10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2023

Therm-a-Rest’s new NeoAir XLite NXT is the best all-around 3-season sleeping pad on the market, hands down. It has a rare combination of comfort, warmth, and weight that make it very tough to beat for backpacking.

The new NXT version of the XLite is 3 inches thick, so it’s a bit cushier than before, and it has a slightly higher R-value too. One of our favorite features of the XLite is just how lightweight it is while still maintaining excellent insulation and durability. Keeping pack weight down on backcountry trips is critical, and the XLite is a stand-out in this arena.

The main knock on previous XLite models has been the crinkly sound they make when shifting around. We’re happy to report that the new NXT version is much quieter. We’d say the XLite NXT is just about as quiet as most air pads, but few can compete with its other specs.

The NeoAir XLite is a truly exceptional sleeping pad that we’ve put through the wringer over thousands of miles on the trail. It’s an all-time great backpacking sleeping pad, and we think you’ll agree.

Check out our full review of the XLite NXT here.

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is a warmer and more durable version of the XLite pad listed above. So why does it deserve a special spot on this list? It’s just that good.

Insulation (R-value) is a highly underrated characteristic in sleeping pads. If you’re a cold sleeper or you backpack in sub-freezing temps, we recommend bumping up to the XTherm. The latest NXT model is warmer, thicker, and even a touch lighter than before. With such a preposterous warmth-to-weight ratio, the XTherm is undoubtedly one of the best backpacking sleeping pads out there.

The XTherm also has a durable layer of 70-denier fabric on the underside – which we love – to combat wear and prevent punctures. This pad does make a slight crinkle sound when you shift around on it, but its considerable strengths far outweigh this minor downside.

With a weight that’s lower than the typical 3-season pad, but an R-value ready for serious winter adventures, it’s no wonder why the NeoAir XTherm has been a fan favorite for many years.

Check out our full review of the XTherm NXT here.

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is often the sleeping pad you’ll find in our packs on summer backpacking trips. It’s very comfortable, has a tiny packed size, and best of all – it’s ridiculously lightweight. This helps us keep our pack weight to an absolute minimum on burly, high-mileage adventures.

Like most ultralight gear, the UberLite is made with thin materials, so you’ll want to be careful with it to avoid punctures. We clear sharp rocks and pokey sticks from under our tents, and we always carry repair tape just in case. Using this small amount of care, we’ve had great results keeping the UberLite fully inflated and super comfy.

Though it requires a little more diligence, the UberLite is a truly exceptional ultralight backpacking sleeping pad for those looking to keep pack weight to a minimum.

Check out our full review of the UberLite here.

Tired of worrying about your air pad staying inflated? Look no further than the affordable and hassle-free NEMO Switchback. This closed-cell foam pad is easy on the wallet and it’s also one of the lightest sleeping pads on our list.

Foam pads are nice because you’ll never have to spend time inflating/deflating them, and you’ll never have to worry about waking up on the cold ground since they can’t spring a leak.

The downside with foam pads like the Switchback is they tend to be less comfortable than air pads, unless you prefer sleeping on firm surfaces. For this reason, we tend to choose air pads for most of our backcountry trips – we try to be careful with them, and we always bring repair tape just in case.

Still, there’s a lot to love about the convenience, affordability, and durability of the Switchback. So if you prefer a firm sleeping surface, simplicity, and worry-free comfort, the NEMO Switchback might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Check out our full review of the Switchback here.

Big Agnes is known as the mother of comfort, and they’re definitely earning that title with the Zoom UL. Added comfort can often mean added bulk and weight when it comes to backpacking gear, but the Zoom UL delivers an exceptionally cushy night’s sleep in a small, lightweight package.

Pads with comparable weight, R-value (warmth), and packability will generally run you $200 or more, but the Zoom UL comes in at a friendlier price point. At 3.25 inches thick in the center (and 3.5 inches on the side rails to help keep you in the middle), this is also one of the thicker pads on our list. This is a real advantage for side-sleepers and those who like a squishy pad, since you’ll have more room to adjust the firmness without bottoming out.

So with all that said, why isn’t this pad at the very top of our list? It really boils down to convenience. The valve is a bit slower and more finicky to deflate, and the pump sack is our least favorite out of all the ones we tested. These aren’t the biggest gripes in the world, but when it comes to the best of the best we had to be picky.

Still, the Zoom UL is an awesome value pad that will have you sleeping like a baby in the backcountry. So if you prioritize saving money over having a few extra conveniences, you won’t be disappointed by the Zoom UL. Learn more in our full review of the Zoom UL here.

The Klymit Static V is one of the best budget air pads on the market. It’s built with thicker materials than most lightweight backpacking sleeping pads and is slightly wider than the standard pad size as well.

The V-shaped air tubes on the Static V are quite comfortable, but the large spaces between air chambers mean you may bottom out while shifting around. The two biggest downsides of this pad are its low R-value – this pad is best for summer trips – and its basic valve. Klymit does offer an insulated version of the Static V, but it weighs quite a bit more, and its true R-value (ASTM) is only increased to 1.9.

Drawbacks aside, the Klymit Static V is still a great choice for budget-conscious backpackers. It’s durable, comfortable, and it’ll get the job done at a fraction of the price.

The NEMO Tensor Insulated sleeping pad is thick, comfortable, and quieter than almost any air pad we’ve tested. So if you’re looking to avoid the crinkle sound some pads have, the Tensor is an excellent option.

Another thing that sets the Tensor apart is the wide variety of shape and size options, including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular/wide model. The rectangular models are popular, as they allow your feet to rest wider apart when back sleeping. This, along with 3 in. of thickness, makes the Tensor a real stand-out when it comes to comfort.

The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, making inflation fast and easy. On top of that, the zero-profile valve allows for quick deflation and simple micro-adjustments.

We’ve been big fans of the NEMO Tensor since the first model hit the shelves, and we still rock it for trips where extra comfort is a top priority.

REI’s Helix Insulated Air features the highest R-value of any pad in its price range, so it’s an excellent value for cold sleepers on a tight budget.

At 3 inches thick, the Helix is very cushy and comfortable. But side-sleepers and those that shift around a lot might experience some bottoming out due to its dimpled design. Hikers who lie on their back probably won’t have an issue with this, though, and will likely find the air cells to be perfectly plush.

The biggest downside of the Helix is that it’s one of the heaviest sleeping pads on our list, but it’s also one of the warmest. We always recommend keeping pack weight to a minimum to increase overall comfort on trail, but the Helix has a very fair price tag and is insulated enough for cold sleepers to stay comfortable.

Sea to Summit makes some of the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market, and the Ether Light XT Insulated (view women’s here) is one of their lightest and cushiest sleeping pads yet. The unique “air sprung cells” mimic the support of the mattresses we use at home, and they cradle the body in a way standard air pad baffles can’t.

The Either Light is also 4 inches thick, which will help you dial in your preferred firmness and ensure you never bottom out. In addition, the slightly wider side rails on the Either Light help to keep you centered on the pad throughout the night. The “Pillowlock system” on this pad is also a nice touch. It’s designed to keep your S2S Aeros pillow in place throughout the night.

With an R-value of 3.2 and a durable build, the Sea to Summit Ether Light is a great fit for 3-season backpackers looking for top-tier comfort.

Check out our full review of the Ether Light here.

Much like the Ether Lite XT listed above, Sea to Summit’s Ultralight Insulated pad (view women’s here) is one of the most comfortable backpacking pads we’ve tested. Its “air sprung cells” provide cushy comfort that feels surprisingly like your mattress at home.

The benefit the Ultralight has over the Ether Lite mostly comes in its more affordable price tag. The Ultralight is also just about as warm and comfortable as the Ether Lite, but it’s slightly less bulky. At 2 inches thick, some users might bottom out when shifting around on this pad, and the Ultralight might not be the best fit for side sleepers. That said, the Ultralight still provides a very comfortable night’s rest.

The Ultralight has a good valve system and is more durable than the average air pad as well. So if you’re in the market for a comfortable, lightweight, and durable backpacking sleeping pad that costs less than most of its competitors, the Sea to Summit Ultralight is a great choice.

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is a super cushy, durable, and warm sleeping pad for 3-season adventures. Where the Rapide differentiates itself from other pads is its large side rails that help to keep you centered on the pad throughout the night.

The Rapide is also 3.5 inches thick, making it one of the thickest backpacking pads on the market. This will allow you to dial in the perfect firmness level to suit your sleeping style. At 19 ounces, the Rapide is among the heavier sleeping pads on our list, but its unique comfort and affordable price point still make it a great choice for many backpackers.

For those who prioritize comfort over all else, the Big Agnes Rapide SL is a top contender.