The best sleeping pads for your outdoor adventures 2024 (Buyers Guide)

1. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite - The All-Rounder

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has everything you need in the wilderness: super lightweight, a small pack volume that can compete with your water bottle, and comfort that rivals your bed at home.

Data updated 12 hours ago

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Lemon Curry, Regular - 20 x 72 Inches, WingLock Valve

• The standard for ultralight backpacking, the XLite backpacking mattress delivers unrivaled comfort and warmth for minimal weight
• Equipped with a dependable and rugged WingLock valve, the pad inflates 3 times faster than a standard valve and features lightning-fast deflation
• 4.2 R-value means the XLite can keep backpackers and campers warm in anything but the most extreme conditions
• Reflective ThermaCapture technology traps radiant heat while the Triangular Core Matrix construction minimizes convective heat loss
• Measures 72x20x2.5 inches inflated, packs to 9x4.1 inches, and weighs 12 ounces; pump sack, stuff sack and repair kit included; made in the USA

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All of this is rounded off with an R-value of 4.2 - ideal for winter camping and sleeping in sub-zero temperatures.

For a few extra euros, you can get the related but much warmer XTherm sleeping pad. All Therm-A-Rest sleeping pads come with a lifetime warranty.

Despite its slightly smaller size in the regular model, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is an excellent choice for minimalist and luxurious car campers alike and is my winner among the all-rounders.

You can also order the sleeping pad in other sizes, such as Small, Regular, Regular Wide, and Large.

2. Vaude Performance 7 - The All-Rounder

If you want to sleep deeply in the great outdoors, take a good look at the Performance 7 by Vaude. With an R-value of 2.7, this inflatable camping mat is well-equipped for spring, summer, and autumn.

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VAUDE Performance 7 M - Self Inflating Sleeping Pad - Very Lightweight & Compact mat - Perfect for Backpacking & Hiking - With high-performing Primaloft insulation - Medium Size - Compression Sack included

• 7 cm thick, with high-performing Prim aloft insulation
• Very small pack size
• Easy handling

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The sleeping pad is an impressive 7 cm thick and filled with recycled polyester and Primaloft Black Insulation Eco. The outer fabric is made of durable 20D TPU fabric.

The curved ends help save weight, and at 410 g, the Performance 7 is lightweight and compact enough for backpacking.

This sturdy sleeping pad with its longitudinally arranged air chambers comes with an emergency repair kit and a bag. It is available in two lengths, and Vaude offers a four-season version of this sleeping pad with an R-value of 4.7, the Performance Winter 7.

The pack size of the Vaude Performance 7 is surprisingly small, and it is easy to inflate with the Vaude pump sack.

3. Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic - Great value for money

The foam sleeping pad (polyethylene fabric) Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic is the cheapest option on this list and the best sleeping pad for the price. The sleeping pad is extremely durable, lightweight, and robust.

Data updated 12 hours ago

Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Charcoal

• Basic closed-cell foam sleeping pad is a lightweight, durable, and economical option for camping and backpacking
• Trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for generations, the classic ground pad rolls up compactly and is light enough (14 ounces) to carry almost anywhere
• Designed with supportive peaks and heat-trapping valleys in the padding for insulation and comfort; R-Value 2.0
• Virtually indestructible cross-linked polyethylene ensures durability and protection from rocks, and sharp uneven sleeping surfaces
• Closed-cell foam mattress measures 72 x 20 inches and weighs 14 ounces; made in the USA

$31.95

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Although it is very thin and lightweight, the heat-trapping dimples and the ThermaCapture™ coating help to capture radiant heat, increasing the overall warmth of the mat by 20%. So, you don't have to worry about the cold in the summer.

But the comfort ends where side sleepers come into play - which makes the mat a poor choice for luxury lovers.

The other main disadvantage is the pack size. With a pack volume of 12 liters, you can only attach the rolled-up sleeping pad to the outside of your backpack. This is fine in dry conditions but can be problematic in wet conditions.

The Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic is an affordable sleeping pad and the best closed-cell foam sleeping pad for fast and light hikers.

It is also a suitable option for Bushcrafters with dogs - the robust nature of the mat can withstand dog claws much better than an expensive air construction mat.

Therefore, you will never have problems with escaping air with the Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic, as it is not inflatable. Inflatable mats are usually more comfortable, but they can break relatively quickly.

4. Big Agnes Q-Core SLX - The All-Rounder

This new addition to the Q-Core range from Big Agnes is lighter, more compact, and easier to use than the older version. And while the Q-Core SL is a great all-around sleeping pad, it's hard not to appreciate this new and improved version: the Q-Core SLX.

Data updated 11 hours ago

Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pad, 20x78 (Long)

• DELUXE COMFORT – Completely redesigned from the inside out, our three-season Insulated Q-Core Deluxe provides the ultimate sleep experience when comfort and performance is the priority. I-Beam construction reduces pack weight and provides consistent stability with an ultra-comfortable, super-quiet quilted two-way stretch top for a cushioned pillow-soft sleeping surface. Larger outer chambers keep you comfortably cradled in the middle of the pad.
• TOASTY WARM – R Value of 4.3; Three-Season - PrimaLoft Silver insulation works with a heat reflective barrier to trap body heat and reflect it back, so you stay comfortable as the temperatures drop. Sleeping on frozen ground? Increase thermal insulation by adding the Big Agnes 3rd Degree Foam Pad.
• LIGHT & DEPENDABLE – These pads are built with a quilted top and a lightweight nylon-spandex fabric for a soft-touch sleeping surface. The bottom is built of durable, double rip-stop fabric with aviation grade TPU lamination adding extra durability. Despite their amazing comfort, these pads are still remarkably light - the Regular 20” x 72” weighs 25 oz. and packs to 4.5” x 8.5”
• EASY TO INFLATE - High volume valves with micro adjustments make for fast inflation/deflation and easy fine tuning to your preferred firmness. A pad inflation sack is included. Protective storage sack, replacement valve seal and 3M patches also included with your pad.
• WHAT IS AN R-VALUE? - An R-Value indicates a sleeping pad's ability to resist heat loss. Unlike temperature ratings, R-Values are standard across all pads and are assigned based on quantitative testing designed to give you a better idea of how warm a pad truly is. The higher the rating, the warmer the pad.

$184.06

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Anyway, Big Agnes has reduced the weight of the SL model by 100g while increasing the tear strength of the nylon rip stop fabric by 25%.

They have also greatly improved the valve system, which now has two separate valves for inflation and deflation. When inflating through the one-way valve, you can now take a break without losing any air.

The synthetic insulation provides warmth down to -9 °C, which corresponds to an R-value of about 4.5. This makes the SLX a more compact option than the XTherm for backpacking in winter conditions, while still offering a thicker and larger sleeping area.

5. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Venture WV - Great value for money

The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Venture WV is not the lightest sleeping pad on this list, but it is a truly excellent option that offers a super cozy level of comfort without sacrificing too much on weight.

Data updated 12 hours ago

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Venture WV Mattress Regular

• Warm: WaveCore construction provides twice the warmth of uninsulated air mattresses
• Compact: Eliminates bulky fill materials to pack small and save room in your pack
• Comfortable: Two Inch (5 cm) of loft and horizontal baffles provide maximum stability
• Durable: Tough, 75D polyester and proven air-tight coatings deliver reliable long-term performance
• Stuff sack included

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The WaveCore construction uses a single layer of horizontal wave baffles that double the warmth of an uninsulated air mattress without adding extra bulk, leaving a very respectable pack volume of only 2 liters.

Warm enough for most 3-season camping trips and much more durable than an air mattress, the Venture WV really shines on multiple nights of camping in the same location, where comfort with good insulation is key.

The rectangular shape provides more space than tapered designs, and Therm-A-Rest has even added a luxurious polyester coating for a pleasant feel against the skin. Packed up, the sleeping pad takes up 23 x 11.5 cm of space.

My concerns about "crinkling noises" were not confirmed. The sleeping pad does make noise when you toss and turn for a while. However, I did not find it disturbing, and the noises are not comparable to cheap sleeping pads.

If you're looking for a "one pad fits all" option, then the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Venture WV is definitely a good choice for Bushcrafters, campers, and trekking enthusiasts. In my top list, this sleeping pad has the best value for money.

If the pad starts to leak air, get the Therm-A-Rest Instant Repair Kit.

6. Klymit Static V Luxe™ - The width for plenty of freedom

With a width of 76 cm, the Static V2 Luxe™ is much wider than most sleeping pads and still manages to pack down to a comfortable size (20.3 x 11.4 cm) AND provides a good level of warmth and comfort.

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-25%

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Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe Inflatable Sleeping Pad for Camping, Lightweight Hiking and Backpacking Air Bed For Cold Weather,Red

• All-Season Outdoor Camping Mat: This lightweight, extra-wide inflatable mattress is made with Klymalite insulation that keeps you warm when it's cold out with an R-Value of 4.4
• V-Shaped Comfort: This camping mattress features an innovative V-chamber that work together to limit air movement and heat loss for all-night support and comfort
• Compact Camping Bed: Our larger portable bed easily compresses down to 5.5 by 10 inches when deflated and weighs only 35 oz; Throw our camping sleeping pads into your backpack and go
• Luxurious Design: With an inflated size of 76 by 30 by 3 inches for extra roll room and body-mapping technology that delivers support and comfort for side-, stomach- and back-sleepers, this sleeping pad inflates in just 20-30 breaths
• Sleep Outside with Klymit: Our award-winning products are designed to help you sleep outside as comfortably as you do in your own bed

$97.99
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The Klymit Static V Luxe™ is a great sleeping pad for people who are wider or more mobile while sleeping. However, the sleeping pad is naturally heavier.

The sleeping pad is not ideal for camping in cold weather. And for those who prefer to carry less weight, they should opt for the Klymit Static V (without Luxe™). But for kayaking trips, where weight and space constraints are not as noticeable, the Luxe will surely be your new favorite.

7. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm 2020 - One of the warmest sleeping pads

I go camping all year round and the fantastic sleeping pad "Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm 2020" keeps me warm even in winter. I camped at 0 degrees with the pad in direct contact with the ground and I could literally feel my body heat bouncing back to me.

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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Neptune, Large

• 3-inch-thick ultralight air mattress trusted by alpinists and mountaineers looking for extra warmth and durability in the backcountry
• Reflective ThermaCapture technology traps radiant heat while the Triangular Core Matrix construction minimizes convective heat loss providing a 7.3 R-value, ideal for extreme conditions
• Foam-free NeoAir design weighs just 20 oz (570 g) in size Large and is super-packable, rolling up as small as a conventional 1-liter bottle
• 70D ripstop nylon bottom is incredibly durable and resists punctures, withstanding the wear and tear of extended expedition use
• Equipped with a dependable and rugged WingLock valve that is easy to use in freezing conditions and provides easy inflation and lightning-fast deflation

$239.39
List Price: $269.95

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The 4-season sleeping pad Therm-A-Rest is incredibly lightweight, luxuriously comfortable, and offers excellent insulation - and it's also the best sleeping pad for side sleepers.

The combination of the ThermaCapture technology, which captures radiant heat inside the pad, and the TriangleCore matrix, which provides stability and warmth through stacked inner cell structure, makes this sleeping pad a must-have for those who sleep in the cold.

To top it all off, this super warm winter sleeping pad can be packed down to a tiny 1.6 liters. So if you're willing to invest the money, the unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio of the XTherm won't disappoint you.

8. Exped Downmat 9 Sleep Mat - Extremely warm

As one of the warmest sleeping mats on the market, the Exped Downmat 9 is THE sleeping mat for serious winter expeditions, providing comfort and insulation in temperatures as low as -38 °C.

Data updated 11 hours ago

Exped DownMat 9 Sleeping Pad (Black, Medium)

• 72x20"
• Laminated polyester fabric and IDFL-certified goose down
• Welded baffles between the down filled chambers
• Fast and easy to use integrated pump system
• Measures 70 inches long by 20 inches wide

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The 9 cm thick goose down insulation ensures a luxurious sleep at any temperature. However, weighing over 1.2 kg (Large), it may be better suited for multiple days at base camp rather than winter expeditions on the go.

In any case, the Exped Downmat 9 in the "Large" size is the best sleeping mat for big guys, keeping even the deepest snow sleepers happy, comfortable, and very warm. Those willing to sacrifice a bit more weight and space will certainly not be disappointed.