How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Plush enough for nights in the campground and light enough for backpacking, the REI Co-op Trailmade self-inflating sleeping pad offers warm support when it's time to rest beneath the stars.
$8
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$38
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the REI Co-op Trailmade Product LineView all REI Co-op Self-inflating PadsBest Use | Backpacking Camping |
---|---|
Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
R-Value | 5.5 |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Short: 6.7 x 22.4 inches Regular: 7 x 22.4 inches Regular Wide: 7 x 26.9 inches Long Wide: 7 x 26.9 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 1.5 inches |
Dimensions | Short: 66 x 20 x 1.5 inches Regular: 72 x 20 x 1.5 inches Regular Wide: 72 x 25 x 1.5 inches Long Wide: 78 x 25 x 1.5 inches |
Weight | Short: 2 lbs. 4 oz. Regular: 2 lbs. 7 oz. Regular Wide: 3 lbs. Long Wide: 3 lbs. 4 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials 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.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Great sleeping pad, I use it for motorcycle camping, doesn't pack as small as others but the comfort is top notch for side sleepers like myself. I have used this on a 2 week trip and a few long weekends. Still just as comfortable as brand new. I have never had a problem getting it back in the bag like others have said. Not too noisy either. Highly recommended!
I have had had my sleeping pad for about three years. Using it maybe twice a year for a couple days, as my cold weather sleeping pad. I always used it on a cot, the pad never was on the ground so no chance of abrasions. I stored it flat and open/slightly inflated. On my most recent use I found that there was a very large air leak where the “self inflate” foam stopped to make room for the valves. There was no external damage. I was very disappointed. Usally REI brand is a quality product, but I was unable to even patch the extensive leak. And I was unable to return the product. I would recommend buying another brand that has a more extensive warranty.
I love this camping mat! So cushy and comfortable. I've only spent one night on it camping in 40 degrees and I felt like I was on my mattress at home. My boyfriend had a mat that only had air, not the foam cushioning and he said he could feel all the little sticks and rocks under him and the only thing I noticed was that we were sleeping on a slight incline. I've only used it once so I can't speak yet for the durability (I've heard that the valves can wear out or leak)
I've had the pad for about 3 months and just back from first longer trip (2 weeks). I was mostly on tent pads this trip and only on ground a few nights since purchase. So far, all is great! In the past, I used various shorter pads, cell pads, and the like. Now that I am pushing 70, the long, wide pad was appreciated. I am willing to give up other "needs" (going cold food for example) to carry a bit extra weight and volume. We'll see about winter hikes but this pad has more insulation than the pads I've used (or not used) previously. There are other ways to stay warm. Noting other comments: Noise has not been an issue. Inflation time is not an issue for me as I typically lay out my bedding when arriving to my campsite. So! This pad strikes a good balance between insulation, weight/volume, comfort, price, and other factors. I'm loving it.
The valve on this pad broke the very first time I used it. Because it was a gift, I was told by a service rep that I would not be able to exchange it for one that is not defective. Since this is an REI-exclusive product, I am very disappointed in this lack of responsiveness. It makes me less likely to buy REI-branded items because they do not appear to stand behind their products.
I bought two of these pads and the short one had a defect with the self-inflation tab and would not self-inflate at all. I had to use a pump sack, which does not come with the pad and had to purchase separately. The separate pump sack was awkward to use. I will be returning this. Once inflated, the pad was sufficiently comfortable and stayed inflated. It rolls up tightly and is quite light to carry. I used this to take camping on a cross-country trip and needed to minimize weight. I am returning the defective one now so hopefully I can easily exchange for a working one.
Great sleeping pad that gets the job done. Only small critique is on the air valves. The valve that is supposed to let the air out of the sleeping pad isn't perfect. It still lets some air in while deflating, but for the most part it works. The valve used to inflate the sleeping pad does require you to get a pump or manually blow most of the air into it. Once you have the sleeping pad filled though it is comfortable and a good sleeping pad, especially being one of the cheaper options here.
Short lived pad. Purchased summer of 2021.for our daughter. It lasted for a total of seven weeks of gentle use car camping. We needed to buy a new.pad on the road this summer when it started deflating each night. It was reasonably comfortable.
I have used this sleeping pad several times backpacking. It is comfortable and doesn’t take long to blow up. As a side sleeper I find it comfortable enough to sleep on my side all night. It’s R value is great for the price and I slept in below freezing temperatures without issue. My only complaint is that it does not pack down very small, it takes up a lot of room in my pack.
The pad is *very* comfy when fully inflated (I'm about 134 lbs). I see a lot of reviewers mentioned that it's not truly self-inflating, and while this is true, it took me 5 full breaths to fully inflate it, so I would recommend against using an air pump; it would just add extra weight and a risk of damage from over-inflation. Also, make sure that it is fully inflated before using it, because otherwise you'd pretty much be sleeping on the hard ground.