How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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With all the features of a grown-up sleeping pad, the REI Co-op Kindercamp sleeping pad for kids is an easy-to-use self-inflating pad that delivers a warm, comfortable night's sleep.
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View all REI Co-op Self-inflating PadsBest Use | Camping |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
R-Value | 4.5 |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | 5.5 x 20 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 1.5 inches |
Dimensions | 60 x 20 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | 1 lb. 13 oz. |
Gender | Kids' |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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I can’t explain how happy I am that I bought this pad! I am a pretty short women so I was always hesitant to buy the adult pads for more money, but not even fill out the length of the pad. This was the best choice available and I’m happy I bought it. The r-value is better than the Nemo tensor if you can believe it. It keeps me warm on cold nights when paired with a warm bag. I am also a side sleeper and this pad works well to keep me supported. Albeit, it’s still a pad on the ground so it’s not going to be as comfortable as a bed but it’s gets the job done. It is quick and easy to inflate and deflate as well. I wish it was more compact when rolled up but hey, you can beat the price and specs. Overall, a good purchase if you are a shortish person looking for a budget friendly sleeping pad.
Super easy to inflate and the fabulous thickness kept our kids (age 7 and 5) extremely comfortable throughout the night. I considered a closed cell pad for the kids since they’re hard to destroy, but ultimately the extra R-value of this product won out. It was the right choice, as this pad is super plush. I tried it out myself and as a petite woman, 5’1”, the length would have been fine for me.
Waterproof? I wiped this down with a wet cloth and it immediately seeped into the fabric.
I just bought this the other day for my minimalistic travels, sleeping in my car, or camping etc. I’m 5’5 so was looking for a shorter length, but with comfort in mind, and found this on REI’s online store for around $50. It’s super easy to set up since you unroll it, and it practically inflated itself!! I’ve slept on it for two nights now, and it’s really comfortable. Highly recommend it for anyone my height and shorter.
These seemed great to start out with, but after 2 years have turned out to be a disappointment. The valve is a large flat flap, rather than one that tightens shut like you see on some other brands. After a year or two of light use (maybe 10 nights/year), these no longer hold air.
I naively purchased this mainly due to the listed packed size of 5"x12". Well the reality is, the packed size is a misprint, it should read 5"x22". Otherwise, it's a decent pad for it's purpose.
Brought this to add firmness to my side of our CamperVan mattress. I’m 5’3” so a 5’ pad does fine. I just slipped it under the bottom sheet and the memory foam mattress.
The color is fun! My 4y old daughter loves it a lot! Very easy to inflate or deflate. Cannot wait for our next camping trip!!
Great camping pad for kids or shorter adults. I recommend inflating it once before your trip - it takes a while to initially inflate, but after that, it’s a breeze! Would buy again! (Specs selected are based on my almost-7-year-old son, who used this pad and loved it!)
I get the feeling that these pads and valves were never field tested with kids and in cold (40-48 degrees) conditions. The valves are so difficult to open and close, the pads are essentially useless in the backcountry, especially when your hands are cold. My 7 year old sone and 9 year old daughter have been camping and backpacking since they were toddlers. There's no way a child can make the valves function properly, even in warm conditions. Their hands and fingers are too weak. It's s wrestling match for me to get the valves to open and close. This is a surprisingly poor design for an REI product. Not the norm.