Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads (2025), WIRED Tested and Reviewed Leave a comment
Listed below are some normal pointers to remember when searching for a brand new sleeping pad. When backpacking, we propose sticking with inflatable pads or self-inflating pads (although these are typically heavier), which provide the very best insulation and cushioning to measurement and weight. No matter you particular wants, your objective is at all times to search out the very best warmth-to-weight ratio. Extra heat means extra weight. Maintain the next ideas in thoughts.
Know your supposed use. Each ounce counts, and so does the packed measurement. Smaller, lighter pads take up much less room in your pack and are nice for a thru-hike the place you are attempting to reduce gear measurement to make room for meals. Additionally, think about the local weather. When you plan to camp in Michigan within the fall the place chilly climate is all however assured, you want a way more insulated pad to guard you from chilly floor temps than you do tenting within the Everglades in August. Bonus tip: Do not camp within the Everglades in August.
Know thyself. Everybody sleeps otherwise, and totally different pads shall be higher for various folks. Are you a aspect sleeper who sleeps chilly? Go for a thicker pad with extra insulation. Sleep each which means and at all times waking up sizzling? Get an ultralight pad that is quiet, so your tossing and turning will not disturb your tent mates.
Think about your whole sleep system. The pad is the inspiration, however how heat you sleep can even be affected by your sleeping bag, pillow, even which base layers you deliver. (Many individuals don’t know this, however sleeping bag temperature scores assume you’re carrying a base layer.)
You may want two. Sleeping pads should not a one-size-fits-all resolution. A light-weight pad that is good on balmy summer season nights is not going to chop it at an alpine camp in early spring. It could be tempting to simply get the summer season pad and produce a heavier sleeping bag in spring, however this doesn’t result in restful nights. An excellent sleeping pad means the distinction between being heat and getting relaxation or shivering all night time, even in the identical sleeping bag. Belief us. We do it so you do not have to.
Consolation is essential. I do know I joke about sleeping on tiny closed-cell-foam pads, however there is no want anymore. This information is proof that snug sleeping pads exist and weigh subsequent to nothing. Though I actually did sleep on the bottom 35 years in the past, you couldn’t pay me to do it now. Now I virtually at all times deliver two pads: one inflatable and one skinny closed-cell foam. The latter offers me a spot to sit down within the night and provides fairly a bit of heat and a no-slip sleeping floor once I want it at night time.
