Best Hiking Camping Sleeping Pad for $150

User2049 on 08/04/2024 - 12:28

I'm looking at sleeping pads to take camping, looking for something light that can pack down small for pack.

I know the best option would be the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT but that's a bit out of my price range.

I was wondering if there are any good budget options that get 90% of the way there.

I want a decent R-value ideally 3/4+, long enough for tall person, and weight ideally under 1kg.

I've been looking at:
- KLYMIT Static V2
- Naturehike 3.5R
- Mountain Designs Pro 3.8

If anyone has any suggestions for pads

Sports & Outdoors Air Mattress

Comments

  • ragrum on 08/04/2024 - 12:53
    +2

    I have a Klymit Insulated Static V Lite that I'm very happy with. Comfortable for side sleeping and slept warmly on an Alpine hike in April with temperatures low enough to have a thick frost in the morning (using a Naturehike Snowbird -2⁰ sleeping bag).

    • User2049 on 08/04/2024 - 15:08

      Unfortunately they don't seem to make a large version.

  • Thrawn on 08/04/2024 - 12:56

    Mountain Designs Pro 3.8 on special can go down to $40 ish (after coupon and giftcard stacking). I have one and it's not really that great in terms of comfort. Amazing value though. I also have a Sea to Summit Camp Plus for around $100 on special, inflates much thicker and more comfortable.

  • Caped Baldy on 08/04/2024 - 13:18
    +2

    Sea to Summit is good. Make sure to get a dual air pocket model.

    I've got a s2s and a naturehike sleeping pad. Naturehike is the better value but does leak - slow but noticeable the next morning. I got a double for more room as I sometimes roll off the coffin shape mats..

    • User2049 on 08/04/2024 - 15:09

      What Sea to Summit do you have/recommend?

      • Caped Baldy on 08/04/2024 - 15:34

        I think it's the comfort plus. I got it 5ish years ago.

        Depending on how much you're planning on going, I'd recommend getting a naturehike from aliexpress.

  • bargaino on 08/04/2024 - 13:34
    +1

    There is a lot to be said for a closed-cell foam too for hiking.

    You don't hear so much promoted, because there is not a lot of profit in them, but they weigh less than any other, and can easily be attached outside your pack.
    Or use both! I have full-length foam mat, plus 2/3 Thermarest for extra comfort.

    • dust on 08/04/2024 - 14:24
      +1

      There is a lot to be said for a closed-cell foam too for hiking.

      They're a lot bigger though and depending on what type of hiking you're doing, if you attach it outside your pack it'll get scratched up.

  • thardy456 on 08/04/2024 - 14:11

    I have two KLYMIT Insulated Static V Sleeping pads, one has been used extensively by my son in NZ and South America. I used the other recently (weighs 700gram) on the South Coast track which was great. It's a bit heavier than others but is easy to use and very comfortable to sleep on.

  • User2049 on 08/04/2024 - 14:44

    I'm looking at the Sea To Summit Camp Plus Large: $140 (R4.3, 198cm 1.19kg) but wondering if there is anything cheaper or a bit lighter?

    • yewman on 14/04/2024 - 20:00

      I got the non plus version of that which is a bit thinner and lighter, but I'm finding it too thin.

  • Hardlyworkin on 08/04/2024 - 15:08

    I have a Sea To Summit ultralight honeycomb style. Smaller and lighter than the self inflating styles.

  • askvictor on 08/04/2024 - 15:49

    I used to use a 'self inflatable' open-cell foam style (e.g. OG therm-a-rest). Then found the Exped downmat, which is so much more comfortable, while also being very warm (too warm in summer in fact). I've now got a mountain designs airlite 5.5 (inflatable) for autumn/summer/spring - it's light, small and cheap. R-value is lower though. There are similar light-weight inflatable style which might have more insulation in them (the downmat is like this, but the air tubes are filled with down so it's super warm).

  • User2049 on 08/04/2024 - 16:58

    The Naturehike 5.8R looks interesting $180 (R5.8, 196cm, 0.63kg)

  • tonester on 08/04/2024 - 21:20

    depends upon type of camping - wait for another sale, then stretch for a Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated via price beating and discounted gift cards :)

  • antojamo on 09/04/2024 - 16:19

    I had a few hiking mats before settling on the Sea to Summit EtherLight XT Extreme. Prior to this I had the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Max and the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe. Both of these were horrible and I'd wake up in the middle of the night with sore hips. I'm a side sleeper.

    However if you're not after such a high R rating (6.2), you might consider the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat. Its 10cm as well which is great and an R of 3.2. Large is 0.63kg and 201cm. I know this is more than you want to spend, but on a multiday hike, a comfortable mat and a good sleep makes a big difference :-)

  • User2049 on 18/04/2024 - 23:05

    I ended up going for the Naturehike 5.8R, it was a bit pricier but it competes with the best Thermarest and have been happy with it so far.

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