In this text I present 7 best self-inflating sleeping pads, all ultra lightweight, below 600 grams. All these pads are very packable, and suitable for backpackers and mountaineers.
About self-inflating sleeping pads
Why using self-inflating pads?
In my separate post I have described these pads together with some other types that are presently available on the market. Therefore here I wish only to stress that these are pads filled with open cell foam. The structure of the foam is similar to a sponge, the cells are interconnected, and the air can pass from one to another, and also it can go out or in.
If you compare them with closed cell foam pads, typically self-inflating pads are heavier, but at the same time, they are far more comfortable. Yet another reason for using them is that they are nicely packable.
What R value can you expect?
In this text, I am interested in ultra lightweight self-inflating pads. This is related to the R value. The models presented here have relatively low R value, in the range from 2.1 to 3.4. So there are sleeping pads for relatively warmer weather conditions, 3-season type.
How self-inflating pads work?
Here you have a foam protected by a fabric from outside. When you unroll the pad and open the valve, the pad soaks up the air. When it is self-inflated, you can manually add some air if needed and tighten the valve. Some may need more air than others.
Are they bulky?
- Yes, they are, if you compare with inflatable (air) pads. Even the most packable self-inflating pads are still bulkier than top class air pads. You can read about several best inflatable sleeping pads in my separate post.
- No, they are not, if you compare with closed cell foam pads.
So, by their features, self-inflating pads are in various ways between closed cell foam pads and air pads. See some cons and pros in general:
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Now a bit more about the 7 models presented in this text.
Comparison table for the 7 models
| Weight | Size: inches (cm) | R value | |
| Nemo Zor |
14 oz (397 g) |
20 x 72 x 1 (51 x 183 x 2.5) |
2.3 |
| ThermaRest Evo Lite |
1 lb 1 oz (482 g) |
20 x 72 x 2 (51 x 183 x 5.1) |
2.1 |
| ThermaRest Pro Lite |
1 lb 1 oz (482 g) |
20 x 72 x 1 (51 x 183 x 2.5) |
2.4 |
| ThermaRest Evo Lite Plus |
1 lb 4 oz (567 g) |
20 x 72 x 2.5 (51 x 183 x 6.3) |
3.2 |
| ThermaRest Pro Lite Plus |
1 lb 4 oz (567 g) |
20 x 72 x 1.5 (51 x 183 x 3.8) |
3.4 |
| ThermaRest Backpacker Lite |
1 lb 4 oz (567 g) |
20 x 72 x 1 (51 x 183 x 2.5) |
2.2 |
| Nemo Ora |
1 lb 4 oz (567 g) |
20 x 72 x 1 (51 x 183 x 2.5) |
2.3 |
These data are for regular size.
*Please check Amazon links for updates.
Nemo Zor self-inflating sleeping pad
This is the lightest of all pads presented here. The packed volume of the regular size pad is 2.3 liters. Nemo Zor comes in 3 sizes:
- Small:
Weight: 10 oz (283 g).
Size: 20 x 48 x 1 in.
Packed size: 7 x 3.5 in.
Mummy shape. - Regular:
Weight: 14 oz (397 g).
Size: 20 x 72 x 1 in.
Packed size: 9 x 4.5 in.
Mummy shape. - Long:
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (652 g).
Size: 25 x 76 x 1.5 in.
Packed size: 9 x 6.5 in.
Rectangular shape.
The pad is designed with longitudinal and transverse coring. It comes with a stuff sack, compression strap, and repair patches.
- The best place regarding the price and shipping conditions is usually Amazon.com.
The foam has perforations in both vertical and horizontal directions, which saves the weight. The material is 20 denier polyester ripstop, definitely not the most durable on the market.
The indicated R value corresponds to minimum temperatures of around 15-25º F (-9 to -4 C). But in my view, it is quite thin and not so comfortable.
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Therm Rest EvoLite self-inflating sleeping pad
Quite comfortable self-inflating backpacking sleeping pad, constructed with alternating horizontal strips of foam and air channels throughout the length of the pad.
- But at Amazon.com.
Three sizes available (small, regular, large) with the following data:
- Small:
Weight: 11.5 oz (326 g).
Size: 20 x 47 x 2 in.
Packed size: 9 x 4.9 in. - Regular:
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz (482 g).
Size: 20 x 72 x 2 in.
Packed size: 9 x 5.3 in. - Large:
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (652 g).
Size: 25 x 77 x 2 in.
Packed size: 11 x 5.6 in.
This is a great ultralight 3-season sleeping pad with the R value 2.1, suitable for backpackers with a very good balance between weight, comfort, durability, and packed size. The packed volume of this pad (regular size) is 2.3 liters. It comes with a stuff sack and field repair kit.
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Therm Rest Pro Lite sleeping pad
This is a 3-season backpacking sleeping pad with a good R-value of 2.4, and with a diagonal die-cutting foam and built of durable and textured fabric as you may see from the picture on the right.
- Buy at Amazon.com.
Pro Lite pad comes in 4 sizes:
- Xsmall:
Weight: 8.5 oz (241 g).
Size: 20 x 36 x 1 in
Packed size: 11 x 3.3 in. - Small:
Weight: 11.5 oz (326 g).
Size: 20 x 47 x 1 in.
Packed size: 11 x 3.3. - Regular:
Weight: 1 lb 1 oz (482 g).
Size: 20 x 72 x 1.
Packed size: 11 x 4.1. - Large:
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (652 g).
Size: 25 x 77 x 1.
Packed size: 12 x 4.5 in.
Pro Lite (regular) packs to the size of 2.2 liters, so it is quite packable although it is made of 50 D mini Hex Rip Polyester. Stuff Sack and Field Repair Kit included.
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Therm Rest EvoLite Plus
This is an exceptionally thick pad (I mean for a self-inflating pad), with 2.5 inches (6.3 cm). So, without a doubt, this is ‘the best thickness-to-weight ratio of any self-inflating mattress‘ as claimed by the Therm-a-Rest company.
The construction is the same as in the case of EvoLite pad. So again you have
an airframe construction with alternating foam and air channels, and a relatively durable fabric material.
EvoLite Plus pad is made in two sizes:
- Regular:
Weight: 1 lbs 4 oz (570 g).
Size: 20 x 72 x 2.5 (51 x 183 x 6.3 cm).
Packed size: 7.75 x 5.5 (20 x 14 cm). - Long:
Weight: 1 lbs 9 oz (710 g).
Size: 25 x 77 x 2.5 in (63 x 196 x 6.3 cm).
Packed size: 9.5 x 6 in (24 x 15 cm).
Some other features:
- Top and bottom fabric: 30 D mini Rip polyester.
- Foam: urethane.
- Made in the US.
- Stuff sack included.
Where to buy:
- The best place regarding the price and shipping conditions is usually Amazon.com.
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Therm Rest ProLite Plus sleeping pad
This is an award winning, semi-rectangular pad with the R value 3.4. Its shape is completely the same as ProLite as you realize from the image on the right.
You will see it described as an all-season pad, but realistically I would say it is a very warm 3-season sleeping pad.
- Buy at Amazon.com.
ProLite Plus comes in 3 sizes:
- Weight:
Small: 14 oz. oz (400 g).
Regular: 1 lb. 4 oz (570 g).
Long: 1 lb. 11 oz (740 g). - Size:
Small: 20 x 47 x 1.5 in.
Regular: 20 x 72 x 1.5 in.
Long: 25 x 77 x 1.5 in. - Packed size:
Small: 11 x 4 in (28 x 10 cm).
Regular: 11 x 4.8 in (28 x 12 cm).
Long: 13 x 5.1 in (33 x 13 cm).
Diagonal die-cutting is used in the design of this pad as well in order to reduce weight and packed size. This is a technology pioneered by Therm-a-Rest. It implies that the foam is cut at an angle; this reduces the weight and it reduces the vertical flow of air and makes the pad warmer. So overall result is a warmer and more compressible pad.
Regarding the thickness, here you have 0.5 inches more as compared to the ProLite version presented above, yet the packed size is still reasonably good.
Some more features:
- Awards: Editors’ Choice Outdoor Gear Lab 2013.
- Top fabric: 50 D mini Hex Rip polyester.
- Bottom fabric: 50 D polyester.
- Foam: urethane.
- Made in the US.
I have read many users’ reviews on several sites, including Amazon and Therm-a-Rest site. Very positive rates from many; at Amazon the average rate is 4.4/5, but a few people complained that it was uncomfortable. If you are a side-sleeper you would like to choose some air pad.
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Therm Rest Backpacker Lite
This a good and reliable 3-season backpacking sleeping pad, with a good enough R-value of 2.2. You will notice it is quite thin, so you would not use it if you are a side-sleeper.
Similar to other Therm-a-Rest models, here too you have a die-cut foam, and this keeps weight and packed size to a minimum. It comes with an included stuff sack. Textured surface reduces slippage
- Buy at Amazon.com.
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Nemo Ora sleeping pad
This self-inflating sleeping pad has the same 2-Axis Coring system used in the Zor model presented above. So this is a lightweight and durable construction, most suitable for backpackers. According to its specifications, it can be used to the minimum temperature of 15 to 25 F (-9 to -4 C).
- Buy at Amazon.com.
Nemo Ora is made of very durable material, 75 D polyester. Clearly, this is the most durable of all models presented here. These pads come with a stuff sack, compression strap, and repair kit.
This pad is made in 3 sizes and two shapes:
- Small (mummy):
Weight: 13.5 oz (383 g).
Size: 20 x 48 x 1 in.
Packed size: 8 x 4 in. - Regular (mummy):
Weight: 20 oz (567 g).
Size: 20 x 72 x 1 in.
Packed size: 7 x 5 in. - Long (rectangular shape):
Weight: 1 lb 15 oz (879 g).
Size: 25 x 76 x 1.5 in.
Packed size: 8.5 x 6 in.
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So this is my review of 7 best self-inflating sleeping pads. It is good to bear in mind that these pads can leak. Check them before starting your tour. They can be punctured by a sharp object from below, or from zippers in your clothes. Therefore it is good to have a backup. Exped MultiMat is one obvious choice.
Which one would I choose? Definitely the thickest possible option, regardless of the price. In the present case, this would be ThermaRest Evo Lite or Evo Lite Plus.
Several ThermaRest pads are presented here. You might want to know that this company makes also tent cots, you may see one exceptionally great example here. The pads presented here can nicely be combined with this tent cot.
Please check the links above for updates about prices. Thank you for reading. I shall be happy to have some comment from you.
If you find this text useful, please share it with others. Have a nice day.
I really liked the concept of self-inflating sleeping pads. It’s great to have an inflating portable bed in your backpack.
And I liked your site by the way. Great work!
Thank you Tyler, great to hear from you. All the best.