Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2022

BEST ULTRALIGHT SLEEPING PAD

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is an ultralight backpacking pad that is great for fast and light missions. It’s a favorite among long-distance hikers who camp mostly in summer conditions. 

What we love the most about this sleeping pad is how small and light it is while still being long and wide enough. It weighs next to nothing and rolls up to the size of a beer can. It’s Therm-a-Rest’s lightest pad yet, the runner up is the XLite which weighs 3.2 ounces more. All of this does come at a cost, it is one of the most expensive pads on this list, but it is worth the price if weight and packability are your highest priorities.  

The biggest downside of the NeoAir UberLite is the fabric is uber thin which means you need to be extra careful with it. Also, it’s not as warm as other ultralight pads out there. If the warmth and durability of this pad are a big issue for you, take a look at the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Therm.  Another complaint is it makes a loud crinkly noise every time you move. 

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite is available in two sizes: Regular and Long. 

BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD FOR COLD WEATHER

With an R-value of 5.7, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad is one of the warmest one on this list. Contrary to what you’d expect, it is also very light, weighing an impressive 15 ounces. Usually, warm sleeping pads and bags are also relatively heavy, but not in this case. The lightweight of this toasty pad is made possible by an innovative, patent-pending layer that doesn’t add any weight but works to reflect your body heat and store it in air pockets for ultimate warmth.

As for packing, you can compress this pad to the volume of a 1-liter water bottle. Thus, it will not take up much of your backpack’s precious space. The XTherm has a tapered design that further optimizes warmth and weight. Of course, the price you have to pay is more than most other pads on this list, but you do get your money’s worth.

BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD OVERALL

If you are looking for a lightweight sleeping pad with lots of updates and ergonomic features, then the NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad might be a good choice. Within its thoughtful design, there is a point-deflection system that makes up a stable surface and prevents your elbows, hips, and knees from sinking in and touching the cold ground. The Tensor is also very warm, using 2-layer metalized film to effectively reflect your heat to battle temperatures as low as 10°F. Weighing in at only one and a half pounds with a negligible packed size, this pad is ideal for ultralight backpackers looking to shed weight and increase comfort and warmth on the trail.

A wide and comfy sleeping pad, the Klymit V Ultralight sleeping pad will allow no interruptions to your well deserved shut-eye. Featuring a V-shaped design that keeps you from rolling off the mattress and individual air pockets that provide both softness and stability, you won’t have to toss and turn to find the most comfortable sleeping position.

The twist-pull valve makes the inflation process fast (only 7 breaths), and the deflation almost instant, thanks to the wide valve opening. The Klymit V Ultralight is not as well insulated as more expensive sleeping pads, but it will undoubtedly make you want to snooze through your alarm if you are hiking in the summer months.

BEST FOAM SLEEPING PAD

With an efficient hexagonal pattern, the affordable NEMO Switchback sleeping pad is a durable and packable choice. Its unique design allows for wider and taller nodes (the raised areas on the surface of the pad), meaning that you get a plushier feel without compromising size. For even more warmth, this sleeping pad has a metalized film that reflects your heat to your body. The NEMO Switchback is made up of dual-density foam that is resistant to abrasions and a tough lower layer, making it super durable and long-lasting. 

If you want to pack light, you can use this pad on its own. It weighs 14 ounces and, with a thickness of only 0.9 inches, it’s super portable. You can also layer it with another pad for extra insulation during extra cold weather trips. And if the environment matters to you as much as your outdoor experiences, you’ll love the fact that the Switchback is fully recyclable.

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a closed-cell foam sleeping pad that can be compressed into a lightweight and compact shape. The Z Lite Sol also features a higher than average R-Value (the measurement used to establish the degree of insulation of different foams) making it one of the warmest ultralight sleeping pads on our list.

With a reflective surface, the Z Lite Sol will maintain your body heat during cold nights in the outdoors, while leaving enough space in your backpack to carry all the other essentials.

While closed-cell foam pads tend to be less comfortable than air or self-inflating pads, the egg-carton pattern of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol creates a soft and insulated surface that is impressively pleasant, considering the price range. On top of being durable, this sleeping pad unfolds instantly, so you can get ready for bed in a matter of minutes (or even seconds).

While self-inflating sleeping pads are generally bulky and inconvenient to carry in a backpack, the 3-season Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus is designed with the alpine climber in mind. Thanks to the tapered shape, the weight remains minimal and the packing size, while larger than other sleeping pads listed here, is easily manageable.

Compared to air pads, this self-inflating mattress is much sturdier and likely to last longer. Plus with an R-value of 3.2, it is suitable to be used in colder environments. The self-inflating process will take about 10 minutes, so be patient before you hit the sack.