Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2024

The NEMO Tensor has always held a spot among our top picks, but the newest line of Tensors really upped the ante. The NEMO Tensor All-Season has an R-value that makes it very versatile – from summer backpacking all the way into mild winter conditions – and it’s one of the comfiest and quietest sleeping pads on the market. It delivers all this at a very low weight, small packed size, and great price for the specs.

We tested the mummy shape for this review since we think that’s the version with the most impressive specs. But hikers who prefer the extra space of a rectangular pad can choose from regular, regular wide, and long wide without taking too much of a hit on weight, cost, and packability.

Our testing excursions in Arizona’s Bradshaw Mountains revealed that the Tensor All-Season retains all of our favorite qualities of the previous iteration – incredibly quiet material, exceptionally comfortable design, and industry-leading valve/pump sack construction – while improving upon the areas where the previous version fell a bit short. The All-Season is lighter, warmer, and thicker than the old Tensor, and yet the cost didn’t rise.

One of the most outstanding features of the Tensor All-Season is its multifunctional valve. It sits flat against the pad so it doesn’t intrude on your sleeping area, but it’s easy to reach while lying down so you can adjust the firmness of your pad without sitting up. The valve is designed with two flaps – open the first one and you’ll find the one-way valve which pairs with the included Vortex Pump Sack for quick inflation. Pushing this part of the valve in is also how you let small amounts of air out to dial in your perfect level of firmness. Pulling the second flap opens the dump valve which quickly lets out all the air for fast and easy pack-up.

When looking at its main competition – the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT – the Tensor All-Season is warmer, more convenient, costs a bit less, and weighs only 1.1 ounces more. The specs, comfort, and convenience of the Tensor ultimately won us over in our side-by-side testing, but it was a close call and both pads are truly excellent. Either way you choose, for spring, summer, and fall backpacking trips, these pads are truly the gold standard.

More: NEMO Tensor All-Season Full Review

Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XLite NXT is easily one of the best 3-season sleeping pads on the market. Several members of the CleverHiker team have a total of over 1,000 miles of experience with this pad and you’ll often find it in our packs during spring, summer, and fall trips. The XLite has a rare combination of comfort, warmth, and weight that make it tough to beat for backpacking.

The newest NXT version of the XLite has a slightly higher R-value and is 3 inches thick, so it’s a bit warmer and cushier than before. We’ve found the insulation good enough to stay comfortable in temps all the way down into the low 20s when paired with a quality sleeping bag, which is really incredible for a pad this light. CleverHiker Editor-in-Chief, Dave Collins, recently took the XLite NXT on a snowy late-season trek through Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and stayed perfectly warm and comfortable each night.

Keeping pack weight down on backcountry trips is critical, and the XLite NXT is among the absolute best this arena. At just 13 ounces, the XLite is one of the lightest insulated pads on the market. And you’d be hard-pressed to find another option that offers the same warmth or durability at this weight.

Ultralight gear tends to be on the delicate side, but that’s not the case with the XLite. With just a little care during campsite selection, this pad can last for thousands of miles. Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, took the XLite NXT on a 300-mile section of the Arizona Trail – a notoriously prickly path – and it held up without incident despite some lazier evenings where campsite clearing fell off the priority list. Still, the XLite is an air pad and accidents can happen. The included repair kit makes field fixes easy, and the valve can even be replaced if it fails – a fairly unique feature for an air pad.

The main knock on previous XLite models was the crinkly sound they make when shifting around. We’re happy to report that the NXT is much quieter than previous versions. We’ve tested it many times with tentmates by our side and camp neighbors nearby with no complaints. Don’t expect complete silence though – we’d say the XLite NXT is now just about as quiet as most air pads – they all make a little noise.

The other minor inconvenience with the XLite comes in the form of ease-of-use. The pump sack that’s included with the XLite is pretty basic, and isn’t as efficient as the top competitors. Additionally, the XLite doesn’t have a dump valve, so you’ll have to squeeze air out of the pad when it’s time to pack up camp in the morning. This will slow down the packing process a bit, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

All things considered, the NeoAir XLite is a truly exceptional sleeping pad that we’ve put through the wringer over thousands of trail miles. It’s an all-time great backpacking sleeping pad and is clearly one of the best on the market. 

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Full Review

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT is the warmer and more durable sibling of the XLite above. This pad is our top recommendation for cold sleepers and hikers heading out for adventures in the winter chill. We loved the previous XTherm, but the latest NXT model is even better – it’s warmer, thicker, and even a touch lighter than before. 

The R-value of a sleeping pad tells you how much insulation it provides – the higher the number, the warmer the pad. With an R-value of 7.3, the XTherm NXT is one of the warmest backpacking sleeping pads on the market. It’s also considerably lighter than most other highly insulated sleeping pads, so it’s a great buy for hikers looking for the best balance of warmth and weight.

The XTherm is the pad our team members opt for when we head out on winter backpacking adventures. In our testing, even in absolutely frigid temperatures and several inches of fresh powder, we’ve stayed warm and comfortable thanks to the XTherm.

This pad also has a durable layer of 70-denier fabric on the underside to combat wear and prevent punctures. Its level of durability is among the best we’ve ever tested for backpacking air pads. The XTherm does make a slight crinkle sound when you shift around on it, but its considerable strengths far outweigh this minor downside.

With a weight that’s lower than the typical 3-season pad but an R-value ready for serious winter adventures, it’s no wonder the NeoAir XTherm NXT has been a fan favorite for many years.

More: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Full Review

The NEMO Tensor Trail sleeping pad is surprisingly light for how much comfort it delivers. This is one of the thickest, quietest, and lightest pads on our list, and there’s ample room to sprawl since it’s a rectangular pad.

NEMO has always offered their Tensor sleeping pads in a wider variety of shapes and sizes than most other pad makers, and this newest addition to the lineup carries on that tradition. Hikers who sleep on their backs or stomachs will appreciate that both the regular and long sizes come in a wide version, and those who prioritize shaving every ounce possible can shed grams with the mummy-shape Tensor Trail. 

CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, tested the mummy-shaped Tensor Trail on the final 500 miles of the Arizona Trail. She sung the praises of this pad upon her return – saying that the Tensor Trail is an excellent choice for thru-hikers due to its extra thickness that makes it easy to dial in the firmness without bottoming out, the well-designed valve that keeps inflation/deflation super quick, and the miniscule weight and packed size.

That said, we think most hikers will prefer the extra surface area of the rectangular model which allows your feet to rest wider apart when back sleeping. Still, if you do decide that you’d prefer to save weight with the mummy version, the fabric isn’t as slippery as some others and it’s fairly easy to stay centered on the pad without your limbs sliding off.

Most backpacking sleeping pads that aim to fill the ultralight niche cut down on thickness or forego insulation, but the Tensor Trail has both. At 3.5 inches thick, the Tensor Trail sits taller than most of the competition – ultralight or otherwise. While this pad does include more insulation than many other UL pads, at an R-value of 2.8 the Tensor Trail will likely work best as a summer backpacking option for most.

The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, making inflation fast and easy. On top of that, the zero-profile valve allows for quick deflation and simple micro-adjustments.

We’ve been big fans of the NEMO Tensor since the first model hit the shelves, and the ultralight Tensor Trail version has quickly become a new favorite.

More: NEMO Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Full Review

The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is a super cushy, durable, and warm sleeping pad for 3-season adventures. The Rapide is less expensive compared to pads with similar specs, so it’s an excellent choice for backpackers looking to save without sacrificing comfort.

It differentiates itself from other pads with its large side rails that help to keep you centered. The sleeping surface of the Rapide is 3.5 inches thick – making it one of the thickest backpacking pads on our list – with sides that are a generous 4.25 inches. This makes it ideal for hikers who wriggle around at night and struggle to keep from sliding off their pads. The thickness also allows you to dial in the perfect firmness level to suit your sleeping style without worrying about bottoming out. 

With all the different available sizes, any hiker should be able to find a version of the Rapide that’s comfy. This is one of the only sleeping pads that doesn’t cost extra for a long version, so tall hikers don’t have to shell out extra. Both the regular and long sizes also come in a wide version, there’s also a petite size, and the Rapide is even available as a double sleeping pad.

At 18 ounces, the Rapide is among the heavier sleeping pads on our list. But the weight is very reasonable when you consider how comfortable, warm, and affordable it is. For those who prioritize comfort over all else, the Big Agnes Rapide SL is a top contender.

More: Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Full Review 

Tired of worrying about your air pad staying inflated? Look no further than the affordable and hassle-free NEMO Switchback. This closed-cell foam pad is easy on the wallet, and it’s also easy to use at camp.

Foam pads are nice because you’ll never have to spend time inflating/deflating them, and you’ll never have to worry about waking up on the cold ground since they can’t spring a leak. The ease of use and durability are by far the biggest strengths of the Switchback, but this pad is also quite lightweight.

As a foam pad, the downside of the Switchback is that it’s less comfortable than air pads – unless you prefer sleeping on firm surfaces. Still, there are some cases where we’ll opt for the Switchback over (or in addition to) an air pad. 

When the CleverHiker team went on a group winter backpacking trip along the White River on Mt. Hood, we each brought one of these closed-cell foam pads to use under our air pads for extra insulation from the snow. We also like using the Switchback when traveling with dogs since we don’t have to worry about puppy paws putting holes in it. Senior Gear Analyst, Casey Handley, even cut a Switchback in half and brings one piece of it to use as a dedicated sleeping pad for her dog.

There’s a lot to love about the convenience, affordability, and durability of the Switchback. So if you prefer a firm sleeping surface, simplicity, and worry-free comfort, the NEMO Switchback might be exactly what you’re looking for.

More: NEMO Switchback Full Review

The Klymit Static V2 is one of the most affordable air pads on the market. It’s built with thicker materials than most lightweight backpacking sleeping pads and is slightly wider than the standard pad size as well.

Though the large spaces between the air chambers may cause you to bottom out while shifting around, the V-shaped tubes on the Static V are quite comfortable. With this in mind, side sleepers could find it difficult to get into a position where their hips are supported, so we think the Static V2 is best suited to back-sleepers or stomach-sleepers who tend to stay in one place while they snooze.

This pad has a low R-value, so it’s best for summer trips. Klymit does offer an Insulated Static V with an R-value of 1.9, but it weighs quite a bit more and that’s not a huge improvement over the 1.3 R-value of the Static V2. Still, it costs only $25 more than the Static V2, so it could be worth the weight penalty for budget-conscious hikers wanting a pad that’s a bit warmer.

Drawbacks aside, the Klymit Static V2 is still a great choice for backpackers looking to hit the trail without breaking the bank. It’s durable, decently lightweight, and it’ll get the job done at a fraction of the price of other air pads.

More: Klymit Static V2 Full Review