Aside from choosing the right shelter to protect you from the elements, your sleep system may be the most underrated piece of gear for hitting the trail. And, it all begins from the ground up. Selecting one of the best foam sleeping pads can insulate you from the cold ground and provide padding from roots, rocks, and the ground itself.
Never fear. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves on helping you find the best gear for your next adventure. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best foam sleeping pads on the market so you can rest easy.
For a complete analysis of all backpacking sleeping pads, check out the buyer’s guide Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
Quick Answer - The Best Foam Sleeping Pads
- Nemo Switchback
- Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL
- Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite
- ALPS Mountaineering Wilderness
- Big Agnes Third Degree
Comparison Table - Best Foam Sleeping Pads
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Weight | R Value | Thickness | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemo Switchback | 0 lbs 14 oz | 2.0 | 0.9 in | $50 | 4.4 | Read Review |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL | 0 lbs 14 oz | 2.0 | 0.7 in | $46 | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite | 0 lbs 14 oz | 2.1 | 0.6 in | $40 | 4.1 | Read Review |
| ALPS Mountaineering Wilderness | 0 lbs 10 oz | N/A | 0.7 in | $35 | 4.0 | Read Review |
| Big Agnes Third Degree | 0 lbs 12 oz | 1.5 | 0.5 in | $40 | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Name | Weight | R Value | Thickness | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Foam Sleeping Pads
Nemo Switchback
Specs
- Type: Foam
- Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz
- R Value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.9 in
- Volume: 09.0 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 0.9 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Metalized Thermal Reflective Film Reflects Heat Back To Your Body
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.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL
Specs
- Type: Foam
- Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz
- R Value: 2.0
- Thickness: 0.7 in
- Volume: 09.2 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 0.75 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Engineered For Extreme Alpine Climbing, Adventure Racing, And Long-distance Backpacking
BEST BUDGET SLEEPING PAD
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad can be summed up in a single word: “extra.” It is extra light, extra thin, extra packable, and extra durable. To start, it weighs less than a pound, or 14 ounces to be exact. It’s only 0.75 inches thick, making it extremely portable, yet still comfortable for sleeping. The pad’s accordion design helps it lay flat for easy packing.
An aluminized surface and an egg-carton pattern unite to reflect your body heat and provide a decent level of insulation. Because it’s R-value is just 2.6, the Z Lite Sol is considered a warm-weather pad. Additionally, the closed-cell foam used in the construction of this pad bears years of use, making it worthwhile as a summertime mountain sleeping pad. The Z Lite Sol was created for alpine climbers and long-distance thru-hikers, meaning that weight and durability are optimized. If you’re looking for a no-frills, ultralight weight and ultra durable pad at the low end of the cost spectrum, then the Z Lite Sol is the pick for you!
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite
Specs
- Type: Foam
- Dimensions: 72" x 20' x 0.62"
- Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz
- R Value: 2.1
- Thickness: 0.6 in
- Packed Size: 8" x 20"
Features
- Closed-Cell Foam
- Ridge and Valley Construction Pattern Traps Dead Air
- Available in 3 Sizes
This is another lightweight rolling option. The RidgeRest has been around for years and the brand continues to make enhancements to the product.
“Rest” assured, this pad is designed with a pattern of ridges and valleys to trap dead air. This trapped air provides extra insulation. The ridges also make this pad softer and more comfortable that closed-cell foam pads that have a smooth surface. The slightly reflective surface also assists in creating a warming effect as it helps to radiate back your own body heat that might be lost to the ground below. This pad gets bonus points for being the only one that is available in three sizes.
ALPS Mountaineering Wilderness
Specs
- Type: Folding
- Dimensions: 22" x 71" x 0.75"
- Weight: 0 lbs 10 oz
- R Value: N/A
- Thickness: 0.7 in
- Packed Size: 22" x 5" x 5.75"
Features
- Closed-Cell Foam (to prevent heat loss)
- Accordion Folding Design
- Available in One Size
Like other models in this roundup, this ALPS Mountaineering pad folds just like an accordion. The folding style is ideal for easy packing and unpacking and provides a foolproof option for newbies and veterans alike.
The nitty gritty on this pad is that it’s a no-frills closed cell foam pad that is great for backcountry pursuits, car camping, or providing a pad option for that extra guest. The egg-crate construction allows for a nesting effect when folded to provide a more compact option for packing and storage. And while it only comes in one size, according to the manufacturer’s claimed weight, it’s the lightest of the group.
Big Agnes Third Degree
Specs
- Type: Rolling
- Dimensions: 72" x 20" x 0.5"
- Weight: 0 lbs 12 oz
- R Value: 1.5
- Thickness: 0.5 in
- Packed Size: 6" x 20"
Features
- Closed-Cell Foam (to prevent heat loss)
- Die-Cut Section in Top Layer (helps trap warm air)
- Available in 2 Sizes
The Third Degree pad is a rolling version in the sea of folding foam pads in this roundup. It’s lightweight and easily deploys for use in your tent or as a padded seat around the campfire. The die-cut sections on the top surface help trap warm air, thus providing more insulation. On the flip side, cushioned tread pattern helps provide stability on the tent floor and extra cushioning for a better night’s sleep.
The beauty of foam pads is that they can usually be cut to size. This one is no exception. However, this Big Agnes model is also available in two size options, which allows you to choose the appropriate length for your height.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST FOAM SLEEPING PADS
BENEFITS
Closed-cell foam pads are the most durable, lightest, and cheapest options on the market. They are also easily cleaned.
COST
Closed-cell foam pads are the cheapest options on the market.
COMFORT
While not as comfortable as other options on the market, closed-cell foam pads have evolved over the years to maximize comfort while maintaining an ultra-lightweight design.
DURABILITY
This is by far the most durable sleeping pad on the market. Unlike self-inflating and air mattress options, the closed-cell foam pads will never fail in the field. They will survive years of abuse on the trail. Even stored, they will always be ready to be called back into service at a moment’s notice.
SEASONALITY
These pads are great for 4-season use. Regardless of the temperature, they perform the same and will protect you from the cold ground. In extreme conditions, a closed-cell foam pad is often used underneath a more comfortable option to provide further protection from the cold ground.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL
While your primary reason for purchasing a foam pad is probably for sleeping purposes, they are also ideal for sitting on around camp. Therefore, they can provide protection while cooking by allowing you to sit on the pad versus wet or cold ground. A foam pad cut to a square shape or folded in half can also be utilized during longer breaks on the trail to provide a dry sitting option or at the climbing crag to switch from approach shoes to climbing shoes so you don’t have to get your feet dirty or your butt wet.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
PACKED SIZE
Whether rolled or folded, closed-cell foam pads don’t pack down small. Other options on the market will likely pack down smaller and some may even weigh less. Additionally, foam pads are often easier to attach to the outside of your pack due to their bulkier size.
THERMAL REFLECTIVE FILM
Some foam sleeping pads are covered in a thin reflective film that can provide the benefit of helping to reflect back some of your body heat. This can be advantageous on cold nights.
ACCORDION VS ROLLING
Which is better? It comes down to personal preference and other features involved. Rolling models will produce a round product while the folding options will provide a more straight line option.
SIZE OPTIONS
Some of the models in this roundup have multiple sizes available. We based our review on the regular size and most were approximately the same size. Depending on your height, you can look at other options. Some options provide products for taller people. If you’re looking to cut weight even further, some models allow for cutting to size.
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For more of our top hiking & backpacking gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:
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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads