How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Get ready for a good night's sleep in the wild with the Sea to Summit Camp Plus self-inflating rectangular sleeping pad. It provides maximum comfort and insulation at an attractive price point.
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Imported.
View all Sea to Summit 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 | 4.3 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Large: 8.5 x 13.5 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
Dimensions | Large: 79 x 25 x 3 inches |
Weight | Large: 3 lbs. |
Gender | Unisex |
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Exactly what I was looking for to fit in my Grand Cherokee WK2. Perfect size at 72” x 25”. I purchased a different brand from Amazon to test fit and comfortability, was decent but didn’t like the high ridges. This pad is much more comfortable by a long shot. The R value is a bonus, I do have to say the pad although self inflating did need a little extra help but no big deal. Super pumped to get it out in the field :)
I'm loving my new pad and would highly recommend this sea to summit SI rectangular pad for anyone that is a side sleeper or has a bad back for activities such as thru hiking the AT..
Full disclosure: I purchased this at the REI garage sale (i.e. "used"). It is super comfy, and packs small enough to be put in the large drybag I'm taking on a rafting trop while still being comfortable. I am pretty sure the unit I got had never been aired up, because I opened the valves and it did not inflate like other SI pads I was familiar with. HOWEVER, you have to pump it up and leave it for a while (I used an exped foot pump thing from my other sleeping mat, but I think S2S makes a pump bag) to encourage the foam to take shape. Then I rolled it up for a few days. Took it out again and it self inflates fine, just needs a few breaths/pumps to get it to my preferred firmness. It would probably be helpful of Sea to Summit to include instructions with their pads, since it sounds like others are having issues with the first inflation.
For the longest time I’ve used leaf litter and other natural materials to improve my sleeping comfort on the trail. Old habits die hard thanks to Uncle Sam. However I decided it was time to invest in an actual pad. I almost didn’t buy it because I read it was a bit too big for backpacking, but I have to disagree now that I have it and have put it to use. Sure, ounces equal pain and it’s prudent to shave weight where you can, but for me the weight is WORTH the COMFORT it provides. This Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI is very comfortable, and offers a good balance on insulation from the ground. I use the Tasmanian Tiger Mark III Raid backpack and this pad fits perfect in the bottom section of the ruck. I absolutely love it. One of the best investments I’ve made. If you’re on the fence and can’t decide on this pad, pull the trigger. Unless you’re a weight wuss, I believe you will love it. You’ll get better sleep (back and side) which equates to better performance. Additionally, you’re getting all of these benefits in one of the best tactical colors on earth - OD Green. Thank you REI for providing another great product.
I really like the valve, it makes it easy to deflate and also being able to adjust the amount of air while laying on it makes it easy to get it just right. As a heavyer user I was a bit worried that my hips would hit the ground, but this is not a problem at all. The wide version is also great for plus size users. I found it very comfortable and was not cold during the night, though I have only used it during summer so no temperatures below approximately 50 F yet. I inflated it before use for a couple of days and found that this helped a lot with inflation later. The first inflation was slow (as expected), but later ones were better. I also got the pump sack from sea to summit to top it off, and since it doubles as a dry sack it adds no bulk.
I have used this sleep pad to camp in my car numerous times. It's spacious and comfortable, able to inflate/deflate to the right cushiness. My main complaint is having to wrestle with the darn thing every time I have to deflate it and get it back in that just-a-bit-too-small-bag. While deflating and rolling it I kneel on it, lay on top of it, etc. - all quite comical and time consuming. Wish the bag was just a tad bigger. Other than that it's a well-made, comfy sleep pad.
Do I like this pad? Yes. Is it 3 inches thick as claimed? No. Per my measurements, it is only 2.5 inches thick when fully topped off. If you are a side sleeper your hip will likely bottom out on this pad. That said, it is comfortable and warm and will work well if you mostly sleep on your back.
This pad is amazing and yes it’s heavy but we slept so good in central Oregon on a 24 degree night! Highly recommended especially for those like me who are side sleepers.
Took it around Mount Rainier and it was comfy and warm. Met my expectations for an intensive hiking/backpacking. Spent three months at NTC (go army) way better than those Cots. 3 months of constant use and it never faltered, I've continuted to use it for light camping and all sorts of random excursions. Everyone is jealous my mat and my good sleep. Worth every penny. Not particularly hefty, but it is a little bulky in the normal bag.
I’ve been using the Sea to Summit Comfort Light SI sleeping pad for the past year, about 50 nights of camping, but found the 2 inches of pad thickness not quite sufficient for my side sleeping requirements. I liked everything else about this pad including the foam core construction, inflation/deflation valve system and durability, so when I discovered this 3 inch Camp Plus SI version offered by Sea to Summit I decided to give it a try. Since I typically drive my SUV to camping destinations and weight is not a huge concern, I chose the large rectangular option. I have been very impressed with this purchase. The pad is truly the first pad that I’ve ever had that will self-inflate. After the initial breaking-in period as suggested by the manufacturer, the pad sufficiently inflates on its own to my comfort level without adding a single puff. The sleeping comfort was sufficiently improved over my 2 inch pad and totally worth the investment. An unexpected bonus was the storage bag, which was much improved over the Comfort Light SI bag, which was a real struggle to fold and return to the bag. The new Camp Plus SI bag is sized appropriately for the pad and has additional cinch drawstrings to further compress the contents. Overall I am thrilled with the Camp Plus SI sleeping pad by Sea to Summit and suggest you give it a try if you’re in the market.