Best Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking in 2025

It may not be as sexy as a tent, backpack, or sleeping bag, but the humble backpacking sleeping pad is just as critical (and often just as expensive) as the much-touted Big Three.

The warmest sleeping bag in the world won’t do you much good if you’re lying on the cold, hard ground without a mattress. Because a crappy night’s sleep is the fastest way to ruin the trip of a lifetime, you should opt for one of the best thru-hiking sleeping pads for your next adventure.

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking

• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (Most Popular Pad for AT Hikers)
• NEMO Tensor All Season (All-Around Best Pad)
• Klymit Insulated Static V Lite (Best Pad for Hammocks / Best Budget Inflatable)
• NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated (Warmest Pad)
• NEMO Switchback (Best Foam Pad / Most Affordable Overall)
• Exped Ultra 5R (Best Pad for Side Sleepers)
• Therm-a-Rest Apex Prolite (Best Self-Inflating Pad)
• Nemo Tensor Elite (Lightest Inflatable Pad)
• Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air (Easiest Pad To Inflate)
• Gossamer Gear Thinlight (Best Supplemental Pad)
• Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking FAQs
• Sleeping Pad Quick Tips

The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (Most Popular Pad for AT Thru-Hikes)

NEMO Tensor All-Season (All-Around Best Pad)

• MSRP: $200 – $230
• Weight: 14.1 oz (Reg. Mummy) / 16 oz (Reg.) / 19 oz (Reg. Wide) / 20 oz (Long Wide)
• R-Value: 5.4
• Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 3.5″ (Reg.) / 72″ x 25″ x 3.5″ (Reg. Wide) / 76″ x 25″ x 3.5″ (Long Wide)

What We Love

The Nemo Tensor All-Season pad is well suited for thru-hiking. Nemo overhauled the entire Tensor line in 2024, and a proliferation of new models makes it difficult to directly compare the new versions to the former Tensor Ultralight Insulated. However, the new Tensor All-Season is most comparable in terms of specs, and the changes are largely positive: the new pad is thicker, warmer, and lighter than the old Tensor, with no change in price point.

Nemo’s stacked two-part valve lies flush against the pad, reducing the risk of the valve tugging and putting stress on the surrounding fabric. The valve is easy to use and allows for micro-adjustments to the inflation level.

Our reviewer put a solid 800 miles of fairly rugged Pacific Northwest thru-hiking on this pad before writing up a review and faced no issues with durability.

Nemo uses thicker 40-denier fabric on the bottom of the pad, where abrasion and punctures are more likely to occur, than the top of the pad, which is made of 20-denier nylon. The brand’s proprietary baffle design “floats” the insulating mylar layers in the middle of each baffle, making the insulation quieter and less crinkly while also providing a supportive but not overly stiff structure.

Therm-a-Rest and Nemo have been locked in an epic battle for sleeping pad supremacy since time immemorial. The reality is that both the Tensor and Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir line are great pads. Your choice will likely come down to personal preference on baffle design and targeting a very specific R-value.

Choose the Tensor All-Season if you want something that falls between the Neoair XLite and XTherm in terms of warmth, weight, and price. It’s half an inch thicker than the Neoairs as well, an extra half inch that could make a noticeable difference in comfort for side sleepers.

Other Tensors: In our opinion, the All-Season is the way to go for most thru-hikers. The Tensor Trail is only one ounce lighter and barely more than half the R-value; if shaving that ounce is important to you, go for the Therm-a-Rest Neoair XLite NXT highlighted above. The Tensor Elite and Tensor Extreme Conditions are both decent choices for summer and winter hikers, respectively, and are highlighted elsewhere in this list.

• Mummy shape: Shaves weight while still providing plenty of cushioning
• “Space blanket” insulation: It really works! Reviewer Jenn found the pad warm even on near-freezing nights when her quilt and clothing were soaked. She reports that the pad is reasonably quiet despite the mylar layer
• Two-part valve system: Makes inflation adjustment convenient. The pad also comes with a pump sack.
• Enhanced durability: 40d nylon on the bottom and 20d on the top, compared to 20d polyester top and bottom on the former Tensor UL Insulated

Nobody’s Perfect

The new off-white color gets grody fast, and Nemo’s baffle system collects dirt like nobody’s business; beyond aesthetics, this could lead to abrasion and have implications for long-term durability (though our reviewer had no issues with punctures).

TLDR

Pros: Durable; warm; mummy and rectangular options available (along with multiple lengths and widths); generous 3.5-inch thickness; less crinkling/squeakage than similar pads; low-profile valve

Cons: Gets dirty quickly; some find the valve cap stiff and hard to open

Read our review of the NEMO Tensor All-Season here.

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Klymit Insulated Static V Lite (Best Hammock Pad / Best Budget Inflatable)

• MSRP: $110
• Weight: 19.6 ounces
• R-Value: 4.4
• Dimensions: 72″ x 23″ x 2.5″

What We Love

The Static V is one of the best thru-hiking sleeping pads for active sleepers and larger people because of its generous 23-inch width. That width and the V-shaped baffles, which help to cradle the body, make it a favorite among hammock campers as well (Klymit also makes a hammock-specific pad, but it’s pretty heavy). We asked readers to weigh in on the comfort of the V baffles, and the verdict is that the design IS more comfortable than that of most traditional pads.

This pad is also available in standard, wide, ultralight, and non-insulated versions, but we think the Static V Lite offers the best balance of affordability, weight, and insulation. The pad is relatively quick to inflate, requiring only 10–15 breaths. This is a major selling point for many, as it makes a much-reviled camp chore easier.

If you want the comfort of an inflatable without the whopping price tag, the Static V line is your best bet.

Other Static Vs: Like Nemo, Klymit has a mind-boggling number of variants on the Static V line. The uninsulated Static V is crazy cheap at just $65, but the low 1.3 R-value won’t be warm enough for most three-season thru-hikers, plus it’s ludicrously heavy. Just get a foam pad at this point; it will cost/weigh less and be warmer.

On the other end of the spectrum, the insulated Static V SL Ultralite costs $30 more than the Lite version highlighted here but brings the weight down to just one pound for the same R-value. We think the Static V Lite offers the best blend of cost, weight, warmth, and durability, but you do you.

 Noteworthy Features

• V-shaped baffle design: Mimics the muscular structure of your back for maximum comfort.
• Synthetic insulation: Boosts the R-value to a balmy 4.4.
• Twist-lock valve: For faster and easier inflation.
• 30D polyester on top and bottom.

Nobody’s Perfect

Many users dislike the twist-lock valve design, saying it’s hard to use or tends to leak. I (hi, it’s Kelly!) find the widely spaced baffle a bit unsettling even though they’re decently warm and comfortable in practice; they make me feel like I’m going to accidentally stick my elbow or something in between them and catch a cold spot.

The Static V Lite’s biggest drawback is that it weighs 6 oz more than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT for essentially the same R-value.

TLDR

Pros: Warm; affordable (best value for an inflatable pad); quick and easy inflation; wider than most (hammock-friendly); comfortable overall

Cons: Finicky valve system; fairly heavy; too easy for elbows to slip into uninsulated gaps between baffles

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NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated (Warmest UL Sleeping Pad)

• MSRP: $250 – $280
• Weight: 17 oz (Reg. Mummy) / 18oz (Reg.) / 22 oz (Reg. Wide) / 23 oz (Long Wide)
• R-Value: 8.5
• Dimensions: 72″ x 20″ x 3.5″ (Reg. Mummy & Reg.) / 72″ x 25″ x 3.5″ (Reg. Wide) / 76″ x 25″ x 3.5″ (Long Wide)

What We Love

After years atop the heap, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm has been dethroned as the warmest lightweight sleeping pad suitable for thru-hiking. All hail the NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad, with a sweltering 8.5 R-value. We’ve been waiting a long time for a true competitor to the XTherm’s 7.3 R-value, and now we have it.

Weighing just 17 ounces, the Tensor Extreme Conditions (EC) has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any pad on the market while offering the same dimensions as most other inflatable pads. This is made possible by NEMO’s new Apex baffle design that suspends an unprecedented four layers of reflective film, evenly distributed within the 3.5-inch pad thickness. There’s some other impressive jargon to explain the utter genius behind this design, but all we care to know is that the warmth is downright nuclear.

Additionally, NEMO claims that the Tensor EC is the quietest pad in its class, which is music to our ears after many years of sleeping on pads that were essentially comfortable bags of chips in the decibel department. Therm-a-Rest has made major improvements in this regard as well, so it sounds like we might be entering an era of the warmest, most comfortable, and quietest backcountry sleep of all time. Nice.

The other features that make the lighter-weight Tensors some of our favorite inflatable pads are of course still included with the EC. The plushy comfort remains, as does the low-profile valve. If you’re looking for the warmest pad, then it’s nice to know that you don’t need to compromise on function, weight, or comfort to get it.

Noteworthy Features

• Multiple shapes: A mummy option shaves weight while still providing plenty of cushion to sleep on for a six-foot-tall hiker. Opt for the rectangular regular, regular wide, and long wide if you want more room to wiggle.
• Apex baffle design: The internal baffle shape supports four free-floating layers of reflective film. This design is crinkle-free and explains the exceptional R-value.
• Two-part valve system: Makes inflation adjustment convenient. The pad also comes with a pump sack.
• Durable materials: Made with 20D nylon on top and 40D nylon on the bottom, this pad should be a touch more durable than many other ultralight pads.
• Warm: Four layers of reflective film turn that body heat around and send it right back your way. The 8.5 R-value is the highest we’ve ever seen by a wide margin.

Nobody’s Perfect

At $250 for the regular version, this is the most expensive pad on our list. It’s worth noting that the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is made with more durable fabrics (30D top, 70D bottom) while being marginally lighter. The 7.3 R-value is significantly lower than the Tensor EC’s 8.5, but that’s still pretty dang warm. As with everything, these sleeping pads represent a marginally different compromise between weight, warmth, and durability.

TLDR

Pros: Insane warmth-to-weight ratio; mummy and rectangular options available (along with multiple lengths and widths); good valve design; 40D bottom fabric; well-built for comfort and durability

Cons: Expensive; overkill for many thru-hikers; materials not as durable as NeoAir XTherm

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NEMO Switchback (Best Budget Sleeping Pad / Best CCF Pad)

• MSRP: $50 – $60
• Weight: 14.5 ounces (Reg.) / 10.5 ounces (Short)
• R-value: 2.0
• Dimensions (in.): 51″ x 20″ x 0.9″ (Short) /72″ x 20″ x 0.9″ (Reg.)

What We Love

The Nemo Switchback took the classic and already popular closed-cell foam (CCF) sleeping pad and made improvements all around. A cleverly designed dimple pattern nests smaller while providing more thickness and comfort, and a reflective film bumps the R-value to 2.0, which is just adequate for three-season use. At 14.5 ounces, the Switchback is lightweight, and it’s easy to use scissors to shorten it and cut ounces.

It is also extremely rugged and ready for the rigors of a long thru-hike. Unlike inflatable sleeping pads, it can never pop, and since it takes just seconds to deploy, the Switchback is a versatile pad that’s useful for snack breaks, lunch breaks, second lunch breaks, and trailside naps, in addition to sleeping (especially if cowboy camping). Last but not least, at $60 for the regular size, it’s cheap enough for a thru-hiker on any budget.

Switchback vs. Therm-a-Rest Zlite Sol: What’s the difference? Not much. As mentioned below, the Switchback packs down smaller, but there’s only so much you can differentiate one CCF pad from the next.

Noteworthy Features

• Reflective coating: The shiny metallic coating boosts warmth by reflecting body heat back to the sleeper. NEMO recommends pointing the shiny side down.
• Nesting dimples allow the pad to pack down smaller than the Therm-a-Rest Zlite Sol.

Nobody’s Perfect

The big downside to CCF pads like the Switchback is comfort (or lack thereof). Even though NEMO’s version is comfier than the competition, it will cause all but the hardiest sleepers to toss and wiggle in search of a position without pressure points. This pad style works best for those who sleep on bellies or backs, while side sleepers may prefer a thicker inflatable pad.

Despite the satisfying accordion-style nesting, the Switchback is bulky and will need to be carried outside of a backpack. Also, the relatively low R-value of 2.0 limits its usefulness when summer begins to fade.

—Owen Eigenbrot

TLDR

Pros: Inexpensive; comfortable (for a foam pad); low-profile so you can’t slip off; durable; quick to set up (no huffing and/or puffing required); can double as a jumbo sit pad; more packable than the competition

Cons: Uncomfortable compared to inflatable pads; low R-value; low warmth-to-weight ratio compared to inflatable pads

READ NEXT – Therm-a-Rest Zlite Sol vs. Nemo Switchback: The Ultimate Comparison

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Exped Ultra 5R (Best for Side Sleepers)

• MSRP: $159
• Weight: 15.7 oz (Reg. Mummy) / 18.9 oz (Wide Mummy) / 19.6 oz (Long Wide Mummy) / 20 oz (Reg. Rectangular) / 23 oz (Wide Rec.) / 25 oz (Long Wide Rec.)
• R-Value: 4.8
• Dimensions (in.): 72″ x 20.5″ x 3″ (Reg.) / 72″ x 25.6″ x 3″ (Wide) / 77.6″ x 25.6″ x 3″ (Long Wide)

Rectangular Ultra 5R here.

What We Love

We used to recommend the Big Agnes Rapide as the top pad for comfort-motivated side sleepers. And that’ still a great option, but many users find that it runs colder than its published R-value, which is a big miss for a sleeping pad. The Swiss-made Exped Ultra is true to its stated warmth, comes in a weight-saving mummy shape as well as a standard rectangle, and offers different lengths and widths without upping the price.

The rectangular version of the pad is a little heavier than the Rapide, but you can come in more than an ounce lighter if you’re ok with a tapered mummy cut. It’s significantly thinner than the monster 4.25″ profile of the Rapide, but that’s not necessarily a drawback; the Rapide is almost comically thick compared to other pads.

It may not be the lightest backpacking sleeping pad available, but the Exped Ultra 5R is a great choice for those who prioritize comfort. It features continuous vertical baffles that are great for side sleepers, since you can fit your mattress arm into one of the valleys between baffles. “I find the EXPED mats incredibly comfortable and will often sleep better than on my mattress at home. As a side sleeper, I find the head-to-toe baffles cradle my body better than horizontal ones,” wrote reviewer Lisa about the 5R.

Another of the pad’s big selling points is the baffle design, particularly the thicker side baffles that act as guardrails to keep you on the pad. These are also nice for tucking your quilt in to minimize drafts.

Lisa also notes that the pad has better next-t0-skin feel and isn’t as slippery out of the box as most UL pads (IYKYK). Finally, even though the valve design with separate inflate and deflate valves is clunkier than some, it makes setting up camp hassle-free.

Other Ultra pads: The 3R is lighter and less insulated for summer pursuits, while the 7R is more insulated for winter camping and people who run cold.

Noteworthy Features

• Recycled 20d polyester fabric: Exped says their ripstop polyester is both more sustainable and three times stronger than comparable fabrics
• Valves located at the bottom of the pad: Almost every pad has the valve on the top-facing side, but Exped places it underneath so it sits against your tent floor. This keeps it from interfering with your pillow game, but have fun if you need to adjust the inflation in the middle of the night.
•  Head-to-toe baffles: Weld points at the end of baffles are a common failure point in inflatable sleeping pads. This design minimizes those potential weak spots, enhancing durability.

Nobody’s Perfect

The valves being on the bottom side of the pad is a touch inconvenient if you need to add or release air overnight. Although Exped says their 20d recycled polyester is exceptionally strong, it’s still only 20d (which is in range but on the thin side for a sleeping pad).

TLDR

Pros: Continuous vertical baffles for comfort and durability; mummy and rectangular options; non-slippery; taller outside baffles; recycled fabric; accurate warmth rating

Cons: Inconvenient valve placement; relatively thin fabric on top and bottom; not the best warmth-to-weight ratio

Read our review of the Exped Ultra 5R here.

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Therm-a-Rest Prolite Apex (Best Self-Inflating Pad)

• MSRP: $135 – $155
• Weight: 22 oz (Reg.) / 30 oz (Large) / 28 oz (Reg. Wide)
• R-Value: 3.8
• Dimensions (in.): 72″ x 20″ x 2″ (Reg.) / 72″ x 25″ x 2″ (Reg. Wide) / 77″ x 25″ x 2″ (Large)

What We Love

If you know me, you know that a good night’s sleep is a pretty high priority for me. Though it’s a bit on the heavy side, I bring this sleeping pad on every trip. I have never slept on a more comfortable pad, and I never worry about my sleep system when the temperature drops, given its 3.8 R-value. I’ve found that a warm sleeping pad is more important than a sleeping bag for me. I’ve comfortably slept in roughly 25-degree weather and plan to take it out as often as possible this winter.

The sturdy construction of this pad makes it extremely resilient, even when sleeping on uneven ground. Inflatable pads tend to be finicky and just another camp chore, but I have my bed set up for the night within three minutes.

Noteworthy Features

• Self-inflating: If you give it enough time, it will fill almost entirely.
• Packability: This won’t compete with an ultralight sleeping pad in terms of packability. But, when comparing it to other pads of a similar weight / R-value, the packability here wins.
• 50D polyester on the top and bottom makes this pad very durable.

Nobody’s Perfect

This pad does self-inflate, but only if you give it ample time to do its thing. I usually top it off myself, which can be a hassle at higher elevations. It took me a bit of time to get the hang of stuffing it back into its sack, and rolling it up is significantly more work than strapping a Z-lite to my pack. In the future, I would love to see a more packable iteration.

—Katie Kommer

TLDR

Pros: Very comfortable; good R-value; good price-to-R-Value ratio; convenient (self-inflating)

Cons: Self-inflation process is a bit slow and still requires a few breaths to top off; heavier than many pads on this list

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Nemo Tensor Elite (Lightest Inflatable Pad)

• MSRP: $200 – $230
• Weight: 7.6 oz (Short) / 8.5 oz (Reg.)
• R-Value: 2.4
• Dimensions (in.): 60″ x 20″ x 3″ (Short) / 72″ x 20″ x 3″ (Reg.)

What We Love

Ever since the Therm-a-Rest Uberlite was discontinued a few years back, there hasn’t really been a super-ultralight inflatable on the market to take its place — until now. The Tensor Elite just dropped at the beginning of this year, so we can’t say yet what its long-term durability will be. It’s made with very thin 10d Cordura nylon — which, while Cordura fabrics are generally high quality, does make us break out in a light sweat. Durability issues plagued the Uberlight, and it’s easy to see why with such a featherlight product; hopefully this new offering from Nemo will perform better.

People still managed to make the Uberlight last an entire thru-hike by babying it a little, and they’re likely to attempt the same with the Tensor Elite. The siren song of a three-inch thick inflatable pad that only weighs half a pound is just too powerful to ignore. This is the lightest inflatable sleeping pad ever to exist, and we have to give Nemo a nod for that.

An unexpected side benefit of the Elite? It’s quiet. “I expected this pad to be light when I ordered it, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so quiet,” wrote reviewer GPS. “With minimal foil-based insulation and smooth shell material, the Tensor Elite is probably the quietest inflatable pad I have used. It doesn’t crinkle when bent and has minimal ‘swooshing’ when rolling over with layers on.”

GPS put the pad through its paces with some shoulder-season Colorado peakbagging and a trip to the San Juans. He says the pad performs true to its temperature rating and recommends limiting its use to nighttime temperatures above 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Noteworthy Features

• Discontinuous Baffles: Minimize excess baffle material, saving weight. The fact that the baffles don’t go all the way across the pad from one end to the other also makes the pad feel less ‘directional’ in stiffness, which GPS said was a slight step up in comfort for him.
• UL nylon: Besides the baffle design, the exceptionally thin 10d nylon fabric used in this pad is responsible for the bulk of the weight savings.
• Laylow valve: The Elite still features Nemo’s recessed and nested Laylow nested valve system, which is easy to use (although GPS would have preferred a different location).

Nobody’s Perfect

It’s not that insulated, has limited sizing options, and GPS says the valve is a bit hard to use because of the location. The big question on everyone’s mind, of course, is the durability. This is a thru-hiking website; will a 10d, 8 oz pad hold up to long miles and hard use? The pad is well received so far, but we’ll see how this season’s thru-hikers fare with it.

TLDR

Pros: Insanely ultralight; comfortable baffle pattern; three inches thick

Cons: 2.4 R-value isn’t that warm; durability is relatively untested; recessed valve is a little hard to inflate by mouth

Read our review of the Nemo Tensor Elite here.

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Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated Air Women’s | Unisex (Easiest To Inflate)

• MSRP: $169 – $189
• Weight: 17 oz (Reg.) / 21 oz (Large) / 15.8 oz (Women’s Reg) / 19.8 oz (Women’s Large)
• R-Value: 3.1 / 3.5 (Women’s)
• Dimensions (in.): 72″ x 21.5″ x 2″ (Reg.) / 78″ x 25″ x 2″ (Large) / 66″ x 21.5″ x 2″ (Women’s Reg.) / 72″ x 25″ x 2″ (Women’s Large)

What We Love

This pad is middle-of-the-road when it comes to price, weight, and R-value, but there are a few areas where it really shines compared to the competition, earning it a spot among the best thru-hiking sleeping pads of the year.

First, it’s wider than most inflatables (21.5 inches compared to the typical 20 inches). This makes it a comfy choice for broad-shouldered individuals and active sleepers.

Second, I’ve found it to be insanely durable. My ex-partner owns a Sea to Summit UltraLight, and it stood up to all manner of abuse and shenanigans on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike and beyond.

Finally, the pad is very easy to inflate. Due to the relatively thin 2-inch thickness, I find that it takes fewer puffs to fill compared to other pads, and the low-profile valve design (similar to that of the Nemo Tensor) is effective, durable, and easy to adjust.

Don’t let those scanty two inches scare you away; the pad is surprisingly supportive, though maybe a little too thin for side sleepers. With many of the other pads on this list, I find they can be over-inflated to the point that they’re too hard; in contrast, the Ultralight has a lot more flexibility and give.

Noteworthy Features

• Nested valve system for easy inflation and deflation.
• 30D/40D nylon face fabric with antimicrobial treatment.
• PillowLock system: Adhesive velcro patches come with every pad that can be used to keep inflatable pillows in place.

Nobody’s Perfect

As stated above, this pad is pretty much middle-of-the-road in terms of weight, warmth, and price. These are primary selling points for most consumers, and the fact that the UltraLight excels in none of them is a little disappointing.

Also, while I generally like the pad’s nested valve design, it makes it all too easy to accidentally let all the air out when I only meant to open the intake valve to add a few more puffs of air. I would also prefer it off to one side rather than centered directly under the back of my skull.

While the pad is overall very comfortable, it may be too thin to support side sleepers.

TLDR

Pros: Not too thick = quick to inflate; excellent durability; regular size is 1.5 inches wider than most pads; antimicrobial treatment

Cons: Weight, warmth, and price are nothing to write home about; two-part valve can be tricky; 2-inch thickness not ideal for side sleeping

– Kelly Floro

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Gossamer Gear Thinlight (Best Supplemental Sleeping Pad)

• MSRP: $22 – $32
• Weight: 2.7 oz (Rolled) / 3.3 ounces (Folded) / 4.4 oz (Rolled Wide)
• R-Value: 0.5
• Dimensions: 59″ x 19″ x 1/8″ (Rolled version) / 73.5″ x 19″ x 1/8″ (Folded version) / 59″ x 25″ x 1/8″ (Rolled wide)

What We Love

One-eight-inch pads are too minimalist to work as standalone sleeping pads, but that’s not the point of this item (unless you’re a hardcore ultralighter). Instead, these pads are meant to protect and supplement your existing sleep system. R-values are additive, so stacking this pad underneath another one will boost the insulation factor.

These pads actually have an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for closed-cell foam: theoretically, stacking two 1/4-inch foam pads would achieve the same R-value as a traditional CCF foam pad at significantly less weight. As an added bonus, they can double as backcountry dog beds, yoga mats, and hammock pads.

Note: Mountain Laurel Designs sells a similar pad with more length options, which may be ideal for taller people. Otherwise, the two are functionally similar in most ways. The more you know.

Nobody’s Perfect

At the end of the day, the Thinlights just aren’t that warm. Even as a supplemental pad, a boost in R-value of just 0.5 or 1 might not be enough to justify the added expense and bulk. Next time I head out in the snow, I’ll probably still opt for a thicker CCF pad to layer under my inflatable.

TLDR

Pros: Great warmth-to-weight ratio; all the versatility of a traditional CCF pad at a fraction of the weight and bulk

Cons: Not a huge boost in warmth; likes to fold and twist under active sleepers.

—The Editors

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Choosing the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for Thru-Hiking: FAQs

Is a sleeping pad necessary?

It’s extremely necessary. A sleeping pad will provide insulation and cushioning from the rough ground, and virtually every hiker carries one. Foam pads are ideal for minimalists and are 10000% reliable, while inflatables are the most popular sleeping pads for thru-hiking (at least for anyone who wants a more luxurious night’s sleep).

The only backpackers for whom a sleeping pad is not essential are hammockers, who have the option to use an underquilt for insulation instead. (And even then, many hammockers prefer the flexibility to “go to ground” on a shelter or hostel floor that a pad provides).

It should be noted that quilt users will be even more reliant on their pads for warmth than sleeping bag users due to the whole no-back thing. So if you’re a quilt user, be sure to pay extra attention to R-value.

Foam or inflatable?

It’s an entirely personal choice, as both have pros and cons. Closed-cell foam (CCF) pads are more versatile and durable than inflatables at a fraction of the cost. They set up instantly and can double as sit pads and yoga mats.

On the flip side, inflatable pads are more comfortable and, more importantly, often much warmer. A typical foam pad has an R-value of just two, which is only adequate for summer and shoulder season use for warm sleepers. Inflatable backpacking pads, in contrast, can have R-values of five, six, or even eight.

Winter hikers will often layer a foam pad underneath a high-R-value inflatable. The foam pad adds to the system’s warmth while also serving as a backup if the inflatable fails.

Are three-quarter-length sleeping pads worth it?

Full-length sleeping pads are typically around 72 inches long. Many pads are also available in 66-inch or even 48-inch lengths, too. These shorter pads are perfect for smaller individuals, but tall people make them work by using the pad for their torso while resting their legs on top of their pack or extra clothing. Because they use significantly less material, short pads tend to cost and weigh a lot less. There is a definite trade-off in comfort, which may or may not be worth it to you.

What is R-value / what is a good R-value for a sleeping pad?

R-value is a measure of a material’s resistance to heat transfer (i.e. how well it insulates). Mathematically, it’s the temperature difference from one side of an insulating barrier to the other divided by heat flux (the amount of heat flowing through the barrier per unit of area per unit of time).

R-values aren’t unique to sleeping pads. They’re also used to describe building insulation and other materials. For instance, the walls of a typical insulated home have an R-value between 13 and 19.

R-values typically range from one to eight in backpacking sleeping pads. Until recently, outdoor brands used their own methodologies to measure the R-values of their sleeping pads. In 2020, the industry adopted a standardized methodology called ASTM F3340-18, by which all pads are evaluated so consumers can more easily compare across brands.

Remember to choose an appropriately rated bag or quilt to complement your pad, as the two will work in concert to keep you warm.

• An R-value of 1 or 2 is suitable for summer trips in warm environments.
• An R-value of 2-4 is suitable for spring, summer, and fall trips in warm to cool environments. Most inflatable pads are in this range.
• An R-value of 5-7 is best for winter use in cold environments.
• An R-value higher than 7 is darn warm. In the past, we’ve said that such pads are heavy and better suited for car camping than backpacking, but ultralight sleeping pad technology is starting to push the envelope here (see the NEMO Tensor EC and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT).

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Sleeping Pad Quick Tips

• Paint a few strips of silicone seam sealer on the bottom side of your pad to keep it from slipping and sliding on your tent floor. A few strips on the top will also help keep you from sliding off the pad in your sleep.
• If you’ll be using your breath to inflate a sleeping pad, sit down before you start and take your time — especially at higher elevations — to avoid dizziness.
• Rechargeable mini air pumps for inflating your sleeping pad are a thing now, FYI.
• If you’re trying to keep your base weight down and/or are on a tight budget, choose a 3/4-length pad and put your backpack under your legs to keep them warm and supported.
• Slip a sleeping bag liner over your pad like a box sheet for luxurious comfort and less squeak. Especially effective for quilt users.
• Locate leaks by submerging the pad in water and following the trail of bubbles to the pinhole. And on a related note…
• Bring the patch kit that came with your inflatable pad when you bought it. It weighs next to nothing, it will prolong the life of your inflatable, and someday it will save you from a crappy night’s sleep on a partially deflated pad.

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Why should you trust us?

Because we’re so incredibly intelligent, of course! Attractive, too. (Not to mention extremely humble).

But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt. We’re gear nerds who love putting our equipment to the test on trails long and short, and we’ve tried just about every sleeping pad under the sun in pursuit of a better night’s sleep in the backcountry.

Moreover, we survey hundreds of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers every year to learn about their behaviors, demographics, and — you guessed it — gear preferences. That means our sleeping pad picks aren’t just our opinions: they’re based on years of feedback from the greater thru-hiking community.

Check out AT hikers’ favorite sleep systems from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 surveys.

Alexander “GPS” Brown, Rachel Shoemaker, and Owen Eigenbrot contributed to the most recent update of this list.

Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm.