5 Best Camping Sleeping Pads for Just-Like-Home Comfort

The REI Co-Op Trailmade Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is the sleeping pad I used for car camping across the U.S. For three months, I slept on this pad in the back of my car and on several tent camping trips. The upholstery on the sleeping pad is a stretchy, slightly plushy material, yet it’s easy to wipe off.

After three months of daily use, mine did suffer some stains, but probably nothing some carpet stain remover can’t take care of (I never tried, since I was on the road). It self-inflates with a double valve system (one for inflating, one for deflating). I tend to blow it up myself because it only takes a few breaths—no lightheadedness here.

With a thickness of 1.5 inches and an R-value rating of 5.5, REI recommends it for cold adventures. However, I had no problems sleeping comfortably on it in weather conditions ranging from 40 degrees to over 100. Additionally, I did have an issue with the pad staying inflated at one point.

I took it to a local REI, where they informed me that these Trailmade pads can sometimes deflate if dirt, saliva or other debris gets stuck in the inflation valve. They cleaned the valve out for me and the pad has been fine since! So, maybe don’t blow it up and let it self-inflate as intended.

Pros

• Easy setup and take-down
• Under $100
• Combo of foam and air cushion
• Self-inflating
• Stretchy, soft upholstery
• Compresses down for storage
• Comes with stuff sack

Cons

• Susceptible to stains
• If small debris gets stuck in the inflation valve, it may deflate overnight
• Only available at REI

On my aforementioned road trip, the Trekology sleeping pad was my backup pad. I used it when my Trailmade was deflating at night. I’ve also used it during many tent camping and backpacking trips since it’s much smaller when packed. Even so, it’s suitable for people up to six feet tall. The ample width means there’s room to turn around without falling off the mat.

It’s an extremely lightweight, easily inflatable, comfortable sleeping pad that performs amazingly in hot weather. This camping sleeping pad inflates four inches in thickness, but there isn’t any foam or insulation. For those reasons, it’s become my go-to mat for Florida camping. It provides more than enough cushion without increasing body temperature.

Pros

• Affordable price point
• Ultralight (weighs just 26.5 ounces)
• Packs down to 7 inches tall by 4 inches wide
• 4-inch thickness for plenty of cushion
• Great for warm weather camping
• Comes with a patch kit
• Available on Walmart and Amazon

Cons

• Not great for cold weather
• Hard to inflate by mouth; a bag inflator or pump is best (neither is included)

If you don’t mind spending a little more, I recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Sleeping Pad. It’s worth the price because it’s warm, comfortable, lightweight and easy to use and pack. Pair it with a camping pillow for more comfiness.

This pad inflates via a pump sack, which is a small bag with a valve that replaces a hand pump or air compressor (two things you’re probably not taking backpacking). When inflated, it offers three inches of cushion and an R-value of 4.5, making it a good camping gear option for almost all weather conditions. Additionally, the mummy shape easily fits into mummy sleeping bags for additional warmth should you need it.

Pros

• 4.5 R-value makes it a good option for all-weather camping
• 3-inch thickness
• Pump sack (bag inflator) included
• Patch kit and stuff sack included
• Packs down small
• Plushy
• Multiple sizes available
• Available on Backcountry, REI and Amazon

Cons

• More expensive price
• Doesn’t self-inflate
• Makes slight crinkling noise

This Nemo Tensor sleeping pad is available in various sizes and models, including an insulated or non-insulated version. It also comes in a mummy shape or regular shape. Enjoy three luxurious inches of cushion with small air chambers in a quilted pattern to reduce springiness and shifting.

Upholstered with 20D polyester, this pad is likely to make some crinkling sounds when moving, but that’s a tradeoff for durability. Softer fabrics don’t offer great longevity and are more prone to rips and tears, but another advantage to the 20D polyester is its weight. This sleeping pad ranges from less than 13 ounces up to 1.5 pounds for the largest insulated option, which is why it’s great for backpacking.

Non-insulated versions have an R-value of 2.5 while the insulated versions have an R-value of 4.2. The former is best for warm-weather camping while the latter will keep you warm during fall and spring with a good sleeping bag.

Pros

• Weighs as little as 13 ounces
• Lifetime warranty
• 3-inch thick cushion
• Smaller air chambers reduce shifting
• Customizable to work with the rest of your sleep system
• Durable polyester construction
• Available on Backcountry, Nemo and Amazon

Cons

• May not be warm enough for cold winter camping

Looking to take the work out of setting up camp? I don’t blame you. The more time saved during camp setup, the more time for adventuring and sitting around the campfire! The Camp Plus Self-Inflating Sleeping Mat is a time-saver in many regards: Not only does it have a set-it-and-forget-it inflation function, but it’s also easy to pack into the included stuff sack, making both setup and take-down a breeze.

Whichever size option you go for, enjoy a plush 3-inch lift from the ground for comfort, an R-value of 4.3 for ample warmth in almost all weather and very durable 75D polyester for defense against punctures and tears. If you prioritize comfort and convenience over weight, the Sea to Summit pad is a good option. Here’s where to find discounted camping gear too.

Pros

• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Available in four size/shape options
• Packed weight of 1.5 pounds to 3 pounds
• Stuff sack included
• Costs under $100
• Durable construction
• Available on Sea to Summit, REI and Amazon

Cons

• A bit bulky and heavy for backpacking
• Not all options available at all retailers