Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad: Best Overall

The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad got an upgrade in the 2025 season that fully secured it as the best overall pick. This was the only inflatable sleeping pad that I have used since they updated the pad by adding insulation while keeping it’s small volume and hyperlight weight.

This insulated pad using air-spring cell patterns which not only make the pad extremely comfortable, but also extremely quiet. After upgrading to this pad I was SHOCKED at how quiet this sleeping pad is and if you’ve ever slept next to someone with a loud pad, you know how important this factor is.

Stand out features:

1. 4 inches thick
2. R-value: 3.2 (aka 3-season pad)
3. Very compact, smaller than a Nalgene
4. Quiet

I have the regular mummy and my partner has the large mummy(he’s 6’2”). This pad also comes in a rectangular shape.

Another factor that I love about this pad is that the inflation sack is built into the pad cover.

Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad: Most Comfortable Pad

If you’re looking to sleep like royalty on the trail, the Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad might be the best option for you. At about a pound and a half, this pad is still considered to be a lightweight option and is honestly relatively affordable for Big Agnes standards. If you’re willing to carry the extra weight, it is definitely worth it.

This is a rather large pad, even the regular size is pretty large so it is great for belly sleepers. However, depending on your tent size, you might feel like it is a little crammed. In my Durston X-Mid Pro 1 this pad touched all sides of the tent. In terms of the space that it will take up in your pack, it is about double the size of a Nalgene.

Stand out features:

1. 3.5 inches thick
2. R-value: 4 (considered 3-season)
3. Roll-off resistant (outer tubes are slightly larger)

Big Agnes also has a great warranty when you purchase the sleeping pad through their website. However, if you purchase the sleeping pad from REI, you will have to stick with REI’s return policy of 1-year if there are issues.

If you’re looking for a Big Agnes pad that is a little more lightweight, but still comfortable, you could also look at the Big Agnes Zoom UL which still has a thickness of 3.5 inches, but it slightly more compact and 14 oz.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad: Best Ultralight

If you’re looking for a sleeping pad to use on your next thru hike, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT might be exactly what you’re looking for. This sleeping pad was designed for year-round use with an R-value of 4.5, and at an incredible weight of 13 oz, you can’t get much better than that.

The new pad construction also ensures a quiet, crunch-free night of sleep. Typically, you will find that ultralight pads are on the louder side, so every time you roll one way or another, the entire camp knows about it. However, this 3-inch thick pad is quiet as ever.

For an even cozier and quieter night’s sleep in the backcountry, you can pair this sleeping pad with the Therm-a-Rest Z lite Sol folding sleeping pad.

Stand out features:

1. Ultralight (min. pack weight ~11 oz)
2. Compact, low-bulk design
3. Easy inflation

This sleeping pad is one of the most commonly used pads on the PCT in 2024, according to Halfway Anywhere.

Another Ultralight Sleeping pad option is the NEMO Tensor Elite, which weighs 8.5 ounces. It is extremely lightweight with a lifetime warranty. The issue? The noise. This sleeping pad is noisy, so my light sleepers will not like this pad. Plus, because it is the lightest pad it has lower r-value at 2.4

Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Pad: Great Multi-Use Sleeping Pad

IMO if you’re just starting your outdoor era, the best gear is gear that is multipurpose. So the best sleeping pads are pads that can be used backpacking, camping, car camping, etc. I was a die-hard Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad user for almost four years before I made the switch to the Sea to Summit Ether LTE.

The Exped Ultra 5R has an R-value of you guessed it… 5. Making it an extremely warm and cozy sleeping pad to the point of not really needing a sleeping bag for summer use. If you want a warm sleeping pad that is still lightweight, this sleeping pad is it.

Typically, you will see this sleeping pad in a rectangular shape, but they do offer it in a mummy and relaxed mummy shape.

Stand out features:

1. High R-value for the weight
2. Comfortable design
3. Easy to roll into the stuff sack

There is one main reason that I no longer use this pad: my dog. I used this sleeping pad on three backpacking trips with my dog, and he popped it each time. I ended up switching to a z-pad until I got my hands on the Ether LTE.

Klymit Insulated Static V Lite Sleeping Pad: Budget-Friendly Sleeping Pad

Klymit offers a variety of sleeping pads in its Static collection, but I recommend the Klymit Static V Lite Sleeping Pad. It is one of the best sleeping pads for backpacking without breaking the bank. Plus, you can typically find it on sale! The pad is on the large size when it is packed up and weighs just over one pound, but the comfortable design of the pad and affordable price make up for its shortcomings.

The pad’s design is excellent for stomach and back sleepers and keeps you nestled in all night.

I will say that this sleeping pad only has an R-value of 1.9, which, for me, is best only for summer backpacking.

Stand out features:

1. Budget friendly
2. Comfortable design
3. Quick set-up

You will need to blow this sleeping pad up with the air in your lungs since it does not come with an air pump sack.

NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight: Best for Cold Weather

I have two picks for the best sleeping pad for cold weather backpacking, the NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions ultralight and the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme. However, what I like most about the NEMO option is the shape. The NEMO is rectangular shaped and the Sea to Summit is a relaxed mummy shape. When I am sleeping in the snow, I don’t want to risk my legs hanging of the side of my sleeping pad.

The NEMO has an impressive r value of 8.5 with a pad thickness of 3.5 inches, making it one of the warmest sleeping pads you can purchase. And even with all the extra insulation, the weight of the pad is only 1 lb. 2 oz.

While a sleeping pad with a weight above 1 lb. is not necessarily ultralight, it is extremely light for the size and insulation of the sleeping pad.

Stand out features:

1. Impressive R-Value: 8.5
2. Rectangular Shape with a wide version
3. 3.5 inches of thickness

In winter conditions, a warm pad is must and the NEMO Tensor Extreme will keep heat transfer to the cold ground at a minimum.

If you don’t want to purchase an additional pad for backpacking during the winter months, you can always pair your summer sleeping pad with a thin foam pad, like the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad.

Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro MAX Sleeping Pad: Best Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

Self-inflating sleeping pads typically have great insulation due to the nature of the design, but they have additional weight that non-self-inflating pads have. The benefits that I have found with self-inflating sleeping pads is that they tend to be more durable. My first sleeping pad for backpacking EVER was a self-inflating sleeping pad by Sea to Summit which has since been discontinued.

The higher r-value of the Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Max sleeping pad and plush design, makes it extremely comfortable and quiet.

This sleeping pad is a great option if you’re backpacking with pets since it is so resistant to sharp objects.

Stand out features:

1. Durable and longevity
2. Plush, comfortable design
3. Ease of use

If you’re thinking about starting your car camping journey, another great self-inflating pad is the Exped MegaMat Duo. It is too large to bring backpacking, but it quickly converts the back of your vehicle into a comfortable sleep spot!