Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2025

iRunFar’s Ben Kilbourne checks sleeping pads on a cold morning in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

For a lot of fastpackers and ultralight backpackers who prioritize a lightweight pack, selecting the perfect ultralight sleeping pad is a balancing act between weight, heat, and sturdiness. We do no matter it takes to hold the lightest, smallest merchandise for every of our wants to reduce pack weight, however most of us nonetheless desire a good evening’s sleep.

A few of us forgo taking a correct sleeping pad after we’re making an attempt to cowl numerous floor, however after many nights of shivering on naked floor, we don’t suggest that route, particularly in case you’re making an attempt to get some sleep. Correct relaxation will go a great distance towards making your fastpacking journey fulfilling, and a cushty pad is probably much more necessary than a heat sleeping bag to guard you from the chilly floor.

After in depth testing of each inflatable and non-inflatable pads, our group has developed suggestions that will help you navigate the market’s selections. We fee pads primarily based on their sturdiness, weight, packable measurement, and luxury, and we provide ideas that strike the precise steadiness amongst these standards.

We discovered the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad to be a light-weight, sturdy inflatable pad that may face up to regular use with out worrying about punctures. When it got here to foam pads, the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad proved to be our favourite. If we needed the warmest pad that was nonetheless fairly light-weight, we turned to the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad. And, after all, we couldn’t assist however embrace the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″ for the true minimalists who’re going to be drained sufficient on the finish of the day that they might sleep in a pile of rocks.

Under are our prime picks for fastpacking sleeping pads of 2024, starting from skinny items of froth to thick, heat inflatable pads. For extra background info, see our purchasing recommendation, testing methodology, and regularly requested questions beneath the picks.

Yow will discover a compilation of all of our different favourite fastpacking gear in our greatest ultralight backpacking gear information. When you’re on the lookout for one thing particular, take a look at our guides on the perfect fastpacking packs, the perfect ultralight tents, and the perfect ultralight sleeping baggage.

Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pads

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad - sleeping pads in a tent

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks and Eszter Horanyi check sleeping baggage on the Wind River Excessive Route in Wyoming. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Professionals:

Very mild and heat
Snug
Reasonably sturdy 30-denier material
Massive and efficient inflation bag

Cons:

Costly
Mummy form was tippy for some testers
Loud, crinkly sound bothers some

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is mild, heat, and cozy, and we discovered it to be extremely sturdy for the burden. A number of of us at iRunFar have been utilizing completely different variations of this pad for almost a decade, and we’ve solely seen it enhance technically through the years, with the addition of an efficient one-way inflation valve and a big inflation bag.

The specs on this pad are laborious to beat. The dimensions common is barely 13.2 ounces, excluding the stuff sack and inflation bag, and has an R-value of 4.5, the second-highest of any pad on this checklist. iRunFar’s Editor-in-Chief, Meghan Hicks, makes use of this as her go-to sleeping pad after years of not taking a sleeping pad alongside on fastpacking journeys in her try to maintain her pack as mild as attainable. She additionally carries an inflatable pillow as of late, so maybe her gram-counting tendencies are beginning to get a bit of extra relaxed.

It’s laborious to beat this sleeping pad for its weight and packability. It packs down exceptionally small with a 30-denier material, which we discovered to be thick sufficient that we didn’t fear about placing holes in it so long as we have been utilizing a tent or floor fabric of some type.

A few of our testers have been aggravated by the loud crinkling sound this pad makes when rolling backward and forward, and one discovered the horizontal baffles much less snug than these of different pads examined. Nevertheless, these have been the pad’s solely observable flaws. Whereas heavier than Therm-a-Relaxation’s lightest inflatable pad, it’s way more sturdy, and our testing group determined that the additional weight was well worth the added peace of thoughts.

On account of its mixture of R-value, small measurement, and comparatively low weight, that is the perfect all-around sleeping pad for just about any three-season fastpacking journey.

Learn our full evaluate of the earlier model of this pad, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad.

Store the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

Professionals:

Snug
Cheap for an inflatable pad
Heat

Cons:

The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat is a superb choice in case you discover sleeping on vertical or horizontal baffles much less snug than quilted baffles however nonetheless desire a pretty mild and sturdy sleeping pad. We discovered that the quilted baffle sample did a greater job cradling us, leading to much less shifting round throughout the evening. Whereas not the lightest pad in the marketplace — in measurement common, it weighs 19.3 ounces with the inflation bag and 17.9 ounces with out — it’s nonetheless aggressive and at a lower cost than different choices. This pad additionally is available in additional small, small, and huge sizes to accommodate numerous physique varieties. You possibly can go for a shorter model to make use of your pack beneath your legs for added insulation, if you wish to save just a few grams.

It additionally has a comparatively excessive R-value of three.1, which makes it a superb three-season pad. Nevertheless, since it’s heavier than pads with comparable R-values, it’s difficult to decide on this pad over its rivals when particularly contemplating warmth-to-weight ratios. However the quilted baffles justified the additional weight for not less than certainly one of our testers. When inflated, it appears impossibly skinny and incapable of offering both consolation or heat, nevertheless it does an admirable job at each.

We examined this pad each throughout in a single day journeys within the Wasatch Mountains, the place temperatures dipped to 22 levels Fahrenheit, and on a number of journeys within the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the place temperatures hovered round freezing at evening. We discovered that we stayed a lot heat, even with a lighter sleeping bag. When you’re trying to assemble an reasonably priced fastpacking package or desire a barely extra snug sleeping expertise, this can be a nice alternative.

Store the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

Professionals:

Cons:

Not distinctive in anyone facet, however strikes a very good steadiness with every thing

The NEMO Tensor Path Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad isn’t the lightest, neither is it the warmest or the least costly, nevertheless it’s a fantastic worth in that it strikes a steadiness in all its options. At $179, with a weight of 16 ounces and an R-value of two.8, it’s a superb choice for individuals who don’t wish to spend greater than $200 on a pad however nonetheless desire a respectable quantity of heat at an inexpensive weight. Sleeping pads are all about compromise, and this one is barely dearer than the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, however it isn’t fairly as heat. Nevertheless, it’s lighter.

What stood out to us about this pad was its sturdiness. Product of 40-denier material beneath and 20-denier material on prime, it’s sturdy and might face up to extra put on and tear than among the lighter pads on this information. The quilted baffle design makes this a really snug pad, and the fabric is quiet once you roll round throughout the evening. A metalized Thermal Mirror movie within the baffles successfully displays warmth again towards the physique, and whereas the two.8 R-value limits this pad to hotter climate journeys, it stays sufficiently heat for many functions.

This sleeping pad is accessible in quite a lot of lengths and widths, permitting you to pick out the one which most accurately fits your physique measurement and desires. It additionally is available in an oblong minimize, offering a bit of additional area to stretch out. NEMO additionally affords a lifetime assure on its merchandise.

Professionals:

Gentle and spacious
Baffles are snug

Cons:

When you’re a bigger particular person or want an oblong sleeping pad over a mummy-shaped one, the Large Agnes Zoom UL Insulated sleeping pad is a light-weight choice with an oblong minimize. The form does add additional materials, and thus additional weight, however for some folks, particularly these with broader shoulders, the additional sleeping area might be well worth the weight and quantity penalty.

We examined the 72 x 25-inch model of this pad throughout a week-long fastpacking journey within the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming and have been impressed by many facets. Making an attempt to go as mild as attainable, we didn’t deliver alongside the inflation bag, which decreased the burden to solely 400 grams —a determine that’s fairly aggressive in comparison with equally sized mummy-shaped baggage.

Since we have been utilizing our breath to inflate the pad as a substitute of the inflation bag, we appreciated the antimicrobial remedy contained in the pad that helps forestall the expansion of yuckies on the insulation. Whereas we typically suggest utilizing the inflation bag to inflate sleeping pads and protect the insulation’s integrity, stopping microbial development, we perceive that saving weight is typically the next precedence.

One among our testers discovered the quilted baffles to be considerably extra snug than the horizontal or vertical baffles of different pads. As a result of the outer baffles are thicker than the center ones, she discovered that she stayed centered in the midst of the pad extra simply. The pad has a 4.3 R-value with two layers of heat-reflective movie, and we have been impressed with how heat we stayed when temperatures dropped.

If minimizing weight is your prime precedence, lighter choices can be found. Nevertheless, if you need a bit of additional room to roll round at evening, the oblong form of this pad can enhance consolation and enhance your sleep.

Store the Large Agnes Zoom UL Insulated Sleeping Pad

Professionals:

Very mild
Won’t ever deflate
Packs down smaller than different foam pads we examined
Cheap
You possibly can trim it to save lots of weight

Cons:

Foam pads might be uncomfortable for some
Cumbersome
Doesn’t match inside most packs

For a number of causes, the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is our best choice for foam sleeping pads for fastpacking. Priced at $60, it prices considerably lower than the inflatable pads on this checklist and is our best choice for a budget-friendly fastpacking pad. Whereas we will argue {that a} foam pad won’t ever be as snug or heat as an inflatable one, there’s a cause most thru-hikers go for them for his or her lengthy treks: they by no means go flat.

At 14.5 ounces, the Switchback is roughly the identical weight as our prime decide, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad. Because it options foam, you’ll be able to place it on any floor with out worrying about damaging it. This function has the potential to scale back the general weight of your pack by eliminating the necessity for a groundsheet or tent, that are important when utilizing inflatables. The peace of thoughts {that a} foam pad can present over an inflatable can be value contemplating when selecting between choices. Plus, you’ll be able to pull it out to sit down on throughout a lunch cease.

There’s no query that foam pads aren’t for everybody. One among our testers swore off foam years in the past after a number of nights of bruised hips however gave it a strive within the curiosity of this check. He’s a finicky sleeper, although, and nonetheless can’t get used to it, whereas different testers have fewer points with the firmness and sleep effectively on it.

One among our testers famous that she has no issues with the firmness of this pad, partially as a result of she is a abdomen sleeper. One other tester identified that any form of pad is healthier than no pad in any respect.

We additionally like that we may use this pad as a body sheet in some packs, making the pack extra inflexible and stopping sharp objects from poking us within the again. For many who are particularly weight-conscious, you’ll be able to minimize this pad to shorter lengths and spherical out the shoulders to suit your particular physique define.

One draw back to this pad — and all foam pads — is its bulkiness. With most fastpacking packs, it’s a must to connect the pad to the again of the pack beneath an online of shock cords, the place its bulkiness will make your pack look much less smooth. The fact is that this solely issues if aesthetics are necessary to you or in case you spend numerous time bushwhacking off-trail.

These points change into much less necessary, nonetheless, for fastpackers who prioritize reliability. This pad is mild, snug for many of our testers, and cheap, making it the perfect foam sleeping pad for fastpacking that we’ve discovered.

Store the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Professionals:

Extraordinarily mild
Cheap
Received’t spring leaks

Cons:

Not very snug
Not very heat

There’s a particular kind of journey the place the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″ makes extra sense than every other pad on this checklist. Whereas most individuals would draw back from making an attempt to sleep on a bit of froth that’s not a lot thicker than 1 / 4, if saving weight is a prime precedence, this pad gives an inexpensive quantity of insulation for being extremely mild. It’s not probably the most snug pad to lie on, but when that you must go as mild as attainable with out sleeping immediately on a floor sheet, this pad could be what you’re on the lookout for. It’s extra snug than a sheet of Reflectix, which is an alternative choice that the really weight-conscious are likely to want.

This pad weighs solely 2.7 ounces, making it the lightest on our checklist. It additionally packs down surprisingly small and capabilities as a again pad in lots of fastpacking packs. It’s cheap too, at solely $22.

The primary draw back is that nobody will ever describe this sleeping pad as snug. Nevertheless it’s not meant to be. It’s supposed to offer only a bit of additional padding and heat to get you thru the evening. However with gentle web site choice, it may be a full step up from not carrying a pad in any respect. Two of our testers use trimmed-down variations of this for journeys when they need low bulk and minimal weight, however they need some additional consolation whereas placing transferring quick as the very best precedence.

That is additionally a superb alternative for formidable adventures once you’ll be drained sufficient to sleep wherever you occur to cease for the evening and for self-supported stage races the place you carry your package as you race. Regardless, it’s nonetheless removed from snug and heat. We don’t suggest this pad for colder excursions when thermal safety from the bottom is critical. However in case you’re the kind of one who actually likes to place in these lengthy days and is content material to sleep anyplace your ft will deposit you, check out this pad.

Store the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8 Inch

Professionals:

Warmest pad we examined
Sturdy
Very snug

Cons:

Typically, heat whereas fastpacking or backpacking is the highest precedence, and the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad has an R-value that can defend you from the chilly floor. We select this pad for early-season fastpacking journeys by the mountains, the place we could need to sleep on snow or when nighttime lows may dip into the teenagers. It’s additionally our favourite pad for frigid winter fastpacking journeys by the canyon nation of the Colorado Plateau. Sadly, with this additional heat comes additional weight.

At 22.3 ounces, that is the heaviest pad on this checklist in measurement common, nevertheless it isn’t all that enormous to pack and even all that heavy, contemplating how heat it’s. This pad has a ridiculous R-value of seven.3. The underside is fabricated from 70-denier materials, enhancing its sturdiness, whereas the highest is constructed from 30-denier materials to scale back weight and enhance packability.

One among our feminine testers who sleeps chilly prefers this pad over the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad as a result of she’s keen to hold a bit of additional weight to remain heat at evening. She and a few of our different testers have additionally discovered rectangular pads similar to this one to be extra steady and, subsequently, extra snug than most mummy-shaped pads. In case you are a chilly sleeper and don’t wish to really feel the chilly floor once more, think about including this to your fastpacking package.

Store the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad

Evaluating the Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pads

Purchaser’s Information: The best way to Select the Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pad for Fastpacking

When deciding on the best ultralight sleeping pad on your particular wants, think about a number of key elements. For some folks, weight is the highest precedence, permitting for quick and environment friendly motion on the expense of some consolation and heat. For others, sleeping in addition to attainable is positioned above saving just a few ounces in a pack. Sturdiness can be a key issue when evaluating sleeping pads, particularly for lengthy journeys.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad - Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad in a tent

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad has been a favourite of the iRunFar testing group for years. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Weight

As a result of we’re on the lookout for the perfect ultralight sleeping pad particularly for fastpacking, we needed to make sure that any pad we selected would maintain your pack mild and runnable. Whereas acquiring sleeping pads at considerably decrease prices is feasible, the extra weight provides up rapidly as the worth decreases.

The lightest pads are typically the least snug and have decrease R-values. The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″, which actually is only a very skinny piece of insulating foam, is a chief instance of a pad that isn’t all that snug or heat, nevertheless it’s mild and truly affords quite a bit for what it’s. Relying on the journey, that could be precisely what you need. A few of our testers additionally like to chop foldable foam pads right into a mummy form to shave just a few grams. Others even like to chop foam pads, just like the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, right down to torso size after which place their pack beneath their legs for sleeping. Shopping for a shorter inflatable pad additionally accomplishes this.

When you’re trying to save weight however need an inflatable pad, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is the lightest pad we have now included on our checklist. Whereas lighter inflatable pads exist, we discovered that they didn’t meet our sturdiness requirements.

Nevertheless, even in case you plan to make use of the heaviest pad on this checklist, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad, you must nonetheless be capable of run comfortably in case you strategically plan the remainder of your package with no redundancy and particular person objects which have a number of makes use of for effectivity. So, in case you prioritize consolation however nonetheless desire a light-weight pack, you might have to spend a bit of extra time fine-tuning different facets of your package.

R-value

R-value is a measure of a cloth’s resistance to thermal conductivity. In different phrases, it’s a measure of a sleeping pad’s potential to forestall the lack of physique warmth to the chilly floor, or, in less complicated phrases, its potential to maintain you heat. The upper the R-value, the hotter the pad will likely be, and most three-season pads have an R-value within the three to 4 vary.

Winter sleeping pads can have R-values of seven and up, together with the very heat Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad. Moreover, R-values are additive, permitting you to mix sleeping pads for elevated insulation. Some folks select to make use of each a foam and an inflatable pad for optimum heat in icy circumstances.

In case your journeys happen primarily within the hotter months, the perfect ultralight sleeping pad for you might have a decrease R-value, as you gained’t want a lot insulation. Decrease R-value pads, particularly uninsulated ones, are usually considerably lighter than these meant for three-season circumstances. The NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, with its R-value of two, could carry out nice for you in case you sleep on gentle floor in heat temperatures.

When you plan fastpacking journeys in colder temperatures or the place you might have to sleep on the snow, select a pad with the next R-value, such because the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad, which has an R-value of 4.5.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad - using a bivy with a sleeping pad

Utilizing a bivy can defend your sleeping pad from punctures by rocks and sticks. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Inflatable Sleeping Pads

Inflatable sleeping pads are virtually at all times extra snug than foam pads, so we suggest them for fastpackers and ultralight backpackers who prioritize nighttime consolation. In addition they pack down a lot smaller than foam pads, conserving your pack streamlined and small. A pad just like the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is a superb choice for these in search of consolation whereas conserving their pack weight low.

The most important draw back to inflatable pads is that they will spring leaks. We suggest that inflatable pad customers sleep in a bivy, a tent with a flooring, or on a floor tarp, such because the window insulation plastic discovered at your native ironmongery shop, to guard an inflatable pad from punctures. We additionally suggest dismissing the highest of a pad earlier than mendacity down for the evening, as a shocking variety of punctures come from the aspect you’re sleeping on. A leaking pad might be uncomfortable and harmful in case you are sleeping in chilly temperatures.

Foam Sleeping Pads

Foam sleeping pads have the inherent advantage of being 100% puncture-proof, a beneficial function when selecting the perfect ultralight sleeping pad for journeys in rocky or desert environments, the place a lot of the vegetation appears weaponized and particularly designed to poke holes in skinny inflatable sleeping pads. One among our testers misplaced her pad to a gust of wind and watched it land in a lifeless juniper tree, ripping open to the purpose that it was irreparable. The reliability of froth pads is one cause fastpackers and ultralight backpackers generally select them over inflatable choices.

Foam pads are additionally comparatively cheap. For instance, the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is $150 lower than our prime inflatable pad decide, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad.

One large draw back to a foam pad is its abysmal packability. Most fastpackers and ultralight backpackers should strap folding foam pads to the again of the pack, the place they will get hung up on branches when bushwhacking. They’re additionally typically considerably much less snug however much better than nothing — and much better than a deflated inflatable pad.

Mummy Versus Rectangular Form Sleeping Pads

Like many sleeping baggage, many inflatable pads are rounded on the head and foot, making a mummy form. Rounding the corners saves a good quantity of weight, nevertheless it additionally considerably reduces the general floor space of the pad. Though a 72-inch lengthy mummy-shaped pad and a 72-inch lengthy rectangular pad are the identical size in case you measure proper down the center, the oblong pad will really feel for much longer as a result of you’ll be able to sleep diagonally, using the corners. Rectangular pads are additionally extra snug for these with broader shoulders.

A few of our testers additionally discover rectangular pads, such because the Large Agnes Zoom UL Insulated or the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad, to be extra steady than mummy-shaped pads, just like the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad - inflating a sleeping pad by a tarp

Completely different pad shapes and baffle patterns might be roughly snug for various kinds of sleepers and physique shapes. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Sturdiness

Foam pads are inherently extra sturdy than inflatable pads as a result of they gained’t spring leaks. Nevertheless, they will get shredded when bushwhacking. Moreover, foam will ultimately compress, changing into much less snug and fewer insulating over time.

Whereas inflatable pads can get holes, it’s also possible to patch them virtually indefinitely, so in case you deal with them, they will outlast foam pads. Examine the thickness of an inflatable sleeping pad’s material to estimate its possible puncture resistance. Larger denier materials, similar to these discovered on the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad, are extra puncture-resistant than decrease denier ones.

The extra vital longevity challenge of inflatables is the sturdiness of the insulation. Artificial insulation, like that used within the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, can compress over time and change into much less efficient. We suggest that you just forestall moisture from coming into the within of your sleeping pad by inflating it with an inflation bag as a substitute of your breath after which storing it uncompressed with the valve open. Utilizing an inflation bag may scale back the possibilities of microbes rising inside your sleeping pad.

Baffles are one other level of failure for inflatable pads. Over time, inside welds can start to fail, and the pad could bubble, however we’ve discovered that corporations are typically completely happy to guarantee pads in such circumstances.

Consolation

When selecting the perfect ultralight sleeping pad, consolation is subjective, and a few fastpackers are transferring too rapidly to prioritize it anyway. However for many people, sleeping pad consolation is essential as a result of we want a very good evening’s relaxation to really feel good cranking out miles the next day.

If that’s you, go for an inflatable pad as a substitute of a foam pad. Our testers all agree that inflatable pads are extra snug. A few of us even have discovered rectangular pads to be extra steady and cozy than mummy-shaped pads. Quilted pads, just like the Large Agnes Zoom UL Insulated or the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, are usually cozier than pads with vertical or horizontal baffles, together with the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - Pad Comparison

Above are among the sleeping pads we examined for measurement comparability. From left to proper are the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″, Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT Air Sleeping Mat, Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad, and Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. Picture: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne

Packed Measurement

Fastpacking packs are normally low quantity — typically between 20 and 30 liters — so we suggest selecting a pad that compresses down small, such because the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad at 9 x 4.1 inches. One of the best ultralight sleeping pads will take up minimal area in your pack. If you wish to discover your choices for a fastpacking pack, check out our Greatest Fastpacking Packs information.

The remainder of the inflatable pads included on this information pack to about the identical measurement, whereas the pad with the biggest packed measurement on our checklist is the considerably unwieldy NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, which measures 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches. Most customers should strap this pad to the surface of their pack, both on prime or on the again.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - Sleeping Pad Packed Size

Above are among the sleeping pads we examined, packed for measurement comparisons. From left to proper are the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad, Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad, NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad, Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″, Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT Air Sleeping Mat, Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm Max Sleeping Pad, and Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat. Picture: iRunFar/Ben Kilbourne

Why You Ought to Belief Us

The iRunFar group has been fastpacking for over a decade, and we have now watched this journey area of interest develop. What began as two separate endeavors — ultralight backpacking and journey working — have now merged into one: fastpacking. One essential piece of fastpacking gear is your sleeping pad, so we’ve advisable six that can maintain you heat — and generally even snug — on nearly any fastpacking journey.

Members of the iRunFar group have been utilizing a number of of the sleeping pads on this checklist for years, and we’ve added others to this checklist of favorites by a analysis and testing course of that began in 2022.

For the preliminary model of this information, we appeared far and broad to search out all of the sleeping pads in the marketplace that have been mild and sufficiently small to qualify as fastpacking pads in order that we may compile an inventory of the perfect ultralight sleeping pads for you. Then we examined 14 of them on adventures in locations just like the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, the Tavaputs Plateau of jap Utah, Capitol Reef Nationwide Park in Utah, Silverton, Colorado, and several other wilderness areas across the American West. The pads have been utilized by a number of folks in a number of completely different environments and evaluated on their sturdiness, consolation, heat, and packability.

We maintain this information up to date by frequently testing new sleeping pads as they change into obtainable in the marketplace. Our group additionally continues to make use of the pads included on this information as a result of, ultimately, they’re our present favorites, and ongoing testing permits us to talk about any sturdiness points that we encounter with merchandise.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - Sleeping pad testing in Colorado

Testing numerous sleeping pads in chilly circumstances in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Often Requested Questions Concerning the Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pads for Fastpacking

What’s fastpacking?

Fastpacking combines two sports activities — ultralight backpacking and journey working — to create a single exercise. Need to discover that cool backcountry basin you’ve been eyeing however solely have just a few days free in your schedule? Fastpacking. Have back-to-back lengthy runs in your schedule and don’t wish to return to your automobile or home in between? Fastpacking.

Fastpacking isn’t simply working; it isn’t simply mountain climbing. Within the very best world, you’re taking the minimal gear to securely spend the evening someplace after which go. Run a bit, hike a bit, cease to make espresso or fly fish, after which run and hike once more. Whereas calling your motion working generally is a little bit of a misnomer once you’ve received 10 to fifteen kilos in your shoulders on tough terrain, hopefully, you pack mild sufficient to cowl miles rapidly and comparatively unencumbered, and you may jog flats and downhills. A light-weight inflatable pad just like the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad could make a giant distinction in your potential to run throughout a fastpacking journey.

When you’re on the lookout for different items of fastpacking gear, you’ll be able to take a look at our greatest ultralight backpacking gear information.

Do I want to make use of a sleeping pad in any respect?

This may rely upon the anticipated temperatures throughout your journey and your potential or incapacity to sleep effectively on laborious, chilly surfaces. Whether it is heat out — temperatures higher than 50 levels Fahrenheit at evening — you could possibly skip a pad altogether. A number of on our testing group just do that, sleeping on their pack and rain jacket as a result of they gained’t want a lot insulation to go to sleep after a giant day trip.

This works finest if you could find dry and gentle surfaces, similar to meadows, pine needles, or sand, to sleep on. It additionally helps in case you’re utterly exhausted on the finish of the day. Nonetheless, even on the warmest nights, you may admire a bit of insulation from a minimalist pad just like the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″.

How necessary is my sleeping pad within the context of fastpacking?

If temperatures are beneath 50 levels Fahrenheit at evening, we suggest carrying a sleeping pad to insulate your physique from the chilly floor. We perceive how annoying it’s to hold a pad once you’re making an attempt to maneuver quick, however at a minimal, we suggest one thing such because the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″. It’s not terribly snug, however it would present sufficient insulation to get you thru the evening.

When you sleep chilly or prioritize sleeping consolation over carrying just a few additional ounces, you could wish to step as much as an inflatable pad similar to our prime decide, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad. This pad has the good thing about being very small when packed, however some fastpackers and ultralight backpackers nonetheless think about it, at almost a pound, to be heavy.

Nonetheless, most of us prioritize enjoyable and pleasure (and sleep) over pure pace throughout a visit and are keen to hold an precise sleeping pad. Most of our testers want inflatable pads for many journeys and discover the burden value a very good evening’s relaxation.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - Dogs don't sleep on inflatable sleeping pads

Retaining canine paws off inflatable sleeping pads can maintain them from springing leaks. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Ought to I go for an inflatable sleeping pad over a foam one?

Essentially the most compelling causes to decide on foam pads are their low price, weight, and sturdiness. The Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″ is the most affordable and lightest pad on this checklist at $22 and a pair of.7 ounces. Even the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is barely $55 and almost as mild as our greatest all-around sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad.

One of many most important causes not to decide on foam pads is that they’re uncomfortable at worst or an acquired style at finest. They’re additionally considerably chillier than most insulated inflatable pads, and we don’t suggest them for fastpacking adventures in colder climate.

In case your journeys take you to excessive altitudes within the shoulder season when thermal safety is critical, you’ll wish to deliver a heat, inflatable sleeping pad such because the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad. This pad is mild, heat, snug, and packs down small. Essentially the most vital downsides to inflatable pads are their excessive price and susceptibility to punctures. So, if you wish to be snug and heat, can afford the upper value of an inflatable pad, and take care to keep away from holes by persistently putting a groundsheet beneath your pad, don’t hesitate to decide on an inflatable for fastpacking.

My inflatable sleeping pad retains leaking. What do I do?

To discover a suspected leak in your sleeping pad, inflate the pad about midway, fold it in thirds, submerge it in a lake or bathtub, and look and pay attention for bubbles. It’s possible you’ll have to kneel or press down on it with each arms to make it bubble. Once you discover the outlet, mark it instantly with a Sharpie or every other instrument you might have. Spraying soapy water onto an inflated pad may reveal holes in case you don’t have a physique of water to submerge it in.

After letting the pad dry, apply the patch that got here with it. All inflatable sleeping pads included on this information include a restore package. You may also use a stick-on patch similar to Tear-Help Kind A or a glue similar to Aquaseal +FD or Aquaseal +UV.

We suggest Aquaseal +FD for residence repairs as a result of it tends to be extra everlasting and sturdy than stick-on patches. Nevertheless, it takes eight to 12 hours to remedy. Aquaseal +UV is healthier for area repairs as a result of it cures in solely 30 seconds. The excellent news is that you may virtually at all times efficiently repair holes, whether or not within the area or at residence, so taking the time to take action will maintain your pad working for years.

Whereas there are lighter pads obtainable in the marketplace than those listed on this information, we discovered that they didn’t meet our minimal sturdiness requirements and have been too liable to punctures for consolation. The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad is the lightest pad that we discovered that held as much as common use with out springing leaks.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - camping on a ridge

Many iRunFar group members use the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad as their go-to pad for fastpacking journeys. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Can I trim my foam sleeping pad to make it lighter and smaller?

A number of of our testers have trimmed the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″ right down to a bit giant sufficient for under shoulders and hips to save lots of weight. The result’s a 1.2-ounce pad. The NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad can be trimmable. Every of the 14 sections weighs one ounce, so in case you trim it right down to solely eight sections, it would weigh about eight ounces — about the precise measurement for most folk’ shoulders and hips. Rounding the corners on foam pads will save much more weight.

Do I sleep with my sleeping pad inside or exterior my sleeping bag?

As a result of corporations design sleeping pads to insulate you from the bottom and sleeping baggage have been made to encompass your physique snugly for environment friendly insulation, placing a cumbersome pad inside your sleeping bag can inhibit the supposed perform of each items of kit. A lot of the pads on our checklist — particularly the thicker inflatables, just like the Large Agnes Zoom UL Insulated — take up numerous area, scale back the consolation and insulating properties of your sleeping bag, and are higher suited to use exterior.

Foam pads — particularly these minimize right down to solely shoulders and hips — are the exception to the rule. Putting a small, trimmed foam pad inside your sleeping bag ensures it stays in the precise place beneath the hips and shoulders. And once you’re cowboy tenting, you could wish to place your trimmed foam pad inside your bag to maintain it from flying away within the wind once you roll over at evening.

I’m at all times chilly after I sleep. What’s the perfect sleeping pad for me?

In case you are at all times chilly once you sleep, select a pad with a excessive R-value, similar to our prime decide for heat, the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad, which has an R-value of seven.3. This pad is a bit of heavy at 22.3 ounces, so you could wish to spend a bit additional time lowering the burden of your pack in different methods if you wish to carry this pad however nonetheless need your pack to be runnable.

That mentioned, the second-warmest pad on our checklist is the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad. It has an R-value of 4.5 and weighs solely 13.2 ounces, making it the most suitable choice if you need heat and low weight.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - cold weather fastpacking

An insulated sleeping pad could make fastpacking in chilly climate way more fulfilling. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

My sleep pad’s inflation bag is heavy. Do I want to hold it?

No, and sure. Carrying an inflatable pad’s inflation bag is just not necessary as a result of you’ll be able to blow up any of the pads on our checklist along with your breath. It’s tempting to go away it behind as a result of it looks like pointless weight, weighing as a lot as three ounces in some circumstances.

That mentioned, blowing up your pad along with your mouth will introduce moisture into the pad, degrading the insulation and lowering its general heat over time. It may possibly additionally result in microbial development inside your pad, which isn’t a well being hazard however can look nasty. We’d suggest that you just take the inflation bag alongside and discover an alternate use for it so it doesn’t really feel like an pointless weight, like stuffing additional garments in it to make use of it as a pillow. The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad inflation bag is giant sufficient for use as a pack liner in smaller fastpacking packs.

After all, in case you’re making an attempt to save lots of weight on a fastpacking journey, you may wish to robust it out with the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad 1/8″ and never even fear about whether or not you want an inflation bag.

How mild should my pad be to run with it in my pack?

Fastpackers are infamous gram-counters who sometimes go to nice lengths to scale back their pack weight, like not carrying a sleeping pad in any respect. Whereas we don’t suggest that plan of action, the lighter your pack, the higher. Most of our testers have discovered that pads within the 16-ounce vary are mild sufficient for working in case you optimize every thing else in your package for low weight.

For example, the hotter a pad is, the lighter your sleeping bag might be. In actual fact, a heat pad will pair effectively with a bottomless or quilt-style sleeping bag, which has little to no insulation beneath the physique. You possibly can be taught extra about various kinds of sleeping baggage in our greatest ultralight sleeping baggage information. If you wish to carry the extraordinarily heat Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XTherm NXT Max Sleeping Pad, you’ll wish to be sure that all different components of your fastpacking package are as mild as attainable.

How sturdy are inflatable pads?

A few of our testers have had sleeping pads fabricated from 70-denier materials final for 10 years, whereas others have gotten holes in those self same pads in a matter of days. If you understand you’re laborious on gear or will likely be tenting on tough and jagged surfaces, select a thicker, heavier inflatable pad as a result of it would probably final some time.

Additionally, remember to use a bivy, a groundsheet, or a tent with a flooring to forestall holes. You possibly can discover completely different choices for shelters in our greatest ultralight tents information. It’s additionally a good suggestion to brush particles off your clothes and sleeping bag earlier than mendacity down as a result of, in our expertise, and fairly surprisingly, many pad holes occur on the highest of the pad. When you’re nervous a few pad springing a leak in the midst of a visit, you may simply wish to go together with a foam pad just like the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad.

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads - Testing sleeping pads in Colorado mountains

iRunFar’s Meghan Hicks checks pad sturdiness whereas fastpacking in Colorado. Picture: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

How do I defend my inflatable sleeping pad throughout a fastpacking journey?

A leak in a sleeping pad throughout a visit could make for some depressing and probably harmful nights within the wilderness. To guard your inflatable pad throughout a visit, you’ll wish to at all times use it both in a tent or on a floor fabric. Many shelter choices in our greatest ultralight tents information function a strong flooring that protects your sleeping pad from the bottom.

Taking the time to comb a sleeping space away from rocks and sticks may maintain your pad secure. The pads on this checklist, even the very mild ones just like the Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad, have confirmed to be sturdy and dependable so long as they’re correctly cared for.

Name for Feedback

Do you sleep higher on foam or inflatable pads?
How have you ever modified your foam sleeping pad to optimize for low weight?
Have you ever ever gone with no sleeping pad altogether?

Again to Our High Ultralight Sleeping Pads Picks

Source link