A good camping pad can be the difference between an enjoyable nights sleep and a miserable one. Having a good nights sleep in the woods will give you the energy you need to take on the following day. Whether that is a relaxing day drinking beer with your buds or scaling the slopes of Kathmandu.
We have come a long way since the days of simple foam rollout pads, although some older schoolers still use them. The sleeping products available as able to give any camper sufficient padding, heat protection, and easy portability. If you’ve ever slept on the hard ground, you know how uncomfortable it can be.
Picking out the right sleeping pad is an important decision for your hiking gear. Along with your boots, tent, budget sleeping bag, and backpack, the right sleeping pad will make all the difference. Here are our ten favorite camping pads in 2022.
View The Best Camping Pads Below
1. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
A lightweight sleeping pad is essential on a trail. It will allow you to carry your pad without issue and provide you a comfortable surface to slumber on through the night. The pad weighs only 14oz’s and when you pack it into the stuff sack, it compresses down to the size of a water bottle. The pad, when inflated, is two inches thick. It is sufficient for a single person to sleep on and its blown up dimensions are 75×23″.
It is made of highly durable material. The 20D thickness and ripstop nylon fabric will keep the structural integrity of the pad intact. No worrying about poking the mattress in the middle of the night and suddenly deflating it. The pad only takes moments to blow up and you’ll be resting in comfort in no time.
Pros:
+ Super lightweight
+ Durable ripstop nylon
+ Lage enough for one person
+ Compresses down to water bottle size
Why we like it – This camping pad has terrific portability. It can be tough to find a sleeping pad that will go down to the size of this one and still provide the level of comfort that you want.
Related Add-on; 6-Person Tent Review.
2. WELLAX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
With the WELLAX Ultralight sleeping pad, you will be able to get the comfortable warm sleep you need in the woods. You can comfortably sleep on your side or your back. The pad is filled with numerous air pods that support your neck, back, legs, and hips. It is also incredibly lightweight and compact. It weighs only 14.5 oz’s and packs down to 10×3.5″ when in the stuff sack. When it is fully inflated the mattress is 2″ thick and 78×24″.
Just like many other reputable camping pads, it is outlined with nylon ripstop 20D fabric to protect against rips, tears, and punctures. The material is waterproof and reflects heat to help you stay warm in the sleeping bag. It is super easy to inflate with only 4-6 breaths.
Pros:
+ Easy to inflate
+ Durable material
+ Waterproof, heat reflection
+ Lightweight and portable
+ Good support
Why we like it – A comfortable nights sleep is simple and easy. This mattress is strong, lightweight, and reliable and will allow you to drift off blissfully listening to the crickets.
3. Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad
This amazingly compact sleeping pad offers some of the greatest support that a camping mattress can provide. The interconnected air cells blow up firmly to offer your whole body unwavering support. When packed down, the mattress fits into a stuff sack which is 8x3x3″ and will fit easily into your hiking backpack. It weighs only 16 oz’s, which is slightly more than some other camping pads, except you barely notice an extra ounce or two on your back.
The weatherproof fabric is made up of 20D ripstop nylon and has an extruded TPU layer for added resiliency. The bed inflates in 10-15 breaths and deflates in a few short seconds. This is a wonderfully comfortable mattress which is great for camping and hiking. A full lifetime warranty protects your camping bed form any manufacturers defects which cause the mattress to be insufficient.
Pros:
+ Resilient material
+ 20D ripstop nylon fabric
+ Lightweight and portable
+ great support, comfortable air bed
Why we like it – Compared to any other camping pad we have discussed, we are just as happy with the Outdoorsman. It has great support, it is durable, and it packs down to a super portable size.
4. Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad
With most of the best camping pads on the market, you need to spend some time unfurling the mattress and blowing it up. With the Coleman self-inflating mattress, that is not the case. As the name suggests it inflates itself. When you pull it out of the stuff sack and open the inflation valve, the mattress immediately inflates itself. You can always add a couple of breaths to give it a little bit more height.
This mattress is not as well fit as a hiking mattress unless you’re okay with carrying a mattress which weighs more than 3 pounds. It is a super comfortable mattress made of durable materials though.
When inflated the dimensions are 75×24″ and a decent sized adult human will sleep comfortably on the mattress. When you’re ready to roll it up, release the valve and tightly wind it into the compression straps to put it onto your bag.
Pros:
+ Comfortable mattress
+ Self-inflating
+ Durable
+ Easy to roll up
Why we like it – We like this camping bed because of how easy it is to set up. No time spent dealing with the blowing up of a mattress and therefore, more time spent enjoying your relaxing afternoon.
5. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking
This is an award-winning airbed from the year 2017 where it was considered the best camping mattress in its weight class. The total weight is 12 ounces – the lowest of any of our beds so far – and when packed into the stuff sack it is 8.5×4″. That is incredibly small and lightweight and will be one of the easiest bags to carry.
The NeoAir Xlite inflates super fast and is just as easy to stuff into the sack. The surface is non-slip and is textured to cut down on any squeaks in the middle of the night. The layers of the surface of the mattress contain ThermaCapture technology which helps radiate heat back to your body within the sleeping bag.
The triangle core traps keep the heat inside instead of losing it through the bottom of the mattress. This camping pad is durable, lightweight, and resistant to rips and tears.
Pros:
+ Lightweight and compact
+ Ripstop technology
+Therma Capture Technology
+ Easily inflates
+ Comfortable camping pad
Why we like it – This is the smallest airbed yet. It is super comfortable and is so compact you can slide it into any bag you’re carrying for easy luggage.
6. Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad, Outdoor Comfort
With the V chamber design on this Klymit camping pad, you will experience great heat absorption and air stability. It is a really comfortable design that uses larger pods which can allow for a more contouring shape. It is really easy to inflate with the push valve and is ready to be slept on in mere moments. It will only take 10-15 breaths to be ready to sleep on. When packed into the stuff sack the mattress only weighs 18 ounces and packs down to 3×8 inches.
When fully inflated, the mattress expands to 75x23x2.5″. Included when you purchase this sleeping pads are the stuff sack and a patch kit so you can prepare any unexpected holes or rips. It is a great mattress for a long term hiker and will give you a comfortable nights sleep everywhere you go.
Pros:
+ Easy to inflate
+ Durable/lightweight
+ Comfortable
+ Ripstop technology
Why we like it – This mattress is exceptionally comfortable and has the V-shape design which helps to keep air where it needs to be so you can get a good nights sleep.
7. Half Dome Sleeping Pad Waterproof Mat
The Half Dome sleeping pad is a comfortable, waterproof, and durable camping pad that will let you get a good nights rest. The pad is made out of 250G/M2 spinning cotton, and the lining is made out of polyester. No water will be able to seep into the pad and the material is strong enough to combat against punctures and tears. When the pad is inflated it measures 75x24x12″ and packs into a compression sack and is easy to carry in your bag.
This is a pretty versatile sleeping pad that you can use not only on hiking or camping trips but just as a backpack sleeping pad anywhere you are. It is very easy to inflate with just a few breaths and is also super easy to deflate. It will provide you the type of support you need to get the rest and recovery you need in order to get up and at it the next day. If you’re looking for a good, reliable camping pad for a good price, this will be good for you.
Pros:
+ Easy to inflate
+ Waterproof
+ Durable
+ Good support
+ Double stitched lining
Why we like it – This is a nice, thick sleeping pad that will give you a good nights sleep. It is double stitched and outlined with polyester and high-grade cotton. The ease to inflate the pad and pack it back up again just adds to the convenience.
8. Lightspeed Outdoors XL Super Plush
This is another self-inflating pad that is made of a different material than the majority of the best sleeping pads available. It is less suitable for long hiking trips as it weighs 6lbs and will definitely add a bit of the extra weight to your backpack. When you have fully unrolled and inflated the pad it measures. 77x30x3″, and when you roll it up, it will be 30×7.75″.
It is designed to be especially warm and comfortable. The material is non-slip and is made of a plush material that hugs your skin and keeps you cozy. It does not smell of plastic as it is not made out of PVC plastic like many comfortable sleeping pads are. It has dual oversized air-valves which allow you to inflate and deflate the pad without any issues.
With a small integrated pillow, you will not have to worry about buying a separate pillow for your nights. Comes with included compression straps so you can roll it up and attach the pad to your bag.
Pros:
+ Extra comfortable
+ No plastic
+ Easy to inflate/deflate
+ Warm plush material
+ Built-in pillow
Why we like it – This is a great sleeping pad for people who are not in need of a lightweight sleeping surface. It is much heavier, but if you’re not carrying the pad far, then it will be great. It is warm, comfortable, and convenient with the built-in pillow
9. Premium Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad
This is truly a premium sleeping pad that is built for distance. It is lightweight enough at 2.2 pounds to be carried long distance on hiking trips. It is large enough to fit people around the 6′ height, and you know how hard it can be to find a sleeping pad large enough if you’re a taller person.
It is not very thick and should not be expected to be a large, comfortable air mattress. It is certainly comfortable and sturdy enough to get you off the ground and keep you warm overnight.
It comes with a self-inflating design and has a mummy shape to contour perfectly with your high-quality mummy sleeping bag. It is made out of 75D polyester which is resistant to water, rips, and tears. This will provide any hiker with a sufficient, lightweight, comfortable sleeping pad to give you the rest you need for the following day’s hike.
Pros:
+ Self-inflating
+ Comfortable
+ Lightweight
+ Built for hiking
+ Durable material
Why we like it – Lightweight camping pads are the kings of hiking gear. Every pound you take off your back will make your life a lot easier. It is comfortable and durable enough to make sure you can rely on it night after night.
10. ALPS Mountaineering Foam Camping Mat
The ALPS Mountaineering Foam Mat may be all you need in order to get a good sleep. It does not have any fancy technology on the mat. It is simply outfitted with closed cell foam which gives you a little bit of cushioning overnight. The material is not waterproof but is fairly durable. It comes in a variety of sizes depending on how tall or wide your frame is.
The mat rolls up nicely and is easy to unroll. There is no inflation involved in the process and may be one of the easiest mats to set up at the end of the day. It is super lightweight and is designed for rugged camping. If you don’t need anything fancy and just want a padded surface to sleep on, this will do just fine for you.
Pros:
+ Easy set-up
+ No inflation needed
+ Comfortable foam surface
+ Non-slip
+ Lightweight/easy to carry
Why we like it – If you’re looking for simplicity, then the sleeping mat is what you need. It is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t take any time to set up and you can unroll the mat anywhere you are for a comfortable sleeping surface.
Camping Pads Buyers Guide
What to look for in a good camping Pad
The best camping pads will come with a variety of different features. Depending on what you are using your pad for, and how long your camping trips will be, you will need to consider certain factors. Durability, weight, size, material, and comfort are all going to be things you need you to consider. We are going to discuss the most important factors here.
Weight
One of the most important things to consider is the weight of your camping pad. If you’re doing stationary camping where you’re not hiking long distances throughout the day, the weight of your camping pad can get a little higher. With heavier sleeping pads, you can get a little more thickness, durable material, and comfort. That isn’t to say that lightweight camping pads can’t be comfortable, but they are limited in the materials they can use in order to ensure that they are lightweight.
If you’re looking for a pad that you can carry for multiple kilometers in a day, then you’ll need to go lightweight. Definitely less than 3 pounds will be necessary for you. Many of the lightweight sleeping pads come with hi-tech closed cell technology to ensure that they give you the highest level of comfort possible using a small, lightweight sleeping pad. You may need to spend a few extra bucks to get the lightweight pad that you need. Just remember, your back and legs will thank you if you go lighter on the pad.
Durability
Ripstop and tear-proof technology will be the deciding factor of the stamina of your pad. It is not guaranteed that you will snag your pad on a branch, knife, or other sharp objects, but it certainly is a situation you want to be prepared for. If your sleeping pad gets a tear in the middle of the night and you’re suddenly forced to sleep on the hard ground, you’ll be left with few options.
Having a highly durable material like 20D ripstop nylon and polyester will help you to keep off the ground in the middle of the night. Also if you get a lightweight pad with closed-cell technology, if you have a rip in a single area, the rest of your pad will still be intact. Just something to consider.
Size
Having the right size of a pad will be super important too. If you’re a taller person and you end up sleeping on a pad that is too small, your feet will hang off, or it may be hard to get your body fully covered and comfortable. Likewise, if you’re a more petite frame, it won’t be necessary to have a super large pad.
Cutting down on the size will cut down on the weight and will be easier to transport between your campsites. Like anything, it is better to have a slightly larger option than for it to be too small. Luckily, most camping pads come in a variety of sizes so, as long as you know your personal dimensions, you should be able to find the right size for you.
Material
What will you be needing on the trail? It is important to consider the weather you’re going to be braving and the types of climates you are camping in. Wetter climates will need a material that can stand up to the water. Also, if you’re in an area where your tent may take on moisture in the night, you want the pad to be able to stand up to it. Polyester, nylon, and polyethylene will be better for these purposes.
Foam, on the other hand, will not be as high in the waterproofing category. Foam is designed to be totally lightweight and easy to wrap up and unpack. If you’ve got a waterproof bag, or you’re mostly looking for a simple, lightweight, easy to use camping pad, the foam may be all that you need.
Conclusion
The best camping pads will give you all of the best of most worlds. They ought to be lightweight, durable, and comfortable. You will need to pick the right option for you based on the type of camping you’re doing. If you’re looking for rugged durability, adjust accordingly. If you just need a simple surface to sleep on, that will be easy to find. Now you should have all of the information you need in order to make the right decision.
Expert Tip
When picking out your gear, always remember that you generally get what you pay for. Camping gear that is more expensive will usually be of higher quality due to the level of materials and technology they are using. You may thank yourself for putting a bit more of an investment into your gear as they will stand up and last longer over time.
Did you know?
Non-slip technology may be more important than you think. If you’re a roller in the night, pads can have a tendency to slip around in the plastic tent. Non-slip can be your best friend.
Amazon Recommends:
- 【Extra Wide & 3" Thick Sleep Support】 The self inflating pad for...
- 【Only 30s Step to Inflate & 1s Deflate】 Including an innovative...
- 【Durable 40D Nylon & Super Comfortable】 Camping sleeping pad made of...
- 【Innovation Design】Just Want to sleep comfortably anywhere? GLMNES...
- 【Foot Press to Inflate-Only 30s Needed】 There is no need to inflate...
- 【Sturdy, Durable, Compact But Lightweight Sleeping Pad】Made with the...
- 【Innovation Design】Just Want to sleep comfortably anywhere? MOXILS...
- 【Foot Press to Inflate-Only 20s Needed】 There is no need to inflate...
- 【Sturdy, Durable, Compact But Lightweight Sleeping Pad】Made with the...
If you liked this review, please rate below.
