Klymit Insulated Static V – one of the best backpacking sleeping pads
Multi-day backpacking requires good sleeping equipment which keeps you warm and comfortable during the nights. A sleeping bag is the most important item of sleeping equipment because it reduces the convective heat loss by trapping the body-warmed air and thus keeps you warm. However, the convective heat loss can be reduced further with a high-quality sleeping pad. The sleeping pad reduces the heat transfer between the sleeping bag and the cold ground underneath you. Sleeping bags provide very little warmth on the underside because the insulation gets deflated by the weight of your body and thus cannot efficiently trap the body-warmed air in that area. Self-evidently, a sleeping pad also increases your comfort by providing cushioning.
In the following we selected and reviewed the best sleeping pads for backpacking to make your buying decision a little easier. We only listed lightweight products which pack small and provide good warmth.
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1. Our Picks of Backpacking Sleeping Pads
The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
- Nemo Tensor Ultralight
- Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
- Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating
2. Comparison of Backpacking Sleeping Pads
| Feature/Product | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | Nemo Tensor Ultralight | Klymit Insulated Static V Lite | Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 12 oz. (Regular) | 14 oz. (Regular) | 15 oz. (Regular) | 1 lb. 5 oz. | 2 lbs. 2 oz. (Regular) |
| Weight (Metric) | 350 g (Regular) | 410 g (Regular) | 425 g (Regular) | 564 g | 970 g (Regular) |
| Type | Inflatable | Closed-cell foam | Inflatable | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| R-Value | 3.2 | 2.6 | 1.6 (Regular), 3.5 (Insulated) | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Available Sizes | S, Regular, L | S, Regular | S, Regular, Long, Wide, Mummy | One Size | S, Regular, Long, Wide, Mummy, Double |
| Packed Size | 9.1 x 3.9 in. (Regular) | 20 x 5.1 in. (Regular) | 8 x 3 in. (Regular) | 7.9 x 5.1 in. | 10 x 6 in. (Regular) |
| Packed Size (Metric) | 23 x 10 cm (Regular) | 51 x 13 cm (Regular) | 20 x 7.5 cm (Regular) | 20 x 13 cm | 26 x 16 cm (Regular) |
| Dimensions | 20 x 72 x 2.5 in. (Regular) | 20 x 72 x 0.7 in. (Regular) | 20 x 72 x 3 in. (Regular) | 23 x 72 x 2.6 in. | 20 x 72 x 3 in. (Regular) |
| Dimensions (Metric) | 51 x 183 x 6.3 cm (Regular) | 51 x 183 x 2 cm (Regular) | 51 x 183 x 8 cm (Regular) | 58 x 183 x 6.5 cm | 51 x 183 x 8 cm (Regular) |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex | Unisex |
3. The Selection
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
1. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Alpine Climbing
- Camping
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite backpacking sleeping pad is super light – it weighs merely 12 ounces. It is made of 30-denier nylon which provides great abrasion resistance and durability. The NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad has two stacked layers of triangular baffles on the inside which efficiently decrease the conductive heat loss. This two-layer baffle construction also enhances the stability of the sleeping pad. The NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad is also equipped with a reflective coating (ThermaCapture technology) which is placed between the two inner layers and reflects radiant heat back to your body. According to the Therm-a-Rest, this technology increases the warmth for 50%. The result is an R-value of 3.2 – which is indeed good considering that the sleeping pad does not have any insulation material. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite can be inflated by breath (requires approximately 30 breaths) or with a pump. The pump is sold separately by Therm-a-Rest.
Pros:
- Weight
- Stability
- Convenient pumps available
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
2. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Camping
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a foam sleeping pad. Therefore, it has a lower R-value than the other products in this review. However, it is also less expensive and has a longer lifespan. The Z Lite Sol sleeping pad is made of crosslinked polyethylene foam which is shaped in a wave pattern for better insulation. The foam is denser at the bottom and softer at the top for better comfort level. This backpacking sleeping pad also has a reflective coating (ThermaCapture technology) which reflects the body heat and thus makes the sleeping pad warmer. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad has an R value of 2.6 which is indeed good for a foam sleeping pad.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Price
- Weight
Cons:
- Cushioning (in comparison to inflatable sleeping pads)
- Size (in comparison to inflatable sleeping pads)
Video
Nemo Tensor Ultralight
3. Nemo Tensor Ultralight
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Alpine Climbing
- Camping
The Nemo Tensor Ultralight sleeping pad is another great option for backpackers. The outer layer of the sleeping pad is made of lightweight 20-denier ripstop polyester and has a soft luxury feel. The sleeping pad has a frame for better stability and a reflective film for good warmth. The sleeping pad comes with a stuff sack for easy packing and compressed it measures only 8 x 3 inches. The Nemo Tensor Ultralight sleeping pad is also available in a mummy shape (Tensor Mummy) and with insulation layer (Tensor Ultralight Insulated). The insulated model uses Primaloft insulation and is warmer, but also slightly heavier. The regular model has R-Value of 1.6 and the insulated model has R-Value of 3.5. The insulated model is suitable for 4-season use.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Stability
- Packed Size
Cons:
- /
Where to buy?
Also available at:
Video
Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
4. Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Alpine Climbing
- Camping
The Klymit Insulated Static V Lite is a budget insulated sleeping pad which offers a lot for the price. It is made of abrasion-resistant 30-denier polyester and has a layer of Klymalite synthetic insulation. The insulation material is placed inside the chambers and significantly increases the warmth of the sleeping pad. Therefore, the Klymit sleeping pad has an R-value of 4.4. However, the insulation material makes this sleeping pad a little heavier. The Klymit Insulated Static V backpacking sleeping pad also has an anti-microbial laminate inside the chambers which prevents the growth of fungus and bacteria. It can be inflated by breath (requires approximately 10 breaths) and comes with a stuff sack for easy packing.
Pros:
- Price
- Durability
- Warmth
Cons:
- Weight
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus
5. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Self Inflating
Suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Backpacking
- Alpine Climbing
- Camping
The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus self-inflating sleeping pad is the heaviest product in this selection. Nevertheless, this sleeping pad provides superior comfort and warmth. It has an R-value of 4.1 and as its name suggests it inflates automatically, when you open the valve. It also has a button which allows you to fine tune the pressure in the pad. The sleeping pad also features Delta Core technology which improves support and comfort. The outer layer is made of knit fabric for a soft next to skin feeling. The sleeping pad comes with a repair kit and a stuff sack. Packed it measures 16 x 10 inches which is more than other products in this selection. Nevertheless, it also provides superior sleeping comfort.
Pros:
- Warmth
- Durability
- Stability
- Self inflating
Cons:
- Weight
Video
4. Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Pad – What is important?
Type:
There are two different types of backpacking sleeping pads; foam sleeping pads and inflatable sleeping pads.
Foam sleeping pads are very reliable and relatively inexpensive. You can also easily modify them – for example cut and shape them to fit your body better and thereby reduce their weight and packed size.
Inflatable sleeping pads pack smaller than those made of foam and provide more warmth and better cushioning. However, they are also pricier.
It’s up to you which one you buy but keep in mind that foam sleeping pads don’t provide enough warmth for winter conditions. They are also relatively bulky and thus not suitable for mountaineering, alpine climbing etc. In this selection we listed four inflatable sleeping pads and one foam sleeping pad.
Warmth:
The insulation of a sleeping pad is measured by the R-value. The higher the R-value, the more warmth it provides. The R-value is a linear measurement, meaning that a product with the R-value of 5.0 is five times warmer than a product with the R-value of 1.0. Read more about R-value here.
Size:
Sleeping pads usually come in two sizes (regular and long) which differ in length and sometimes also in width. If you are not taller than 6 ft. you will be fine with the regular size (true for most sleeping pads). Otherwise, go for the long model.
Weight:
Sleeping pads are not among the lightest items of backpacking gear and therefore you should aim to get a lightweight sleeping pad. In this selection we only listed lightweight products. Learn why lightweight gear is important for backpacking in our article Why hike lightweight.
Cushioning:
When it comes to cushioning, consider where you usually camp – some areas offer great natural cushioning (moss, grass) while others are less accommodating (rocky terrain). If you often camp on rough terrain, an inflatable sleeping pad is a better option for you because it will provide better cushioning.
5. Questions and Answers
What are sleeping pads for?
Sleeping pads keep you warm and comfortable during the nights. They decrease the heat loss between the sleeping bag and the cold ground, and provide cushioning.
What is the most comfortable sleeping pad?
Inflatable sleeping pads are typically the most comfortable because they are soft and create distance between the ground and your sleeping bag.
Do sleeping pads go inside sleeping bags?
No, sleeping pads go under the sleeping bags. A sleeping bag provides warmth and therefore it should fit snugly around your body. Some sleeping bags do, however, feature sleeves or straps on the backside to secure it to the sleeping pad.
