The Best Sleeping Pads for Summer Camping in 2024.
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When you're camping, it's important to have a good night's sleep. That's where the right camping pillow comes in. Here are my top picks for the best camping pillows of 2024.
Why Do You Need a Sleeping Pad?
A sleeping pad serves three primary purposes:
Comfort: Provides a cushioned layer between you and the ground. Think about it: rocks, bumps, and such can make for a very uncomfortable night of sleep.
Insulation: This creates a barrier between your body and the cold ground, retaining body heat and preventing heat loss.
Protection: This product shields your sleeping bag from dirt and moisture, prolonging its lifespan and keeping you dry and clean.
Not all are created equally. We have used a few. Some are great. Some are not.
Best Overall
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm: The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm is highly known for its outstanding warmth, lightweight design, and exceptional comfort. With an impressive R-value of 6.9, it provides top-tier insulation, making it suitable even for cold conditions. Despite its warmth, it weighs only about 15 ounces, perfect for backpackers needing to minimize weight. The 2.5-inch thickness ensures a comfortable sleep on uneven terrain, and its durable materials guarantee long-lasting use. The pad's efficient inflation and deflation system makes setup and packing quick and easy, solidifying its position as the best overall sleeping pad for 2024. And, it is a pretty color blue.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm / Photo from REI
Price: $239.95 – $269.95
Color: Neptune and Vapor
Pad Thickness: Neptune and Vapor
Weight: Regular: 1 lb. / Regular Wide: 1 lb. 4 oz. / Large: 1 lb. 4 oz.
Best for Backpacking
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat(women’s): The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat is the top choice for backpackers due to its perfect balance of weight, comfort, and insulation. Weighing just over a pound, it's incredibly light and packs down small, making it easy to carry on long treks. The mat features air-sprung cells that conform to your body, providing a cushioned and supportive sleep. Its insulation ensures warmth on cooler nights without adding bulk. Easy to inflate and deflate, this pad is ideal for ultralight backpackers seeking maximum efficiency and comfort on the trail.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat(women’s) / Photo from REI
Price: $169.00 – $189.00
Colors: Coral
Pad Thickness (inches): 2
Insulated: Yes
Weight: Regular Mummy: 15.8 oz. / Large Mummy: 1 lb. 3.8 oz.
Best for Car Camping
Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated: The Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated is an excellent choice for car campers seeking comfort and affordability. This sleeping pad features a plush 3.5-inch thickness, offering outstanding support and cushioning, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The pad is insulated with a high R-value, providing warmth on cooler nights. Its dual-valve system makes it easy to inflate, deflate, and pack down compactly for convenient storage. The durable materials ensure longevity, making it perfect for regular use on car camping trips.
Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated / Photo from REI
Price: $179.95 – $279.95
Colors: Blue
Pad Thickness (inches): 3.5 inches
Insulated: Yes
Weight: Regular: 1 lb. 9 oz. / Regular Wide: 1 lb. 16 oz. / Long: 1 lb. 11 oz. / Long Wide: 2 lbs. 3 oz. / Long X-Wide: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
Best for Couples
Exped MegaMat Duo 10: The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 is the gold standard for couples or campers seeking maximum comfort. This luxurious double sleeping pad is 4 inches thick, providing the best insulation and support for two people. The self-inflating design ensures quick and easy setup, while the high-quality foam construction offers a plush sleeping surface that rivals your bed at home.
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 / Photo from Amazon
Price: $262.39 – $374.89 Save up to 25% (through May 27)
Colors: Green
Pad Thickness (inches): 4 inches
Insulated: Yes
Weight: Medium Double: 7 lbs. 8 oz. / Long Wide Double: 9 lbs. 14.7 oz. / Queen: 12 lbs. 9 oz.
Best for Budget
Klymit Static V2: The Klymit Static V2 is a fantastic option for those on a budget. It’s affordable yet comfortable and supportive. The V-chamber design minimizes air movement and heat loss, while its rugged build ensures durability. It's inflatable in 15 breaths, too. Plus, it's lightweight and packs down small, which is ideal for backpacking.
Klymit Static V2 / Photo from Amazon
Price: $90.88
Colors: Orange
Pad Thickness (inches): 2.5 inches
Insulated: Yes
Weight: 20 oz.
Sleeping Pads and Sleeping Bags are Like Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Like peanut butter and jelly, sleeping pads, and bags go together for a comfortable camping experience. The ground can be uneven, rocky, or cold, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep without the right gear. A quality sleeping pad provides the necessary cushion and insulation, protecting you from hard surfaces and retaining warmth. Paired with a cozy sleeping bag, these elements ensure you wake up refreshed for your day. Happy camping, and sleep tight.
Please read our other blogs on the best sleeping bags, camp pillows, and tents to find the best for your camping adventure: We Love to Camp: Our Best Tents for Summer Camping in 2024, The Best Camping Pillows for Summer Camping in 2024, and What are the Best Sleeping Bags for Summer Camping in 2024?
