Here we evaluate how well each pad can handle the various lumpy miseries of the landscape, things that typically disrupt a nice night out under the stars, such as roots, rocks, and reggae. While inflatable pads can get holes, they can also be patched almost indefinitely, so if you take care of them, its common for inflatable pads to outlast foam pads. Our goal in this review is to take an in-depth look at the pros/cons of what is available on the market today. Yes, the XTherm wins our highest honors, but that doesn't mean some of the more wallet-friendly options won't get the job done in a similar fashion. When you find the hole, mark it right away with a sharpie or any other marking tool you may have on hand. And quilted pads, such as our top pick for comfort, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Air Sleeping Mat, tend to be cozier than pads with vertical or horizontal baffles. Where that UberLite is constructed of paper-thin 15-denier nylon, this XLite uses a 30-denier fabric for increased durability. Some of us also have found rectangular pads to be more stable, and therefore more comfortable, than mummy-shaped pads. The biggest downside to inflatable pads is that they can spring leaks. However, it is one of the least packable pads we have tested and is miserably uncomfortable on hard surfaces. Our testers also found it to be quite comfortable, with one of them saying that it was inexplicably more comfortable than the above-reviewed Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. The Ultimate Guide to Ultramarathon Training! Our sleeping pad review quite literally has something for everyone. Have you ever gone without a sleeping pad altogether. Inflatable sleeping pad versus foam sleeping pad; how should I choose? Finding a balance between price, durability, warmth, comfort, and weight can certainly be a tricky process. If you know you are hard on gear or that you will be camping on rough and jagged surfaces, choose a thicker, heavier inflatable pad because it is more likely to last a while. He is joined by Matt and Brian, both alumni of Yosemite Search and Rescue, where versatile, reliable, and durable equipment is a necessary part of everyday life. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad weathers a snow squall in Colorado. Another super low-priced (and high value) option is the classic Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol. We havent had any of these pads long enough to observe any major durability issues, but we will continue to use our top picks and revise this guide with our observations. The Static V2, though not extremely thick, did an excellent job padding our tired hips from the rocks. It does, however, take eight to 12 hours to cure. One of our testers swore off foam years ago after several nights of bruised hips, but, in the interest of this test, gave it a try. Want to explore that cool backcountry basin youve been eyeing, but only have a couple of days free on your schedule? R-value is a measure of a sleeping pads ability to prevent the loss of body heat to the cold ground. We put these pads to the test in a variety of environments so you can be well-informed about the best on the market for fastpacking. Pads marketed toward women are generally somewhat warmer than pads marketed as unisex due to the assumption that women sleep colder than men. While this pad might not be our first choice for side sleepers, given its relatively thin padding, it does perform well when sleeping prone or on your back. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Ben explores all over the west, but especially the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. If you plan fastpacking trips in colder temperatures or where you may have to sleep on the snow, choose a pad with a higher R-value, such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, which has an R-value of 4.2. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite is constructed from a 15 denier nylon that feels alarmingly thin, while the Nemo Tensor uses a slightly thicker 20D nylon. It is light enough to allow for the addition of the Z Lite without too much struggle. The newest design in the vast sea of valve/sack options is the Winglock valve fixed to the XLite and XTherm (and Uberlite). These pads went on guided backpacking trips in Colorado and New Mexico, and we brought them along on trips in the Eastern Sierra and Utah. Foam sleeping pads have the inherent benefit of being 100% puncture-proof. They are significantly narrower than the more comfortable and heavy offerings on the market but retain the necessary features to get a good night's sleep. While it isn't ultralight, the 6.9 R-Value is mind-blowing, considering the pad packs down small and barely weighs over a pound. However, the Klymit Static V2 is one we highly recommend. Read our full Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad review. One of the wider pads, especially at the feet. These pads have been hauled around the world, put to the test while guiding, hiking, and exploring on bikes, boats, and self-propelled missions. Aquaseal +UV is better for field repairs because it cures in only 30 seconds. This reliability is one reason fastpackers and ultralight backpackers choose them over inflatable options. We're fans of the pad's newly improved valve system and had no hesitation crowning the XTherm our favorite pad. The Therm-a-Rest Uberlite is an excellent choice for ultralight backpacking in the warmer months, weighing in at 8.8 ounces, but it's not warm enough for winter camping and feels shockingly fragile; use with caution! This is also a great choice for those ambitious adventures when youre going to be tired enough to sleep wherever you happen to stop for the night. And for the especially weight-conscious among us, it can be cut to shorter lengths. Over time, internal welds can begin to come apart and the pad will start to bubble. Larger individuals might want to consider the wider (25in) version as this one is pretty narrow at 20 inches. The lighter the better, of course, though thats not always possible depending on the trip. If thats you, pick an inflatable pad rather than a foam pad. Photo: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne. It's not one we'd recommend for the gram counters out there. And the aluminized film insulation found on Therm-a-Rest and NEMO pads can flake off with use. Do you sleep better on foam or inflatable pads? Thankfully, inflatable pads are usually easy to patch if the leak isn't too minute and isn't emanating from the pad's valve system. Packed Size: 19 x 3 inches (48.3 x 7.6cm). Weve only seen it get technically better over the years, with an effective one-way inflation valve and giant inflation bag. This works best if you can find dry and soft surfaces such as meadows, pine needles, or sand to sleep on. At 14.8 ounces, the Switchback is roughly the same weight as our top pick, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, and since it is foam, it will never spring a leak. The most compelling reasons to choose foam pads are their low cost and low weight. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad is a very light, very warm pad with good comfort and durability. My inflatable sleeping pad keeps leaking; what do I do? With most fastpacking packs, you have to attach the pad to the back of the pack under a web of shock cord where its bulkiness will make your pack look less sleek, if aesthetics are important to you. We named this the best inflatable sleeping bad for fastpacking. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. We dont recommend this pad for colder excursions when thermal protection from the ground is needed. But, if youre careful and using a tent with a floor, a bivy, or a ground tarp underneath the pad every night, then the UberLite should last a long time. Ben Kilbourne is a Gear Tester, Writer, and Editor at iRunFar. If you want nearly the performance of our top-ranking inflatable pads at a little bit of a weight penalty, and want to save about $50, this is a good option. If you trim it down to only eight sections which seems to be about the right size for most folks shoulders and hips it will weigh about eight ounces. With the advent of duo sleeping pads, there are new considerations to be had when thinking about staying warm through the night. Both of these pads won awards in this guide. If all things are held constant, and one item weighs less than another, you should absolutely select the lighter item. Additionally, most pads do come with patch kits. We then bought these pads at retail and disbursed them to our trusty gear testers. Fastpacking. This pad is light, warm, comfortable, and packs down small. The higher the R-value, the warmer the pad will be. How important is my sleeping pad in the context of fastpacking? The Winglock isn't perfect, but it is a massive upgrade to these pads, allowing air in and out exponentially faster and easier than in the past. Here, Hallie Taylor tests gear for this guide on a night out in Utah. Gear testing is a hard rock life. While the Sleepingo is incredibly affordable and performs decently, there are some important notes. For this reason, wed recommend looking at warmer unisex pads such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad if you are a woman who sleeps cold but is too tall for a five-foot, six-inch pad. If you're anything like our testers, your first sleeping pad may well be a closed-cell foam pad, and rightfully so. If you are a cold sleeper and dont want to feel the cold ground ever again, consider adding this to your fastpacking kit. These two sleeping pads were among the favorites of all those we tested. How can we improve GearLab? While this does bump the overall weight of the pad up, the ability to have dual-density creates a uniquely comfortable pad. Photo: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne. The Nemo Tensor Insulated boasts similar specs but edges past the XLite in comfort thanks to a rectangular design, box baffles, and less "crinkly" materials for a quieter night's sleep. While moisture accumulation in pads is not a major deal, it is something to keep an eye on. However, the downside of self-inflating pads is that they are less comfortable, bulkier, and heavier than air-construction pads. For those who want to go ultralight and fast, give some serious time and consideration to both the Switchback and Z Lite, as they can be cut down to shave off more weight and will virtually never completely fall apart. If you aren't too picky about having an ultra-plush pad, this could work for you. Actual Weight: 19.2 ounces (544g) without the inflation bag, 21.1 ounces (598g) with the inflation bag. The lightest pads are generally also going to be the least comfortable and least warm, such as the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch. It's hard to beat the new winglock valve and the rather minimal amount of air it takes to fill the new Therm-a-Rest pads. Unless you are a cold sleeper, most of the pads in this review will be warm if you only like recreating in temperate climates. Even sleeping pads offering four inches of cushion just don't have the same adjustability and ultra-high level of comfort you can achieve with this pad. Because sleeping pads were made to insulate you from the ground and sleeping bags were made to surround your body snugly for efficient insulation, putting a bulky pad inside your sleeping bag would inhibit the intended function of both pieces of equipment. Placing a small, trimmed foam pad inside your sleeping bag ensures it stays in the right place under the hips and shoulders. Hands down, the most comfortable pads we snoozed on are the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Camper Duo. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, named the best inflatable sleeping pad for fastpacking, tested on a night of cowboy camping in the Utah desert. But there is a certain type of trip where the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch makes more sense than any other pad on this list. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi. Hes been writing about ultralight backpacking and fastpacking, as well as the intersection of these types of recreation with environmental issues for four years. It packs down exceptionally small just a bit larger than its smaller cousin, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, which we also review below. Keep in mind that our ratings are relative. The size regular is only 13.3 ounces without the stuff sack or inflation bag, 15.2 ounces including the inflation bag, and has an R-value of 4.2, the second-highest of any pad on this list. The XLite packs in tighter than rush hour traffic on I-25 into Denver. If you want to add even more durability to your pad, you can use. It came down to how impressed we were with the warmth/weight ratio of the XTherm, though both pads are excellent. These three come to the campsite with heavy climbing backgrounds a pursuit where you learn to appreciate a restorative night's sleep outdoors. The Therm-a-Rest pads we tested are incredibly expensive but are indeed quite good value, as they offer durable construction and some mind-blowingly good performance. While there are many high performers, many have specific niches that shouldn't be missed. The weight of the single pads tested ranges from 8.8 ounces, like the Therm-a-rest Uberlite, to over 25 ounces, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus. Set up quicker than you can change your mind on which freeze-dried Mountain House meal to eat. In fact, a warm pad will pair well with a bottomless or quilt-style sleeping bag which has little to no insulation under the body. Brush debris off your clothes and sleeping pad before laying down because it could easily puncture this pad. If youre horrified by the prospect of sleeping on a piece of foam barely thicker than a quarter, we cant blame you. Run a bit, hike a bit, stop to make coffee or fly fish, and then run and hike again. Many inflatable pads are rounded at the head and foot, creating a mummy shape. Several of us at iRunFar have been using different versions of this pad for nearly a decade. Our winning sleeping pads shown for size comparisons. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The pad is constructed of 30-denier and 40-denier fabrics, which we believe offer a good balance of decent durability and low weight. Actual Weight: 16.6 ounces (472g) without the inflation bag, 18.7 ounces (529g) with the inflation bag, Packed Size: 9.5 x 4.5 inches (24.1 x 11.4cm), Comparing the inflatable Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat on the left and the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad on the right. Not only does the Z Lite create a pop-free barrier between inflatables and the ground, it adds a significant insulation layer between your body and warmth sucking granite. Higher denier fabrics will be more puncture resistant than lower ones. Our testers did find the pad to be comfortable, though, and warm to 22 degrees Fahrenheit on one of our Wasatch Mountains of Utah overnighters. This feature has the potential to save weight by negating the use of a groundsheet, an imperative item when using inflatables. Likely anyone who has had some exposure to the outdoors will be familiar with this pad or one extremely similar to it. The dimensions are a bit tight for larger individuals. Sea to Summit threw down with the Ether Light XT as a pad offering a high level of comfort without piling on the weight. The XTherm is quite comfortable especially considering the low weight. We dont recommend them for fastpackers or ultralight backpackers wanting to save a little cash. If you're seeking high value, outstanding durability, and reliability on the trail, this is an excellent choice. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Even the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is only $55 and nearly as light as our best all-around sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. Layering the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm on top of the ZLite Sol will give you a cozy R-value of over 8. In this review, we've included ease of inflation in our metrics. It makes little to no noise on Dyneema Composite Fabric or silnylon surfaces. And if it's a women's-specific sleeping pad or bag you're seeking, we've got dedicated reviews for those, too. While this pad does taper at the head and foot, it is less shaped than the Therm-a-Rest pads, which probably accounts for some of the comfort and stability. Packed Size: 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches (51 x 13 x 14cm), Comparing the foam NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad on the left and the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad on the right. To add something new to the mix, sleeping pad companies have delved into the dual pad landscape, and we're glad. Comparing the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad on the left and the foam NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad on the right. If you're seeking the most durable and reliable pad option out there and don't want to carry a patch kit, consider the less comfortable but highly reliable Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol that utilizes close-cell technology. His experiences on the land, whether triumphant or thwarted by events either in or out of his control, have provided the foundation for his essays, paintings, articles, and songs. That said, blowing up your pad with your mouth will introduce moisture into the pad which can reduce its overall warmth. Self-inflating pads have been on the market for decades and make the task of inflating easier. Shop the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, Shop the Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, Shop the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, Shop the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, Shop the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, Shop the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch, Shop the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad, Shop the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, Brooks Cascadia 16 Standard and GTX Reviews, Merrell Antora 2 Standard and Gore-Tex Reviews, Arcteryx Norvan SL Insulated Hoody Review, Blyss Running Distance Short and Skirting Around Crop Review, DexShell Waterproof Breathable Accessory Review, Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket and Peak Mission Gloves Review, Rab Kinetic Ultra Waterproof Jacket Review, Rabbit Womens Warm Weather Apparel Review, Rabbit Womens Cold Weather Apparel Review, Ultimate Direction Womens Mountain Vesta 5.0 Review, Tifosi Tsali and Swank Sunglasses Reviews, NordicTrack Commercial X32i Incline Treadmill Review, Ultramarathon Training: A Guide to Everything, The Long Game (In-Depth Profiles of Top Runners), Age-Old Runners (Profiles of Runners Age 45 and Up), Catching Up With (Runner Profiles from During the Pandemic), Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running by Meghan Hicks and Bryon Powell, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad ($200), Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad review, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad ($220), NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad ($55), Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat ($189), Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch ($22), Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad ($240), Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat ($149), Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad Review. Because this is a fastpacking list, we wanted to make sure that any pad we chose would keep your pack light, and therefore runnable. The 4.2 R-value settles the XLite firmly in the three-season category, making it comfortable even for fall days in the desert when you wake up with a bit of frost on your bivy. In each of these situations, this is far better than nothing, but its still a far cry from being comfortable and warm. Either way, adding one of these pads to your system will give you the versatility to take either pad alone or in combination to combat the cold. If car camping is more your style, you may be more comfortable on a thick and cushy camping mattress. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi. While these pads have their cult following among hardcore wilderness Luddites, the new sleeping pad technologies are certainly getting lighter, warmer, and even more comfortable, making these self-inflating pads a bit less attractive. The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch is both the cheapest and lightest pad on this list at $22 and 2.7 ounces. There is a new standardized insulation testing metric across brands. These pads have the benefit of packing down very small but some fastpackers and ultralight backpackers still consider them, at nearly a pound, to be heavy. Others even like to cut pads down to torso length and then place their pack under their legs to save weight. That said, the second warmest pad on our list is also the second lightest inflatable: the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. The good news is that holes can almost always be fixed successfully, whether in the field or at home, so taking the time to do so will keep your pad working for years. This year, we have looked far and wide to find all the sleeping pads on the market that are light and small enough to qualify as fastpacking pads. You can inflate the pad by opening the stuff sack so it fills with air, then folding it closed and pushing the trapped air through the valve and into the pad. That said, the UberLite is perfect for the right user, so read on to find out more about that one. The bargain-basement price does come with a big drawback. The Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, for example, is simply a warmer version of the unisex Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. Its inexpensive too, at only $22. First, cold is nothing more than the absence of heat, and heat moves energy from warmer objects to colder ones. We never punctured these pads during our testing but would never leave home without a patch kit while hiking with these pads. One thing our testers like about this pad is that it can be used as a frame sheet in some packs, making the pack more rigid and preventing sharp items from poking you in the back. This review has many high-value options, but we'd like to point out a few that perform well without breaking the bank. A small repair kit weighs a few ounces at most, and most repairs are pretty easy in the field. The Air Sprung cells, coupled with variable density chambers and a high R-value, make for one heck of a sleeping pad. There are many inexpensive sleeping pads on the market. While the majority of our testers preferred horizontal baffles to those that run the length of a pad, everyone agreed the quilted Comfort Plus was the most comfortable of the pads we would be willing to pack on a backpacking trip. But maybe most importantly for comfort, the pad is quilted instead of having horizontal or vertical baffles, so there is less tippiness. Most of the pads on our list especially the thicker inflatables would take up space inside and reduce the comfort and insulating properties of your sleeping bag and are better used outside. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, for example, is made from a 15-denier fabric, whereas the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad is constructed out of 30- and 70-denier materials. While the pump sack is definitely the way to go, filling the old-fashioned way isn't too bad. This pad has a lower R-value but weighs nearly an ounce and a half more than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, which we reviewed above. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Female Menstrual Cycle and Ultra Performance, Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons, Where the Road Ends: A Guide to Trail Running, Crinkly sound not as loud as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, 15-denier fabric is somewhat fragile and needs to be treated with care, Packs down smaller than other foam pads we tested, Needs to be carried on the outside of a pack, Extremely comfortable quilted baffle design, Moderately durable 30- and 40-denier fabrics, Not nearly as warm as the Therm-a-Rest pads reviewed in this guide. But if youre the type of person who really likes to put in those long days and are content to sleep anywhere your feet will deposit you, look at this pad. Being comfortable in the backcountry requires the right gear, and lightweight is better when it comes to backpacking gear. Photo: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne. The most durable pads tested were the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL and Nemo Switchback because they are made of foam and are virtually indestructible compared to inflatable pads. We spent nights with teeth chattering, so hopefully, you won't have to. Many others on the market also seem similar but haven't yet been put through their paces with our testers. Do I need a womens-specific sleeping pad? Our favorite pad for ultralight backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. These same testers also will go with just a small piece of foam or nothing at all if the goal of the trip is to move as quickly as possible through the mountains or if they dont plan to rest more than a few hours at a time. About six months of use versus a brand new Z Lite. The bigger longevity issue of inflatables has to do with the durability of the insulation. Or you might want a warm inflatable pad because you prioritize a good nights rest to make the coming days 35 miles and 8,000 vertical feet more enjoyable. Not only do duo pads allow for critical sharing of body heat, but they also work well to insulate the entire tent floor from cold soaking in from below. For instance, the warmer a pad is, the lighter your sleeping bag can be. Compresses after many uses, losing insulating ability. Because of its high R-value, good comfort, great packability, and minimal weight, we feel that this is the best all-around sleeping pad for virtually any three-season fastpacking trip. We also love the Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad which is virtually the same pad as the unisex version, just warmer and shorter and recommend it for any human who is five feet, six inches tall or under. Some of our testers have had 70-denier pads last for 10 years while others have gotten holes in those exact same pads in a matter of days. They also pack down much smaller than foam pads, keeping your pack streamlined and small. The new gen Therm-a-Rest pads aren't perfect but dang they're getting close. Its not particularly comfortable, but it will provide enough insulation to get you through the night. Most of our testers prefer inflatable pads for most trips and find the weight penalty to be worth a good nights rest. These are non-issues however, for fastpackers who prioritize reliability. The SLX Tent Floor Pad costs less than two retail single Q-core SLX pads but offers a significant boost in overall comfort for couples. The other downside is that this pad squeaks horribly on polyurethane-coated tent floors. With Nemo's release of the Switchback, we now have two solid options for supplemental or standalone foam sleeping pads that offer decent performance. The result is a 1.2-ounce pad. Warmth isn't nearly as important for summer hikers as it is for winter wanderers. It also doesn't have ASTM tested R-ratings, which makes the stated value a bit less valuable than it would be otherwise. Maybe this is due to life's natural course of trending towards feeling like the tin man needing oil, but it is undeniable. Have back-to-back long runs on your schedule and dont want to go back to your car or house in between? Actual Weight: 13.3 ounces (378g) without inflation bag, 15.2 ounces (432g) with inflation bag, Shop the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping PadShop the Therm-a-Rest Womens NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad. This pad has a ridiculous R-value of 6.9. Several of our testers have trimmed the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch down to a piece large enough for only shoulders and hips to save weight. Even compared to the largest inflatable mat we tested, the Z Lite is cumbersome. The only real downside is its weight relative to our highest-rated warm sleeping pads. Its also our best budget fastpacking pad, priced $95 to $185 less than the inflatables on this list.