There is nothing as important as getting a good night’s sleep after a long day of hiking, abseiling or just exploring the wilderness. Investing in a good sleeping pad will save you from hours of tossing and turning all night, hence waking up even more exhausted than before. A sleeping pad is ideally supposed to be warm, cozy and can easily be transported or stored. With that being said, let’s have a look at some of the best camping sleeping pads you can invest in and why.
NEMO Tensor Insulated
If you are looking for the best sleeping pad for backpacking, then the NEMO Tensor Insulated should be your go to. The sleeping pad is well insulated, thick, spacious and has a long wide rectangular shape. The pad can only fit one individual and it’s super compact when deflated as well. The pad has a point deflection resistance which keeps your elbows and knees from touching the ground. So if you are the kind of person who tends to toss and turn while sleeping, you are guaranteed not to roll over to the ground. The sleeping pad has 2 layers of thermal mirror suspended metalized film that provides insulation to 10-20 F hence resisting the cold from the ground. Last but not least, the sleeping pad comes with a stuff sack and repair kit.
Therm-a- Rest NeoAir XTherm
This sleeping pad is the best especially during the cold season. It is ultra warm and ultralight not to mention it takes up minimal space in your backpack. The pad comes with a pump sack providing fast inflation and deflation. The sleeping pads construction minimizes heat loss and it has a 6.4cm thickness having an internal structure that provides stability and support. Its winglock valve maximises air flow for easier inflation and quicker deflation. Pump sack, repair kit and stuff sack are included.
ALPS Mountaineering Swift Air Mat Sleeping Pad
If you are looking for the best sleeping pad for summer camping, then the ALPS Mountaineering Swift Air Mat Sleeping Pad is your go to. Not only is this pad lightweight, it is also quite affordable as compared to most sleeping pads. The pad uses small pillow like air chambers that provide extra support and comfort while outdoors. It is perfect for backpackers as it only weighs one pound plus also a perfect go to for new campers who are not yet ready to spend a fortune on a sleeping pad. Note that for this pad, you will have to inflate it with your mouth. Last but not least, as much as the sleeping pad is lightweight, it is also spacious and can fit a 6 feet tall individual.
Big Agnes Air Core Ultra
If you have a tight budget and are looking for a good quality sleeping pad then the Big Agnes Air Core Ultra should be at the top of your list. This pad is quite thick and also a comfortable option under $100. It’s a warm weather pad but there are insulated options as well. An interesting feature about this sleeping pad is that it has an antimicrobial treatment inside the pad preventing microorganism growth. It also has micro adjustments that make it easy for fast inflation and deflation of the pad hence you can adjust it to the firmness you prefer. Lastly, it has a protective storage sack, replacement valve seal and 3M repair patches included.
Klymit Static V2
The Klymit Static V2 sleeping pad has a V shape design which delivers support and comfort no matter your sleeping style be it on your side, stomach or back. The side rails provide a secure comfortable sleep by centering you on the pad inhibiting air movement while you toss and turn. The sleeping pad is also lightweight and packs down small as it only weighs 1 pound. For summer backpacking trips, this pad is your go to. Lastly, it is easy to inflate and it takes 10-15 breaths for it to be fully inflated.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated
This pad has an R-value of 3.1 meaning its best suitable for cool weather as it provides moderate insulation. Remember that the higher the R-value the more insulated the sleeping pad. The multifunction valve in this pad allows fast and easy inflation, deflation and fine tuning of your pad. It also has antimicrobial treatment which helps prevent mold that is caused by warm moist air that is normally trapped inside the pad. The pad has a repair kit and a stuff sack included as well. Its repair kit contains 6 self-adhesive patches for fixing punctures that can easily happen when outdoors.
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