2024 BEST SLEEPING PAD AWARDS 

👇 GEAR FROM THE VIDEO 👇 Ultra 3R: geni.us/Ultra3R Xlite: geni.us/XliteNXT Xtherm NXT: geni.us/xtherm Ultra 7R: geni.us/Ultra7R Tensor Extreme: geni.us/TensorExtreme Oblivion: geni.us/OV-Oblivion Recharge: geni.us/PariaRechargeXL Helix: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad Flex Air: geni.us/FlexliteAir Ultra 5R: geni.us/Exped5R Tensor All-Season: geni.us/TensorAllSeason

Why do I find myself always looking forward to a good sleeping pad review 🙂

Finally Exped gets some attention!!! I have been using the Exped Ultra 3R wide rectangle for two years now and love it. Comfortable, warm and no durability issues. I have used this pad at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit WITH a closed cell foam pad under it and been plenty warm. I am a side sleeper/flip flopper and have never sunk through this pad. I can’t speak highly enough of this product. I have never seen this pad on anyone else’s channel, I believe because it is not expensive enough. Thank you Justin for another great video… oh have you seen the new Temu pad?!? LOL Joke!

Ive been running the sea to summit for about 5 yrs now. Warm enough in the wyoming winters for me (paired with a ground cloth and 1/16 foam pad) Durable, cozy. I cant recommend it enough

I work at REI and my number 1 pad I recommend to people is the Exped Ultra 3R. Around here most people are doing 3 season camping so the 2.9 is fine. One advantage I’ve found is that with the tubular design if you get a puncture it’ll be slightly easier to fix/find compared to something with more valleys and bumps

Good to see the olé trusted Helix is still there🙌 got my fiancé and me both one after your sleeping pad video from last yr and LOVE IT

Big Agnes Boundry Deluxe is a phenomenal pad. I use the regular wide. It’s warm, quiet, spacious and so comfortable. I was actually speechless the first few times I used it. I was astonished how well it performed.

Tried out the Helix a few weekends ago for the first time. As a side sleeper I wanted to try it out and it worked great. I didn’t wake up with a soar hip. I weigh around 212 and I’m 6’2 and I didn’t bottom out. Only complaint it the valve system being on the bottom and the fact that there 2 valves which can make it a little tricky fold and roll when you’re used to 1 valve.

Thanks for the video.

Nice video. I own the Exped 7R, Nemo Tensor EC, and the Zenbivy Flex. All of them are L/W. The Exped is my most comfortable (and thickest) but is a bit finicky to deal with because you have to make sure the down inside isn't packed crushed and is evenly distributed. It's wonderful when you get that sorted though. The Nemo Tensor EC is comfortable enough to be sure. I haven't had an issue with cold spots, but I have a theory on that (and it probably applies to all the reflective style insulation pads): If you don't have the pad entirely covered (sides and top) you'll wind up actually reflecting heat out of the pad where other air-retention systems (like the down in the Exped) won't. I'd be interested to see if you get better results by ensuring you are using a bag/quilt that entirely covers the pad. I did a side-by-side with the 7R and EC (my 10F Zenbivy Light on the Exped and my 40F EE Revelation on the EC). When I swapped at the coldest point of the night I found the Exped was slightly cooler than the EC but the added thermal range of the Zenbivy was now keeping me warmer, whereas the EC was allowing me to say under the EE with a much higher thermal limit well past its comfort limit; I got cold on top before having cold transfer up. The Zenbivy was a pad that initially felt pretty comfortable to me. The more I use it, the more I find it's really getting very close (maybe exceeding) the comfort of my Exped, and it's a good bit lighter but more importantly, packs WAY smaller (as does the EC which is nearly identical). I'd been having a bit of a stiff back and a couple of nights ago I did an overnight camp with my son and I was using this pad. About 30 minutes into laying on it my back popped and felt awesome! The support is so good on this thing, and it has an advantage due to the 4-way stretch material on top: You get the best thermal results if you have a pad pumped up toward it's upper limit, and normally that makes a pad less comfortable (like the EC) but that doesn't happen with this pad; it's still just as comfortable (maybe even more). That also keeps it warm, and one thing I noticed about this pad over the EC and Exped is how even the thermal distribution is; it's just warm everywhere which I presume has to do with the baffle system they employ. To be fair, I have NOT used this in extreme weather; the lows have been in the mid 40s with fairly low humidity at altitude (7600-8k'). I'm interested in the Helix because it seems like the price is good and has similar features to the Zenbivy, but the weight gives me pause. Maybe if it is more durable that could be a selling point, but ultimately I'm not sure the pricepoint is worth the weight penalty; while it seems like a lot, $60ish doesn't get you a whole lot these days and so that becomes a reasonable cost for a much lighter and (by your admission) just as comfortable pad. I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

Great video. I find myself coming back to it again and again for reference.

Perfect Timing!

I got the Exped Ultra 5R last Christmas after asking for it because of a recommendation you made in a video, and wow is it good!! Going from the Thermarest Xlite and Xtherm to the Exped was such a revelation in how comfy a sleeping pad can be. I’ve not taken it out on snow/deep frozen ground or below about -3°C yet, but when I head out on winter alpine trips here in the southern hemisphere I’ll certainly be trying the Exped with a closed cell foam pad rather than the old uncomfortable Xtherm!

Hey Justin - true story, I just got back from the Boundary Waters and used the Helix based on your recommendation. Super comfy and helped keep me warm with overnight temps in the 40’s. Also very easy to inflate and deflate. THANKS!

Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated 30x78 has been the most comfortable pad I've ever had. Rivals my actual bed. Costs 2.5 lbs - but I'm 6'4" 220 lbs, so things weigh more.

If weight isnt that much of a problem for u, i can recommend the exped DURA series. Its the exact same as the ULTRA series, but its way more durable because of 75 D fabric on top and 170 D fabric on the bottom. Clearly it uses up a little more space in ur BP and weighs 1000 gramms but for me, the durability is worth it ( Never had a hole in mine in 1.5 years of heavy usage). I have been to norway and sweden and have slept on rocks, forest ground without any protection mat underneath. and not a single puncture hole.

Thanks for imput, I really needed this comparison and I wondered how Big Agnes performs in 2024.

Love the reviews Justin, great how you covered multiple categories. Personally I have yet to find a light sleeping pad I enjoy, I might try another again after this review. My old Thermarest trail comfort is just so much more comfortable and warm. Light pads have been so noisy and don’t support as well and my self inflating ones. PS my old Dreamtime pad from Thermarest has been the best pad I have ever owned, car camping champion.

Awesome review!! Wish the flextail pad was on here 😆

Nice vid ! I'm still waiting for your review of the new decathlon insulated pad ;) Also does the synthetic insulation makes the exped 3R more bulky to pack than an Xlite ? Thanks

The Exped 5R is really versatile. Good comfort, and warm enough (with CCF pad) to use on snow, and still relatively light and small.

Justin. You are the standard when doing gear reviews for hiking gear. I love your channel. It’s been almost 2 years since your last electronics review for battery banks. I feel like electronics and new tech get released on the regular with a ton of new updates. What are you using now on the trail to charge everything? Are you still liking the nitecore 10000mah? Is there a big difference between the 10,000 and the 20,000 mA hour nitecore or do you carry 2 10000mah?

I've the exped ultra 5r large mummy, and am honestly impressed a big lad like me is as comfortable on it as I am. I think it's because the length-wise baffles mean they have larger volume than width-wise baffles which allows for more range of compression as you lay on it and move about. No idea if that's true, though.

FWIW I recently bought the Rapide despite your issues and took it out this weekend. I do probably sleep much warmer than the average person, but it was around low 40s, maybe high 30s and I was plenty warm both nights, if not too warm. Can’t say whether I got the old 2023 version or the new one as I didn’t inspect it, but just wanted to throw my 2 cents out there. Also very comfortable and I slept relatively well.

Still rocking my nemo tensor insulated pad just for the comfort. Though I do also always put a closed cell foam pad under my sleeping pad just so when I roll over I'm not putting my elbows and hips into the ground :)

Awesome video so much information sad to see my nemo quazar didn't make the list , I need something watermelon enough down to 40 degrees f but best comfort for side sleeper

What would you suggest to help with katabatic quilt on a big Angnes pad, that creates the straps to be suspend above the pad and very distracting to sleep with.

On the Ultra 3R, you stated wide and are showing the rectangular pad. The non-wide or the wide mummy get close to the weight you show, but all the specs I'm seeing are about 19oz for the reg/wide. Important since its winning the ultralight category!

For warmth, what do you think of the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Mat?

I recently bought the exped ultra 7R, the Nemo Tenser, extreme, and the REI helix to test out. For me the most comfortable was the exped, second was Nemo and third was helix. All still pretty nice, but but it was cool to test them side by side. My wife also agreed of the comfort in that order

How would you compare the warmth of the Xlite, rei helix, and Zenbivy flex air?

Hi Justin, What kind of slepping pads do you advice for side sleeper of 220 lbs ? Best regards from Switzerland

I'm not in the market for a new sleeping pad but great comparison video. I'm still using the Nemo Tensor Insulated Regular Wide for my 3 season and the Nemo Tensor Alpine Mummy with the Nemo Switchback as my winter setup.

I rock a 30 inch wide Q core deluxe. It weighs a lot but the rest of my gear is light so it's feasible. I bought 2 smaller lighter pads but I'm a big guy that sleeps on his back and its pretty much torture using them. I'd love something lighter but comfort and good sleep is key.

If r-value is irrelevant, is Sts Etherlight XT still the best option for comfort? I reside in Thailand, where my only options are sts, thermarest, and nemo.

Did you ever try the Thermarest Topo Luxe? I moved from the S2S Etherlight XT (it was failing in all the dimples) to the Topo Luxe. Been really happy with it! Went for the XL size for the 30" of width, and super comfy! Might be different in terms of comfort from the Thermarest XLite line.

The REI Helix is my go to pad even in winter (17 F). Its super comfy, quite, and warm.

I must have the old version of the rapide SL unless I'm understanding the differences wrong. Mine is always SUPER warm and feels like a heated pad when I've been laying in one spot for at least a few minutes. Even down to freezing it's been a great warm pad for me. Never cold on the underside with that baby.

@justin outdoords When price doesnt matter, which matress is more comfortable? The Rei Helix or the Zenbivy Flex Air?

Have you ever slept on any MEC sleeping pads, like the VectAir Insulated UL 3S? I’d love to hear your review on those.

Have you tried the new MT900 sleeping pad from Decathlon? It’s a 5.4 R. Value pad

I finally bought a Helix during the last sale and found it bottomed out way too easily for me as a side sleeper. Returned it.

I have 3 exped 5r wide, all my sleeping pads are expeds, My favourite is exped mega mat light 12, 1.3 kg R value 7+ and 77cm wide. I roll on that pad exactly like I roll at home.

Waiting for best ultralight sleeping bag according the comfort rate and budget options Need recommendations before I back to my home country and go hike, the coldest temperature of the mountains in Indonesia is around -5°c

Hi Justin. I know you are a big decathlon fan. Have you / are you planning to test the forclaz mt900 ? It seems great value for money based on specs. Also for ultra light category. Why no mention of thermarest uberlite? You’re sleeping pad reviews are second to none 👍

I'm 280 and have not had issues with cold spots with the REI Helix when sleeping on my side. On cold nights I have felt the cold ground when shifting around... so 280 is pretty close to the top end though.

Time to give us your opinion on the newer MEC pads. Especially the VectAir UL 4S Insulated LW. Very warm and comfortable. Heavier, but possibly warmer and more comfy than the Helix or Rapide. Great dimpled baffles with both reflective and synthetic insulation.

I just bought the new Naturehike R8.8 and a little disappointed that it is not featured. If you have any info on this I'd love your opinion.

what about the xped ultra 7r?

I can tell you now that the most comfortable sleeping of out there is the sea to summit comfort plus xt. It has the dimple baffle system but with dual air chambers so you can adjust it. It’s my go to winter pad due to the redundancy and it’s heavy but I’m glad I have one!

So, the REI Helix and Zenbivy Flex beats out the Etherlight XT now?

Great comparison Justin Indoors!

hi in the Very cold Canadian trips -- I saw that you use a reflective ground cover what is that ? that you Peter

I guess it's all relative. I've just upgraded from a 25 year old Thermarest (so you can't fault the durability, longevity and value for money) to the new Nemo Tensor All-Season. By comparison my new pad is soooo warm and comfortable. I sleep better on it than I do in my bed. It's nice to see this pad in your review, and reassuring to know that I made a good choice and a wise investment. Whether or not it will last 25 years remains to be seen. I'll let you know! 😂

@justinoutdoors I am about to start the GDT and have switched to the Ultra Exped from the Nemo All-season based on this recommendation. I bought both the Exped Ultra 5R MW and the 3R MW, with the idea that I would start on the 5R for Section A (still snow up there) and switch to the 3R into Section B. I sleep average (neither hot nor cold) and have a GG thinlight that I will put under the pad on cold days (other wise it is under my Trekology pillow). Looking for advice - do you think I will be ok with just the 3R for the entire trip (with the GG 1/8" pad) or should i stick to the plan to bring the 5R for Section A.

Can you share more about perceived noise levels when lying on the pads? Thanks for making this video.

What about the Flex gear zero RO 5 ????

Can you buy REI products in Canada without ordering from the USA?

Would be curious to know how the updated Nemo tensors (non-extreme) rank. I know that they increased their R-value and they kind of rebranded their line a bit.

As a side sleeper, how does the Exped Ultra 5R work for you as far as pressure points, numb arm or hands, etc? I'm a side sleeper as well and was dismissing it due to not having baffles like the REI Helix....

Heard you mention it that you might not recommend a pad for comfort if “you’re over 200 lbs”. So what pad might you recommend if you were 210? As a taller hiker who’s been lifting weights for over 15 years, I’ve always just accepted that any pad just gives up if I sleep in certain positions… any suggestions?

Rab Ultrasphere is a great ultralight option too. Comfort between Xlite and Nemo Tensor, warmth closer to Xlite, packs way smaller than either and is pretty cheap

Everyone talks about the exped 3r or 5r what is your thoughts on the 7r for winter camping under 20F

No Nemo Quasar in the comfort category? big and a bit heavy and not all that warm but wow is it comfy for me.

On all the websites I’ve looked at the exped 5r is 23 ounces. Not 18? Where did you find 18 ounces?

Did you get a chance to test the Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress? I see you reviewed the Flex, but the Ultralight seems like a stronger contender, since it's also very similar to the Helix but notably lighter. A reviewer on their site even compared it to the Helix directly.

Thermarest… especially for their post purchase service! Also warranty ❤

Ahhhhh yeah Justin ❤!!!

I love my big Agnes pads but they really seem to be hit and miss with their insulation. I had issues with my q-core slx, insulation piling up in one corner of the pad in one of the baffles and the warranty replacement was the first gen rapide that sleeps warmer than the qcore I started with. For the price a few years ago I think they were the best option but these days I don’t know if I’d buy again. Big Agnes appears to be leaning towards the car camping and comfort market lately

Forclaz MT900 Air Insulated please!!

Can add the new decathlon mat on with a r value of over 5

Try the big Agnus divide, its a great affordable pad (sub 100$ in places) and nobody seems to be reveiwing despite is being an amazing pad.

The Ultra 5R Medium Wide version is listed as 23.1oz not the 18.8oz listed in the video. Is that your own measurement?

I can second that if you are over 220 lbs the helix probably won’t work for you. At 35 degrees Fahrenheit I was getting cold spots and pressure points all night. While I haven’t tried the zenbivy pad, my ether light xt extreme (large) has kept me warm in colder temps and is super comfortable. It’s thicker which helps keep you off the ground, but cons are that it’s heavier and bulkier. So if the extra 5 oz and volume is a deal breaker and you weigh over 220 you’ll have to compromise on comfort. Having carried 100 lbs of elk meat out of the back country over many miles, I find it silly to worry about a few oz. I may not be a true ultra lighter but i love your content, keep it up! I wouldn’t mind seeing some “heavyweight” content sometime😂

Intex dropped one as well called the trueair sleeping mat , no reviews anywhere on it , even Amazon 😵‍💫

have EXped stopped their long vertical baffles from internally tearing now?

I know you are having a more North American audience, but since you included REI, was wondering if you have any opinion about MEC pads for us Canadians? They have few models and are pretty competitive on price, especially when on sales (which happens often).

You took the wrong weight for both Exped Ultras. The Ultra 3R is at about 565g and the 5R MW is at about 662g.

You need to have a lol at the rab ultrasphere and the mountain equipment mirrostat they are both great contenders for this list

My Exped Synmat UL 7 just collapsed internally when I was testing it after few years of no use. 200 eur gone. I also do not like the color of Expeds because it is attracting bugs like honey.

try rab new r4.3

Hey Justin also I’ve spoken to big Agnes about the Mylar film dropping to the bottom of the sleeping pad and he told me that they aren’t supposed to do that so I guess maybe you (and I also own one) got unlucky with them they have taken mine to go and have a look and see what might be happening inside

Xlite is the best all around pad for me. The Uber light doesn't even deserve a thought. And the xtherm performance is phenomenal

Well shoot… for me it sounds like EXPED and Zenbivy have now become pads to Highly consider moving forward. I wonder if the other Zenbivy pad that does not have the stretch top is better than the flex… for me, future research 😊

I sleep on the big agnes rapide and it is almost to warm

Rapide SL also has poor build quality! Had 3 of them break on me on my pct thru. Big agnes were good on their warranty and replaced them all, but I would honestly rather have gotten something else

Come on Justin! Tell me what's better than a Nemo All Season! I'm on the fence and not comfortable on my X-lite!

10 seconds💪

There is a new kid on the block and thats the Alton sleeping pad with a R value of 4. Also affordable.

You missed out the best all rounder by a mile. It costs less than $10₩ has an R rating of over 5, folds up really small and is hugely comfortable. I will never use another, its the onetigris obsidian sleeping pad. Took it on a 10 day long distance hike in scotland recently and it was amazing

Can't recommend Sea To Summit Ether XT Insulated either. I've had 3 of them and 2 were constantly deflating and the 3rd had several sections blown up because of the outside temperature or pressure. Expensive and not reliable

The Oblivion?

Exped Ultra 5 and 7 are better comparison to the Xlite. They also make a mummy le version for gram weenies

Bros got $5k worth of sleeping pads right here 😂

Thousands tested?

There's no way you have 2024 sleeping pads there 😅

I don't think you sldefine budget correctly. Boone going camping 2 times a year pays 110 for a pad

Blimey, talk about out of ideas content-wise lol but I still watched it😅

All weights in this video are wrong. All these pads are heavier than indicated.

And yet no remark about the Dura 8R