon carrying bag, which closes up tightly to ensure the pad doesn’t go anywhere.
Product Highlights
The Sleepingo ultralight sleeping pad is an impressive 2 inches thick, perfect for keeping you off the rough ground when lying down, and provides plenty of support for your head and back. The pad is very sturdy and extremely comfortable to lay on and accommodates any sleeping position, no matter how strangely you contort your body when you’re snoozing.
The pad weighs less than 15 ounces and packs down to the size of a thick water bottle, which makes it perfect for storing in your backpack or truck. One of the main problems that many people face while camping and hiking is that their backpack ends up being too heavy, which causes back pain when walking. That won’t be a problem with the Sleepingo sleeping pad.
The nylon fabric that the ultralight sleeping pad is made from is both waterproof and resistant to tearing and fraying. It features an impressive 20 denier thickness and is perfect for campers who like to get really rough on their camping trips or who are just prone to damaging their sleeping pads in general. What’s more, the pad comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can always get a replacement if you need one.
The Good
One of the best things about the Sleepingo sleeping pad is that it is extremely easy to store and transport. Because it isn’t super thick, folding it up is very easy, and once it has been deflated completely, it can fold down to the size of a thin water bottle. It is also very light, so you don’t have to worry about it weighing down your backpack when you’re hiking.
The Bad
Unfortunately, this sleeping pad is pretty narrow, so you’ll only be able to fit one person on it at a time. It also might not be suited for bigger bodies, so if you’re looking for a wider pad, consider another product on this list.
PROS
- Very comfortable
- Easy to store
- Super lightweight
- Waterproof
- Resistant to tearing
CONS
- Narrow
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2. POWERLIX Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Mat
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Next is the luxurious ultralight inflatable sleeping mat from POWERLIX, which is available in six different colors for you to choose from. You can match these colors to the rest of your camping gear or just to your personal taste. The mattress folds down into a small bag which is easy to store and carry.
Product Highlights
The revolutionary hexagonal design that POWERLIX incorporated into this sleeping mat is made with their unique body mapping technology. These hexagonal air cells ergonomically support all of the pressure points in your body, providing you with superior comfort and support all night long, regardless of the position that you sleep in.
Like we mentioned earlier, the mattress can fold up extremely small, which makes it a pleasure to store in your car or your backpack as you hike. The dual-action, non-leak air valve makes inflating and deflating the mattress an extremely simple task. What’s more, since it’s so small and light when it is packed, it won’t cause a backache from its weight when you carry it around.
This POWERLIX sleeping pad is made from durable, outdoor grade materials, including thermal insulation to keep your body warm from the cold winter ground. It is completely waterproof, too, which makes it ideal for camping in any outdoor environment. The great thing about this sleeping mat is that it comes with a carrying bag, two repair kits, and an inflating bag, as well as a patch kit to fix up any breaks or tears that might occur.
The Good
The hexagonal air cells that are used to make the POWERLIX camping sleeping mat make the pad extremely comfortable to lay on. What’s more, it is long enough to accommodate campers of any height, from tall to short, and anything in between.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the material that this sleeping pad is made from can be extremely noisy, especially if you are someone that tends to move around before or during sleep. If you are sleeping alone, this probably won’t be a problem, but if you have someone in the tent with you, they might get a little frustrated.
PROS
- Available in different colors
- Made from plush air cells
- Suitable for tall and short campers
- Easy to fold
- Non-leak air valve
CONS
- Made from a noisy material
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3. TETON Sports Universal Sleeping Pad for Camping
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The TETON Sports universal sleeping pad is unlike many other camping sleeping pads on the market because it is more akin to a cot than it is to a sleeping pad. The mat comes with four legs to stand on that prop you up above the ground rather than having you lay on it.
Product Highlights
This thick, comfortable camping pad will make you feel like you are lying on your bed at home, even though you’re in the middle of nature. Thanks to the open-cell foam pad that the mattress is made from, you will feel extremely comfortable while sleeping, and you’ll easily be able to adjust positions during the night.
One of the great things about this camping pad is that it provides another layer of insulation, which makes it work wonderfully with sleeping bags. During winter, you will be able to stay warm and cozy using just a sleeping bag and the TETON Sports universal camping pad. We do recommend bringing a duvet with you to put on the pad itself since the material can feel a little scratchy.
The lightweight and easy nature of this camping sleeping mat make it extremely easy to carry to and from your campsite. All you need to do is roll up the straps and use the compression buckles to wrap the pad up, making storage extremely quick and easy. When the pad is rolled up completely, it is very convenient to store, and it’s also super lightweight.
The Good
The great thing about the TETON Sports camping pad is that it not only works as a cot but as a regular sleeping mat as well. If you don’t have enough space in the tent you brought to extend the legs, you can keep the legs folded and lie on top of the mat on the ground. However, the pad is compact enough that you should be able to extend the legs no matter how small your tent is.
The Bad
Unfortunately, this camping cot/pad was not made with bigger bodies in mind, and if you are too heavy, you could run the risk of damaging it. It is still capable of supporting a lot of weight, however.
PROS
- Can be used as a cot and a sleeping pad
- Very comfortable
- Offers additional insulation
- Easy to carry
- Compression buckles for storage
CONS
- Material can feel scratchy
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4. Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad
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The Klymit insulated static V sleeping pad is next on our list and is one of the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market right now. As the name suggests, it features a static V pattern that not only boosts its comfort but also makes it incredibly easy to fold and store.
Product Highlights
This lightweight camping pad features some fantastic insulation that will keep you warm throughout those chilly winter nights out in nature and works very well with your favorite blanket or sleeping bag. One of the great things about this sleeping pad is that it is available in five different colors so that you can match it to your personal taste or the colors of the rest of your camping equipment.
The innovative V-chamber design prevents air from moving around and escaping from the inside of the mattress, ensuring that the pad remains inflated throughout the night. You won’t have to worry about waking up on the floor with this pad. The design also makes the pad easy to fold and store, and once you’ve folded it all the way, you’ll be able to pack it into the compact and convenient carrying case it comes with.
The Klymit sleeping pad weighs an impressive 25 ounces, which means that you’ll be able to store it in your backpack and carry it around with you without worrying about straining or injuring your back. When the pad is fully inflated, the body mapping technology provides comfort and support regardless of your sleeping pattern or position.
The Good
One of the things about this Klymit camping sleeping pad that impressed us the most is just how comfortable it is. It is one of the most comfortable sleeping mattresses on the market, and the static-V pattern contours to the shape of your body, keeping you supported throughout the night.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the Klymit sleeping mattress comes with quite an inflated price tag and is not the most accessible piece of camping equipment for campers on a budget. Still, we feel that it’s worth the money.
PROS
- Supportive throughout the night
- Static-V design
- Insulated material
- Easy to store
- Available in various colors
CONS
- Expensive
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5. KEPLUG Inflatable Ultralight Camping Sleeping Pad
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Finally, we have this inflatable sleeping pad from KEPLUG, which comes with its own pillow and footrest to keep you completely comfortable throughout the evenings. It is available in green and blue colors and is also one of the most affordable pads on the market.
Product Highlights
The KEPLUG camping sleeping pad is made using 40D nylon and TPU coating to enhance its resistance to tearing and prevent air from leaking out of the mattress. It features just under 3 inches of thickness, allowing you to sleep comfortably on the hardest of outdoor surfaces, including rugged ground, hard rocks, and uneven terrain.
There is also an integrated foot pump, so you no longer have to inflate the pad using your mouth. All you need to do is literally stomp at the end of the pad and it will inflate quickly. It’s a great way to get the pad inflated in seconds while also getting out any frustrations you might have.
The cubed surface allows the pad to fit the contours of your body to offer superior comfort, regardless of whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach. Thanks to its attached pillow, your head will be kept at an ergonomic height to make sure that you wake up feeling refreshed rather than sore.
The Good
By far, the best thing about the KEPLUG sleeping pad is its ergonomic design. It features a pillow and a footrest, so you can expect ultimate comfort when you are sleeping. We also appreciate the fact that it comes with its own unique and easy-to-use inflation system.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the material used to make this sleeping pad from KEPLUG is pretty noisy, especially if you are someone that moves around in their sleep. You might want to cover it with a sheet or duvet to mitigate this problem.
PROS
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable
- Integrated inflation system
- Very comfortable
- Built-in footrest
CONS
- Noisy
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BUYER’S GUIDE
Before buying a camping sleeping pad, here are the things that you need to consider to find the best one for you.
Types of Sleeping Pads
Like many things, there are various types of sleeping pads on the market, each with its own unique features and drawbacks. The main types of sleeping pads are air pads, self-inflating pads, and closed-cell foam pads. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Air pads
Air pads are available in many different styles, from extra-thick models perfect for glamping to lightweight ones that are ideal for backpacking. Most modern air pads feature insulation or reflective materials that increase their warmth, and many also have integrated alternative inflation methods that allow you to save your breath.
Self-inflating pads
As the name suggests, self-inflating pads do not need to be inflated manually, and they offer a combination of air and open-cell foam insulation. Opening that valve allows the foam to expand, bringing in air automatically. Some are designed especially for backpacking and can be folded and rolled to fit into your backpack, while others are made for car camping and can be rolled up without needing to be folded. Self-inflating pads provide a wide range of options when it comes to size, warmth, and price.
Closed-cell foam pads
These basic backpacking sleeping pads are made using dense foam that is filled with tiny closed air cells. They are generally folded into a Z formation or simply rolled up and stored.
Shape and Size
At the very least, you are going to want a sleeping pad that accommodates your hips and shoulders. Regular pads and long pads – typically 72″ and 78″ respectively – will insulate your feet and legs, which can be a great bonus on those cold fall and winter camping trips. Short sleeping pads – usually about 48″ in length – weigh less and can be packed smaller.
If you are a larger person, or you tend to roll around quite a bit in your sleep, we suggest that you pick up a sleeping pad with a width of 30″ or more. Of course, you should take the size of your tent into consideration to make sure that you can fit two wider pads next to each other.
Warmth (R-value)
The insulation of a sleeping pad is essential if you want to sleep through the night because you lose body heat to the cold ground underneath you. In order to counteract this, camping pads have a number of materials and construction methods to mitigate heat loss. The R-value of a sleeping pad measures its ability to resist heat flow.
The higher this value, the better the pad will be at insulating you from cold surfaces. Sleeping pad R-values range from 5.5 or more, which is very well insulated, to less than 2, which means minimal insulation. Manufacturers now also use a universal method to test the R-values of sleeping pads, allowing you to compare this key specification between any two pads, regardless of model, brand, or pad type.
Ease of Use
Naturally, you want your camping trip to be as smooth and relaxing as possible, and that means having a sleeping pad that is easy to use. The pad that you sleep on should be easy and quick to inflate, easy to deflate, easy to roll, easy to store, and lightweight enough that it can be carried around with you with minimal effort if need be.
Thickness
If you are using a sleeping pad, you will be sleeping very close to the floor. For this reason, it is essential that you have a sleeping pad that is quite thick, preferably over 2 inches. This will ensure that none of the rough earth beneath you pokes you at night or causes you to feel any discomfort. The standard for most sleeping pads these days is at least 2 inches thick, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find a pad that is thicker – and thus more comfortable – than that.
F.A.Q.
How to choose sleeping pads?
You will want to choose a sleeping pad that suits your needs, specifically regarding what kind of outdoor activity you will be doing. If you are car camping, you can choose a larger, thicker pad for sleeping comfort since you won’t be limited by weight or size.
If you are backpacking, you could purchase a self-inflating air pad, which offers a variety of thicknesses. They are generally quite durable, have high insulation values, and are quite lightweight so that they can be carried around with ease.
For thru-hiking, low weight is the most important factor; however, durability is also a key factor, especially for the long haul. For these reasons, closed-cell foam pads will be your best bet.
If you are camping in winter, you will want a sleeping pad that is well-insulated and that has a high R-value. Camping on snow will require an even greater R-value.
How to use a sleeping pad?
Using a sleeping pad is as easy as inflating it and laying it on the ground where you plan on sleeping – preferably within the walls of your tent.
What size sleeping pad do I need?
The size of your sleeping pad will depend on how tall and wide you are. There are many different-sized sleeping pads on the market, so finding one that accommodates your body shouldn’t be a problem.
Do you need a sleeping pad for camping?
Sleeping pads are extremely useful when you are camping since they provide you with both insulation to keep you warm and comfort from the rough ground. If you don’t use a sleeping pad, you’ll probably feel cold, especially during winter. However, if it’s summer, you could use a sleeping pad for your cot or hammock.
How to keep the sleeping pad from sliding?
One way that you can stop your sleeping pad from sliding around is to place a rubberized mesh sheet roll – the kinds that are meant for lining wooden bookshelves – beneath it. The grip will prevent the pad from moving around in your sleep.
Wrapping Up
If you’re planning on going on a camping trip in the near future, we highly recommend picking up one of the sleeping pads features in this article. They will be a fantastic addition to your equipment and can keep you both warm and comfortable during your trip.
