Sleeping Pads

Recent Sleeping Pad Reviews

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated

Good feature set in a lightweight and comfortable pad. I have been using a NeoAir mattress for over a decade (reviewed in 2009). Being a 5'9" male the women's length (66") fit me well. The old pad held up pretty well, but the valve system required some fiddling to inflate and more time to deflate and pack, and it was a bit narrower than preferred. It was noisy when new, but seemed to become less so with use over the years. In a new pad, I sought one that was 66" long, preferably with bit more width… Full review

Sea to Summit UltraLight Mat

After trying a few air sleeping pads, I’ve found the S2S Ultralight to be the one that offers the best compromise between light weight, comfort, size, and durability. It has a low R-value though, not ideal for cold weather tent camping or backpacking. But I use it with a hammock and for that it’s great even in very cold season. It has a great valve, comes with a repair kit, and the pump sack works really well. I guess I said it all in the summary. So allow me to just draw some comparisons to… Full review

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT

My Ether Light XT is not the insulated version, so it’s actually lighter weight yet lower R-value—though it’s used for hammock camping so it provides good insulation even during cold weather. I really like S2S stuff. Yes, their top-of-line offerings are usually pricey, but good/lightweight/performance gear usually is.  Build is top-notch: good materials, great design, and consistent manufacturing through and through. I also have another S2S sleeping pad, the Ultralight one which is more compact… Full review

Exped SynMat

Comfortable for side sleepers. Nice touch and feel. Repair kit included, with stuff sack. Silent. Doesn't make crinkle sounds. Well made. Lightweight. Tried and tested on a hike in Sweden. I recommend the Shnozzle bag for pumping up the mat. Shnozzle bag doubles as waterproof liner for backpack and washbasin otherwise.  Full review

REI Stratus Insulated Air Pad

Had this for years, solid purchase. Had this for years, solid purchase.  It's lightweight and comfortable. Full review

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated

Great pad in terms of weight and comfort, but it quickly developed a slow leak. Several emails to Nemo went unanswered. So much for the lifetime warranty. Full review

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated

I liked it, but ultimately returned it due to the temp rating. I found it cold below 30 degrees. I really liked the comfort and size, and it takes up a lot less pack space than my Therm-a-Rest. It was quieter than I would have expected and it worked well for me in October conditions, but for winter camping it didn't really cut it. With a down bag, it was cold for me under 30 degrees.   Full review

Ozark Trail Air Mattress Velour Top

Such a waste of time and money, especially being handicapped and disabled. I need a mattress I can depend on for even 2 days or more. But NO not this piece of crap.  Wasted what little money I have. I get less than $10,000 A YEAR. Not even worth the time or cost. Full review

Exped SynMat Hyperlite Duo

Why didn't this exist before!! I based my review with the understanding that this mattresses is oriented to people that do not mind closeness. While camping such oddity as space isn't a matter to me nor my outdoor partners. The point is to share and not to distance one from another, thus enjoying warmth and company. This mattress fits perfectly the smallest of two-people tents including the ultralight. By using all the floor space available, it places the mattress in a firm and unmovable position,… Full review