How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
REI Co-op Stratus Insulated Air Pad
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The REI Stratus Insulated Air Pad at 2.5 in. thick offers comfortable sleeping for backpackers and the long length weighs 25 ounces!
Shop similar products- Air tube construction is cushioned and insulated with high-performance, water-resistant PrimaLoft® synthetic microfiber to provide warmth, low weight and max compression
- Larger tubes on the outside keep you from rolling off
- Light weight materials and high efficiency insulated air system delivers a compact stowed pad for easy packing
- Rugged Taslan® nylon diamond-ripstop top surface has a non-slip texture; 75-denier polyester bottom surface resists wear
- Quick-closing, high-volume airflow valve allows the pad to inflate and deflate quickly
- Fully welded construction is leak proof and extremely durable
- Included stuff sack keeps the REI Stratus Insulated Air Pad protected when compactly stored
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 3.0 |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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northwesthiker
Seattle, WA
Sweet Dreams!
13 years ago
For the weight, it's unbeatable (in my humble opinion). I've owned many pads and the last one was the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core and it leaked during the night so I returned it. I was hesitant to drop that much money on a pad after that experience so I went with this one with high hopes. It didn't dissapoint. I'm super impressed, great quality, extremely comfortable, and relatively lightweight for the comfort you get in the backcountry. I got the extra large one, can't go wrong with it, plenty of room on it and it never moved an inch. I recommend this pad to all of my clients and friends. Great all around product. Good work REI.
Yes , I recommend this product
JGinNJ
Woodbridge, NJ
REI Really Got It Right
12 years ago
I'm getting back into hiking and backpacking and am changing out all the old equipment. I'm interested in taking advantage of newer lighter equipment technologies, but wouldn't consider myself to be a "competitive ultralighter" who is a slave to specifications. I was replacing a CCF pad and tried the Thermarest Neolite XL. At one pound for the long version, it looked great on paper but in reality I found the material to be too noisy and fragile. On whim, I ordered the Stratus in long. For a few more ounces, I got a much more comfortable pad that is silent and looks to be durable. I'd rather carry the few extra ounces and be able to sleep. As a bonus, its very reasonably priced - which always helps!
Yes , I recommend this product
JillJillian
Olympia, WA
Love it!
12 years ago
I love this sleeping pad. It is great because it is super easy to repack and it packs small. I've slept on a couple other pads and none of them were as comfortable as the Stratus. It is pretty light weight as well. This is the second one that I have had. The valve on the first one quick locking, but was easily returned and I haven't had any issues with the new one. I slept on mine for almost a month on a road trip to California and now use it for weekend backpacking trips. The only downfall is that you do have to blow it up...however it is worth the benefit of the extra comfort, easy packing and light weight. And honestly, it really isn't that hard to blow up.
Yes , I recommend this product
glass77
Providence, RI
Actual restful sleep, on a floor!
12 years ago
2 weeks of sleeping on floors, and this pad was fantastic!. About 17 breaths to inflate, and actually comfortable. I am a side or stomach sleeper, and usually end up with bruised hips after sleeping on pads, but not on this one. A little on the pricey side, but totally worth it!
Yes , I recommend this product
biochembrewer
Houston, TX
The Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad Ever
12 years ago
I bought the large size, in order to be a bit more comfortable on the trail. I've discovered that being more comfortable means getting better sleep, which means having more energy and better hiking. The extra 5 ounces the large carries is more than worth it to me. So, as a side-sleeper, this is one of the best pads I've ever found. It's durable, packs incredibly small, fairly lightweight (not UL, but it's not lead either), and with a 3.0 R value it can be used even during chilly fall nights (but I wouldn't recommend it for any hard winter camping).
Yes , I recommend this product
cam'ron
los angeles
great product
13 years ago
this is a great product. i went in looking at the foam core, selfinflating pads from thermarest since i'm a princess and was planning on car camping for the trip i was going on. i was replacing a cheap air mattress. the sales guy told me to check out the stratus, since he was also a side sleeper and a bigger guy like me. not to mention, it's half the price of the thermarest i was looking at. thanks to the well designed nozzle, you can really get this thing full of air and rather firm. i slept just as well on this as i do at home. i can't recomend it enough. great product and i am very pleased.
Yes , I recommend this product
Arfer
Wisconsin
Liked It--but it deflates
12 years ago
I really liked the durable fabric that is used in this sleeping pad. I also liked the price, how easy it was to inflate, it's small packing size, and how comfortable it was to sleep on. EXCEPT, this pad slowly leaked air and I'd wake up several times during the night and have to reinflate it. Ironically, it was difficult to expell all the air from the pad in order to get it to fit into the storage bag that comes with it. I really liked this pad, but the fact that it wouldn't remain inflated made it impossible to sleep on. Finally had to return it. Ended up getting a more expensive pad that's a little wider and longer . . . I just hope it doesn't have the deflation problem my Stratus had.
No, I do not recommend this product
NateV
Pasadena, CA
Most Comfortable Pad Ever
12 years ago
Absolutely the most comfortable pad ever. The two bolsters on the side mean that I don't slide off the pad at night. *BUT* after only a few uses it started leaking. When I put it in soapy water, I found that there was not just one little hole --instead the entire fabric was leaking. So... great idea, but poor execution. I will check with REI about what they've done to improve this and depending on that get another, or go for the ExPed.
No, I do not recommend this product
Alzee222
Richmond, VA
Impressed so far
13 years ago
I'm an assistant scoutmaster with a troop in Virginia. The temperature is generally pretty mild (with a few really cold nights). I took this pad out for the second time this past weekend and I was extremely pleased. Temperatures were cold, but I was snug as a bug all night long. This pad is easy to inflate and packs down really nicely. The only problem I had was that i was on a slight incline and had to reset myself a couple times in the night because i'd slip down, but that's not so bad considering all the positives. I'm still waiting to report on its durability until I take it on some more trips, but it's made of good materials and I have no doubt that it will stand the test of time.
Yes , I recommend this product
sYnOnYx
Las Vegas, NV
Pretty Good
12 years ago
So I got this pad after testing it in-store. I liked this pad from the get-go cause I am a side sleeper and I like the bigger tubes on the sides. I also liked that it was just the right size and weight to backpack with. It also has a nice valve system that works great. Easy to inflate, deflate and pack up. But I did not end up keeping the pad after my first trip out. I felt the smallest rocks through this pad, and I kept waking up with sore shoulders ( Side Sleeper ) it didn't work as well as I hoped in the field but I am a big guy so maybe my expectations were a little much. I should also add I slipped of it a few times in the night too. But, I still gave this pad 4 stars as I can recognize a quailty product that should work great for 90% of the people out there.
Yes , I recommend this product
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