How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Looking for a great value on a self-inflating pad? The 1.5 in. thick foam Sea to Summit Camp self-inflating mat features Delta Core vertical coring that lowers the weight and minimizes packed size.
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Imported.
View all Sea to Summit Self-inflating PadsBest Use | Backpacking Camping |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Mummy |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
R-Value | 4.2 |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Regular: 6.5 x 10 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 1.5 inches |
Dimensions | Regular: 72 x 20 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | Regular: 1 lb. 9 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
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For a self-inflating pad, this mat checks off all the boxes. Used once so far on a short backpacking trip. The foam is comfy enough for side-sleeping, and it worked well for a toss-and-turn sleeper. Also stayed warm when temps dipped to around 30 degrees (F) at night. Two features take this pad to the next level... First, LOVE the durability and construction of the pad so far - 75 denier, good-quality fabric on both sides. And lastly, the reversible nozzle is really cool and it works great! It did take a couple tries to completely roll the air out completely when packing up, but I think that gets better with practice. The comfort, durability, and overall quality of this pad justify the weight, to me. Overall, it's an outstanding self-inflating pad and a superb value if you can grab it on sale.
This pad is affordable, warm, and made of good material. The self-inflation is also very fast. However, I found it too narrow as my arms easily overhung on to the tent floor. It was also too thin and firm/hard for me. I woke up with body aches both nights. I returned this pad for a thicker manual inflatable pad over self-inflating foam.
Product is advertised as self-inflating but does not do this regardless of how long you set it out. This pad will also deflate very quickly overnight (hot, cold temps, etc doesn't matter). I wouldn't recommend this which is a bummer since I usually love Sea to Summit products, One perk: the pad is easy to unpack and repack.
Pros: easy to inflate, easy to pack, valves seem to work well. Cons: I am a 5’10” 175# man and found this pad to be WAY TOO NARROW! Like sleeping on a balance beam. Ankle portion especially narrow so as a side sleeper I was constantly waking up with the outside of my ankle directly on the ground. If this pad were 4 inches wider and more rectangular shaped, would be really nice. Plan to return this after only one night sleeping on it.
I ordered this online, let it sit for 1 hour and it did not self inflate. The tag said it would inflate in 5-10 mins… same thing happened with a 2nd Sea to Summit pad I ordered (purchased 2 different ones to compare size and padding). Returning for a different brand.
Only used this mat a couple times so far. Pillow lock tech is great when combined with sea to summit pillow. It is more affordably priced than comparable mats. Its heavier than many so if ultralight is what one is seeking this mat is not preferred. I am optimistic that the R value makes this a great mat for someone who is backpacking or camping in many conditions and is okay trading off less warmth in winter while carrying little extra weight in summer instead of having multiple sleep mats
I bought this pad for a trip with my son. I was taking this one and a older cheaper version I have. This pad is more compact and lightweight than the one I currently owned. The one feature was how much more durable this one felt, and the fact that over a multiple day trip it never lost any air. An improvement from the previous one. I purchased the large self inflating pad and it was almost big enough for me and my four year old son to sleep on it together. I am a side sleeper. The only negative thing I can say about this product is this one is not intended for a backpacker. This is more for base camping or car camping where weight and size are not an issues. If you are looking for a backpacking pad look at another option. If you are not concerned with size and weight on your next trip, then stop looking you found your pad.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I'm not a regular camper and I don't have a lot of experience with sleeping mats beyond an MEC double Reactor 6.5 that I purchased a few years ago. The valve on this mat is BY FAR a better design. It inflates easily, and even more importantly: deflates (and stays that way) easily as well! I'm mostly a side sleeper, F/5'6"/145 lbs, and have slept comfortably each time I've used it. Price was perfect for the amount of use I will be getting out of it.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am 6'1" and this sleeping pad fits me perfectly. So far I have used it for both recreational camping and backcountry trips for work. It inflates and deflates easily and the value of comfort in regards to the weight has been a clear positive trade off for me. I recommend this sleeping pad to anyone who isn't looking to spend a ton of money, but wants to be comfortable on the trail.
Great night’s sleep, I was amazed at how comfortable I was compared to my old-school mats, which I still like. This mat is great for car/motorcycle camping or short distance backpacking where light weight gear isn’t needed. Comfortable, well insulated, quiet. And very reasonably priced for a modern mat.