Buyer's guide: Sleeping pads

A good sleeping mat ensures that you sleep comfortably when trekking or camping. But what makes a good sleeping mat? We give you some tips to find the best sleeping mat for your adventure.

What are you going to do?

To choose the best sleeping mat for you, it is important to consider your activity. We distinguish between lightweight, trekking, and camping.

Lightweight sleeping pad

The lightweight category appears in our filter as ‘fast and light.’ This is for ultra hikers—adventurers who cover long distances at a fast pace every day. You want to carry as little weight as possible. That’s why these sleeping mats are extremely lightweight and have a small pack size. Specifically for these people, there are XS sleeping pads about 125 cm long, which is more than half a meter shorter than a standard size. The idea is that leg temperature is less important than core temperature. You place your legs on your backpack—less comfortable, but ideal when every gram counts. The shorter length saves weight and packing volume.

However, the weight savings mean these sleeping mats generally offer less comfort and limited insulation value. More on the insulation value of sleeping mats below.

All lightweight sleeping pads

Trekking sleeping pad

Are you moving to a new location every day, but with less focus on speed and more on comfort? Then trekking sleeping pads are a great option. Trekking sleeping mats are still lightweight and packable. Unlike ultra-light pads, trekking mats are available with higher insulation values, making them more suitable for colder conditions.

All trekking sleeping pads

Camping sleeping mat

If you usually stay at the same location for a week or longer, consider camping sleeping mats. These mats are thicker, heavier, and provide much more sleeping comfort.

All camping sleeping mats

Mummy sleeping pad or standard

A standard, rectangular, sleeping pad is equally wide at the head and feet. A mummy sleeping pad is wider at the top and narrows toward the feet. If you prioritize lightweight and minimal pack volume, a mummy pad is a good choice. The downside is that your legs may fall off the mat. If you move a lot in your sleep, a rectangular sleeping mat is recommended.

What is the R-value of a sleeping pad?

The insulation level of a sleeping pad is expressed in the R-value. When lying on a cold surface, you lose heat quickly. A sleeping pad not only provides comfort but also creates an insulating layer to help you stay warm. The higher the insulation value, the higher the R-value.

When camping in cold winter conditions, the R-value of your sleeping pad is just as important as your sleeping bag’s insulation! The insulation in your sleeping bag is compressed under your body, reducing its effectiveness. This makes you dependent on the insulation of the sleeping pad underneath.

But what R-value do you need? Below is a guide to help you decide.

Inflation type

In our webshop, you will only find inflatable sleeping pads to keep pack size small. Inflation methods vary per mat. For lightweight travel, a pump sack is used. This is a bag filled with air, then rolled up to push air into the mat. This prevents moisture buildup inside the mat, which happens when inflating by mouth. It’s also faster and less effort.

There are also self-inflating sleeping pads. These inflate automatically when you unroll them and open the valve. It takes some time for the mat to fill up completely, but you can add extra air if needed. Self-inflating mats are convenient but heavier and bulkier.

Difference between men’s and women’s sleeping pads

Some brands offer unisex sleeping pads, while others differentiate between men’s and women’s models. The differences include:

• Insulation level
• Insulation distribution
• Shape
• Length

Women generally feel colder than men, so women’s pads have more insulation, especially at the hips and feet. Mummy pads for women are often shaped differently—narrow at the feet but wider at the hips. Women’s versions are also shorter than men’s models.

Sleeping pad sizes

The dimensions are a little challenging, as each brand handles it slightly differently. We explain below, but it's always wise to check the exact measurements of a sleeping pad on the product page.

Length of a sleeping pad

A standard sleeping mat is called regular or medium. These terms are shortened to the letter R of regular or M of medium. Standard sleeping mats have a length of about 184 centimeters. In addition, you have extra short (XS), short (S) and long (L).

In the overview below, we provide guidelines on the different length sizes.

*The Thermarest brand uses different sizing, with S being 119 centimeters (so actually XS). Regular for women is 168 centimeters and for men 183 centimeters. L and XL is about 196 centimeters and then there is an XXL of 203 centimeters long.

XS pad for lightweight

The size XS (extra short) is specially designed to save weight. Ideal for ultra hikers or mountaineers, for example. An XS sleeping mat is more than half a meter shorter than a regular one. So you easily save weight and packing volume, but at the expense of comfort. Of course, the size XS is also suitable for children.

Width of a sleeping pad

In general, a regular sleeping pad has a width between 51 - 58 centimeters. Some brands also offer width sizes: 
Wide (W) with a width between 63 and 65 centimeters.
Extra wide (XW) with a width of about 76 centimeters wide.

For the sleeping mats size L, it varies by brand how it goes with the width sizes. For example, one brand keeps the width the same as the regular sleeping mats, where another brand offers the sleeping mats size L in a standard width size. Also, a number of brands offer the L sleeping mats with and without a width size. In short: always check the specifications of a sleeping mat on the product page. 

All different sizes, such as D, LW+ and Queen, indicate a sleeping mat for two people.

What size sleeping pad to choose?

Are you going to buy a sleeping pad? Then start with the size of your own inner tent. Based on that, determine what the maximum dimensions can be for your sleeping mat(s).

Next, it is important to consider what position you sleep in and your stature. For example, side sleepers are about 10 centimeters shorter in their sleeping position than someone who sleeps on their back. Thus, the length of a regular sleeping pad may be sufficient even though you are taller than 183 centimeters.

Do you have a wider than average build or do you move a lot in your sleep? Then it is better to choose a sleeping mat size wide.

Thermarest

NeoLoft

Exped

Ultra 3R

Big Agnes

Rapide SL Insulated

Exped

MegaMat

Sea to Summit

Pursuit Plus Self Inflating Mat Rectangular

Bach Equipment

reLAY 3R Split

-20%

Big Agnes

Campmeister Deluxe Insulated

Exped

MegaMat Ultra

Bach Equipment

reLAY 3R

Exped

MegaMat Auto

All sleeping pads

In short

• Does your activity requires a lightweight, trekking or camping pad?
  • Lightweight: less comfort and insulation
  • Trekking: balance between weight and comfort
  • Camping: most comfortable but heavier and bulkier
• R-value / insulation
  
  • R 0.0-2.5: Summer
  • R 2.5-4.0: 3-Season
  • R 4.0-6.0: 4-Season 
  • R 6.0+: Extreme cold
• Consider for the right size the inner tent dimensions, sleeping position and body size.