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The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

Updated Dec 10, 2022
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A good sleeping pad can transform hours of tossing and turning in the wild into a decent night’s sleep. We slept on 15 different sleeping pads during our first round of testing, and we tried an additional 10 pads in our most recent round—carrying them on a total of seven car-camping and backpacking trips. We concluded that the Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is the best choice for car campers and the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat is the most supportive pad for backpackers. If you’re looking for a budget option or a sleeping pad for two people, we’ve got you covered for those, too.

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad, the best sleeping pad for car camping

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad

The best sleeping pad for car camping
The 3-inch-thick, notably warm Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap is as comfortable as any pad we tested. And it’s easier to inflate, deflate, roll, and store than any other car-camping pad.
We recommend
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat , the best sleeping pad for backpackers

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat

The best sleeping pad for backpackers
Because of its mummy shape and unique air-pocket design, this three-season sleeping pad provides top-notch back and hip support. However, it’s slightly heavier than our also-great pick.
We recommend
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M, a comfortable double-pad option for couples and families

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M

A comfortable double-pad option for couples and families
This sleeping pad isn’t small, and it isn’t light. But it’s the most comfortable pad in the game. If you’re driving up to your campsite, the MegaMat Duo is wilderness luxury.
Another good choice
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, a cheap, warm, close-to-indestructible pad

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol

A cheap, warm, close-to-indestructible pad
Basic but absolutely reliable, our budget pick works for backpackers, car campers, and kids.
Budget friendly
Exped Widget Pump, a lightweight air pump

Exped Widget Pump

A lightweight air pump
Instead of blowing up a sleeping pad with a pump bag or your own breath, consider using an air pump like the Exped Widget, which is lightweight and powerful.
Another good choice

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