Sleeping Pads: Reviews

For getting a good night's sleep on a camping trip, reviewers say a good sleeping pad makes even more difference than the sleeping bag. Hikers agree, noting that a pad with enough cushioning in the right places can protect shoulders and hips from aches, stiffness and numbness, as well as provide insulation in winter.

Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3 Regular

Best sleeping pad for backpacking.

*Est. $85

Estimated Price

This self-inflating sleeping pad weighs only 20 ounces, but its combination of foam and air provides an inch of cushioning, then deflates to roll up for packing. Reviews say the Therm-a-Rest ProLite is more comfortable than an all-foam sleeping mat, and warmer than a pad that uses air alone. You can add a closed-cell foam pad under it for colder nights. For three-season camping, it's available in a short length, the 13-ounce ProLite Short (*est. $75).

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Gossamer Gear NightLight Torso

Super-light foam sleeping mat.

*Est. $18

Estimated Price

If light packing weight is your biggest priority, the Gossamer Gear NightLight Torso foam mat weighs only 3.7 ounces, and it can fold to do double duty as a frame for an ultralight backpack. However, it's only torso-length -- meant to pad just your shoulders, back and hips. It's only 18 inches wide, but the closed-cell foam insulates well, and this pad can also be used on top of a longer sleeping pad for extra cushioning and insulation.

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Exped DownMat 7

Winter sleeping pad.

*Est. $140

Estimated Price

The award-winning Exped DownMat sleeping pad uses goose down to insulate its 2.8-inch-thick air tubes. Reviews praise its warmth and cushioning, and many backpackers say the extra comfort is worth carrying the 28-ounce weight. Its rectangular shape fits any sleeping bag, but if 70 inches is too short for you, you'll need the longer, wider DownMat 7 Deluxe (*est. $155). Both sleeping pads need to be inflated manually, but the stuff sack doubles as a pump.

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Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL

Big sleeping pad for car camping.

*Est. $200

Estimated Price

When weight doesn't matter, reviews recommend this 3-inch-thick self-inflating sleeping pad. At eight pounds, it's much too heavy for backpacking, but the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL has even more insulating value than the DownMat 7, and the DreamTime's 30-inch width and 77-inch length make it even more comfortable.

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REI Camp Bed 3.5

Budget sleeping pad for car camping.

*Est. $90

Estimated Price

This sleeping pad self-inflates to a luxurious thickness of 3.5 inches. It has less insulating value than the Therm-a-Rest DreamTime XL, and its 25-inch width is narrower, but owners say it's still extremely comfortable (and it's certainly more affordable). Still, that makes it better for summer trips than winter or high-elevation camping. Some even find its 5-pound weight worth carrying on backpacking trips.

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