Best Self Inflating Sleeping Pads 2022 Reviews (Top Picks)

We may earn a small commission if you buy something via a link on this page. This doesn't impact our rankings or cost you extra. See our advertising disclosure for details.


Are you a hiking or camping connoisseur who enjoys taking long expeditions to quench your spirit of adventure? If you’;re the one, getting some quality sleep is one way of refreshing your mind and body as you prepare for a new day on the trail. When you’;re out in the tropical jungles, one way of enjoying your camping or hiking experience is getting a comfortable sleep. One tool that will guarantee you such comfort is none other than a self-inflating sleeping pad.

Unlike ordinary sleeping pads, self-inflating sleeping pads borrow the concept of air mattresses where a soft open-cell foam pad is endorsed in a fabric cover to provide the much needed comfort. Now, since sleeping pads have gained popularity in recent times, this guide will review five of the top rated sleeping pads of 2020 as well as offer some useful tips on how to choose the good sleeping pads. Please read on to learn more.

Comparison Of 5 Best Self Inflating Sleeping Pads

ImageNameWeightMaterialWhere To Buy
1 min 20ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series2.35 lbsPolyethyleneCheck Price
2 min 20TNH Outdoors Premium2.16 lbsPolyesterCheck Price
3 min 20Lightspeed Outdoors XL6 lbsFlexForm 4-way stretch Polyester with TPU laminationCheck Price
4 min 20Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad1.01 lbsPolyesterCheck Price
5 min 20Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad6.40 lbsPolyesterCheck Price

Top 5 Best Rated Self Inflating Sleeping Pads Review

1. ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series Self-Inflating Air Pad

If you’;re an avid camper or hiker, one way of adding comfort to your tent or sleeping bag is by using a self-inflating pad. One of the sleeping pads I would like to introduce you is the ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series. With over 20-years of experience in producing mountaineering products, ALSP Mountaineering understands the hassle most campers go through especially when carrying camping equipment. Due to this reason, this sleeping pad is super light (just 2lbs) meaning carrying it around will be easier than ever before.

1 1

To bolster durability and longevity, this sleeping pad features a strong diamond Ripstop fabric at the top and a tough polyester taffeta fabric at the bottom.

What about comfort? Well, we can’;t forget to mention that this sleeping pad is ergonomically made to suit all campers regardless of their body sizes. Its medium size and sleek dimensions of 22.2 x 6 x 5 inches allow it to fit snugly in most sleeping bags and tents giving you a comfortable sleep throughout the night.

Anything else we’;ve left behind? Yes. This sleeping pad comes with a dedicated repair kit that allows you to repair it in case of damage. It also comes with non-corrosive brass valves that offer a high-speed inflation and deflation process for easy set-up.

Pros
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
  • Repair kit makes repair much easier especially if you’;re in the wild.
  • The package comes with compression straps and carry bag for easy carrying.
  • This sleeping pad is tough and very durable thanks to a mix of Ripstop and polyester taffeta fabrics.
  • This sleeping pad is very thick and perfect for camping.
Cons
  • Doesn’;t hold air for long due to a slow air leak in the valve.
  • The seam rips off easily.

Verdict

The ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series is a lightweight sleeping pad that offers you a comfortable sleeping experience whether it’;s in a tent or in a sleeping bag. Designed with tough Ripstop and polyester taffeta fabrics, this sleeping pad is not only comfy but also warm enough to guarantee you a good night sleep.


2. TNH Outdoors Premium Self Inflating Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads are an ideal addition to any sleeping system. Not only are they comfortable, these camping gears also keep you off the rocky grounds while insulating your body to give you a comfortable night sleep. One amazing sleeping pad that’;s incredibly designed to offer such a high level of comfort is none other than the TNH Outdoors Premium SelfInflating Sleeping Pad. Available at an amazing price, this sleeping pad is designed with a set of new features that will make you forget that you even left your bedroom.

2 1

The first thing you’;ll realize the minute you set your eyes on this sleeping pad is how comfortable it feels. With a 1.5-inch thick design, this camping pad will give you a smooth worry-free slumber without having to wake up every few hours.

To bolster durability and longevity of the sleeping pad, TNH Outdoors has secured the inner pad with a tough 75D polyester outer shell meaning you don’;t have to worry about punctures any longer.

When it comes to inflation, TNH Outdoors has simplified everything for you. By just opening the 500 Series pneumatic valve, all you need to do is simply to unfold the pad and it will automatically inflate itself. However, if time is of the essence, this sleeping pad will not mind receiving a few puffs of air from a healthy adult.

Pros
  • Ethically made with a lifetime limited warranty.
  • The pneumatic valve allows for an easy self-inflating process.
  • The polyester outer shell offers greater strength and durability.
  • Thick enough to keep you comfortable on camp sites.
Cons
  • The pad is too narrow to be used by huge campers.
  • Some customers complain the internal stitching comes out after several uses.

Verdict

One major downside with this sleeping pad is the narrow width. Although it wasn’;t deliberate, I think all that the manufacturer wanted was to produce a sleeping pad that would be sleek enough to fit in your camping bag. Other than that, the TNH Outdoors Premium SelfInflating Sleeping Pad is a highly durable pad that will give you years of service without sacrificing on comfort.


3. Lightspeed Outdoors XL Super Plush Self-Inflating Sleep Pad

Whether it’;s hiking, camping or enjoying some fun moments out in the woods, the Lightspeed Outdoors Super Plush FlexForm will be your greatest companion. Designed to offer a high level of comfort, this sleeping pad is plush and soft enough to cradle your body while sleeping. To keep you comfortable while resting on the ground, this sleeping pad features a thick 3’’ soft foam mat that has a soft warm surface that’;s designed for outdoor use. In addition to that, this pad is designed with an insulation rating (R-Value) of 9.66 making it the best to use in cold weather.

3 1

Speaking of the construction, Lightspeed Outdoors has done an impressive job of using a superb material combination that will guarantee you both comfort and safety while sleeping. This material combination comprises of a FlexForm 4-way stretch polyester fabric with TPU lamination to prevent the pad from getting punctured.

One thing we must thank Lightspeed Outdoors for is designing this sleeping pad with a non-PVC material. Not only will it prevent you from perceiving those plastic odors but it will also prevent you from those plastic cracking noises that might prevent you from getting that perfect sleep you so richly deserve.

Finally, to enjoy the best user experience, this sleeping pad doesn’;t require you to use a pump to inflate or deflate. Rather, it comes with two oversized air valves that allow it to self-inflate within the shortest time possible.

Pros
  • Integrated with a pillow to add more support and comfort.
  • None-stretch fabrics offer more support and insulation while sleeping.
  • Thick enough to keep you comfortable while resting on the ground.
  • It has a generous size perfect for both slim and huge users.
  • The double valves make inflating and deflating a breeze.
Cons
  • At 6lbs, this sleeping pad is a little bit weighty.
  • The valve caps are quite fragile and can get damaged easily.

Verdict

Well, a lot has been said about the Lightspeed Outdoors Super Plush FlexForm. Although some people have complained about the weight and the valve caps, I don’;t think these drawbacks are enough to outweigh the many benefits this sleeping pad has to offer. Having laid much focus on comfort, support and safety, Lightspeed Outdoors has manufactured a sleeping pad that has garnered huge customer support than any other pad we’;ve reviewed so far.


4. Freeland Camping Sleeping Pad Self Inflating

Another sleeping pad that has made headlines in the world of camping and hiking is the Freeland Camping Self Inflating Sleeping Pad. Now, all campers have one thing in common setting up the tent fast enough to have more time for enjoyment. Having done their survey, Freeland has uncovered this truth and has gone ahead to design their sleeping pad with an automatic inflation mechanism that will make setup a breeze.

4 1

Designed with an enthusiastic team of innovative engineers, this sleeping pad has offered a perfect balance between comfort and lightweight to give you the best camping and hiking experience. Its light weight of just 3.3lbs makes it easy to carry while its puffy 1.5’’ thick foam gives you the much needed comfort while sleeping.

When it comes to the dimensions, this sleeping pad is sleek enough (L76” x H1.5” x W24.8”) to fit in most backpacks. In addition to that, it has a wide sleeping area that makes it a perfect bed for campers, hikers, guests or those who enjoy partying with friends at the back yard.

Have we mentioned anything about the composition? I guess not. Now, this is where this sleeping pad has truly thrived. Apart from the puffy foam, this pad is reinforced with a weather-resistant 190T polyester pongee PVC shell that helps it to maintain its tufted design.

Pros
  • Comes with dual air valves for easy inflation and deflation.
  • Attached pillow gives you more comfort when sleeping.
  • Built-in straps make it easy to roll and pack the pad.
  • Light and compact enough to fit in most backpacks.
Cons
  • Some customers have mentioned that this pad doesn’;t self-inflate.

Verdict

Overall, the Freeland Camping Self Inflating Sleeping Pad is a major boost to most camping and hiking lovers. It comes with a quality material composition that makes it weather-resistant and very durable. It also comes with a wide color option, an attached pillow and a light weight that makes it very easy to pack and carry.


5. Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad with Pillow

Finally, in our humble review, I would like to introduce you to yet another outstanding sleeping pad which is the Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad. Just like most high-quality camping pads, this one to offers numerous benefits that make it the best for outdoor use. Its material composition consists of a weather-resistant Nylon fabric and a thick 2.5’’ foam that gives it a tufted cushion design. In addition to that, the open cell construction allows for easy inflation of the pad thereby giving you the much needed comfort when sleeping.

5 1

About the performance, this camping pad has surprisingly out-performed most pads within its price range thanks to the added pillow that provides extra cushioning for added comfort when sleeping.

This camping pad is also equipped with a special free-flow valve for automatic inflation and deflation processes. Not only is it convenient, but the valve also keeps this pad an edge over its competitors as it offers a high degree of insulation as your body gets raised from the cold floor.

Aside from all that, this camping pad is also designed to fit perfectly in most backpacks when camping or hiking. With a weight of just 5.5 pounds and dimensions of 76 x 25 x 2.5 inch, this pad is ideal for backpackers as you only need to use the attached straps to roll it neatly and pack it with less effort.

Pros
  • The weather-resistant Nylon shell makes this pad durable and long lasting.
  • Lightweight for easy transport.
  • The free-flow valve offers easy inflation and deflation processes.
  • Very comfortable thanks to the tufted cushion design.
Cons
  • The pillow requires you to inflate manually.

Verdict

The Coleman Self-Inflating Camping Pad has proven to be a major contender in the camping business. Designed with a surprisingly comfortable and durable material combination, this pad is super plush and soft enough to keep you comfortable when sleeping. Whether it’;s camping, hiking or having some fun at the back yard, we believe you’;ve found the ultimate answer to your camping demands.


Factors to Consider When choosing a Self Inflating Sleeping Pad

Although a tent and a sleeping bag may steal the spotlight, it doesn’;t mean a sleeping pad is of less importance. In fact, a sleeping pad is an absolute necessity for any camper as it keeps you some inches off the ground insulating you from the cold.

Now, with the increasing demand for sleeping pads, it has become more confusing to determine which brand is better than the other. So, to iron out everything for you, we’;ve highlighted some key factors you’;ll need to consider when choosing the best self-inflating sleeping pads.

6 1

  • Maintenance

The first thing you need to consider before buying a self-inflating sleeping pad is maintenance. I’;m assuming you’;re not a daily camper right? So, to keep your sleep pad in good shape, you need to leave it rolled with the valves fully opened to prevent it from getting overly compacted.

Where do I store my sleep pad? Well, to avoid damages such as punctures, it’;s advisable that you store your sleeping pad in a safe location such as under the bed or behind the couch.

  • Valve type

How much do you know about valves? Well, following the advancement in technology, sleeping pads have made major advancements in the types of valves they use to make inflation and deflation much easier.

The most recent valves that are used by most models today are the flat type valves. These valves have dedicated openings that make inflation and deflation a breeze. They also have a flap that prevents air from escaping thus making them more favorable as compared to traditional valves.

  • Sizing

Most sleeping pads are regular and come with average dimensions of 6 feet long by 20-inches wide. These sleep pads offer a balance of coverage and are perfectly sized to make them fit snugly on your body.

However, if you’;re looking for a pad that will fit your small body size, then you have the option to choose other versions that come in much smaller sizes. Alternatively, if you have a huge body mass, there are also bigger options available to choose from.

  • Insulation (R-Value)

This is one feature that’;s usually overlooked by most buyers. When shopping for a sleeping pad, you need to check its R-Value. What’;s this anyway? Well, this is basically the measurement of the insulating capability of a sleeping pad. It measures how well the pad insulates your body from the ground.

The best sleep pads are designed with a reflective material that reflects body warmth back upwards instead of letting it penetrate to the ground.

  • Thickness and comfort

If you’;re planning to spend a night under the stars, then comfort and thickness are of paramount importance. You’;ll agree with me that sleeping pads are thinner and less comfortable than mattresses. Even though that’;s the case, sleep pad manufacturers have made major technological advances that have seen them produce puffier pads that will guarantee you a high level of comfort. Therefore, when choosing a sleeping pad, make sure that you check the thickness to ensure that what you buy will truly work for you.

  • Weight

Weight is a primary consideration for every backpacker out there. To make movement a breeze, you need to choose an Ultralight sleep pad that will offer a perfect balance of lightness, comfort and support.

Conclusion

If you prefer camping as a way of refreshing your body and mind, then I believe you know comfort and support are paramount when sleeping in the wild. You will agree with me that outdoor endeavors come with numerous challenges.

Therefore, to guarantee a high level of comfort when sleeping, you need to invest in the best self-inflating sleeping pad that will give you all the comfort in just a sleek lightweight pad. Having reviewed five of the top sleep pads in the camping business, I believe you’;ll now be able to make an informed decision before parting with your money.

Related Post:

Best Air Mattresses For Camping Reviews

Henry Carlson
Henry Carlson

Henry’s first job was in the furniture and mattress industry as a sales associate. From there, he moved up to merchandising specialist for several years and then became an assistant manager. Working in the industry gave him access to a lot of products and also helped him gain in-depth knowledge.

Sleep Report
Logo