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Sleep in comfort without the weight penalty with these cozy sleeping pads.
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What is the difference between a sleeping pad and camping air mattress?
Conversely, I use a sleeping pad for backpacking and bikepacking trips when weight really matters.
Side sleepers might want a thicker option.
Credit: REI
It’s a bit short and doesn’t have enough support for side sleepers.
In case of popping or tearing, the pad also comes with two patch kits.
We think this can mostly be remedied by adding asleeping bagor mat for some extra plushness.
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The inflator and valve cap took us a few tries to get used to.
The materials include Bluesign-approved, recycled fabrics and the insulated versions of this sleeping pad use recycled PCR PrimaLoft.
Nemo uses a lie-flat valve with micro-adjustments so you might deflate to your preferred level.
Even packed down, this mattress is on the bulkier side.
Enter the self-inflating mattress.
This sleeping pad has a fast inflation that set up with just one valve twist.
Its on the thinner side and you might feel the ground while kneeling.
It has a durable dual-denier nylon, with 40-denier on the bottom and 30-denier on the top.
We found it easier to roll off this mattress in the night than others we tested.
This mattress is inexpensive, simple to inflate, and felt comfortable throughout all of our nights testing.
The foot pump inflation is another interesting design element and it ended up being fast and easy to use.
Fully inflated, this is fairly bouncy and doesnt cradle the body as well.
This latest version is also quieter than past models, and more compact as well.
The insulation combined with the surface fabric makes for a crinkly night.
We then sit and lay on the pads in various positions to determine comfort, stability, and support.
Stuff sacks also make these easier to keep tightly rolled in your backpack.
Know your camping setup
Different camping setups call for different styles of sleeping pad.
The two biggest considerations are R-value (which impacts warmth) and weight/packed size (which impacts portability).
Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe Insulated.Credit: REI
Most of the sleeping pads on this list come in at least two sizes and dimensions.
If youre on the taller side of things, look for a sleeping pad with longer dimensions.
For this piece, she worked withTravel + Leisuretesters to test and pick the best sleeping pads.
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