How to Choose a Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

At 1.5 in. thick, this Sea to Summit sleeping pad ensures that you will get a restful night's sleep—without feeling the ground. The high 4.2 R-value also means it's great to use all year round.
Imported.
View all Sea to Summit Self-inflating Pads| Best Use | Camping |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Semirectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 4.2 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Large: 13 x 7 x 6.5 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | Large: 1.5 inches |
| Dimensions | Large: 78 x 25 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | Large: 2 lbs. 4 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
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For a self-inflating pad, this mat checks off all the boxes. Used once so far on a short backpacking trip. The foam is comfy enough for side-sleeping, and it worked well for a toss-and-turn sleeper. Also stayed warm when temps dipped to around 30 degrees (F) at night. Two features take this pad to the next level... First, LOVE the durability and construction of the pad so far - 75 denier, good-quality fabric on both sides. And lastly, the reversible nozzle is really cool and it works great! It did take a couple tries to completely roll the air out completely when packing up, but I think that gets better with practice. The comfort, durability, and overall quality of this pad justify the weight, to me. Overall, it's an outstanding self-inflating pad and a superb value if you can grab it on sale.
This pad is affordable, warm, and made of good material. The self-inflation is also very fast. However, I found it too narrow as my arms easily overhung on to the tent floor. It was also too thin and firm/hard for me. I woke up with body aches both nights. I returned this pad for a thicker manual inflatable pad over self-inflating foam.
Product is advertised as self-inflating but does not do this regardless of how long you set it out. This pad will also deflate very quickly overnight (hot, cold temps, etc doesn't matter). I wouldn't recommend this which is a bummer since I usually love Sea to Summit products, One perk: the pad is easy to unpack and repack.
Pros: easy to inflate, easy to pack, valves seem to work well. Cons: I am a 5’10” 175# man and found this pad to be WAY TOO NARROW! Like sleeping on a balance beam. Ankle portion especially narrow so as a side sleeper I was constantly waking up with the outside of my ankle directly on the ground. If this pad were 4 inches wider and more rectangular shaped, would be really nice. Plan to return this after only one night sleeping on it.
I ordered this online, let it sit for 1 hour and it did not self inflate. The tag said it would inflate in 5-10 mins… same thing happened with a 2nd Sea to Summit pad I ordered (purchased 2 different ones to compare size and padding). Returning for a different brand.
Good for lightweight back sleeper. I am 185 lbs and a side sleeper and my shoulders would hurt every about 2 hours. I think this would be great for a lighter person and back sleeper. The insulation on this though is great, Slept at 40 degrees and felt nothing but warm from underneath me. Also, it takes about only 3 full breaths to fill.