Lightweight Sleeping Pads are getting better every year and 2020 is an exciting year with many top brands stepping up their game. The quality of the lightweight sleeping mats in this review is a huge leap forward from only a couple of years ago. What is the best lightweight sleeping mat?
Inflatable Mattress Vs Foam Pad
Inflatable sleeping pads have come a long way from the crude rubber mattresses with built-in pillows. Ultralight, high tech materials, and lifetime warranties make them the best option for sleeping away from home. But the high cost and possibility of getting a hole can frustrate people at times.
Foam sleeping pads have long been the favorite due to their budget price, great thermal qualities, and ease of use. Just roll out the mat and fall asleep. But for anyone who is a side sleeper or needs a comfortable bed this option is painful and not conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Overall, the inflatable mattress and foam pads have good and bad points. But now is the era of the inflatable mattress. Advances in technology will only see things get better. But will they ever be puncture resistant!
Side Sleeper vs Back Sleeper
I am a side sleeper. Just the thought of sleeping on a foam mattress brings pain to all parts of my body. Therefore, it is important to know how you sleep when choosing a mattress.
Side sleepers want a thick mattress. The Nemo Tensor, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT, Sea to Summit Ether Light Insulated, and Big Agnes AXL are certainly better options than the others due to their slightly thicker cores. The thicker core is more comfortable but it takes more breathes to blow up. Many have stuff sacs that double as inflation devices to remedy this issue.
Back sleepers are usually able to withstand a thinner mattress a lot better. Therefore, any mattress in this review would work out well for them in the comfort stakes. Except the Z Lite foam pad which would even make most back sleepers wake in pain.
Inflatable Mattress Warranty
Inflatable mattresses have a bad reputation of not only getting holes but delaminating from the inside. The internal baffles which are important for the integrity of the mattress often fail, causing a large bubble to appear.
I have had this happen to several of the well-known brands and each time the warranty of the companies has been rock solid.
These companies stand behind their products. Failure to do so would destroy the confidence in buying such a lightweight piece of gear. Hence the rise of the air mattress and the decline of the foam mattress.
How to Look After a Lightweight Sleeping Mattress
- Prevent dirt and body oils from coming in contact with the mattress by using sleep clothing such as long merino pants and long merino top. Some people use a sleeping bag liner too.
- Do not allow Deet mosquito repellent, fuel from stoves, or embers from a campfire to get anywhere near a mattress. Wash them off immediately. If campfire embers contact your mattress, you might have an uncomfortable night’s sleep!
- A wet sleeping mattress can be packed up while wet for the short term. It is not always possible to keep the mattress dry. Be sure and air it out (with the valve open) as soon as possible.
- Ensure the campsite is free of thorns or sharp objects that might puncture the air mattress.
How to clean and store a Sleeping Mat
- It is also a good idea to wash the mattress with a sponge and warm soapy water.
- Make sure the air valve is closed when washing.
- Unroll and unpack the mattress and let it air out for at least a day or two.
- Hang or store the mattress in a cool dry place, inside a wardrobe with clothing or under a bed works well for me.
How to repair a mattress in the field
- Finding the hole can be a problem. Rivers and lakes make the best places to blow up the mattress and try to find the hole.
- Clean the area around the hole. A small alcohol wipe found in first aid kits is good for cleaning the area. When it is clean and dry, use a small sticky contact patch such as a Tenacious Tape Patch.
- A small drop of liquid seam sealer can be used to repair very small leaks but not larger holes. Make sure it is a silicon-based seam sealer such as this Silicon Seam Sealer.
PRO TIP
Ever slept on a slope and woke up to find the mattress slipped overnight and pressing against the bottom of the tent?
I add Silicon Seam Sealer on the bottom of my air mattress to stop it slipping and sliding around in my tent at night, especially if my tent is pitched on a slope. But only use a silicon-based sealer, not the water-based one.
What is R-Value and why is it important?
The R-Value, when used in the context of measuring Sleeping Mats, refers to the ability of the mattress to stop the transfer of heat or cold through the pad.
In cold weather, a high R-Value will serve to reduce the cold temperatures from snow or frozen ground transferring to the person sleeping on the pad. This is important when camping in winter or the colder times of the year.
Below is a temperature conversion chart that converts R-Value into Temperature. And the video below by Exped explains the R-Value and how it refers to sleeping mats in a detailed yet informative way.
Pack Size
All these lightweight sleeping pads are compact enough to be rolled up to the size of a 1 liter Nalgene bottle, with the exception of the Z Lite foam pad.
I rarely use a stuff sack. I just roll it up and stuff it in my backpack. When hiking and bicycle touring I roll the mattress up and pack it inside my sleeping bag but only when it is dry.
Many of the companies include a stuff sack that also has a valve to use as a way of inflating the mattress. A good idea to prevent stinky, humid breath from entering the mattress, but is the extra weight worth it!
Best Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Mattress Reviews
1. Therma-Rest Neo Air X-lite
The Neo Air X-Lite is the most popular lightweight mattress on the market for good reason. At 12oz / 340g for the regular length version, it is not only lightweight but super comfortable, reasonably priced, and comes with a great lifetime warranty.
It also comes in a short version which only reaches the hips instead of all the way to the feet. Ultralight ounce counters love the short option.
The only downside I have about this mattress is the insulation layer inside the mattress. It makes an annoyingly loud crinkling sound every time someone rolls over on this mattress.
After a week or two of using the noise it not so loud. Very light sleepers might not like this very much, although it has never bothered me, it can be a deal-breaker for some.
I used this mattress for several sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and loved it. I still have the mattress today.
- Weight – 12oz / 340g
- R-Value – 3.2
- Temperature Rating – 23F / -5C
Pros – Lightweight, comfortable, very small pack size, great lifetime warranty.
Cons – noisy crinkly sound, especially when new.
2. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Sleeping Pad
All the same great quality as the Neo Air but with more insulation to help with those cold nights. At 15oz / 430g it is still very lightweight, super comfortable, and reasonably priced.
This is a great option for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors during the colder parts of the year. It would be perfect for high altitude hikes or bicycle tours in the Andes or Himalaya or for the cold sleeper who wants a bit more insulation.
I used this mattress while hiking through the coldest sections of the Sierra Section of the Pacific Crest Trail and had no reason to feel any cold transfer from the mattress below me.
- Weight – 15oz / 430g
- R Rating – 5.7
- Temperature rating | -9F / -23C
Pros – Great warmth to weight ratio, great warranty, reasonably priced, small pack size.
Cons – The extra insulation is a waste of weight and money if not hiking in colder temperatures.
3. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Sleeping Pad
The Thermarest Uberlite is the lightest of all the mattresses in this review. It weighs a ridiculous 8.8oz / 250grams and packs up smaller than a 1 liter Nalgene Bottle.
It also comes in a short version which is 6oz / 170grams which is big enough to cover people from head to hips. A carefully placed empty backpack can insulate the feet in warm temperatures. It is enough to keep any gram counting ultralight hiker happy. But there is a catch.
To make this mattress so light it does not have as much thermal material inside. This mat has an R rating of 2.0 or 37F/3C, making this a borderline 3 season mattress. In my opinion, the weight saving is worth it but I would not use this mattress on a notoriously cold trail such as the Continental Divide Trail.
Uberlite review by Thru-Hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey
Ultralight Thru-Hiker Micheal ‘Grizzly’ Ivey is one of the few hikers to get his hands on one of these recently released mats. This is what he had to say,
“It has a very small pack size of 6 inches by 3.5 inches” which is smaller than a 1 liter Nalgene Bottle!”
“The UberLite simply disappears in your pack while still offering a very cushy and enjoyable sleep. This pad is great for side sleepers with its 2.5 inches of thickness while also being quieter than other Therm-a-Rest inflatable pads”.
“The UberLite is able to be so lightweight by using a thin 15 denier nylon. This is the lightest material used on the market. In testing I’ve seen no issues with the thin material however I will be extra careful when choosing my campsites to make sure I clear any sharp debris from under my shelter”.
“I would recommend this pad to anyone who sleeps warm to neutral and is looking to reduce their base weight down without sacrificing comfort at night. I used this mattress on the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail in 2019”.
This is the most impressive new ultralight item released on the market in 2020! But is it strong enough in the long term! Want to know how it goes long term?
- Weight – 8.8oz / 250 grams
- R Rating – 2
- Temperature Rating – 37F / 3C
Pros – Ultralight, very small pack size, comfortable, not as noisy as Neo Air.
Cons – Best for summer use, expensive, thin material might be prone to punctures.
4. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress
The Z-Lite is a favorite among the budget-conscious person. Lightweight at 14oz / 410g it provides enough comfort for most tired people. But if you are a side sleeper, this mattress will not be the most comfortable.
This pad is also a favorite with the speedy hikers who love to throw down the mattress and sleep anywhere, anytime, ‘Hikertrash‘ style!
Unlike the other lightweight sleeping pads in this review, the Z Lite will not get a puncture and deflate at the worst moment. A great option for cactus-filled deserts. The foam also provides great insulation making it a great option for camping in the snow.
- Weight – 14oz / 410g
- R Rating – 2.6
- Temperature Rating | 34F / 1C
Pros – Lightweight, no punctures when sleeping near cactus or other spiny plants, good insulation in cold, cheap
Cons – Bulky pack size, uncomfortable for most people.
5. Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
Nemo has a large selection of lightweight sleeping pads for camping. The Nemo Tensor insulated is their best lightweight sleeping pads and the one I am currently using. It is one of the most comfortable of all the mattresses in this review because of its thickness, making it perfect for the side sleeper.
At 14oz / 410g it is ultra-lightweight but the best thing about this mattress is how quiet it is when rolling over. A complete contrast to the other mattresses.
This is the most comfortable of the mattresses in this review. It is also slightly thicker than the other mattresses which makes it a great choice for a side sleeper like myself. I sleep with all the pressure on the hips and shoulders.
I recently used this mattress in 2019 on my hike of the Te Araroa Trail and loved it, however, I did get a couple of small holes near the internal baffles.
Nemo makes a couple of different versions of the Tensor. In my opinion, Insulated mummy is the best. The Regular Tensor Mummy weighs, 12oz / 345g, which is a bit lighter than the insulated but not as suited to cold temperatures below 35F / 2C.
For cold temperatures up to -20F / -29C there is the Nemo Tensor Alpine. At only 475 grams this is the best option for cold climates, like climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking in the Andes and Himalaya.
- Weight – 14oz / 410g
- R Rating – 4.1
- Temperature Rating – 10F / -12C
Pros – Silence when rolling over, great warranty, small pack size, very comfortable.
Cons – Slightly heavier than similar spec pads
6. Ultralight Air Sleeping Mat
The Sea to Summit Ultralight sleeping pads is another great value mattress for spending time in the backcountry. At 14oz / 395g it is lightweight with enough insulation for summer hiking in warm temperatures.
When it gets cold the Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated is a better option. It weighs 17oz/480g and is rated for temperatures 22F/-5C.
The pads come with a stuff sack that can be used to inflate the mattress. Great for preventing stinky breath from contaminating the inside of the pads.
- Weight – 14oz/395g
- R Rating – 0.7
- Temperature Rating | 50F/10C
Pros – Lightweight, great summer use mattress, comes with a stuff sack that is used to inflate the mat.
Cons – Summer use only
7. Sea to Summit Ether Light Air Sleeping Mat
The Sea to Summit Ether light XT is the newest of the lightweight sleeping pads from Sea to Summit. At a whooping 4inches/10cm thick this is the thickest mattress in this review.
This is the best sleeping pad for side sleepers. The thickness making it super comfortable for even the fussiest of side sleepers.
It is also made of materials that make it very quiet when turning over during the night. No more clinking sounds as you toss and turn during the night.
It is ultra-lightweight at 12oz/350g but should only be used in warmer weather. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated version is slightly heavier at 15oz/425g but for slide sleepers, it is a better option.
Such a thick mattress comes at the cost of needing many breaths to inflate it. Sea to Summit has solved this problem by adapting the Stuff Sac so it can be used to inflate the mattress.
- Weight – 12oz/350g
- R-Value – 0.8
- Temperature Rating | 50F / 10C
Pros – Perfect for side sleepers, lightweight, stuff sack can be used to inflate the mattress
Cons – Not insulated enough for cold temperatures
8. Big Agnes AXL Air
Big Agnes is another big name that entered the mattress making business. The AXL Air is ultra-lightweight at 9.6oz / 272g but should only be used in summer with temperatures well above freezing. It also is a nice thick mattress which makes it a great mattress for side sleepers.
It is a great ultralight option that is well suited for anyone thinking of summer hiking or ultra-lightweight thru-hiking. A great alternative to the Uberlite from Thermarest.
For slightly colder temperatures the Big Agnes AXL Insulated is a better option. Weighing 10.6oz / 301g the AXL Insulated is lightweight and packs up small.
Just be warned that just because it says it is insulated doesn’t mean that it has enough insulation to keep you warm. This is still a summer-only mattress.
- Weight – 9.6oz / 272g
- R-Value – 2.6
- Temperature Rating | 32F / 0C
Pros – Ultralight, compact, stuff sack can be used to inflate the mattress, good for side sleepers.
Cons – Not suited for cold temperatures
Conclusion
2020 is an exciting year to purchase a new Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Pads. They are getting lighter and gone are the days or automatically buying a product from Thermarest. The other companies are catching up.
Best Lightweight Sleeping for Summer
The best lightweight sleeping pads for summer use are the new Uberlite from Thermarest, with the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT and the Big Agnes Air very close behind.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT and Big Agnes Air is thicker and better for side sleepers but the Thermarest Uberlite is lighter weight. These mats are ultra-light but more fragile than the others, so choose the campsite well. In temperatures below freezing, these are not the best choice.
Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad for Winter
For cold temperatures, the best lightweight sleeping pads are the Thermarest X-Therm or the Nemo Tensor Alpine. Both are suitable for winter camping or high altitude trekking. The Nemo Tensor Alpine is more comfortable and quiet, the Thermarest X-Therm is lighter.
Are you heading to the Himalayan or Andes mountains for some high altitude trekking? or want a mat to use in winter? These would be the ones to consider.
Best Lightweight Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
The Best Sleeping Pads for side sleepers are the Nemo Tensor, Big Agnes AXL, or the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT. All are super comfortable thick mattresses that will ensure a better night’s sleep for side sleepers than some the thinner sleeping pads in this review.
Best Budget Sleeping Pad
The best budget lightweight sleeping pad is the Z Lite Sol. It is also cheap and the best mattress for anyone traveling in cactus and thorn infested deserts of the world.
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