Finest Total
Nemo Switchback
Warmest
Exped Flexmat Plus
Finest Supplemental
Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad
The most effective foam sleeping pads for backpacking are product of closed-cell foam, that means they’re light-weight, waterproof, and better of all, can’t puncture. If inflatable pads have left you sleeping floor too many occasions, you’re attempting to chop down ounces, otherwise you simply desire a extra secure, agency, and silent sleep system, foam sleeping pads are the reply. I slept on the most effective foam sleeping pads within the backcountry to search out the most effective choices available on the market.
Finest Foam Sleeping Pads: Critiques & Suggestions
Ashley Thess
Execs
- Comfy
- Light-weight
- Insulated coating
- Packs down to five inches
The Nemo Switchback is every part I’m on the lookout for in a backpacking sleeping pad: snug, light-weight, and packs down simply. It’s the smallest packed dimension on this checklist (moreover the ⅛-inch Thinlight), which at all times matches on high of my pack, irrespective of how full it’s. If a packraft steals its ordinary spot, I may efficiently stuff it right into a aspect pouch of my ULA Ohm backpacking backpack.
I convey the quick model on each journey and I sit or lay on it throughout breaks or whereas making dinner. It’s snug to sleep on with an insulated backside that places your R-value at a 2. Within the summertime that is all you want, however pair it with an inflatable in colder situations.
My solely fault on this pad is it isn’t essentially the most sturdy, after a couple of seasons of bushwhacking the nodes begin to compress and fray, although that doesn’t imply you must retire it. I believe it’s nonetheless snug to put on.
Finest Clean: Large Agnes TwisterCane
You’ve gotten the choice to sleep on the graceful or tire-tread textured aspect.
Ashley Thess
Execs
- Textured and clean sides
- Fabricated from 60% sugarcane resin
Cons
- Barely decrease R-value
- Should roll to retailer
- Cumbersome
Key Options
-
Weight:
14 ounces -
R-Worth:
1.7 -
Thickness:
0.5 inch -
Size:
72 inches -
Packed Dimension:
20 x 7 inches
If the egg carton sample of the opposite foam sleeping pads on this checklist sounds over stimulating to sleep on, the TwisterCane has the choice to sleep on a clean gym-mat-style floor. I slept comfortably, however when it got here time to roll it up and maintain it rolled whereas I strap it to the highest of my bag I used to be somewhat irritated. Rolling will not be as environment friendly as a fast fold. It has a barely much less R-value than the opposite choices of comparable thickness.
Warmest: Exped Flexmat Plus
Ashley Thess
Cons
- Not very snug
- Cumbersome
Key Options
-
Weight:
16.9 ounces (medium), 22.8 ounces (lengthy extensive) -
R-Worth:
2.2 -
Thickness:
1.5 inches -
Size:
72 inches (medium), 77.6 inches (lengthy extensive) -
Packed Dimension:
20.5 x 6 x 7 inches (medium) or 25.6 x 6.3 x 7 inches (lengthy extensive)
Inching out an additional 0.2 R-value, the Plus is the thickest foam sleeping pad in my check. The thickness didn’t straight translate to consolation although; the aggressively tall nodules really feel extra like a therapeutic massage chair than a mattress.
Finest Supplemental: Gossamer Gear Thinlight Pad
Ashley Thess
Execs
- Ultralight
- Small packed dimension
Cons
- Must roll to retailer
- Too skinny to sleep on
Key Options
-
Weight:
2.7 ounces (rolled), 4.1 ounces (rolled extensive) -
R-Worth:
0.5 -
Thickness:
0.125 inch -
Size:
58.7 inches -
Packed Dimension:
19 inches (rolled) or 25 inches (rolled extensive) by roughly 3 inches relying on how tightly you roll it
The Thinlight isn’t telling any lies with its identify. It’s thinner than a yoga mat, and in my view, not appropriate for sleeping except you actually do wish to lay on the bottom. However if you need a spot to stretch, unfold out your lunch, or take a siesta, it’s ultimate. This mat additionally protects your inflatable pad from harm should you by chance arrange camp on a rock.
Should you love the thought of a foam sleeping pad for backpacking, however don’t truly wish to sleep on one, I’d advocate the Thinlight. You do must roll it up each time, however as a result of it’s so small you don’t must be significantly environment friendly at it.
Ultralight: Gossamer Gear Torso Foam Pad
Ashley Thess
Key Options
-
Weight:
2.8 ounces -
R-Worth:
None -
Thickness:
0.375 inch -
Size:
30 inches -
Packed Dimension:
18 x 10 x 1.25 inches
Should you’re critical about slicing ounces, that is the sleep system for you. This quick, fitted pad is simply large enough on your torso. It isn’t including any R-value and it isn’t as snug as my high suggestions, however it beats sleeping on the bottom, so long as you don’t transfer so much in your sleep.
Gossamer Gear’s secret weapon to make this sleep system bearable is the GVP Donut. This round piece of froth is designed to alleviate strain in your lumbar or hips whereas sleeping together with your decrease half on the bottom. The Torso Foam pad doesn’t pack down very small, however it’s designed to suit in opposition to the again of your pack and double as a sit pack.
Therm-a-rest Ridge Relaxation
Ashley Thess
Execs
- Comfy
- Is available in an extended dimension
Key Options
-
Weight:
14 ounces (common), 1 pound, 3 ounces (giant) -
R-Worth:
2 -
Thickness:
0.63 inch -
Size:
72 inches (common), 77 inches (giant) -
Packed Dimension:
20 x 8 inches (common) or 8.5 inches (giant)
The Ridge Relaxation is a cushty mat to sleep on with the least aggressive patterning of the froth sleeping pads on this check. If the egg-carton nodules or tire tread sample of the opposite choices look too stimulating, this pad affords extra relaxed ridges.
Should you’re tall or need extra room for a canine to twist up at your toes, the big dimension is 77 inches lengthy. When rolled up, the common is 8 inches in diameter, so it’s often too huge to suit properly strapped excessive of my pack. In case your pack has a pair of longer straps beneath, it’ll possible be extra suited to retailer this roll.
Foregoing the fast and simple accordion fold, this pad doesn’t simply fall into its packed dimension. Rolling it up after each cease is annoying, however I’m certain you solely get quicker the extra you utilize it.
Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol
Ashley Thess
Key Options
-
Weight:
10 ounces (small), 14 ounces (common) -
R-Worth:
2 -
Thickness:
0.75 inch -
Size:
51 inches (small), 72 inches (common) -
Packed Dimension:
20 x 5.5 x 4 inches (small) or 5 inches (common)
The Z Lite Sol has a reflective layer similar to the Switchback, however not like the Switchback you’re presupposed to sleep on high of it so it displays your physique warmth again in the direction of you. Sadly, this pad folds with the silver floor going through outwards. This half will get the brunt of any sticks or rocks whilst you’re climbing.
I didn’t thoughts sleeping on the Z Lite Sol, although it wasn’t essentially the most snug. It’s extra sturdy than the Switchback, however it does fold up barely bigger.
Exped Flexmat
Ashley Thess
Cons
- Uncomfortable
- Massive packed dimension
Key Options
-
Weight:
12.3 ounces (medium), 16.8 ounces (lengthy extensive) -
R-Worth:
1.5 -
Thickness:
0.7 inches -
Size:
72 inches (medium), 77.6 inches (lengthy extensive) -
Packed Dimension:
20.5 x 5 x 6 inches (medium) or 25.6 x 5.5 x 4 inches (lengthy extensive)
Its packed dimension is bigger than the Nemo Switchback, and a bit stiffer and thinner leading to a firmer pad. If all you’re on the lookout for is an additional layer for beneath your inflatable, this one is $10 cheaper than the Switchback. However whereas Exped makes essentially the most snug air mattresses for tenting, the Z Lite is among the least snug stand alone foam pads on this checklist.
How I Examined the Finest Foam Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
I used these sleeping pads to relaxation, loosen up, and up the R-value of my sleep system. Whereas I’ve used backpacking quilts with a closed-cell foam pad tenting in very popular situations, I often sleep contained in the overstuffed Therm-a-Relaxation Parsec sleeping bag which actually provides at the very least some consolation and heat beneath.
I like a agency sleep spot and I don’t belief inflatable sleeping pads so far as I can throw them, so I used to be excited to experiment with these closed-cell foam pads and discover their greatest use instances.
Issues to Think about Earlier than Shopping for the Finest Foam Sleeping Pad
R-Worth
R-value is how nicely your sleeping pad resists the chilly of the bottom, and it’s essential to remain heat at evening. Two is the low finish of the spectrum that means should you’re solely sleeping on among the best foam sleeping pads for backpacking, it’s solely applicable for heat situations.
Learn Subsequent: What Is R-Worth? It’s Why Your Sleeping Bag Doesn’t Hold You Heat
Although closed-cell foam pads are additionally good for winter as an additional layer beneath your inflatable pad. In case your air-filled pad has an R-value of 4, including an additional 2 beneath will provide you with an edge within the shoulder season.
Weight
Most of those sleeping pads weigh at the very least a couple of ounces lower than your typical inflatable pad; the Gossamer Gear fashions coming in considerably lighter.
Consolation
I received’t declare that closed-cell foam pads are as snug as infltable sleeping pads, however they received’t fail, they don’t crinkle with each flip, and I’ve gotten loads of good evening’s sleep on them. They’re tremendous versatile and after a full day of climbing, I look ahead to crashing on a dependable foam sleeping pad.
Last Ideas
My favourite foam sleeping pad for backpacking is undoubtedly the Nemo Switchback. It packs down small, feels snug, and the quick model is simply 10.5 ounces. If you need the perks of a spot to stretch, eat lunch, and shield an inflatable pad, the Gossamer Gear Thinlight is simply 2.7 ounces. By no means fear a few punctured sleeping pad once more with certainly one of these suggestions.
