How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Add a boost of insulation and ground protection in freezing temps with this Exped foam sleeping pad. Put it under your air-filled pad for extra warmth and protection. It has a 2.8 R-value.

Imported.
View all Exped Closed-cell Foam Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 2.8 |
| Packed Size | Medium: 20.5 x 7.8 x 6 inches Long Wide: 25.6 x 8.6 x 6 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 1.2 inches |
| Dimensions | Medium: 72 x 20.5 x 1.2 inches Long Wide: 77.6 x 25.6 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | Medium: 15.5 oz. Long Wide: 1 lb. 5 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Awesome to find a closed cell pad this thick, it is the thickest i could find ANYWHERE that is in this style. Something that is needed more of. The "normal" thickness ones are just too thin for me, but i wanted a reliable fail safe and this is it. The only thing i hate, the bright orange color. I for one do NOT want to stand out like a sore thumb in the wilderness, i like earth and green tones. so this is a bummer. luckily the other side is dark green. I would even like to see a thicker one more like 1.5in, but glad they made this one.
I bought this during the Spring 2026 REI sale and have used it 6 nights so far. I’m delighted with it. Like everyone else who uses folding foam pads, I like the durability (it CAN’T puncture) and the ease of deployment (no inflation necessary – you just unfold it and lie down). I’ve used the therm-a-rest z-pad in the past, and have found it to be slightly better than sleeping on the cold hard ground. It’s not a good night’s sleep. The Exped pad, in contrast, is thicker, and therefore softer and warmer. I’ve slept on it in temperatures down to 23 deg F, all the way through the night. Also, since I’m 5’9” I can fold the head end to form a simple pillow (see photo). My heels hang off the other end, but it’s not bad. I augmented the pillow by cutting off a portion of my old therm-a-rest. This fragment of therm-a-rest doubles as a camp seat just like the seat pad that REI sells for $34.
As someone preferring durability over the modern inflatable pad trends, I find this a great fit. I got the long wide model which should be the default in my opinion. Much thicker than other pads (keep that in mind for clipping to your pack), comfortable (I’m 5’11, 175 pounds), and warm.
one can feel the big bumps, which doesn't cushion enough for side sleepers. I'm pairing it with an old thermarest zpad
Used this for a recent backpacking trip. It keeps you warm under your sleeping bag, but clunky to carry and not very comfortable to sleep on. I wouldn’t purchase this again for my trip


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