If you are going hiking, backpacking, or camping, and are planning to spend the night in your tent, then investing in a good-quality sleeping pad is necessary. This is because after hiking, your body becomes exhausted and it is essential to get some rest. The cheapest and lightest pads are closed-cell foam pads. These pads are durable and can double as a quick seat during a brief rest on the trail or during a meal. The alternative is an inflatable pad. Many backpackers find these to be a little more “deluxe” than a closed-cell foam pad, providing a more comfortable sleeping surface. However, these can be a little heavier and you must stay aware of your surroundings to avoid a puncture in the pad.
So here is the list of best budget sleeping pads for backpacking that will help you sleep comfortably.
1. REI Co-op Trailmade
Type: Self-inflating
Weight: 2 lb. 7 oz.
Thickness: 1.5 in.
R-value: 5.5
The REI Co-op Trailmade sleeping pad is a great choice for camping and backpacking. It is soft enough for comfort but light enough to carry. The plush stretch top feels nice against the skin, while the recycled polyester bottom is durable. With an R-value of 5.5, it keeps you warm in cold weather by insulating against the ground. The pad is designed for easy setup, featuring separate color-coded valves for inflation and deflation. However, the self-inflation is not very strong. It may expand slightly when left alone, but manual inflation is needed. Despite this, it provides excellent support. It works well on the ground and even in a hammock. It helps keep the body flatter and more stable for a better night’s sleep.
Packing up the Trailmade pad is easy with the included stuff sack and compression straps. However, deflating it can sometimes be tricky. Air may re-enter when rolling it up, which makes storage frustrating. Once packed, it is compact enough for backpacking. The pad is part of REI’s Climate Neutral Certified efforts, meaning they offset carbon emissions. Overall, it is a solid sleeping pad for both car camping and backcountry trips. If you want comfort and warmth, this is a great option. Just be prepared to add extra air yourself when inflating.
Pros: The plush stretch top feels soft, and the pad offers great support for a good night’s sleep.
Cons: Heavier and bulkier than some thinner sleeping pads.
2. Klymit Insulated Static V Lite
Type: Air pad
Weight: 1 lb. 3.6 oz.
Thickness: 2.5 in.
R-value: 4.4
Klymit Insulated Static V Lite has a very unique design. It has a V-shaped baffle system throughout the length of the pad that creates a comfortable position throughout the night. It allows for minimal weight and materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. Also, there are air chambers between each baffle and that helps to create or trap warm air.
On the sides, there are dynamic side rails that help to keep you on the pad all night. They help to cradle you no matter if you’re sleeping in a hammock or a typical sleeping bag. They’re very flexible and they curl up around the sides to make sure you stay on the pad.
The estimated R-value is about 4.4 with this pad which makes it good for 4-season use. Maybe not in the most extreme temperatures but on some of those colder nights, this pad could perform well. The pad packs down small and it comes with its stuff sack. It also comes with a small repair kit just in case you need to do some field repairs.
Pros: Wide sleeping platform, lightweight, warm, baffles feel stable
Cons: Not a standout in any specific category.
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3. OneTigris Obsidian
Type: Air pad
Weight: 2 lbs. 0.8 oz.
Thickness: 3.15 in.
R-value: 5.4
The OneTigris Obsidian is a cheap sleeping pad for year-round camping. Its 5.2 R-value provides excellent insulation, keeping users warm in cold conditions. I tested it on a 15-degree night with a foam pad underneath and stayed warm. There were no cold spots, which is rare for budget-friendly pads. The pad’s outer shell is made from 20D nylon, making it lightweight yet durable. It also features aluminum-coated TPU layers to optimize heat retention. It inflates to 3.1 inches thick, offering great support. The width of nearly 25 inches is a major plus for comfort. Noise levels are low compared to pads like the Therm-a-Rest, making for a quieter sleep. It competes well with the REI Helix but surpasses it in both warmth and comfort.
The pad weighs 2.05 pounds, which is slightly heavy for ultralight backpacking. However, it is still manageable for most trips. It packs down small, measuring just 11 by 5.1 inches, saving space in a backpack. The included pump sack is large and weighs almost 5 ounces. I prefer using a mini pump, which reduces weight. Inflation is easy, taking only 4-5 pumps. The pad also comes with two repair patches for emergencies. For the price, it outperforms more expensive options. Some pads cost much more but do not offer the same warmth and comfort. I highly recommend this pad for campers and backpackers.
Pros: Low noise compared to similar pads
Cons: Slightly heavy at 2.05 pounds
4. NEMO Switchback
Type: Closed-cell foam
Weight: 14.5 oz.
Thickness: 0.9 in.
R-Value: 2
NEMO Switchback is a closed-cell foam pad that is ideal for lightweight backpackers. It packs down into an accordion-style pattern. The pad weighs in right around 14.5 ounces for the regular size. It also comes in a small which is right around 10.5 ounces. It is also perfect for adding to another inflatable sleeping pad. So if you have a sleeping pad and you like to take it out in the winter but it doesn’t have an R-value that is high enough, you can pair it easily and comfortably with a closed-cell foam pad like this one.
Keep in mind that this is not a good choice for you if you’re looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. All you get is a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat.
The pad is lightweight and packs down small. You can lash it to the outside of a backpack so you don’t notice it when you don’t need it.
Pros: Durable, very inexpensive, doubles as a camp seat
Cons: Not recommended for sub-freezing temps (best for summer use), not as comfortable as inflatable pads
5. Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro
Type: Self-inflating
Weight: 1 lb. 14 oz.
Thickness: 3 in.
R-Value: 4.4
Therm-a-Rest is constantly innovating and developing new technology that has kept them at the top of the sleeping pad game for years. The Trail Pro is a tried-and-true pad and has gotten some enhancements. This pad is built for backpackers and travelers who need a reliable, warm, and comfortable pad.
You get some traditional design elements that keep the pad’s heritage. Inside, it’s lined with open-cell expanding foam just like a sponge absorbs liquid. This foam will essentially suck in air and expand or self-inflate when you open up the valve. The Trail Pro has a perimeter air baffle that is going to bring up the loft a little bit and give you some stability around the edges of the pad. This helps stay on the pad throughout the night and to keep you nestled in.
It’s a diagonally cut foam that bolsters the warmth by minimizing heat loss. The pad itself is also pressure-mapped to give you support and softness in the area where you need it most. The foam is also strategically die-cut to reduce bulk in other areas that balance out the pad’s weight and size.
It does include a stuff sack for storage and packing away. When storing for a long time, keep it unrolled with the valve open under your bed or somewhere where it can just lay flat. This helps to keep that foam in the best shape throughout the pad’s life.
Pros: Quality build, self-inflating convenience
Cons: Weight and packed size can’t compete with an air pad.
6. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL
Type: Closed-cell foam
Weight: 14 oz.
Thickness: 0.75 in.
R-Value: 2.0
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is a lightweight and classic sleeping mat that couldn’t be any simpler. If you’re an ounce-counting backpacker or looking for an affordable and durable pad this one is a perfect choice. The pad is also perfect for adding to another inflatable sleeping pad.
It is a closed-cell foam mat and the great thing about this mat is that it’s not inflatable. So there is no way that you can puncture or pop it. There is a shiny silver color on top that is a thermal reflective barrier. It’s going to reflect your body’s heat to you to make it much more thermally efficient. The other stand-out feature is the egg crate design. When you fold this up, the egg crate design folds down into itself and that saves a lot of space.
A pad like this has multiple uses that go beyond just sleeping on it at night. You can use it as a seat. Fold it up and create a cushiony seat! You can also use it to prop up against trees. Unlike an inflatable sleeping pad, you don’t have to worry about this being punctured. You can put it on different surfaces and not worry about it getting damaged. Use it in the truck of your car, going to the beach, on picnics, or anything you can throw at it. This is a great companion.
Pros: Lightweight, affordable, great warmth adding supplement
Cons: Dimples gather dirt and moisture, break down over time
7. Big Agnes Divide
Type: Air pad
Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz.
Thickness: 3.5 in.
R-Value: 4
The Big Agnes Divide Sleeping Pad is an extremely light and compact pad, ideal for summer backpacking and camping trips. It provides you with a smooth and stable surface to sleep on and will help you get a sound sleep after a tiring day.
This model is very easy to inflate and deflate which means when you are ready to sleep, it will only take a few breaths to inflate, and you will be able to sleep immediately. It’s also sturdier and warmer as compared to its award-winning forerunner. Thanks to its advanced heat-reflective mechanism.
Available in a beautiful yellow color, this sleeping pad is available in 5 different sizes. Price varies according to the size, of course. This pad is also antimicrobial so you don’t have to worry about microorganism growth inside the pad due to moist air. Those who purchased it found this pad extremely lightweight and found it easier to fold and pack.
Overall, this is a lightweight, low-volume backpacking pad that will make you forget you’re sleeping on the ground.
Pros: Lightweight, very compact, easy to inflate/deflate, easy to roll up and stuff back into its carrying bag.
Cons: This pad is not self-inflating and moving around on it is a bit noisy.
8. Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe
Type: Air pad
Weight: 2 lbs. 3 oz.
Thickness: 3 in.
R-Value: 4.4
Klymit is known for using a minimal amount of materials to give the maximum amount of comfort in the backcountry. Static V Luxe is the wider and more comfortable luxurious type of sleeping pad. It is going to be comfortable and offers a lot of thermal efficiency throughout most seasons throughout the year. It has side rails that provide a secure sleep and keep your body in the center of the mattress. The V-chambered sleeping surface allows you to toss and turn freely without feeling confined. This body-mapping technology allows you to sleep on your back, your stomach, or your sides – whichever way you like. And the best part: it’s wide. The pad provides a lot of warmth while you sleep on it – thanks to its lofted synthetic insulation which gives the optimal thermal performance.
Its twist-pull valve is simple to use and you only have to blow up to 10 breaths to inflate it. You can fold the pad over twice lengthwise and roll it up. The valve allows the air to exit so you don’t get any bubbles trapped in sections that are cut off. It’s compact and can be effortlessly rolled up into a small cubicle and can be tucked in your backpack without adding any weight. The pad comes with a patch kit in case you need to make emergency repairs.
Pros: Extra-wide, great for people who tend to move about more at night, there’s less of a chance of you rolling off
Cons: Could take a while to inflate if you blow it up.
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9. NEMO Astro
Type: Air pad
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Thickness: 3.5 in.
R-Value: 2.6
With a pack size so small and weight so light and a comfort level so supreme it is hard not to love the NEMO Astro insulated sleeping pad. The pad comes with stellar support provided by its lateral baffles that do not prevent the pad from curling under the person’s body weight. In terms of the comfort provided by this pad, it has an oversized pillow baffle towards the end to give you extra loft which prevents your pillow from sliding away from the pad while you are asleep.
It is ultralight and doesn’t add bulk when folded, and it serves as the perfect companion when you are camping in the mountains on colder nights. Thanks to its PrimaLoft insulation it helps to keep your body warm throughout the night and allows you to wake up fresh and energized. It has a rugged ripstop top to provide extra durability even when used on rougher, mountainous surfaces or forest floors.
Customers love it because it is very compact and hardly takes up any space in their backpacks, and of course because it’s sturdy and provides a good value for money.
Pros: Excellent comfort, sturdy construction, easy valve mechanism, very quiet, packs well
Cons: The surface is a bit slippery.
10. Klymit Static V2
Type: Air pad
Weight: 1 lb.
Thickness: 2.5 in.
R-Value: 1.3
Klymit is a trusted name in sleeping pad manufacturing and most of its products are made with advanced technology. The Static V2 sleeping pad is an excellent option for you if you are looking for a pad that is versatile and can be used on all surfaces like the ground, cot, or even hammocks!
On the Static V2, you’ve got V-shaped chambers that run the center of this pad. It gives it a unique and comfortable ergonomics. It also creates a bit of headrest at the top of the pad and these deep cut-aways help to save weight as well.
Available in a stunning green color, this luxurious sleeping pad only weighs one pound and can be compactly stuffed in one’s backpack, thus making it ideal for backpacking that you can lay your hands on. Like other Klymit sleeping pads, this one also comes with a V-chambered design that allows your body to stay in the right posture while you sleep and allows you to comfortably move during your sleep.
If you purchase this one, you can say goodbye to a stiffened body in the morning that substandard sleeping pads often cause. The side rails keep your body secure in the center of the pad, and the deep-weld pattern of the pad allows for expansion zones that provide thermal comfort. Easy to inflate and deflate, this one has become very popular among customers because of its design and comparatively lower price.
Pros: Packs up small, easy to air up, durable, comfortable and affordable
Cons: The R-value is a little low.
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Best Budget Sleeping Pads: Comparison Table
| Pad | Type | Weight | Thickness | R-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Trailmade | Self-inflating | 2 lb. 7 oz. | 1.5 in. | 5.5 |
| Klymit Insulated Static V Lite | Air pad | 1 lb. 3.6 oz. | 2.5 in. | 4.4 |
| OneTigris Obsidian | Air pad | 2 lbs. 0.8 oz. | 3.15 in. | 5.4 |
| NEMO Switchback | Closed-cell foam | 14.5 oz. | 0.9 in. | 2 |
| Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro | Self-inflating | 1 lb. 14 oz. | 3 in. | 4.4 |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL | Closed-cell foam | 14 oz. | 0.75 in. | 2.0 |
| Big Agnes Divide | Air pad | 1 lb. 7 oz. | 3.5 in. | 4 |
| Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe | Air pad | 2 lbs. 3 oz. | 3 in. | 4.4 |
| NEMO Astro | Air pad | 1 lb. 8 oz. | 3.5 in | 2.6 |
| Klymit Static V2 | Air pad | 1 lb. | 2.5 in. | 1.3 |
Tips to Purchase the Best Budget Sleeping Pad
While all the listed sleeping pads in this article are best in their own right, there are a few suggestions to keep in mind when purchasing a sleeping pad.
Type
Before purchasing any sleeping pads, make sure which type are you looking for. Types include air pads, self-inflating pads, and foam pads. Each one has a different function, so make sure to decide which one will work best for you.
Durability
If you are hiking or camping frequently, look for a sleeping pad that can provide you with maximum durability. So that it will last longer and you don’t have to purchase it again and again.
Insulation and R-value
If you are looking for a sleeping pad that will keep your body warmer through greater insulation, then check the R-value of the sleeping pad. Anything more than 3 is an average R-value, and the higher it goes, the more insulated it is.
Length
Whether you are tall or short, always check if the pad is available for your height. If you are too tall, you wouldn’t want to end up sleeping on a pad that is shorter than your body length. So look for the pad that is long enough.
Design
If you want to buy a sleeping pad that can provide you with the best posture, is anti-slip, and can allow you to sleep in any position – whether on your back, stomach, or sides, then choose a pad that can adapt to the contours of your body.
