How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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This women's version of the 3-season NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad adds a second layer of heat-reflecting technology for added warmth while still remaining lightweight and compressible.
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View the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Product LineView all Therm-a-Rest Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Semirectangular |
| R-Value | 3.9 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | 9 x 4 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 2.5 inches |
| Dimensions | 66 x 20 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Gender | Women's |
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I used a cheap pad for a very long time--not wanting to fork over the money for a nice one. Once I decided to invest in an air pad, I bought a cheaper option that leaked immediately. There is nothing worse than the disappointment of ending up on the ground after a day hiking. Long story short, I would not suggest any other pad! I love the mummy shape, the length isn't too long, it packs so small, and it's like sleeping on a cloud. Yes, it's pretty loud, but honestly I would sacrifice that for the level of comfort every single time. After a long day on the trail, there's nothing I want more than a soft place to rest and this pad is definitely worth the investment.
I've previously only used a closed cell foam pad while camping/backpacking and decided to invest in a nicer pad for future trips. While I was a bit hesitant because of the price tag, after sleeping on this pad for a couple nights, I believe that it's worth every penny! I'm a pretty thin person so sleeping on the ground can be painful on my hipbones, but this pad keeps me warm and elevated off the ground! It's the perfect length for me (I'm 5'7") and I felt that the width was fine too. I'd recommend this pad to anyone who wants to be warm and comfy while sleeping on the ground!
I used this sleeping pad every night for my entire 162 day AT thru-hike and love it. I actually looked forward to going to sleep on this pad. It took me about thirty breaths to get it blown up every night, which was a bit more than advertised but still not horrible. I was the only hiker in my group that did not get cold from the frozen ground when the temperature dropped below 30's. I was actually hot on some nights that other people were freezing due to the frozen ground (in conjunction with the REI Joule sleeping bag). I never felt uncomfortable once on this sleeping pad. The pad is a little noisy but over time it gets a little quieter. I did end up getting a leak in the last week of my thru-hike but I patched it up and plan to keep using the same pad.
I’ve been a long time user of the Closed Cell Foam mats that are made by Thermarest, like the Ridgerest and Zlite. I finally branched out into the world of inflatables on my 2019 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I had an early February start and knew the Smokies would be bitter cold, and they were, with one night at -10 degrees Fahrenheit. I chose the women’s regular because it was the same weight as men’s regular but slightly shorter (side sleeper) with a higher R-value due to reflective material on the inside. Now that I am 825 miles in, I realize that the mens short would have sufficed with better weight and optimal warmth from winter into summer.
I remember reading a 60yr old backpacker's comment about investing in a good sleeping pad, your back will thank you for it and you can enjoy the outdoors even more. So I ended buying the women size for its size and weight. I'm a 5'5" athletic male and a side sleeper. I got this on sale through the REI OUTLET section, it had flowers pattern on it but you can't tell that its there, only if you hold it at certain angles but I don't care, most of the time its just in the tent with my sleeping bag on top of it. If anyone ask, I just tell them I'm in touch with my feminine side, haha. I took one star off for the crinkle noise and for my shoulders being cold(temp in 35degree, April). The pad wasn't wide enough but kept my entire core from getting zap from the cold ground.
I bought this because after reviewing pads for a long period of time, I determined this one felt the least like I was sleeping on the ground. I'm a heavy girl, and every other pad did it's job but when I would turn or initially get onto it I would still feel that "give" where my elbows touch the ground. This one doesn't! It kept me up and remained firm, but still comfy. The only reason I still do not own this pad is because I opted for a different brand that offers a "wide" option where I have more room to sleep like the starfish I am. Great product! I look forward to when they'll offer a wide option if the science allows.
I like this air mattress. I protects me from the cold ground and is very comfy. I like to sleep on my side and this pad is just thick enough to cushion my hip and shoulder. And when I sleep on my back it distributes the air evenly so there are no points with too much pressure. My only wish is for it to be a bit wider. It comes in a wider width but only in the long and then it's also heavier. I would recommend this to any one looking for a good nights sleep on the trail.
I have used this pad several times since purchasing it, and I can say that ot was worth every cent. It takes me about 20-22 breaths to fully inflate, but I would actually recommend under-inflating it a tad for the most comfort. I am 5'5" and this pad is just long enough for me...my toes dangle off a little but don't hit the ground. The color is cheerful and the noise of the fabric isn't too bad woth a sleeping bag on top of it. Packs down so small and light! Plus, the women's version has a higher r-value, so I haven't been cold at night!
I have used the male version of this for 2+ years on many Boy Scout camping trips. Much better cushioning than my prior self inflating and thinner Therm-A-Rest. Better for winter camping too. Bought this for a couple that's getting married and plan to travel around the globe for a year, part of it camping. The small pump bag that it comes with works but takes a while. The optional large orange pump bag is worth the extra $.
I honestly tried so hard to like this pad. Other reviews said it would get quieter with time, some suggested to partially deflate for better comfort, but honestly this pad just didn’t work for me. I’m a side sleeper and I find this way too narrow, too slippery, not super cushy despite multiple adjustments with how inflated, just no. Only plus was being able to easily inflate with my pack liner but I’ll take the hit on my pack weight and go with a better pad for me. Not saying it’s a bad pad but definitely wish I had tried it out in the store first!