How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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Upgrade your car-camping kit with extra comfort under your sleeping bag. The large Mountain Summit Gear self-inflating camp pad puts a plush 2.5 in. between you and the ground.
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View all Mountain Summit Gear Self-inflating PadsBest Use | Camping |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
R-Value | 5.7 |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | 7 x 26 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 2.5 inches |
Dimensions | 76 x 26 x 2.5 inches |
Weight | 4 lbs. 8 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
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My family and I like to go trail camping up in the mountains quite regularly and as you can imagine when your carrying your gear with you all day you want it to be as light as possible. With this being a self inflating mat it fit our criteria because we no longer have to carry a air pump. At first I thought we would be sacrificing comfort for convenience by not getting cots but I was wrong, these are actually surprisingly more comfortable than a cot. The one time we set up camp in the snow it also did a good job of keeping us well insulated from the ground and it also has proven to be really durable which is good because I think my kids think these are trampolines and somehow we've yet had one pop.
I purchased this sleeping mat a few months ago and have used it on three camping trips so far. I have been using a traditional air matress for years but have been disappointed with them. I am loving this mat thought! I have slept much better, without the chill that taller air mattresses give you. I am 5'5" and about 130 pounds, I camp with my son and our dogs so all of our stuff gets some wear, haha. I sometimes have to let it re-inflate in the morning but its not a problem. This was a sleep changer for me, super excited about it!
After having my body heat stolen one too many times after using an air mattress in cooler weather I decided to get this pad for car camping. I figured it would be a sacrifice of comfort in exchange for warmth, but that was not the case at all. I weigh about 155lbs and never bottomed out the mattress even while sleeping on my side. Some of the best sleep I've had while camping. I've only taken them on two different 3 day trips so far, so I can't speak to the longevity, but I have been impressed. Only small complaint; they can be a little difficult to roll if you're just trying to use wrist power, but if you roll a little, sit on the rolled part to deflate, then repeat, it gets around that issue and packs easily back into the bag.
I take this camp pad with me whenever I go camping. My favorite is setting it up in the bed of my truck. It inflates quick and easy everytime with no hassle and deflates into a small and easy to carry package. It's currently going 7 months strong now and I expect it to keep on chugging. I've bought a few camp pad's and out of all of them this one has held up the longest through all my adventures even though it is one of the less expensive ones I've bought. Great quality for the price.
This sleeping pad is great for sleeping. It’s very spacious and comfortable. Good for car camping when you have the space. Unfortunately, after one week long trip it already has a slow leak that makes it bottom out on the ground after a few hours sleep.
I returned this item after one use. I have always had Thermarest or REI self-inflating mattresses in the past but their cost and lack of availability made me look for an alternative. Unfortunately, this mattress did not inflate well and the internal foam seemed inadequate. The outer material is stiffer than I expected. All of this added up to a less comfortable night sleep and prompted me to return the mattress.
We bought two of these 3 years ago and only used them a half dozen times, mostly backyard camping, and they both have slow leaks around the seam between the plastic cap manifold and the mat. Utterly disappointed. Another mat I've had almost 20 years is still working perfectly...
The first time that I bought this product, and every time after, it would deflate after a few hours. I always wake up cold and in contact with the ground with this sleeping pad. Do not cheap out by buying this pad. Buy a well reviewed and decent sleeping pad. The extra money spent will be worth it.
Used for 3 day trip Smokey Mountains. Worked great, comfortable, easy to set up. Did need to add some air after 2 days. But well worth the money. Big guy 6'1" 250.
The difference in sleeping quality for those who had this and those who did not was vast.