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The 10 best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

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The 10 best sleeping pads

The GR20, crossing the Pyrenees, hiking in the Scottish highlands….regarding hiking there are a lot of possibilities to choose from in the UK and around.

If you like being close to nature, in the wood, in the mountains or in the desert, you know that being well-equipped is key. Depending on the length of your trip and the conditions that you will encounter, you might likely be bringing a tent, a stove, a sleeping bag or even a sleeping mat. This last item, often neglected in your first adventures, is however an important accessory during your treks. It is true to say, that a good night sleep means good rest and therefore being fresh and ready for next day’s adventures. What a chance, as we will be talking about it in this article!

Vaude, Nemo, Mountain Equipment, Ferrino... : to guide you in your choice, discover our top 10 of the best sleeping mats!

  1. Thermarest NeoAir Xlite
  2. Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated
  3. Thermarest NeoAir XTherm
  4. Sea To Summit Ether Light XT
  5. Thermarest ProLite Plus
  6. Nemo Tensor Alpine
  7. Ferrino Air Lite
  8. Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0
  9. Vaude Performance 7
  10. Lafuma Altiplano Airmat


Matelas Ferrino Superlight


Thermarest NeoAir XLite : the best for comfort

Thermarest - NeoAir Xlite

1st choice of our selection of the best 10 sleeping mats : the NeoAir XLite mat from the brand Thermarest! Are you preparing a hike that goes on for multiple days, like the tour of the Mont-Blanc or are you planning to explore the magnificent trails of the tour of the Vanoise glacier? The NeoAir XLite of the Thermarest brand is a reliable and performant mat. This 3 season mat will bring the comfort and the performance that you need, during your adventure. In that respect, the Thermarest mat is large and dense, which is perfect for restful nights. In the same way, it stays relatively light, if it's 340 grams ( Regular size) on the weight. Even if you encounter problems with your mat, during your hike, it's included repair kit will be of great help. To conclude, the NeoAir Xlite from Thermarest is ideal for light travelling, while assuring you a good night sleep.

➤ Thermarest NeoAir XLite

  • Inflate type : auto inflate
  • Isolation : medium
  • R value : 3
  • Number of seasons : 3 seasons
  • Thickness: 6,4 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 51 x 6,4 cm (Regular)
  • Dimensions folded : 23 x 10 cm (Regular)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: no
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 340 g (Regular)
  • Public price : £169,95


Sleeping mat - Shop


Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated : as light as a feather

Sea To Summit - Ultralight Insulated

You are planning a trek or hike, at a fast pace, and wish to walk carrying minimal weight? Stop looking for your sleeping mat, we have it. The Ultralight Insulated from the Sea to Summit brand is ultra-light and isolated, which is ideal for sportive trips. With a 5 cm thickness, the Ultralight Insultated is compact, while being very comfortable. This comfort is brought by the Air Sprung Cells from Sea to Summit. In this respect, this mat is designed with multiple independent inflated cells, to have a better balance of the inflation inside the mat and minimize rubbing sensation for the user. With a mono-chamber construction, the Ultralight Insulated combines comfort, durability, lightweight, and compactness. The Thermolite fibre of this Sea To Summit mat stops air moving and limits the convection with the grounds' coldness. Regarding the Exkin Platinium lining, it fights against temperature loss and reflect the body’s natural temperature. You will not need to spend a ridiculous amount of time inflating and deflating your mat, as a flat anti-deflating valve is here to facilitate the process. A storing bag as well as a repair kit are included in order to travel safely. The Ultralight Insulated of Sea to the Summit will be your best partner for a good night sleep under the stars.

➤ Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated

➤ Sea To Summit Ultralight Insulated - Women

  • Composition : Nylon 40
  • Thermolite Fibre
  • Exkin Platinium Lining
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Isolation : medium
  • R value : 3,3
  • Thickness : 5 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 55 x 5 cm (Regular)
  • Dimensions folded: 23 x 10 cm (Regular)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: no
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 480 g (Regular)
  • Public price : £124,95


Thermarest NeoAir XTherm : the 4 season partner

Thermarest - NeoAir XTherm

Thermarest offers you here the NeoAir XTherm, a 4 season sleeping mat designed to bring maximum comfort whatever the conditions. If you are looking for a mat also efficient in winter periods in order to travel around the Annapurnas or for the Tour of the Mont Blanc, the NeoAir XTherm form Thermasrest will be a first class mat. This sleeping mat offers the best weight-temperature ratio  of our selection. The NeoAir XTherm is composed with a textured anti-slip textile, of an incomparable softness, which offers you comfort. With this mat you will be assured to spend a good night. With its ThermaCapture technology, which enables to capture surrounding heat, the NeoAir XTherm mat offers a  high level of Isolation, enabling you to go on winter and summer adventures. Even with its perfect heat conservation, this 4 season mat stays relatively light, which is very appreciable. With its storage bag and its repair kit included, you will be able to hike to the summit with no worries.

➤ Thermarest NeoAir XTherm

  • Composition : nylon - polyurethane
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Isolation : medium
  • R value : 5
  • Number of seasons : 4 seasons
  • Thickness : 6 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 51 x 6,4 cm (Regular)
  • Dimensions folded : 23 x 10 cm (Regular)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: yes
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 430 g (Regular)
  • Public price : £209,95


➤ Inflatable mat - Shop


Sea To Summit Ether Light XT : maximal density for optimal nights

Sea To Summit - Ether Light XT

The thickest mat of our selection of best sleeping mat : the Ether Light XT of the Sea to the Summit brand, is  ideal for your treks like the GR20 or other long distance hikes. It will satisfy hikers searching for comfort and lightness. With its 10 cm thickness, the Ether Light XT is very comfortable. Your rest is well assured, as you can sleep on your back or on the side, without worrying about touching the ground with your hips or shoulders. Thanks to the moulded Air Sprung Cell, the air cells attached between them with TPU. You will appreciate this air bubble effect ultra-comfortable comparing to other lambda inflatable mat. This Sea to the Summit mat is available in 3 sizes ( small, regular, and large ). To inflate it, nothing is easier. Capture the air in the pump-bag attached to the valve and empty the pump bag in the mat. Using the pump bag limits moisture appearing inside the mat, due to humidity transmitted by mouth inflation. To deflate, you only need to open the valve!

➤ Sea To Summit Ether Light XT

➤ Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated

  • Composition : 100 % nylon
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Isolation : weak
  • R value : 1,2
  • Number of seasons : spring - summer
  • Thickness : 10 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 55 x 10 cm (Regular)
  • Dimensions folded : 19 x 9 cm (Regular)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: yes
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 350 g (Regular)
  • Public price : £159,95


Thermarest ProLite Plus : fitted for extreme conditions

Thermarest - ProLite Plus

In the category of best hiking sleeping mat, we nominated the Thermarest ProLite Plus mat to accompany you in all of your adventure! You are going on an expedition in high altitude or in Nordic cities? You like mountain escapades? Not only that, but you can’t wait to breathe the mountain’s fresh air? However, you fear the cold and do not want to sacrifice your comfort? The auto-inflate mat, 1 place,  Prolite™ Plus from Thermarest will be your best partner. The technologies used by Thermarest on this hiking mat enables a maximal heat conservation. Its diagonal breveted slicing  is perfect to isolate you from cold and maintain heat. The thick foam used adds up to great comfort. Thick, the foam from this Thermarest mat is light, easily compressible and naturally rolls up to become an ultra-compact mat (28 x 12 cm once folded). Auto-inflated, the ProLite inflates automatically when you unfold it. Only a couple more inflations are necessary to complete the desired thickness. Therefore, the compact format and lightweight of this hiking mat helps you to tie it easily to your hiking bag.

➤ Thermarest ProLite Plus

➤ Thermarest ProLite Plus - Women

  • Composition : polyester 50D - polyuréthane
  • Inflate type : auto-inflate
  • Isolation : medium
  • R value : 3,4
  • Numbre of seasons : 3 seasons
  • Thickness: 3,8 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 51 x 3,8 cm (Regular)
  • Folded dimensions : 28 x 12 cm (Regular)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: no
  • Repair kit included : no
  • Weight : 670 g (Regular)
  • Public Price : £104,95


Nemo Tensor Alpine : the low temperatures expert

Nemo - Tensor Alpine

Other model of our top 10 best sleeping mats selection, the Tensor Alpine mat, conceived by the Nemo brand. With only 690 g on the weight, the Tensor Alpine mat stands out for its lightness. With this mat, you can be sure to have a relaxing night. The specificity of this Nemo mat can be found in its different layers' composition. In fact, the Tensor Alpine is equipped with 3 layers of Thermal Mirror, which offer, a quality isolation, even against extreme temperatures. As a result, your movements will be less nosy, and you will appreciate the silence of a night under the stars. Furthermore, this mat is made from Premium 20D textile. Those materials will bring comfort and softness to your mat. The weight of your body will be perfectly harmonized on the full mat surface with the Spaceframe deflector. To finish off, the Tensor alpine is equipped with the new Laylow multitasking, micro-adjusted valve as well as a new Vortex pump, for an easier and faster inflate

Nemo Tensor Alpine

  • Composition : 100 % polyester 20D
  • Inflate type : auto-inflate
  • Isolation : excellent
  • R value : > 6
  • Numbre of seasons: all seasons
  • Thickness: 7,62 cm
  • Dimensions : 193 x 64 x 7,62 cm (Large)
  • Folded dimensions : 24 x 9 cm (Large)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: yes
  • Repair kit included : no
  • Weight : 770 g (Large)
  • Public Price : £209,95


Ferrino Air Lite : the best deal for small budgets

Ferrino Air Lite

The Air Lite mat, create by the Ferrino brand, will follow in all of your hikes, being it the valleys or in the mountain. This hiking mat is the guaranty of peaceful nights, after long walking days! In fact, the Air Lite of Ferrino, with 190 x 57 x 5 cm dimensions, has been conceived to take care of you during your outdoor adventures. Its nylon conception guaranties a high level of comfort and an excellent resistance in time. It's included inflate pump, that you can also use as storage to store your mat, enables you to inflate easily your Air Lite, and to enjoy nights outdoor with no worries.

➤ Ferrino Air Lite

  • Composition : nylon 40D ripstop
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Isolation : weak
  • Number of seasons : 3 seasons
  • Thickness : 5 cm
  • Dimensions : 190 x 57 x 5 cm (Large)
  • Folded dimensions : 9 x 25 cm (Large)
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: yes
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 400 g (Large)
  • Public price : £74,95


➤ Trek mats - Shop


Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0 : the no extra space taking comfort

Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0

The Aerostat Down 7.0 is an auto-inflating and light weighted hiking mat from Mountain Equipment, offering comfort and an exceptional down isolation. If you have decided to hike in cold regions, the Aerostat Down 7.0 from its  Exped® construction associated with the Helix technology, is the sleeping mat that you need. Its qualities will follow you in time, as the Aerostat Down 7.0 is constructed with strong and durable nylon ripstop 30D fabric, offering you high quality resistance and performance. And if you believe that those types of performance require a long and difficult inflation, its specific valve system will make you change your mind! Store it in its bag at the end of the night and continue your adventure with a rested spirit

➤ Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0

  • Composition : Nylon ripstop 30D / Ducks down
  • Down composition : 90 % duvet - 10% plumes
  • Inflate type : auto - inflate
  • Isolation : haute
  • R-Value : 5
  • Number of seasons : 4 seasons
  • Thickness : 7 cm
  • Dimensions : 185 x 54 x 7 cm (Regular)
  • Folded dimensions : 23 x 11 cm (Regular)
  • Inflating power (cuin) : 700
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Inflate pump included: yes
  • Repair kit included : no
  • Weight : 735 g (Regular)
  • Public Price : £209,95


Vaude Performance 7 : lightweight expert

Vaude Performance 7

For your long hikes in the highlands or bivouacs, the weight that you carry is an important data to not pull you back in your adventure. To face this problem, Vaude has developed the Performance 7, which names suits very well! “Fast & Light” amateurs or simply searching for comfort without suffering from a large and inconvenient equipment, the Performance 7 is made for you. This hiking mat is built with a Primaloft ® mattress and better quality reflective lining to protect you from the cold, so that you can enjoy a good night sleep. Its special construction, associated with quality materials, will guaranty optimal comfort and lightness. This hiking mat, sold with a repair kit, will fit perfectly in your hiking bag thanks to its included minimalist storage bag. Bivouac and trek lovers, the Performance 7 only waits for you to go on an adventure!

➤ Vaude Performance 7

  • Composition: 100 % polyester
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Compatible with all Pump Pillow and Pump Sack systems
  • Isolation : medium
  • R-Value : 2,7
  • Number of seasons : 3 seasons
  • Thickness : 7 cm
  • Dimensions : 183 x 51 x 7 cm (Regular)
  • Shoulders dimensions: 51 cm
  • Foot width dimensions : 51 cm
  • Very small storage volume
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Repair kit included : yes
  • Weight : 410 g (Regular)
  • Public price: £209,95


Lafuma Altiplano Airmat : the good compromise

Lafuma Altiplano Airmat

Last mat of our selection of the best 10 sleeping mats : the Altiplano Airmat  from Lafuma, is a 3 seasons sleeping mat ideal for adventurers who which to travel with a light backpack. This inflatable mat guaranties you restful nights similar to home, during your treks and hikes. You will be seduced by its easy inflation due to its one way valve, but also by its easiness of carrying thanks to its extremely performant compression. Soft and keeping you away from humidity, the Altiplano Airmat will enable you to continue your adventure, well-rested and light weighted.  

➤ Lafuma Altiplano Airmat

  • Composition : 100 % nylon
  • Inflate type : pump
  • Number of seasons : 3 seasons
  • Dimensions : 190 x 60 cm
  • Folded Dimensions : 9 x 10
  • Storage bag included : yes
  • Pump included: no
  • Repair kit included : no
  • Weight : 700 g
  • Public price : £99,95


Choosing the right sleeping mat : recap of the important characteristics 


Mat

Auto-inflate

Dimensions

Folded Dimensions

Weight

Price


Thermarest

NeoAir Xlite


No

183 x 51 x 6,4 cm

23 x 10 cm

340 g

169,95 £


Thermarest

ProLite Plus


Yes

183 x 51 x 3,8 cm

28 x 12 cm

670 g

124,95 £


Sea To Summit

Ultralight Insulated


No

183 x 55 x 5 cm

23 x 10 cm

480 g

129,95 £


Nemo

Tensor Alpine


No

193 x 64 x 7,62 cm

24 x 9 cm

690 g

239,95 £


Sea To Summit

Ether Light XT


No

183 x 55 x 10 cm

19 x 9 cm

350 g

154,95 £

Ferrino

Air Lite

No

190 x 57 x 5 cm

9 x 25 cm

400 g

89,95 £


Thermarest

NeoAir XTherm


No

183 x 51 x 6,4 cm

9 x 10 cm

430 g

269,95 £


Mountain Equipment Aerostat Down 7.0


Yes

185 x 54 x 7 cm

23 x 11 cm

735 g

199,95 £


Vaude Performance 7



No

183 x 51 x 7 cm

20 x 9 cm

410 g

139,95 £


Lafuma Altiplano Airmat



No

190 x 60 cm

20 x 10 cm

700 g

99,95 £


In this recap table, we offer you to compare the essential technical characteristics for a sleeping mat. Depending on your practice, the auto-inflate characteristics can be interesting. Furthermore, the unfolded dimensions and the folded dimensions are essential information for making your hiking bag. The weight will also be precious information, with regard to the type of hikes, the distance and the time length. To finish off, the price will orient you towards a sleeping mat rather than another, depending on your budget.

You have questions or are searching for a sleeping mat that is not one of the presented above? Do not hesitate to contact or team of experts on the 01 84 67 14 24 ( free calls ) or by sending a message to our Customer Care Center. We will be happy to help you and answer your interrogations!


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Photo credits (in the order of viewing) : (1) ©Sea To Summit - (2-11) ©Hardloop

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