How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Pack light and sleep deeply with the Sea to Summit Pursuit self-inflating sleeping mat. Built for long alpine trips, it's lightweight and comfortable thanks to a foam-supported channel construction.
Imported.
View all Sea to Summit Self-inflating PadsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Regular Mummy: Mummy Regular: Rectangular Large Mummy: Mummy Long Wide: Rectangular |
R-Value | 3 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Regular Mummy: 5.5 x 11.4 inches Regular: 5.5 x 13.4 inches Large Mummy: 5.5 x 12.6 inches Long Wide: 5.5 x 15.7 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 2 inches |
Dimensions | Regular Mummy: 72 x 22 x 2 inches Regular: 72 x 25.2 x 2 inches Large Mummy: 78 x 25.2 x 2 inches Long Wide: 78 x 29.9 x 2 inches |
Weight | Regular Mummy: 1 lb. 5.3 oz. Regular: 1 lb. 11.3 oz. Large Mummy: 1 lb. 9.7 oz. Long Wide: 2 lbs. 4.9 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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After 24 hours, with the correct valve open, this pad never inflated. Even with a pump, it barely inflated to 50%. Requested a return from REI and a free return label, which I do ask for if I receive a defective item. I don't live near an REI, am a good customer and honestly don't believe customers should be responsible for receiving sub-par merchandise. Rep tried to get me to try another pad, but I respectfully told them I didn't have time and honestly, don't want my upcoming backpacking trip dependent on a pad that failed out of the box. Got lectured on this by REI customer service, after just spending several hundred dollars with them. So hey, will be rethinking using REI or Sea to Summit.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Thank you for letting me test the Pursuit pad. It is an excellent addition to my gear: light weight, comfortable for its thickness, and quiet compared to the large pads. The simplicity of packing and carrying was a great addition (as I dread packing up). My one concern is about the tab twisting back and forth. I worry it will wear out over time. I am also considering upgrading to the Pursuit Plus for the extra thickness. That is a personal preference, and it is great there is the option.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Really love the valves for quick inflation and deflation and the stuff sack works great. I was a little skeptical at first but it works really well and you don't have to worry about having a tight roll to get it back in the bag. It's a surprisingly comfortable pad as well for the thickness. Although it's a little heavier than my Ether Light XT, it's less expensive and it's not as bouncy feeling. I also appreciate the reduced environmental impact of this mat. Highly recommend this one!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is the 1st time I used a self-inflating sleep pad, so learning how to use it took me a couple times. That said it worked great. It is lighter than my other pad and surprisingly comfortable. I used it on a recent trip on rocky ground and had no issues. It was a comfortable sleep.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] As a side-sleeper, I usually use a 4" thick air pad to prevent my hips from being sore in the morning. I was skeptical of a pad this thin, but I ended up having some of the best sleep in a long time thanks to this pad. The foam and air combo kept me plenty comfortable through the night in any position I found myself in. The self-inflating nature of the pad was lovely to save my time or breath blowing it up; I only needed a few puffs after letting it sit out and pushing down on the pad to encourage it to inflate itself. The real innovation with this sleeping pad is the one-way deflating valve. By simply twisting the valve around, you're able to get all of the air out the pad and keep it out. I've had self-inflating pads without this feature and I don't think I could ever go back; seriously, it's a game-changer. The best part is it adds zero additional weight since it utilizes the same valve used for inflation. While I wouldn't personally take a pad this bulky and heavy backpacking, I definitely have a new car-camping pad.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This was my first purchase of a sleeping mat and I just camped for 13 days and although I am sore it is not from my sleeping mat. I slept well and happy with the ease and comfort of this product