
Best Sleeping Pad for the Money 2022
Enjoy Our Reviews of Sleeping Pads
Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite Air Mattress | Our Favorite | Amazon |
![]() | 2. Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad | Premium Pick | Amazon |
![]() | 3. Sea To Summit Ether Light Xt Insulated Sleeping Mat | Great Value | Amazon |
![]() | 4. Big Agnes Q Core Ultralight Sleeping Pad | Amazon | |
![]() | 5. Exped Synmat Hl Sleeping Pad | Amazon |
Pricing of these Sleeping Pads Range Between $50-$175
Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite Air Mattress Review
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Air Mattress is a very high-quality and lightweight sleeping pad. It weighs only 12 ounces (0.3 kg) and has an R-value of 4.2, which means it can be used during all seasons. When packed, it becomes incredibly small at 9” x 4” (22.8 cm x 10 cm), so it occupies only a little space in the backpack. Furthermore, it features a WingLock valve that opens very quickly just by twisting a pair of plastic wings along the side. The valve has one-way inflation for increased efficiency.
The design of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Air Mattress is tapered and ensures warmth. When it comes to the fabric in which the sleeping pad is covered, this is textured and non-slippery for the mat to stay put during the night. This mattress was built with the reflective Therma Capture technology that traps radiant heat. At the same time, it has a Triangular Core Matrix construction that ensures the heat is not lost and at the same time provides more stability.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Air Mattress comes with a pump sack and a repair kit. It’s available in 3 sizes and the color Yellow. When not in use, it should be stored in a dry place and away from sunlight so that it doesn’t become prone to ruptures not to mention this can easily be stored in your hunting backpack or hiking backpack.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Warm
- Compact when packed
- Easy to deflate
- Comes with pump sack
- One-way inflation valve
- Therma Capture technology
- Triangular Core Matrix
- Repair kit included
Cons
- Available in only 1 color
- Noisy
- No carrying bag
Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad Review
When it comes to comfort and softness, the Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad is the perfect choice and comes at a very good price. It’s designed with less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) closed cells and features reflective coating that captures radiant heat. More than this, it’s sure to never pop because it’s not an inflatable model. In fact, it has a simple design and is very thin, so it can also be put on camping chairs to offer extra protection and cushioning.
Available in the Regular and Short versions, the Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad packs down to 20” x 5” x 5.5” (50.8 cm x 12.7 cm x 13.9 cm) and respectively 20” x 5” x 4” (50.8 cm x 12.7 cm x 10.1 cm). This means it doesn’t occupy too much space in the backpack, not to mention that it weighs only 14.5 ounces (0.4 kg) and 10.5 ounces (0.2 kg) in the short version. Due to its more precise tooling, it eliminates the wasted space between layers, enabling taller nodes and nesting.
What’s also great about the Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad is that it comes with a lifetime limited warranty against materials and workmanship to the original owner. The warranty can be obtained only with a proof of purchase from authorized Nemo dealers. Grab some of these, your family camping tent and you’re ready for an amazing weekend out with the family!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Soft
- Very good price
- Reflective coating
- Sure not to pop
- Compact when packed
- Lightweight
- Available in 2 versions
- Lifetime warranty
- Metalized insulation
Cons
- Thin
- Only 1 color available
- Not very warm
Sea To Summit Ether Light Xt Insulated Sleeping Mat Review
Side sleepers who toss and turn during the night should definitely decide to buy the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat, which has 4 inches (10.1 cm) of cushioning off the ground and keeps the body tucked in. This pad weighs about 1 pound (0.4 kg) and has a 3.8 R-value, which means it provides more than enough warmth during all seasons. Another of its impressive features is that it’s made with well-padded Air Sprung Cells that retain heat and provide more comfort.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat comes with a dual pump/stuff sack that makes inflation easier and faster. It’s made from nylon fabric, a material that’s not difficult to patch and repair using the kit that comes with the mattress. Besides, it features antimicrobial TPU, which means it prevents internal mold growth. The Exkin Platinum and Thermolite Insulation of this pad ensures the sleeper is warm enough during very cold nights.
Since it’s included in the luxurious sleeping mattresses category, the Sea to Summit Ether XT Insulated Sleeping Mat comes at a pretty high price, but it’s surely worth the money considering it is of very high-quality and has some impressive features that make it one of the best products in its category.
Pros
- Perfect for side sleepers
- Extra-cushioning
- 3.8 R-value
- Air Sprung Cells
- Smart valves
- Comes with pump sack
- Repair kit included
- Antimicrobial TPU
- Exkin Platinum and Thermolite Insulation
- High-quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Bulky
Big Agnes Q Core Ultralight Sleeping Pad Review
Available in 5 sizes, from Petite and Wide Long, the Big Agnes Q Core Ultralight Sleeping Pad is also very lightweight at only 22 ounces (0.6 kg). It rolls down to 4” x 8.5” (10.1 cm x 21.5 cm), which means it easily fits in a backpack and leaves room for many other camping items. Its strong rip-stop fabric is 25% more durable than the fabric in other similar mattresses. The pad also features TPU lamination for even more durability and increased comfort.
Furthermore, the Big Agnes Q Core Ultralight Sleeping Pad features a high-volume valve that makes inflation easier and deflation faster. More than this, it prevents the growth of microorganisms because it’s treated with antimicrobial substances that aren’t in any way harmful to the body. This mattress also has a quilted top that makes it as comfortable as a bed. Besides, it offers increased stability because it has larger outer chambers that keep the sleeper cradled in the middle.
Just like most of the sleeping pads available at the moment on the market, the Big Agnes Q Core Ultralight Sleeping Pad was made with heat reflective technology that attracts and retains warmth. It comes with a repair kit and can be easily patched in case of an emergency.
Pros
- Available in 5 sizes
- Lightweight
- Small when packed
- Durable
- TPU lamination
- High-volume valve
- Comfortable
- Heat reflective technology
- Repair kit included
- Antimicrobial treatment
Cons
- Noisy
- Punctures easily
- Comes only in Green
Exped Synmat Hl Sleeping Pad Review
The Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad is a product of very high-quality, not to mention compact and reasonably lightweight at 1.3 pounds (0.5 kg). It’s easy to inflate because it features a one-way valve and comes with the Schnozzel Pumpbag. This bag doesn’t only feature a pump, it’s also very efficient at protecting the inside of the mat from moisture. This sleeping pad is covered in a fabric that feels very soft at the touch and at the same time is very resistant to wear and tear.
The tubing of the Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad follows the natural length of the body. The mattress is also made with Texpedloft Microfibers that attract and retain warmth, so it can be used during all seasons. Besides, it features the GripSkin honeycomb-pattern coating for increased comfort and for providing a lighter sleep. More than this, the mat is waterproof, which means it can be used in tents even when it’s heavily raining outside.
Available in 3 sizes, from Medium to Medium Wide and Large, the Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad can be used by anyone and is very wide at the shoulders. It has an anti-slip surface to prevent sleepers who usually toss around at night from falling out of it.
Pros
- High-quality
- Compact
- Easy to inflate
- Comes with pump bag
- Soft covering fabric
- Texpedloft Microfibers
- GripSkin honeycomb-pattern coating
- Waterproof
- Wide at the shoulders
- Anti-slip surface
Cons
- Available only in Orange
- No repair kit
- Long







