Testing and Comparing 6 Sleeping Pads (Backpacking Insulation Part 1) 

Question: What’s the coldest temp you’ve ever camped in, and did you stay warm?

First off, I like your scientific approach to this topic. It's very interesting. But, there's something you need to understand about how IR Cameras operate. They measure the thermal radiation being emitted from an object, but depends highly on the emissivity of the object (or the effectiveness of the object to emit radiation). Surfaces vary in emissivity from 1.0 (perfect blackbody) to 0.1 (shiny copper). The different surfaces of the sleeping pads may have been throwing off the temperatures being measured by the camera. A better test would have been to place a lightweight strip of fabric or even electrical tape (e~1.0; this is what thermographers use) across the surface of the pad and measure the temperature there. I also agree with the others that a common range or color template would have been a good idea, for comparison purposes. I'm looking forward to the next video. Thanks.

Appreciate the extensive testing as always Paul! You have one of the most intricate and detailed outdoor channels I've found, both in content value as well as production value. Amazing research and work! Keep it up!

I own or have tested the Exped Downmat UL, Nemo Tensor Alpine and Tensor Insulated, Sea to Summit Etherlight XT, and Thermarest XTherm (all in long-wide) so I can give you points of comparison with the pads in this review. Of the pads he tested that I own, I concur with all of his findings. Measured pad specs in LW (77"x25"): Downmat UL 11.5"x5.5", 34.1oz, R-7.2; XTherm 10x4.5", 27.7oz, R-6.9; Tensor Alpine 9.5"x3.5", 26.2oz, R-4.8; Etherlight XT 10"x5" (12"L with the pump sack at the end), 25.5 oz, R-3.2. The Etherlight is by far the most comfortable (especially for side sleepers), Tensor is second (the Alpine feels the same), Downmat UL is third, and XTherm fourth (though still relatively comfortable even at only 2.5" thick). As a side-sleeper I have to air-down the pads enough to conform but still keep me off the ground. They all loose considerable R-value when you do this, except for (amazingly) the XTHERM. The Downmat UL has a higher R-value of 7.2, but performs second in this regard because it only uses down for insulation, and is equivalent to having an uncompressed down bag underneath you, so it's R-value will be relative to it's thickness. The Tensor and Tensor Alpine live up to their R-value only when fully inflated, but get very noticeable and uncomfortable cold spots under the hips and shoulder when you air-down (as the spots without foil get closer to the ground and transfer more heat). I still feel these cold spots even with a Nemo Switchback R-2 closed cell foam pad underneath in anything below 30-35 degrees. I can comfortably use the Etherlight and Tensor down to these temps if I put the foam pad ON TOP of the air pad (don't ask me the thermodynamics of this, but it's a tried and true method). Below 30 deg I use the Downmat or XTherm, and anything below 15 deg I use them in combination with a foam pad (mainly to keep from dying if the air pad pops). Tensor and Alpine are both very quiet and are the most compact of these pads but the material is very thin. Love these pads for cool to warm weather but I've had two go flat on me, either from pinhole leaks or air leaking out of the valve. The valves can be somewhat annoying. It's second only to the Etherlight in speed and ease of inflation, but the valves can be hard to open and close, and sometimes the 'deflate' valve pops out when your'e trying to open the 'inflate/adjust' valve (they are nested) and dumps the whole pad, and the 'inflate/adjust' valve sometimes doesn't seal (leaks). The Longbow Alpine version may prove to be more robust though 9 oz heavier. Etherlight is the fastest and easiest to inflate and adjust. It's well made and uses thick enough materials not to be too concerned about punctures. Though not as quiet, compact, and light as the Tensor, for me the trade-off for comfort and reliability is worth it. This is my favorite pad by far for luxurious mild-weather backpacking. XTherm is my go-to pad for cold weather despite not being the most comfortable or quiet--simply because I have the most confidence in the warmth, materials, and valve (they are the most robust), it has the best weight to R-value ratio, and it's still more comfortable than 80% of the other backpacking pads out there. Yes, it's by far the loudest, but I don't really notice when I use it in cold temps because I'm in a thick bag wearing a beanie and I can't hear anything anyway. Your tent-mate however may be annoyed. Downmat UL would be my #1 cold weather choice if I were a quilt user. It has the most comfortable materials (almost fuzzy), is quick and easy to inflate and adjust, and though vertical baffles are not my favorite, is quite comfortable. Plus the raised side baffles help keep you on the pad. Downsides--it's the bulkiest, heaviest and has some users reviews reporting it popping in their tent and spraying feathers everywhere (I haven't experienced this myself--fingers crossed).

Always putting in the effort to give the most valuable videos in the backpacking world. Thanks for the effort.

You arexthe science teacher missed in so many schools! Interesting and detailed! Thank you

This was one of the most informative gear reviews I`ve had the pleasure to watch. Kept me interested through to the end. Excellent job! I really value fact based data driven analysis & review output. Especially your innovative test set-up. Also appreciate your knowledge and experience of the products being reviewed. I am now a subscriber and look forward to getting and staying caught up with your content. Thank you!!!! Bob V

Great content! Love that you went through all heat loss mechanisms. How you use a pad makes a big difference as well, especially on snow. I camp in floorless tents in the winter. I dig a pocket for my inflatable in the snow (tensor insulated mummy) then overlay a 1cm smooth evazote pad on top (failsafe winter contingency, and improved comfort, really, bed-like). Total r-value 4.9 for the system. Snow often has a high air content, even as it compacts you don't need crazy high r-values to be comfy. I've been a couple times at -20 to -30 and was totally fine. Biggest issue at those temps is breathing comfort. Layering is a great concept for sleep systems as well, pads and bags. I do everything with a combination of a 0 degree bag, a 32 degree quilt and the two pads above.

Duuuuude! This is REALLY interesting, thank you for your effort to put this together!

Thanks for this video. I live in Canada and I try to avoid camping in the colder months, but it is the sound that they make that I can never find out until I buy one. Really appreciated you covering that aspect of these designs. Wish they had a noise rating like they do for thermal ratings.

I have been rocking the klymit static v unisulated for years and I use it all 4 seasons. When it's going to be below 40 degrees I just lay my mylar emergency blanket (which I ALWAYS carry two of when I backpack anyways) underneath. It reflects a TON of heat. Turns a 50 dollar pad into a winter pad for a buck 😉

One of the best sleeping pad videos I've seen. Thank you!!!!

I’m holding you to your promise and appreciate your efforts to keep the outdoors quiet! 😊

Great video, being a side sleeper I've been trying to narrow down my selection of a lightweight pad for a thru-hike. I appreciate you demonstrating pack size, weight, inflation, thermal properties (with explanation), noise, and your subjective views on comfort. Really helped.

Oh my gosh this was awesome! What a great video. All the nerdy details I needed to know. THANK YOU also for talking about noise levels, as well as comfort levels for a side-sleeper - those are relevant to my interests. =D

Loved your video and your methodology. I have 2 of the Static V Insulated Pads (different than the ones you are showing) and one has the older valve like you have and the second one I have is with their new valve system. The reason I have 2, is because my pad with the older valve made the same noise as yours and it sounded like air is escaping so I contacted Klymit and they sent me a new one with their new valve system and let me keep the old one and sure enough there is no noise on the new one. I think the air was only escaping within the pad and not out of it, but my point is it could be because of the old valve even though it doesn't sound like the sound is coming from it, but more importantly, Klymit was great to deal with and had amazing customer support. Thanks again for the great video.

This is the 2nd in a row of Greg topics and great comparison Vids you have done (that I have watched). Great work, thank you!

Thanks. Couple remarks: First, the scaling is different for all pads on the temp map. So it gives a skewed image (When it looks more blue, it gives the impression that it's better, but that is not necessarily true). Second, I think the heat reflection is meant to bounce it back up, not down. So you should probably have put the pads upside down on the heater.

Excellent Review! Probably the best one I have seen. I already have a pad I love (Nemo Tensor) and I still watched the whole video. Also cudos on breaking up and labeling the video parts in the scroll bar.

THANK YOU! It's refreshing to see more than just opinions on sleeping pads or camping equipment in general. I'm currently looking at sleeping pads and dry bags and the number of verbose and qualitative videos in which people DON'T submerge the dry bags or use any standard to say which product is better is baffling. Thank you again!

Brilliant video! I'd also love to see a tour of your camping gear storage system. That sleeping bag rack behind you looks interesting!

Great video! Most informative sleeping pad video I've seen.

Also, I am glad you mentioned ground temp vs air temp. I used my BA AXL (uninsulated) over the summer in the Sierras, and it got cool in the evening, 30s-low 40s, but had no issues staying cold. Fast forward to December, I hiked out i. A local area where the temps have been hovering around 30s-40s all day, and low 30s at night. The ground was colder, and I was doing crunches all night to stay warm.

I was literally about to buy the Static V UL insulated and I think I'll go with the Thermarest. Thank you for this video!

Best video ever I'm a winter time backpacker. This was so helpful! Thanks

That was so satisfying and informative to watch, cheers!

Thank you for the very thorough review. It really helped me with my pad selection (I chose a S2S). I wish you kept the charts and packed size in the same order as the opening line up all the time. It would've been easier to keep track of which is which.

I have the Nemo Tensor and I love it nothing beats its comfort plus its nicely warm and worth the extra weight

would love one on foam pads!

Wow, incredible work and detail on this video. Thanks for sharing. Absolutely subbed.

Thanks for making this! I was looking at getting the Klymit insulated one but given the gaps in the air pockets I don't think it'll insulate enough. Looking forward to the rest in this series!

Nice testing method. Thanks! However... :-) The idea behind the Static V design is such that the v-shaped grooves are filled with the sleeping bag material when you lay on them. So that’s how they turn out a bit warmer than you would expect based on your test. It’s probably not an enormous difference but from experience I can say the mat is not far off from my insulated Exped down mat.

I've used my Nemo Tensor for winter backpacking in the Grand Canyon for 3 nights and camping in the Sonoran desert, it was great!

I have the Static V UL and have used it out on the JMT with some nights getting down to the 30's. Didn't have any issues with cold from the ground.

Great info, super thorough. Love it, helps me out a lot!

I've been using my REI AirRail 1.5 for a few years now and it's pretty great. It has a claimed R-value of 4.2 and the inflated "rail" extensions on both sides of the pad (hence the name) does manage to keep me on the pad on most nights.

I have been waiting for a video like this! Thank you so much!

I tried to do something similar with 3 pads and a laser thermometer.... i was less successful in getting usable data. The R values mostly matched with relative performance! You killed it here with this video though!! Super informative and well done!!

I'd love to see you do a test with multiple mats, (close cell with a air mattress, maybe reflectix and an air mattress, etc). I would be curious to see which one is better next to the ground and/or which ones would be better next to your body. You have a great channel keep up the good work 👍👍

What a heartbreak!!!! The best insulated sleeping pad is also the one that will keep you up at night, because you think someone is eating sunchips! DANG. Thank you so much for this incredible video! Very thorough testing, with all the necessary details and no fuzz! Subbed :)

This is a very useful review. I hope you keep in making these videos as new equipment comes out. I would like to see one on hammock sleeping systems, including the cover and, shelters, like tents.

Love the channel! I wanted to start hiking with my son this summer and came across your videos. You are thorough in all your reviews giving us the background and science. Just a suggestion on another video idea. How about a video on a hiking watch. I'm not sure if you use one, but I was thinking of buying one, but I didn't know they were so expensive. Maybe a video on what to look for in a watch and what you found useful in a hiking watch would be a great video. Thank you for all your videos.

Great video thanks! The best explanation of heat loss works that I've heard

A very in depth review, excellently presented ! Cheers 👍

Awesome video. Found it very useful, very informative and fully of useful tips, advice and analysis. Thanks

Thank you so much for teaching the technical stuff! Really gave some explanations.

Excellent video. I use the tensor, very well pleased with its performance. Thanks.

Well done. Very comprehensive for my needs. I was considering purchasing one of the Nemo pads, but now know I would be unhappy. I am not for the noise these pads create, and have decided to forgo weight concerns for the quite foam style pads. Thank you 🙏🏼.

This is the best video on RU-vid for sleeping pad evaluation. Thanks so much! I have a Nemo Tensor wide pad. It's rated at R4.2. It's confortable, packs relatively small and is reasonably light. Also have a Big Agnes AXL mummy. It's only 20" at the widest point. My arms kept falling off and getting cold so I bought the Tensor in 25" width. My summer go-to pad is a knockoff of the Klymit V. It has a claimed R value of 2.2. Only 16 ounces and pretty comfortable for back sleeping. Price difference was about $100, and the quality difference is obvious. That said, I'm trying to lighten my load so when the weather/temps allow I go with the lighter pad. A tip; I use a silver mylar coated bubble wrap pad under my pad to increase R value. It's recycled packing material from Hello Fresh shipping container. (They no longer use it.) 2 ounces for a 22 x 60 inch piece.

Thanks.. very informative. I got the etherlight today and its soo Comfy! The Large One fits perfect for me.

Omg great work mate. Will be subscribing and checking out your other vids. Thanks so much. All the info I could ever want.

XTherm weight to R-value did it for me. I'll put up with the extra crinkles for a warmer night's sleep. Interesting to see it tested. Thanks!

Great to see some actual testing of sleep pads. Thanks for the Video

The test is great, RU-vid gold. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Interesting results. I did 10,000 miles around South America with the insulated static V (non-ultra lite). Camped up on the Bolivian Altiplano at over 4,000m. I actually found I was too warm more often then being too cold. I also found it very comfortable. I would have liked to see an Exped downmat added to the test list.

Awesome testing, glad to know my Nemo pad is near the top of your list!

I have the green seatosummit, went camping in the cold too - on the snow, there is no problem. Mine is perfect. And comfortable

Instant subscriber, you're awesome and the info is great!

FANTASTIC methodology! NEW member! (and Thanks!)

Perfect review! All I need in 1 movie. Thx!

This is a great comprehensive video. I learned a lot. Can't wait for part 2!

Great video. Who would have guessed the noise some of these make; most are a deal breaker for me except Klimit and Nemo.

Thank you for the information. I am happy with my Xtherm, bought it in 2018 and still using. It has a good size. Whenever I do an international flight I put in my bag just in case.

New fan, great video! I'm definitely in the market for a great sleeping pad for winter camping.

What a great video. Thanks a lot! You cover all the points of interest very well and you do a wonderful comparrison. I always thought it would be a good idea to put reflective layers within a sleeping mat, good to know it a thing. You even covered side sleeping (me), and the noise, which being interested in low profile and wildlife observation - low noise output, is a big concern for me (not to mention that I have mild autism). That squeak made me laugh out loud, btw! Again, thanks so much for this video, top notch review :)

Such a cool way to test these out!

Very, very interesting. Thanks a lot for the work and the video !

Thank you for the excellent comparative analysis.

That's a brilliant test! It was enough to sway me towards the Xtherm, instead of the Static V with isolation. I already have the Static V and I am quite happy with it. I wanted something warmer, but knowing there are also quieter options, then I'm interested.

Thanks so much for the tips! Sucks to have a bad night sleep case you’re uncomfortable then having to get out on the trail the next day.

Half way in, and smashed the Sub Button! Great Informations!

I've never seen this test done before. Thank you.

VERY well put together video,,. Awesome !!

Hello... Very interesting and well-done video... I'm retired and I hike a lot with at least a 7 to 10 days trek per month...To me, after all of these years, I only use now 2 to 3 superposed foam mattresses. The real problem of all of these 'inflatables' is that at a certain point it will be flat because of a hole, a melted side that leaks, the valve, patch that don't glue enough, long and hard to inflate especially on high altitude etc... I spent a lot of money in all of those, including military ones... My foam mattresses are big, make a big roll over my backpack, but they are light enough, insulated enough even in frigid temps, i'm all set in seconds, they make no noise at all, I saved a lot of crazy money and it works good nights after nights after nights. I also saved a lot of nerves spent insulting my 'deflated' inflatable mattress in the middle of the night at the top of a mountain during a freezing night, one after the others... Like that, I enjoy much better backpacking without problems...And I sleep well!

That's super interesting, really enjoyed this. Had done a lot of my own research but not testing before buying, and I have both the S2S Ether Lite and the Klymit static v insulated ultralight... I'm pleased to see your tests reflect a combination of my limited experience with those two pads and what I expected about the others (very nearly got the Nemo) - thanks so much :)

Very educational...thanks for explaining all of this!

I have the neoair x-term. I sleep very well. I sleep on the side. I think noise reduce over time and use. It is a little bit too warm in the mornings in a tent in the summertime when the sun is shining on the tent, but otherwise I love it. It is the best sleeping pad I have had so far.

Tu review lo tiene todo, me encantó!

That's a great use for the 3d printer bed! Definitely wouldn't have thought of that.

Cool yeah for sure! I slept on an uninsulated air pad for many trips. Probably lost 15 deg., could not use my bag as a quilt, but now with an insulated pad (R3+) I can.

Thank you very much. Decided for the S2S !

Probably the best video I've seen about inflatable sleeping pads, great test. Would've loved to see Exped tested too. I can confirm that with my experience, the old temperature ratings (that still some stores list) were often a bit too good to be true.

Great review. I would agree with you so much from experience also. I had a Thermarest and sold it, it was intrusively noisy and I rolled off it all the time. I use a Nemo Cosmo (primaloft insulated) for Kayak Camping and an Exped Downmat HL Winter for the winter backpacking. The Nemo is hands down the most comfortable pad I've ever used. I'm a big fan of Cascade Designs products, but not Thermarest Pads.

Great video. Thumbs up!!! Sounds like the Nemo Tensor of the Sea to Summit is the way to go for a three season pad.

Thank you so much ! This wasn’t jjst helpful but I enjoyed it and you truly reduced my pre purchase anxiety!! Thank you god bless always

Good test. I tend to just bring a closed cell pad, put my regular pad on top and now I magically have an "insulated" pad. You don't have to go bankrupt buying dedicated winter gear to go backpacking in colder weather. Bring an extra blanket, double up your sleeping pads, wear a hat and some warm heavy socks to bed. And carry a few hand warmers to fire off inside your bag if your particular version of the McGyver "winter" bag isn't cutting it at 2AM.

I'm not a backpacker, nor do I have plans to yet I enjoyed this very informative video.

Bought the Nemo Tensor last year bc I am a side sleeper and it was great on the trips we got in on the AT during late Fall. Never felt cold from below, noise is almost nonexistent , and it was very comfortable. My young boys have the static v and it is just too noisy for me but works for them. Nice review. Thanks.

Im in my last year of chemical engineering and couldn’t agree more with you about that heat transfer class comment lol... You couldn’t have explained it any better. Love the vids.

I'd for sure want to see this kind of video comparison done with the self-inflating sleeping pads. I'm curious to see what the differences will be; I have a sneaking suspicion there's a possibility of more thermal transfer (due to the interior expanding filler). Regardless, I'll keep an eye out if you get a video posted for the self-inflating genre of sleeping pads. Cheers

You deserved the like! Good work

I'm still using a Therarest I bought thirty years ago. It's one of the original ones and at about 25mm. thick, it still does what I bought it for. At the time, it cost nearly £50, but it's certainly paid for itself since then.

Thanks for this video. I would be very interested for you to do a video on closed-cell foam pads and self-inflating pads. I am a more budget minded hiker/backpacker and would love to see how more budget friendly pads (i.e. closed-cell/self-inflating, etc.) would do with these tests. Thanks again for all you do. Great video.

Wow! Nice work.

Outstanding review!

Great video. I love the sciency aspect. I've got a bunch of pads and two 6.9 R XTherms -- nothing compares.

Like you, I have the same two Klymit pads. They were my first ones and worked for what I was doing. Over time, I have developed into a side sleeper and have found the Paria Recharge XL (76 x 23 x 4, 4.7R, 26oz, $85) works best for me. I cannot sleep on a firm pad and the 4 inch thickness allows me to have a softer pad without hips or shoulders hitting the ground. I have used it in the mid 20s with my SD 20 degree backcountry bed and stayed plenty warm, actually a little too hot at one point. I wish I would have known about that pad before buying the other 4 I have in my basement. It's amazing how much money we waste on gear over time.

unique test, thank you great effort

What a fantastic video. Thank you for making it. 🙏👍👌

Great video. Since the past 2 weekends, both well below freezing, I've been trying to talk myself into picking up the xtherm.$$$$. My R-4 Big Agnes has been cold even with foam underneath. It may be the size, a lot stocks out side of my quilt. I'll miss the 4" but I'll enjoy the warmth. Invest in sleep.