It is a gear evaluate in regards to the Greatest Light-weight Sleeping Pads for 2022.
Sleeping Mats are higher in 2022 than ever earlier than with many high manufacturers stepping up their sport.
The standard of the ultralight sleeping pads on this evaluate is a big leap ahead from solely a few years in the past.
What are the most effective sleeping pads of 2022?
Hold studying to search out out.
Greatest Light-weight Sleeping Mats for Backpacking 2022
The Greatest Light-weight Sleeping Mats for Backpacking 2022 are:
Greatest Sleeping Pad – General
Nemo Tensor Insulated Mummy Evaluate
Nemo has a big collection of light-weight sleeping pads for tenting. The Nemo Tensor Insulated is arguably considered one of their greatest backpacking sleeping pads and the one I’m at present utilizing.
The Nemo Tensor Insulated is without doubt one of the most snug air pads of all of the mattresses on this evaluate due to its thickness and the truth that it’s quiet. Making it excellent for the facet sleeper.
The one different light-weight sleeping pad on this evaluate that is the same as the Nemo Tensor for consolation is the Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT Insulated.
At 14oz / 410g the Nemo Tensor Insulated is a light-weight insulated sleeping pad however the most effective factor about this mattress is how quiet it’s when rolling over.
A whole distinction to a lot of the different mattresses on this evaluate.
That is probably the most snug of the mattresses on this evaluate. It is usually barely thicker than the opposite mattresses which makes it a terrific selection for a facet sleeper like myself. I sleep with all of the stress on the hips and shoulders.
I just lately used this mattress on my thru-hike of the Te Araroa Path and liked it, nevertheless, I did get a few small holes close to the interior baffles.
There are a few totally different variations of the Nemo Tensor. For my part, the Insulated mummy is the most effective.
The Common Tensor Mummy weighs, 12oz / 345g, which is a bit lighter than the insulated however not as suited to chilly temperatures under 35F / 2C.
For excessive chilly temperatures all the way down to -20F / -29C there’s the Nemo Tensor Alpine. At solely 475 grams that is the best choice for chilly climates, like climbing Kilimanjaro or Trekking within the Andes and Himalayas.
General, the Nemo Tensor Insulated is the most effective backpacking sleeping pad available on the market in 2022.
Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Thermarest NeoAir Uberlite Evaluate
The Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite is without doubt one of the greatest ultralight sleeping pads available on the market.
It weighs a ridiculous 8.8oz / 250grams and packs up smaller than a 1 liter Nalgene Bottle.
It additionally is available in a brief model which is 6oz / 170grams which is sufficiently big to cowl individuals from head to hips.
A fastidiously positioned empty backpack can insulate the toes in heat temperatures. It is sufficient to preserve any gram-counting ultra-light hiker blissful. However there’s a catch.
To make the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite mattress so mild it doesn’t have as a lot thermal materials inside. This mat has an R Ranking of two.0 or 37F/3C, making this a borderline 3-season backpacking mattress.
For my part, the burden saving is price it however I’d not use this mattress on a notoriously chilly path such because the Continental Divide Path.
Therma-A-Relaxation NeoAir Uberlite evaluate by Via Hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey
Ultralight Via Hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey bought his arms on considered one of these just lately launched mats. That is what he needed to say,
“It has a really small packed dimension of 6 inches by 3.5 inches” which is smaller than a 1 liter Nalgene Bottle!”
“The Therm a Relaxation Neoair UberLite merely disappears in your pack whereas nonetheless providing a really soft and satisfying sleep. This pad is nice for facet sleepers with its 2.5 inches thick whereas additionally being quieter than different Therm-a-Relaxation inflatable pads”.
“The UberLite is ready to be so mild weight by utilizing a skinny 15 denier nylon. That is the lightest materials used available on the market.
In testing I’ve seen no points with the skinny materials nevertheless I will probably be further cautious when selecting my campsites to verify I clear any sharp particles from below my shelter”.
“I’d suggest this pad to anybody who sleeps heat to impartial and is trying to cut back their base weight down with out sacrificing consolation at evening. I used this mattress on the Pacific Crest Path and Colorado Path in 2019”.
General, the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite is the most effective ultralight sleeping pad available on the market proper now! However is it sturdy sufficient in the long run! Need to know the way it goes long-term?
Observe Grizzly’s journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grizzly_hikes/
Greatest Sleeping Pad for Facet Sleepers
Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT Evaluate
The Sea to Summit Ether mild XT is their latest light-weight sleeping pad. It’s Sea to Summit’s flagship mannequin proper now.
At a beneficiant 4inches/10cm thick that is the thickest mattress on this evaluate.
That is the most effective ultralight sleeping pad for facet sleepers. The thickness and air sprung cells make it tremendous snug for even the fussiest of facet sleepers.
It is usually made from supplies that make it very quiet when turning over through the evening. No extra clinking sounds as you toss and switch through the evening.
It’s ultra-lightweight at 12oz/350g however ought to solely be utilized in hotter climate. The Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT Insulated model is barely heavier at 15oz/425g however for slide sleepers, it’s a higher possibility.
Such a thick mattress comes at the price of needing many breaths to inflate it however Sea to Summit has solved this downside by adapting the Stuff Sack so it may be used to inflate the mattress.
Greatest Insulated Sleeping Pad for Facet Sleepers
Sea to Summit Ether lite Insulated Evaluate
The Sea to Summit Etherlite Insulted is the best-insulated sleeping pad for facet sleepers. If you’re a facet sleeper like me and dislike when skinny mattresses crush your hip and shoulder into the bottom then that is for you.
Just like the non-insulated summer time model of the Etherlite, this sleeping mat is quiet whenever you roll over in the midst of the evening. Add to that the tremendous snug really feel and good insulation and you’ve got a terrific pad for not solely summer time mountaineering journeys however backpacking journeys within the cooler months.
It has a great system for inflating the pad which makes use of the stuff sack to inflate the mat. My solely want is that this mat was just a little lighter.
General, if you’re a slide sleeper and desire a sleeping pad for cooler temperatures then that is for you. It is usually one of the vital snug mats on this evaluate.
Greatest Winter Sleeping Pad
Therma-Relaxation NeoAir X-Therm Evaluate
All the identical nice high quality as all the opposite Therm a Relaxation pads however with extra insulation to assist with these chilly sleepers who want all the assistance they will get to remain heat.
At 15oz / 430g the Therm A Relaxation NeoAir XTherm is without doubt one of the greatest backpacking sleeping pads for chilly temperatures.
The Therm A Relaxation NeoAir X-Therm may be very light-weight, tremendous snug, and fairly priced.
It is a nice possibility for anybody desirous to spend time outdoor through the colder elements of the 12 months.
It will be excellent for high-altitude hikes or bicycle excursions within the Andes or Himalayas or for the chilly sleeper who needs a bit extra insulation.
I used the Therm a Relaxation NeoAir XTherm light-weight sleeping pad whereas thru-hiking the coldest sections of the Sierra Part of the Pacific Crest Path and had no purpose to really feel any chilly switch from the mattress under me.
General, the Therm A Relaxation NeoAir XTherm is the Greatest Winter Backpacking Sleeping Pad available on the market in 2022.
Greatest Light-weight Sleeping Pad
Therma-Relaxation NeoAir X-lite Evaluate
The Therm a Relaxation NeoAir XLite is the most well-liked light-weight sleeping pad available on the market for good purpose.
At 12oz / 340g for the common size model and an R-Worth of three.2, it’s not solely light-weight however tremendous snug, fairly priced, and comes with a terrific lifetime guarantee.
It additionally is available in a brief model which solely reaches the hips as a substitute of all the best way to the toes.
Extremely-light ounce counters love the quick possibility of the Therm a Relaxation NeoAir XLite.
The one draw back I’ve about this mattress is the insulation layer contained in the mattress. It makes an annoyingly loud crinkling sound each time somebody rolls over on this mattress. After per week or two of utilizing it, the noise will not be so loud.
Very mild sleepers won’t like this very a lot, though it has by no means bothered me, it may be a deal breaker for some.
I used the Therm a Relaxation NeoAir XLite mattress for a number of sections of the Pacific Crest Path and liked it. I nonetheless have the mattress right now.
Greatest Finances Sleeping Pad
Z lite Sol Evaluate
At round $35, the Therm a Relaxation Z-Lite Sol is without doubt one of the greatest closed cell foam pads for the budget-conscious particular person.
The light-weight Z-Lite Sol closed cell foam pad weights solely 14oz / 410g and is the most effective foam sleeping pad available on the market.
It gives sufficient consolation for many drained individuals. However if you’re a facet sleeper, this sleeping pad won’t be probably the most snug.
This closed cell foam pad can be a favourite with the speedy hikers who like to throw down the mattress and sleep wherever, anytime, ‘Hikertrash‘ model!
In contrast to the opposite sleeping pads for backpacking on this evaluate, the Therm a relaxation Z Lite won’t get a puncture and deflate on the worst second.
A fantastic possibility for cactus-filled deserts.
The froth sleeping pad additionally gives nice insulation making it a terrific sleeping pad for backpacking in snow.
This is without doubt one of the greatest closed cell foam sleeping pads available on the market for the time being with a terrific price range worth and total it’s nonetheless a pleasant mild sleeping pad.
The Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pads is one other nice worth mattress for spending time within the backcountry.
At 14oz / 395g the Sea to Summit Ultralight is light-weight with sufficient insulation for summer time mountaineering in heat temperatures.
When it will get chilly the Sea to Summit Extremely Gentle Insulated is a greater possibility.
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated weighs 17oz/480g and is rated for temperatures 22F/-5C.
The air pad comes with a stuff sack that can be utilized to inflate the mattress. Nice for stopping smelly breath from contaminating the within of the pads.
Massive Agnes is one other large title that entered the mattress-making enterprise.
The Massive Agnes AXL Air is ultra-lightweight at 9.6oz / 272g. The sleeping pad R-Worth 2.6 makes it a great 3-season sleeping pad that’s greatest utilized in summer time with temperatures above freezing.
It is also a pleasant thick mattress which makes it a terrific mattress for facet sleepers.
It’s a nice ultralight possibility that’s properly suited to anybody pondering of summer time mountaineering or extremely light-weight thru-hiking. A fantastic different to the Uberlite from Thermarest.
For barely colder temperatures the Massive Agnes AXL Insulated is a greater possibility. Weighing 10.6oz / 301g the Massive Agnes Insulated is light-weight and packs up small. Simply be warned that simply because it says it’s insulated doesn’t imply that it has sufficient insulation to maintain you heat. That is nonetheless a summer-only mattress.
Observe that this mattress is turning into very tough to search out in lots of shops for the time being.
Different Mats to Think about
- Nemo Switchback: The Nemo Switchback is a light-weight foam mat that can be superb and fairly priced.
- Klymit Static V2: The Klymit Static V2 is a fairly priced mat.
- Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus: The Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus is a self-inflating mat. I used this mat for years and years, in reality, I began mountaineering the Pacific Crest Path carrying this mat earlier than choosing one thing lighter and extra snug.
- Nemo Quasar 3D insulated: The Nemo Quasar 3D is comparatively new to the market.
- REI Co-Op Flash: The REI Co-Op Flash 3 season pad is a god worth possibility

Sleeping Pad Patrons Information
Inflatable Mattress Vs Foam Pad
Inflatable Sleeping Pads
The Inflatable air pad has come a good distance from the crude rubber mattresses with built-in pillows. Additionally, gone are the times of self-inflating mattresses. I as soon as used to personal a Therm-A-Relaxation Prolite self-inflating mattress however these days are lengthy gone. Issues have improved quite a bit since then.
Ultralight, high-tech supplies, and lifelong warranties make them the best choice for sleeping away from dwelling.
However the excessive price and chance of getting a gap can frustrate individuals at instances.
Foam Sleeping Pads
Foam Sleeping pads have lengthy been the favourite as a consequence of their price range worth, nice thermal qualities, and ease of use. Simply roll out the froth pad and go to sleep.
However for anybody who’s a facet sleeper or wants a cushty mattress this feature is painful and never conducive to a great evening’s sleep.
General, the inflatable mattress and foam pads have good and unhealthy factors. However now’s the period of the inflatable mattress. Advances in know-how will solely see issues get higher.
Will the most effective backpacking sleeping pads ever be puncture resistant!
Self Inflating Pads
The self-inflating pads have been very fashionable a few years in the past however their reputation has decreased in recent times. Simply open the valve, let the air in, give a couple of breaths to achieve your required stress, and the mat is inflated. They’re easy however heavy. The bigger variations make a great automobile tenting possibility or one thing to have at dwelling when sudden friends arrive. Additionally they are inclined to have a great r-value ranking for insulation.

Facet Sleeper vs Again Sleeper
I’m a facet sleeper. Simply the considered sleeping on a closed cell foam mattress brings ache to all elements of my physique. Due to this fact, it is very important understand how you sleep when selecting a mattress.
Facet sleepers desire a thick mattress. The Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT, Sea to Summit Ether Gentle Insulated, and Massive Agnes AXL Air are definitely higher choices than the others as a consequence of their barely thicker cores.
The thicker core on the air pads is extra snug however it takes extra breath to explode. Many have stuff sacks that double as pump sacks to inflate the inflatable pads.
Again sleepers are normally in a position to face up to a thinner mattress quite a bit higher. Due to this fact, any mattress on this evaluate would work out properly for them within the consolation stakes.
All of the backpacking air pads besides the Z Lite foam pad can be good for facet sleepers. These with a sore again wouldn’t just like the Therm a Relaxation z Lite Sol.

R-Worth and Heat
The Sleeping Pad R-Worth, when used within the context of measuring Sleeping Mats, refers back to the skill of the mattress to cease the switch of warmth or chilly by means of the pad. In easy phrases, it refers to heat.
In chilly climate, a excessive R-Worth sleeping pad will serve to cut back the chilly temperatures from snow or frozen floor transferring to the particular person sleeping on the pad.
That is essential when tenting in winter or the colder instances of the 12 months.
Under is an R-Values temperature chart. The R-Worth Sleeping Pad prevents temperature switch from the chilly to the heat of the physique and sleeping bag. into Temperature.
The video under by Exped explains what R-Values are and the way it refers to sleeping mats in an in depth but informative manner.

Weight
A light-weight sleeping mat ought to weigh lower than 15 oz / 430 grams with the ultralight mats being considerably much less. The thickness, width, form, and quantity of insulation all add to the general weight. The thinner the material the lighter the mat however the much less sturdy it is going to be. Each couple of years there’s some type of new innovation from the producers leading to a lighter weight.
Sleeping Pad Packed Measurement
All these light-weight air mats are compact sufficient to be rolled as much as the scale of a 1 liter Nalgene bottle, except the Z Lite foam pad.
I not often use a stuff sack. I simply roll it up and stuff it in my backpack. When mountaineering and bicycle touring I roll the mattress up and pack it inside my sleeping bag however solely when it’s dry.
Lots of the corporations embody a stuff sack that additionally has a valve to make use of as a manner of inflating the mattress.
A good suggestion to stop smelly, humid breath from coming into the mattress, however is the additional weight price it!
Sturdiness
A lot of the mats on this evaluate are fairly strong however they may develop holes when tenting in areas with thorns or different spikey crops able to puncturing the mat. There’s nothing worse than waking in the midst of the evening with a flat mattress. A few of the mats should not as sturdy as others. The Therm-a-rest Neo air Uberlite is a main instance of a mat taking it to the restrict of skinny materials. This comes at the price of sturdiness. As many hikers and campers have discovered, it is very important be just a little fussier when selecting your campsite at evening. These with a closed-cell foam mat can sleep wherever they need with little worry of the sturdiness of their mat.
Care Directions
Tips on how to Look After a Light-weight Sleeping Pad
- Stop grime and physique oils from coming in touch with the mattress by utilizing sleep clothes equivalent to lengthy merino pants and a protracted merino high. Some individuals use a sleeping bag liner too.
- Don’t enable Deet mosquito repellent, gas from stoves, or embers from a campfire to get wherever close to a mattress. Wash them off instantly.
- If campfire embers contact your mattress, you may need an uncomfortable evening’s sleep with the backpacking air mats deflating!
- A moist sleeping mattress may be packed up whereas moist for the quick time period. It’s not all the time doable to maintain the mattress dry. Make certain and air it out (with the valve open) as quickly as doable.
- Make sure the campsite is freed from thorns or sharp objects that may puncture the air mattress.
Tips on how to clear and retailer a Sleeping Mat
- It is usually a good suggestion to scrub the mattress with a sponge and heat soapy water.
- Be sure that the air valve is closed when washing.
- Unroll and unpack the mattress and let it air out for at the very least a day or two.
- Cling or retailer the mattress in a cool dry place, inside a wardrobe with clothes, or below a mattress works properly for me.
Tips on how to restore a mattress within the discipline
- Discovering the opening could be a downside. Rivers and lakes make the most effective locations to explode the mattress and attempt to discover the opening.
- Clear the world across the gap. A small alcohol wipe present in first assist kits are good for cleansing the world. When it’s clear and dry, use a small sticky contact patch equivalent to a Tenacious Tape Patch.
- A small drop of liquid seam sealer can be utilized to restore very small leaks however not bigger holes. Be sure that it’s a silicon-based seam sealer equivalent to this Silicon Seam Sealer.
PRO TIP
Ever slept on a slope and woken as much as discover the mattress slipped in a single day and urgent towards the underside of the tent?
I add Silicon Seam Sealer on the underside of my air mattress to cease it from slipping and sliding round in my tent at evening, particularly if my tent is pitched on a slope. However solely use a silicon-based sealer, not the water-based one.
Inflatable Mattress Guarantee
Inflatable mattresses have a nasty status of not solely getting holes however delaminating from the within. The inner baffles that are essential for the integrity of the mattress usually fail, inflicting a big bubble to seem.
I’ve had this occur to a number of of the well-known manufacturers and every time the guarantee of the businesses has been rock stable.
These corporations stand behind their merchandise. Failure to take action would destroy the arrogance in shopping for such a light-weight piece of substances. Therefore the rise of the air mattress and the decline of the froth mattress.
Value and Worth
All the most effective air mats on this evaluate are high quality and can final a really very long time. A whole lot and even 1000’s of nights may be anticipated if you take care of your mat. Due to this fact, they signify good worth for cash even when the preliminary outlay could appear a bit excessive. Across the $200 mark and decrease is the worth you’ll pay for the most effective.
Greatest Backpacking Sleeping Pad – General
General the Greatest Sleeping Pad for Backpacking in 2022 is the Nemo Tensor Insulated. It’s the greatest mixture of consolation, worth, and light-weight.
Greatest Ultralight Sleeping Pad – General
The very best ultralight sleeping pad will solely be greatest as a 3 season sleeping pad. The sleeping pads for backpacking in the summertime months are the Uberlite from Thermarest.
The Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT is thicker and higher for facet sleepers however the Therm a relaxation Uberlite is lighter weight.
These mats are ultra-light however extra fragile than the others, so select the campsite properly. In temperatures under freezing, these should not the only option.
Greatest Sleeping Pad for Winter Backpacking
For chilly temperatures, the most effective light-weight sleeping pads are the Thermarest X-Therm or the Nemo Tensor Alpine
Each are appropriate for winter tenting or high-altitude trekking. The Nemo Tensor Alpine is extra snug and quiet, and the Therm a relaxation X-Therm is lighter.
Are you heading to the Himalayan or Andes mountains for some high-altitude trekking? or desire a mat to make use of in winter? These can be those to think about.
Greatest Sleeping Pad for Facet Sleepers?
The Greatest Sleeping Pad for facet sleepers is the Massive Agnes AXL Air or the Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT. The Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT is an enormous 4 inches thick, has a small packed dimension, and a pump sack to inflate it.
General, the Sea to Summit Ether Gentle XT is the most effective air pad for facet sleepers.
All are tremendous snug thick mattresses that may guarantee a greater evening’s sleep for facet sleepers than among the thinner sleeping pads on this evaluate.
Greatest Finances Sleeping Pad
The very best price range sleeping pad is the Therm-a-Relaxation Z Lite Sol. It is usually low cost and the most effective mattress for anybody touring within the cactus and thorn-infested deserts of the world.
Conclusion
The Greatest Backpacking Sleeping Pads for 2022 are: