Whether you are setting out to tackle a multi-day rocky trail or to spend a week camping at a music festival, there is nothing your body will be more thankful for than a solid night’s sleep. A good quality sleeping pad is essential to keep you warm in the backcountry, but choosing one of the best ultralight sleeping pads for your next overnight camping trip is not an easy task.
The best ultralight sleeping pads fit into a hiking backpack without sacrificing comfort, but whether you should invest in an advanced self-inflating pad or opt for a closed-cell foam pad depends largely on where you intend to hike. To help you make a choice, we have selected the five best ultralight sleeping pads to narrow down your options and get you sleeping in peace on your next epic ultralight backpacking adventure.
For a complete analysis of all backpacking sleeping pads, check out the buyer’s guide Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
Quick Answer - The Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
- Nemo Tensor Insulated
- Klymit V Ultralite SL
- Nemo Switchback
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
- Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus
Comparison Table - Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads
For the best experience turn your device horizontallyName | Type | Weight | Thickness | R Value | Price | Rating | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite | Air Pad | 0 lbs 09 oz | 2.5 in | 2.3 | $200 | 4.5 | Read Review |
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm | Air Pad | 0 lbs 15 oz | 2.5 in | 6.9 | $220 | 4.6 | Read Review |
Nemo Tensor Insulated | Air Pad | 0 lbs 15 oz | 3.0 in | 3.5 | $160 | 5.0 | Read Review |
Klymit V Ultralite SL | Air Pad | 0 lbs 12 oz | 2.5 in | 1.3 | $100 | 4.1 | Read Review |
Nemo Switchback | Foam | 0 lbs 14 oz | 0.9 in | 2.0 | $50 | 4.4 | Read Review |
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol | Foam | 0 lbs 14 oz | 0.7 in | 2.0 | $46 | 4.3 | Read Review |
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus | Self-Inflating | 1 lbs 07 oz | 1.5 in | 3.2 | $105 | 4.7 | Read Review |
Name | Type | Weight | Thickness | R Value | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 0 lbs 09 oz
- R Value: 2.3
- Thickness: 2.5 in
- Volume: 01.2 L
Features
- Pad thickness: 2.5 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Mummy
- hrinks down to the size of a large water bottle for a minimal impact on your pack space
BEST ULTRALIGHT SLEEPING PAD
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is an ultralight backpacking pad that is great for fast and light missions. It’s a favorite among long-distance hikers who camp mostly in summer conditions.
What we love the most about this sleeping pad is how small and light it is while still being long and wide enough. It weighs next to nothing and rolls up to the size of a beer can. It’s Therm-a-Rest’s lightest pad yet, the runner up is the XLite which weighs 3.2 ounces more. All of this does come at a cost, it is one of the most expensive pads on this list, but it is worth the price if weight and packability are your highest priorities.
The biggest downside of the NeoAir UberLite is the fabric is uber thin which means you need to be extra careful with it. Also, it’s not as warm as other ultralight pads out there. If the warmth and durability of this pad are a big issue for you, take a look at the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Therm. Another complaint is it makes a loud crinkly noise every time you move.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is available in two sizes: Regular and Long.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 0 lbs 15 oz
- R Value: 6.9
- Thickness: 2.5 in
- Volume: 02.3 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 2.5 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Semi-rectangular
- Patent-pending Reflective Layer Returns Heat Back To Your Body
BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD FOR COLD WEATHER
With an R-value of 5.7, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad is one of the warmest one on this list. Contrary to what you’d expect, it is also very light, weighing an impressive 15 ounces. Usually, warm sleeping pads and bags are also relatively heavy, but not in this case. The lightweight of this toasty pad is made possible by an innovative, patent-pending layer that doesn’t add any weight but works to reflect your body heat and store it in air pockets for ultimate warmth.
As for packing, you can compress this pad to the volume of a 1-liter water bottle. Thus, it will not take up much of your backpack’s precious space. The XTherm has a tapered design that further optimizes warmth and weight. Of course, the price you have to pay is more than most other pads on this list, but you do get your money’s worth.
Nemo Tensor Insulated
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 0 lbs 15 oz
- R Value: 3.5
- Thickness: 3.0 in
- Volume: 01.2 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 3 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Metalized Film Provides Extra Insulation, Resisting Cold From The Ground
BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD OVERALL
If you are looking for a lightweight sleeping pad with lots of updates and ergonomic features, then the NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad might be a good choice. Within its thoughtful design, there is a point-deflection system that makes up a stable surface and prevents your elbows, hips, and knees from sinking in and touching the cold ground. The Tensor is also very warm, using 2-layer metalized film to effectively reflect your heat to battle temperatures as low as 10°F. Weighing in at only one and a half pounds with a negligible packed size, this pad is ideal for ultralight backpackers looking to shed weight and increase comfort and warmth on the trail.
Klymit V Ultralite SL
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 0 lbs 12 oz
- R Value: 1.3
- Thickness: 2.5 in
Features
- Pad Thickness: 2.5 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Twist-Pull Valve For Rapid Inflation
- Repair Kit Included
A wide and comfy sleeping pad, the Klymit V Ultralight sleeping pad will allow no interruptions to your well deserved shut-eye. Featuring a V-shaped design that keeps you from rolling off the mattress and individual air pockets that provide both softness and stability, you won’t have to toss and turn to find the most comfortable sleeping position.
The twist-pull valve makes the inflation process fast (only 7 breaths), and the deflation almost instant, thanks to the wide valve opening. The Klymit V Ultralight is not as well insulated as more expensive sleeping pads, but it will undoubtedly make you want to snooze through your alarm if you are hiking in the summer months.
Nemo Switchback
Specs
- Type: Foam
- Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz
- R Value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.9 in
- Volume: 09.0 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 0.9 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Metalized Thermal Reflective Film Reflects Heat Back To Your Body
BEST FOAM SLEEPING PAD
With an efficient hexagonal pattern, the affordable NEMO Switchback sleeping pad is a durable and packable choice. Its unique design allows for wider and taller nodes (the raised areas on the surface of the pad), meaning that you get a plushier feel without compromising size. For even more warmth, this sleeping pad has a metalized film that reflects your heat to your body. The NEMO Switchback is made up of dual-density foam that is resistant to abrasions and a tough lower layer, making it super durable and long-lasting.
If you want to pack light, you can use this pad on its own. It weighs 14 ounces and, with a thickness of only 0.9 inches, it’s super portable. You can also layer it with another pad for extra insulation during extra cold weather trips. And if the environment matters to you as much as your outdoor experiences, you’ll love the fact that the Switchback is fully recyclable.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Specs
- Type: Foam
- Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz
- R Value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.7 in
Features
- Pad Thickness: 0.75 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Egg-Carton Closed-Cell Foam Pattern For Increased Softness
- No Inflation Required - Instant Setup
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a closed-cell foam sleeping pad that can be compressed into a lightweight and compact shape. The Z Lite Sol also features a higher than average R-Value (the measurement used to establish the degree of insulation of different foams) making it one of the warmest ultralight sleeping pads on our list.
With a reflective surface, the Z Lite Sol will maintain your body heat during cold nights in the outdoors, while leaving enough space in your backpack to carry all the other essentials.
While closed-cell foam pads tend to be less comfortable than air or self-inflating pads, the egg-carton pattern of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol creates a soft and insulated surface that is impressively pleasant, considering the price range. On top of being durable, this sleeping pad unfolds instantly, so you can get ready for bed in a matter of minutes (or even seconds).
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus
Specs
- Type: Self-Inflating
- Weight: 1 lbs 07 oz
- R Value: 3.2
- Thickness: 1.5 in
Features
- Pad Thickness: 1 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Semi-rectangular
- Insulated
- Dense Foam To Reduce Heat Loss
- Stuff Sack Included
While self-inflating sleeping pads are generally bulky and inconvenient to carry in a backpack, the 3-season Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus is designed with the alpine climber in mind. Thanks to the tapered shape, the weight remains minimal and the packing size, while larger than other sleeping pads listed here, is easily manageable.
Compared to air pads, this self-inflating mattress is much sturdier and likely to last longer. Plus with an R-value of 3.2, it is suitable to be used in colder environments. The self-inflating process will take about 10 minutes, so be patient before you hit the sack.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN ULTRALIGHT SLEEPING PAD
SLEEPING PAD TYPE
There are three different types of sleeping pads on the market: air pads, self-inflating pads, and closed-cell foam pads.
Air pads, as the name suggests, are mattresses that need to be inflated with the breath or a small pump. These sleeping pads provide a great balance between comfort and minimal weight, however, they are prone to puncturing or ripping.
Self-inflating pads tend to be sturdier and more durable than air pads. They offer better insulation and they have a built-in valve that allows the air in, inflating automatically. The downside of self-inflating pads is that they are usually bulkier and heavier because of the foam layer contained in them.
Closed-cell foam pads are simple camping pads made by one single layer of dense, patterned foam, which usually folds like an accordion. They are cheap, lightweight and extremely durable, but not as comfortable as air and self-inflating pads.
INSULATION (R-VALUE)
The R-value of a sleeping pad measures the capacity to hold the heat of the mattress. In other words, its level of insulation. The R-value ranges from 1 (minimal insulation for warm-weather camping) to 11 (maximum insulation for cold-weather camping). Most sleeping pads are used under the sleeping bag. But there are also models that fit inside your bag (like the Klymit Inertia X Frame Recon), allowing for even less heat to escape.
SLEEPING PAD LENGTH
Sleeping pads can be short, regular or long. Short pads (usually 47 – 48 inches in length) have a smaller packing size and weigh less. However, they only fit 3/4 of your body leaving your legs exposed. Legs don’t need as much insulation as the rest of the body does. Therefore, a short sleeping pad is worth considering if you are hiking in 3-season conditions. Regular and long pads typically measure 72 and 78 inches, respectively. These are more suitable to winter hikes as they will insulate your entire body.
SLEEPING PAD SHAPE
Rectangular, semi-rectangular or mummy shaped? When choosing a pad shape you should consider your sleeping habits, as while it is true that tapered pads occupy less space when packed, they are also not ideal for someone who tends to move during the night.
Rectangular and semi-rectangular sleeping pads offer more space for your legs, so you are less likely to roll on the ground as you dream of the next peak you’ll conquer.
INFLATION
Most brands that sell air pads provide information on how many breaths are necessary to inflate sleeping pads fully. Ultralight air pads typically inflate with 6 to 8 breaths, but some have a built-in hand pump that will save you some oxygen at the end of a long hiking day.
As the name suggests, self-inflating pads inflate automatically once the valve is opened. The inflation process takes about 10 minutes. Self-inflating pads should be stored hanging and semi-inflated with the valve open.
COST
Sleeping pads can cost as little as $20 and go up into the hundreds for more technologically advanced models. Closed-cell foam pads tend to be the cheapest but least comfortable, while air and self-inflating pads are more expensive but also softer and more insulated.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
R-VALUE
The level of insulation of the sleeping pad, going from 1 (minimal insulation) to 11 (maximum insulation).
CLOSED-CELL FOAM
Closed-cell foam is a dense and durable type of polyurethane foam, more resistant to heat loss than open-cell foam because of its capacity to screen out moisture and air. Polyurethane is a plastic material commonly used to build insulation panels in houses.
AIR PAD
A sleeping pad that needs to be inflated by breathing into it or with a pump.
SELF-INFLATING PAD
A sleeping pad that inflates automatically once the valve is open, usually built with an embedded layer of foam to provide extra comfort.
TWIST-PULL VALVE
A valve that requires two separate movements to proceed with inflation or deflation. In order to inflate the mattress is it necessary to twist the valve to the right, then pull it up to allow the air to flow in. With this system, an accidental twisting of the valve does not cause the pad to deflate.
GRID-SHAPED DESIGN
A minimalist sleeping pad design in which all material in excess is removed to leave only a basic frame that provides support at key pressure points. Because of the empty spaces in the mattress, a grid-shaped sleeping pad can be extremely lightweight and compact.
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For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads