Best Camping Sleeping Pads In 2020: Buying Guide and Reviews
In this article, we will discuss in-depth on what to look for before buying a camping sleeping pads that will serve you well for a long time. We will also review 10 of our favorite products of various prices and quality.
After a long day riding bikes in trails and backpacking, you would expect to sleep like a log, right? Well, that’s what’s supposed to happen being as you would be bone-tired, but sleep unfamiliar spaces can be super elusive and even more so when you lack the right gear.
Because being out and about camping does not equal neglecting all luxury, you can now bring the best camping sleeping pad on your escapades. Heavy? Not in the least since most of the ones on the market are easily trolled into a ball that you can take anywhere easily. Convenient? You can bet! No more tossing and turning in your sleeping bag and counting days till you can go back home to your warm bed.
Table of Contents
- Camping Sleeping Pads – Review & Buyer’s Guide
- 1. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
- 2. Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad
- 3. WELLAX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
- 4. Binffeey Sleeping Pads
- 5. WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad
- 6. MalloMe Sleeping Pad
- 7. ECOTEK Outdoors Insulated
- 8. POWERLIX Sleeping Pad
- 9. Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad
- 10. AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad
- Camping Sleeping Pads – Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Camping Sleeping Pads – Review & Buyer’s Guide
1. Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
Being a three-season air mattress, this sleeping pad will carry you through summer and in-between. It is not the thickest of them all, but it can handle 350 lbs. or even more, if you are a side sleeper. The pad is also quite cheap yet lightweight for packing. The manufacturer backs it up with a lifetime guarantee, which only sweetens the deal.
It weighs 14.5 oz., is 2″ thick, and measures 75 X 23 when blown up, which isn’t too much to haul around when you travel. It is not self0-inflatable, but you only need to blow a few breaths in it to make it ideal for sleeping on. Easy to care for too as it only needs wiping with a wet cloth. With an R-value of 2.1, it is most ideal for temperatures above 40° Fahrenheit. It is not the best for winter as it will not keep you warm enough.
One other thing that makes this Sleepingo sleeping pad ideal is its nylon outer coat that makes it waterproof. It is also rip-resistant so you can enjoy the outdoors without limitation.
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean and care for.
- Cheap.
- Comfortable air pad.
- Not insulated.
- The R-value is quite low.
2. Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad
This Klymit sleeping pad is a little heavier than most because it is insulated for warmth and so it weighs 19.6 oz. too much, you ask? Not really. It measures 72″ x 23″ x 2.5″ when inflated, which requires about 10 breaths. The material, 30D Polyester, is waterproof, tear-proof, puncture, and abrasion resistance, making this the ideal pad for outdoor adventure.
It is gold – and other sensational colors to choose from – and it will set you back a few more bucks than most in its category. Is the extra cost worth it? Totally, being as it will serve you for a long time since it is hardly affected by extreme weather. Its R-value is 4.4 which makes it ideal for winters mostly. Warmer weather would require a lower value, but this will do too as you cannot overheat.
Unlike with some sleeping pads, this one does not favor a particular sleeping pattern over another. Its special V-shaped design follows the contours of the body to keep you comfortable regardless of the position you choose.
- A 4.4 R-value for winter use.
- Designed to take up any sleeping position.
- Tear and abrasion-resistant material.
- Quite expensive.
3. WELLAX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
This Wellax sleeping pad that measures 2.5 inches thick is also just right for summer with an R-value of 2.1. While this insulation will not keep you stay warm in temperatures beyond zero degrees, it will serve you well in warmer weather. As for comfort, this 2½-inch-thick inflatable pad accommodates over 350lbs easily and its design accommodates sleepers of all kinds, whether you sleep on your back or the side. The maker says they used over 300 air-sprung cells to ensure bounciness and comfort.
Made of laminated 20D rip-stop nylon and some TPU layer on the top, this pad is not only durable but waterproof too. The bottom layer is made of a super durable material that makes it longer lasting than most. Add a reasonable cost to it and you have one of the best deals on the market.
The pad’s air cells are single layered to make it super light and easy to pack. Also, the two flat valves used on this pad make it easy to inflate and deflate.
- Thick and insulated.
- Waterproof and rip-stop material.
- Compact and light.
- With a 2.1 R-value, this pad is not the warmest, especially for winter.
4. Binffeey Sleeping Pads
When fully inflated, this Binffeey sleeping pad measures 74.8”x 22”x 2.17.” Its thickness, 2.17 inches, is enough to keep your back quite comfortable even on rugged ground. It is blue with air valves for inflation that close and pen promptly without letting out air.
The 40D polyester with TPU coating used on this product makes it easy to clean, waterproof, and durable. Polyester stands punctures and so you will bring this to the jungle without worrying about it ripping, but you have a kit for repair in case that happens. Its egg wave pattern design improves insulation making it more comfortable and warmer than most.
This pad only weighs 2.3lbs when deflated and packed in the free storage bag from Binfeey. Its length is accommodative too even for taller people. Is it the cheapest on the market? No, but then again for the price you get two pads connected, which we feel is a good deal. If you do not wish to blow in it each time, you can store it while still inflated as it does not leak.
- Has an attached pillow.
- Takes 15-20 breaths to inflate.
- Waterproof and durable.
- Two pads each with its storage bag.
- Not meant for winter if you are a cold sleeper.
- Quite expensive.
5. WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad
If you are looking for a super comfortable sleeping pad for your outdoor escapades, then this 3-inch thick Wellax pad could be the ideal product. Made of nylon for lightweight packing and waterproofness, this pad will endure harsh treatment. It needs no inflation as it is made with UltraFlex memory foam, but that also makes it slightly bulkier than air-inflated pads. However, the comfort level it gives makes it worthy of the extra weight.
It measures 77” x 28” x 3” and will comfortably fit inside a sleeping bag to make up for the difference in height for taller people. Because of its material, it is not noisy and neither will it let in air. It has an R-value of 9.5 which is ideal for winter. Because of the foam in this mattress, it takes up the body’s shape for added comfort regardless of your sleeping position. It is abrasion-resistant and not affected by heat. It also does not overheat, and so sleeping on this pad is super comfortable.
- Stays inflated, thanks to inflating and deflating valves.
- The R-value of 9.5 is perfect for winter.
- 3 inches thick.
- Quite expensive.
- Could be shorter for some people.
6. MalloMe Sleeping Pad
This MallowMe sleeping pad is popular for several factors, among them its SoftFoam material that is quite comfortable to lie on all night. It also comes with an inflatable pillow, so that is one thing less to pack when backpacking.
It weighs 2.8ls when rolled up and ready to go. It is self-inflating, and so it will be plumped up and ready to sleep on with 10-20 breaths. Since it has no leakages, you will not need to inflate it again all night long. Packing is pretty easy – just roll it up and strap it. It is 2 1/2 inches thick when fully uninflated and wide enough so you won’t just roll off at night. The foam also takes up the shape of your body to make you comfortable when sleeping in any position.
- Lightweight.
- Inflates fully with only 20 breathes – max.
- 2.5 inches thick for comfort.
- Not insulated.
7. ECOTEK Outdoors Insulated
Hammocks are great, but they aren’t always the most comfortable, and especially if you sleep in one all night long, which is why this sleeping pad from Ecotex changes the game. With its contoured FlexCell design, it takes up the shape of the body, becoming flexible and absorbing pressure at all points.
Thanks to a layer of self-expanding synthetic insulation, this pad can handle up to -10º C as per the manufacturer. It is made of 70D woven polyester for durability, and that means it will not leak or collapse under lots of weight – up to 350lbs. you are also covered for a lifetime!
Since it is self-inflating, it won’t require over 20 breaths to be fully inflated and ready to sleep on. It comes with a bag too for carrying and storage.
- Insulated.
- Flex design that takes on the body’s shape.
- Sturdy material that won’t rip.
- Quite noisy.
8. POWERLIX Sleeping Pad
Powerlix put a lot of thought into the making of this sleeping pad, and especially with the hexagonal design that makes it ideal for all body sizes and sleeping designs. It conforms to your body and provides support on all pressure points to give you a good night’s sleep even when camping. We also love the 2-color design where you only need to roll it over to have a mat in a different color. How cool!
Its dual-action non-leak air valve enables you to inflate and deflate this pad without losing any air. The 75D nylon that makes the exterior is super durable and will handle any harsh treatment quite well. When traveling on not using it, just deflate the pad and pack it in the storage bag that is part of the package. It comes with two repair kits and a year’s guarantee.
- Hexagonal design to handle pressure points.
- Sturdy material.
- Lightweight – 600g
- Quite expensive.
- Some reviewers say the air valves are not reliable.
9. Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad
Ryno Tuff’s sleeping pad is 2 inches thick for comfort and stability when you sleep. It is self-inflating, which means less than 20 breaths will get it ready. Made of nylon that is abrasion-resistant and waterproof, this pad is ideal for any weather, and its insulation makes it ideal for cold weather too.
This pad measures 75 inches long by 24 inches wide, which most people will fit. A storage bag that is part of the package is a bonus as is the inflatable pillow that we find quite charming. Its price makes it one of the most popular products in its category.
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Large and thick for comfort.
- All-weather, thanks to its material.
- Insulation is mostly ideal for summer.
10. AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad
AirExpect, whose sleeping pad is available in green and navy, place this pad’s weight capacity at 660lb. The air-cells are designed to handle that much weight without affecting the air inside this pad because the material will not allow any leaks.
It is 2.5-inches thick yet light. Its air valves are quite revolutionary because it can be inflated without blowing into it. At the top is an air pump that you only need to squeeze until it is inflated to your liking. It also comes with an attached pillow that is sunken to accommodate the head as well as a storage bag.
- Attached pillow.
- Built-in pump.
- Made of anti-skid camping-grade heavy-duty nylon.
- It can be noisy.
Camping Sleeping Pads – Buying Guide
When thinking of the ideal sleeping pad, two of the most important things that come to mind are cushioning and insulation. Warmth is okay, but it wouldn’t do you a lot of good if you weren’t that comfortable, would it? This buying guide explores the choice of sleeping pad by looking at its intended use – car camping, summer/winter camping – and features.
These are the most vital factors that you should consider in your purchase.
Pad Dimensions
You want to look at the width, length, and weight. Where weight is concerned, you certainly want ultra-light sleeping pads because they are easy to carry anywhere, but they are also a little more expensive than their heavier counterparts. Tapered shape pads are a nice compromise because the shape reduces the size of the pad and weight as well.
Length – A regular pad usually measures 72 inches long while a long one is mostly 78-inch long and will insulate both feet and legs for comfort during chilly nights. A shorter one will pack smaller and be lighter, but it will not have the same coverage as a lengthier pad. However, longer ones are slightly heavier and costlier. We should also mention here that thicker pads are more comfortable.
Warmth and the Pad’s R-Value
The R-value of a pad simple means its ability to insulate heat between the ground and your body. It is essentially the ability of a pad to resist heat flow, hence the “R.” You want a pad that will prevent too much loss of heat from your body but at the same time one that doesn’t cause you to overheat. Most pads come with a layer of synthetic insulation built in them for this purpose.
Most products’ R-value ranges from 1.0 – minimal insulation – to 11.0 or more – proper insulation, especially for winter camping. If you plan to camp during summer or in tropic weather, then an R-value of 3 is okay while 5 is the minimum recommended for colder regions/ weather. The higher a pad’s R-value, the more insulation it offers.
Inflation and Valves
For the longest time, all sleeping pads on the market used the twisting plastic valve where you turned one direction to inflate the pad and then quickly turned the other to close it without losing any air. The tedious method that didn’t always work, which is why the more advanced flat valves made this process easier. Some pads have different valves dedicated to the two different actions – inflation and deflation – while others have a flap that prevents air from escaping. When buying, you certainly want to ensure the right technology is used.
Material and Price
Textile strength is measured in denier and so you want a sleeping pad made of material can handle travel and constant wear. Some 15-denier nylon pads will work just as well as 75-denier polyester, but the latter will certainly last longer. The more durable the material, the more expensive the pad is going to be but that would be a worthy investment especially if you spend lots of time outdoors.
Noise
While lightweight sleeping pads pack small, they can be quite noisy, and you may keep your campmates up every time you turn. If you are sleeping alone, though, you may not have much to worry about. Thicker ones have lots of padding and so they reduce the noise aspect. What are you willing to put up with between noise and lightweight packing?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
Going camping soon? Now you know what to look for in a sleeping pad that will meet all your needs without breaking the bank. As always, we hope this article opened your eyes to the best camping sleeping pads on the market and made it easy to choose one. Any of the ten we have reviewed will serve you well for long as they were hand-picked for their properties.
If any of the information we have given changes, we shall update it appropriately as we want this guide to be the best for this topic. Have fun in your outdoor escapades and see you on the next one!