A sleeping mat provides cushioning and insulation between you and the ground while you sleep. These mats are also essential for backpacking and can keep you warm in cold temperatures or high altitudes. There are many different kinds of sleeping pads out there, including foam, self-inflating, and inflatable models.
Foam Pads - The Basics
Foam sleeping pads are an affordable and simple choice for backpackers. These flat, rectangular pieces of foam provide cushioning and insulation between you and the ground, and usually fold up for storage or strap to a pack.
Insulated Sleeping Pads - The Best
Foam sleeping pads with insulation can make a big difference to your comfort while camping. Their dense padding can slow down conductive temperature loss.
Sleeping pads can be insulated by an air, synthetic or foam layer. This option allows you to save weight while getting the most from your pad.
Therm a Rest Sleeping Mats - For Backpackers
The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Neoair is a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, high-quality pad that can be used all year round. It's the lightest, smallest, and most comfortable insulated foam mat on our list.
Therm a Rest's high-rated and highly-effective insulation keeps you warm when hiking in cold weather. Its crinkleless construction makes it easy to roll around at night.
Therma Rest is well-known for its tents, but now they also offer sleeping pads. Their Tensor Insulated is a great example of how they've teamed up with foam manufacturers to create a premium mat that packs down to a reasonable size and offers superior comfort.
NEMO's Switchback foam pad is another great choice for backpackers who don't want to pack too much weight but still need some comfort in their mat. It's a little thicker than most other foam pads out there, but it's not overly firm to the touch.
While it's not as insulated as the X-Therm NXT, it's still a very comfortable, quiet, and warm option for backpackers who don't have the budget for a full-blown insulated mattress.
Double Sleeping Mats - For Two
If you're planning to camp with your spouse or another companion, the Klymit Double V is an excellent choice for a comfortable and spacious camping experience. The double-sided pad features a soft foam topper that adds extra comfort for both you and your partner.
This pad also has side rails that center you while you sleep, and the Deep Weld patterning and Klymalite synthetic insulation prevent moisture from getting in between your bodies and your bag. It is easy to pack and can be inflated with either an air pump or by using a small amount of air.