How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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Take this one to the trails. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo sleeping pad provides luxury comfort in a lightweight and compact package for backpacking.
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View the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Product LineView all Therm-a-Rest Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| R-Value | 2.3 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
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I’ve used this pad several times now and have been very happy. Before I landed here, I purchase several other brands, both less and more expensive. Each one had either slow leaks or killed my hips. I’m a side, stomach sleeper and this fit perfectly. The only thing to be mindful of is the R value. I was looking for a 3 season, warm weather pad so it wasn’t a deal breaker, but it should be noted. Either way, side/stomach sleeper in Southeast for a three season (maybe not shoulder season), this is perfect. If you’re going to push the temp, may want to look for higher R value—I plan on purchasing another Therm-a-rest for this reason.
I intended to use this for group car camping events. I didn't realize everyone around me needed to hear every movement I make. Whatever Therm-a-Rest has been putting inside their air mattresses to make them so crinkly needs to be optional. I assume it is a heat reflecting layer, but not every mattress needs to be heat insulating. I was looking for a comfortable, cool mattress of a luxurious size, but I can't use this one. I like the new air inlet and the new inflation bag. I like this size of this thing, and it's quite comfortable, even for sleeping on my side. But it is too noisy.
I use this gear for work camp trips and after less than 10 uses it sprung a leak, it was always inside a tent, i think maybe it was poked by something maybe even through the tent I'm not sure. I did think that it seemed like thin material so maybe be careful using in areas with sharp ferns or other sharp vegetation. Overall a good product for certain situations but for the remote camping we do I believe it is not rugged enough.
We just started camping last summer, and after a few successful trips with just our sleeping bags invested in these for more comfortable nights. These are indeed MUCH more comfortable than just sleeping on the ground, but are also not even close to sleeping in your own bed. We only took them car camping, so TBD on how well they work when backpacking. Like the pros and cons here say, they are insanely easy to inflate and deflate (without any fancy equipment), and when inflated you can lay down and not be touching the ground at all - they're pretty comfortable! The cushioning is great, but the mattresses themselves are pretty thin + slippery, so you have to hold pretty still to avoid falling off. I'm also a side sleeper, which is definitely not ideal for camping in general or for these mattresses, but it's workable! Overall I'd definitely recommend these, but I also don't have a ton to compare them to.
This is a pretty comfy pad (definitely an upgrade from my last inflatable) but I definitely have to let a fair amount of air out to sleep comfortably and sometimes I feel like I am sliding off of it a bit (my sleeping bag has a DWR coating so that probably contributes to it). I am a side sleeper so there might not be a camping mat out there that is perfect for me anyway!
I already own the "regular" size pad, and it was super awesome. As a side sleeper I needed a little more room, so I upgraded to regular wide. It isn't THAT much bigger or heavier so it was worth it for me. The twist-lock adjustment valve is very handy and lets you do micro-adjustments to inflation level to dial in your comfort, and the build quality is solid.
This thing is PLUSH. It has a great feel to it and allows plenty of room between you and the ground. Definitely no shoulders or hips touching the ground. I also love the packed size of it. I've taken it bike packing and it is tiny and light enough for my bags. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Best sleeps I’ve ever had while camping! I haven’t gone backpacking with it yet, just car camping, but it gives enough loft that my hips don’t hurt in the morning. It packs down very small and is lightweight, I believe it would be perfect for backpacking with too.
This is a quality product. It was very easy to set up and take down. Unfortunately I was never able to use it while camping as I intended. It was stolen from my truck. However I was able to test it in my home and it seemed very comfortable.
Great size for sleeping on, super comfortable and significantly quieter that my previous generation Neoair. Setting up the mattress is much nicer with the pump sack, compared to by mouth of the previous ones.