How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
REI Co-op AirRail Plus Sleeping Pad
$115.00
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The REI Co-op AirRail Plus sleeping pad features a hybrid design that offers low weight, compressibility and sleeping comfort—plus rails to keep you from rolling off your pad.
Key Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
1.5 inches
Weight
Short: 1 lb. 9 oz.
Regular: 1 lb. 13 oz.
Long: 1 lb. 14 oz.
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- Hybrid design combines a self-inflating, insulated-foam center panel with large insulated air rails outside to keep you from rolling off
- Contoured side rails provide support and comfort, ergonomically shaped to fit your body and maximize sleeping comfort
- Cross-cored foam insulation is lightweight, compressible and stable
- Quick-closing, high-flow valves
- Durable 75-denier polyester top has an embossed nonslip surface; 75-denier polyester bottom resists wear; all seams are welded
- Tapered mummy shape reduces weight and packed size
- This pad has an R-value of 4.2, which makes it best for adventures in cold weather; it provides considerable insulation from ground temperature
- Most sleeping pads we sell range from 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold); the higher the R-value, the more insulated the pad
- R-value tested according to the ASTM F3340 standard
- Stuff sack included
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Self-inflating Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| 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 | Short: 7.8 x 12.9 inches Regular: 7.4 x 12.9 inches Long: 7.4 x 12.9 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 1.5 inches |
| Dimensions | Short: 66 x 24 x 1.5 inches Regular: 73 x 24 x 1.5 inches Long: 78 x 24 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | Short: 1 lb. 9 oz. Regular: 1 lb. 13 oz. Long: 1 lb. 14 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
Better gear is built together
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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
CUDDLE UP!
LynnieH2 years ago
Received free productI took the AirRail on some overnight hikes on the east coast. The weight of this pad (1 lb., 14 oz.) is heavier than my Nemo Tensor (1 lb., 6 oz.) or my REI Flash (15 oz.) but since you are getting the sturdiness of a foam pad without the bulk or weight of one, it is a good choice. I love my air pad but admit I live in fear of it busting in some unpatchable way. At least with the AirRail, if you had a leak, you still have a thin foam pad to sleep on.
What I really love about this pad is it is CUDDLY! The rails are a brilliant idea. They really keep you from rolling off and feel snuggly and also protect from drafts. Other good points are the much sturdier valves with large side tabs. On my other pads, I always worry about ripping the valves from the cloth when opening them. The material of the AirRail helps it stay in place better and it is very quiet (unlike air pads). Also, the cloth feels thicker and stronger than an air pad so I would expect it to last much longer. I am a side sleeper who tosses about a lot and I slept very comfortable every time. My Magma quilt worked even better on this pad as opposed to an air mattress.
Why I only gave it four stars is because the “self-inflation” is minimal although it gets better after using it once and fully pumping it up. Took only four pumps to get it inflated with my REI pump bag that I used to use on my Flash. It’s just as insulated as my Nemo (R 4.2) and the bonus was I didn’t need to use my closed-cell foam pad under it like I do on my Nemo.
Bottom line — if 8 ounces more in weight and 6.5 diameter versus 4.5 doesn’t phase you, then I highly recommend this truly hybrid mattress. Sweet Dreams!
LynnieHReceived free product
Lake Frederick, Virginia
77 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Failed After 1.5 years
Fox2 years ago
I thought it would be more durable, just based on the feel of the material. After 1.5 years of careful use, mattress developed an undetectable leak. Then a few weeks later the internal baffles failed, leading to a giant bulge on one side of the inflated mattress. Fortunately this did not occur in the backcountry! So, while I found this product comfortable, I now have to replace it mid-travels. Can’t really see using it as a foam pad on cold ground, as others suggest.
Fox
21 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
therealone
Received free product
Kennewick, WA
Solid but not for me
2 years ago
The Air Rail Plus is a solid product but doesn't hit the mark for me. It is a self-inflating mattress, but it inflates so slowly (hours) that at first, I didn't think it was actually self-inflating. This isn't a big issue as it inflates quickly by breath or pump. The inflate nozzle fits the hand pump that came with my Exped so this is convenient. The inner foam and thin size make inflating a breeze as compared to an manual inflate air mattress, but this comes at the expense of weight. Pick your poison. The mattress is reasonable comfortable, but with my larger frame (6' 5", 210lbs) it isn't enough. For most people, I expect they will find the mattress comfortable but not cushy. It doesn't have the noise issue that you get with some lighter weight air mattresses.
Age:55–64
No, I do not recommend this product
Happy Camper
Received free product
Encinitas
AirRail Plus Sleeping Pad
2 years ago
I have tried a few other sleeping pads and this is my favorite! Love the design and how easy it is to use. Very comfortable along with my sleeping bag, makes for a good nites sleep. I like that you can inflate to your personal preference. Easy to deflate, roll up and use the velcro strap or put back in its sack.
Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product
LynnieH
Received free product
Lake Frederick, Virginia
CUDDLE UP!
2 years ago
I took the AirRail on some overnight hikes on the east coast. The weight of this pad (1 lb., 14 oz.) is heavier than my Nemo Tensor (1 lb., 6 oz.) or my REI Flash (15 oz.) but since you are getting the sturdiness of a foam pad without the bulk or weight of one, it is a good choice. I love my air pad but admit I live in fear of it busting in some unpatchable way. At least with the AirRail, if you had a leak, you still have a thin foam pad to sleep on. What I really love about this pad is it is CUDDLY! The rails are a brilliant idea. They really keep you from rolling off and feel snuggly and also protect from drafts. Other good points are the much sturdier valves with large side tabs. On my other pads, I always worry about ripping the valves from the cloth when opening them. The material of the AirRail helps it stay in place better and it is very quiet (unlike air pads). Also, the cloth feels thicker and stronger than an air pad so I would expect it to last much longer. I am a side sleeper who tosses about a lot and I slept very comfortable every time. My Magma quilt worked even better on this pad as opposed to an air mattress. Why I only gave it four stars is because the “self-inflation” is minimal although it gets better after using it once and fully pumping it up. Took only four pumps to get it inflated with my REI pump bag that I used to use on my Flash. It’s just as insulated as my Nemo (R 4.2) and the bonus was I didn’t need to use my closed-cell foam pad under it like I do on my Nemo. Bottom line — if 8 ounces more in weight and 6.5 diameter versus 4.5 doesn’t phase you, then I highly recommend this truly hybrid mattress. Sweet Dreams!
Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product
Third Culture Kid
Received free product
Charlotte, NC
Quiet and Comfy!
2 years ago
So far so good. It's a comfortable pad that doesn't make noise when laying on it like a lot of other pads - I used it at a small (quiet) concert and didn't worry about shifting around at all. I haven't had a chance to test this in the wild yet, but my last pad was an AirRail - the rails are the best part to keep me from falling off while sleeping! The knozzle broke on my last one but the design on this fixes the issue (see photo). I wish it packed down smaller and I'm worried about getting it to deflate fully when out backpacking. Right now I'm envisioning this for weekend trips or car camping.
Age:25–34
Yes , I recommend this product
tachi
New Mexico
Like sleeping on a cloud! Sucks to put away.
10 months ago
I spend a lot of nights in the field for work and sadly had to replace my REI Flash Sleeping pad after three years (which ironically had really bad reviews but I loved!). I tested this one out last night car camping and holy moly it's very cozy! I was so shocked at how comfortable it is! I really enjoyed it and slept very well. Will be taking it backpacking soon and can update my review then. My only complaint is it's hard to deflate and put away. I could not get it back in it's original bag. I had time to kill so I was trying to but in the field with students I need to pack up super fast so I'm intrigued on how it will go.
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Dana
Oregon
not comfortable
1 year ago
I tried this pad out for two nights during a camping trip. As a side sleeper, this mattress pad is too thin and not comfortable. The first night I used it, I could feel my hip bones touching the ground when I slept on my side. The second night I filled it more to compensate for that, but the pad was too firm and felt like I was sleeping on the hard ground. I did not really notice the foam part really aiding with comfort. I also got the regular length and it felt a little short. I am only 5’8” and could feel my feet reaching past the end of the pad when I tried to sleep on my back.
Height:5'8"
Age:25–34
No, I do not recommend this product
Gwen
No self inflating happening
6 months ago
I don’t see any self inflating happening. Super excited to bring home and test before a big trip where we camp at a different site every night so I wanted it to self inflate. Seems very bizarre because it says that it takes 30 minutes but it’s been like three hours and nothing has happened.
ASKinWS
NC
Great matt for side sleepers
1 year ago
I love been outdoors, but camping was hard because I was always achy from sleeping on the ground. I'm a side sleeper and my hips always hurt. This may was fantastic. No hip pain at all.
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Fox
Failed After 1.5 years
2 years ago
I thought it would be more durable, just based on the feel of the material. After 1.5 years of careful use, mattress developed an undetectable leak. Then a few weeks later the internal baffles failed, leading to a giant bulge on one side of the inflated mattress. Fortunately this did not occur in the backcountry! So, while I found this product comfortable, I now have to replace it mid-travels. Can’t really see using it as a foam pad on cold ground, as others suggest.
Zack
San Diego
Side Sleeper Express
10 months ago
After a through testing process of different sleeping pads, I found this one and it works best for me. I’m 6’3” and 250 pounds and I’m a side sleeper. This pad is comfortable and I don’t have to worry about rolling off when swapping sides. The pad supports me as I don’t sink into it and bottom out. Yes, people will say it’s difficult to inflate. My recommendation is to buy a small usb rechargeable hand pump and use that. 30 seconds and boom, the pad is inflated. It is a pain to deflate and roll up, takes about two times to roll up to get enough air out to pack up. But after a few times using it I got it down to a science to roll it up. Overall it is a good sleeping pad. Been using it for a year now and it’s been holding up well.
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
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