Looking for recommendations on inflatable sleeping pads thay meet a few criteria. Small form factor when packed down, neutral non high vis color, durable and easily field repairable. I’m also pretty tall, but I’m used to my feet hanging off the end of cots/bunks etc so thats not a huge deal. Mainly just looking for an inflatable pad thats easy to pack out in a ruck and can fit inside of a lightfighter tent. What are ya’ll using?
Maybe a Therm-a-rest NeoAir XTherm NXT MAX? That being said, it’s not the quietest of pads, if noise discipline is an issue, and at the end of the day, while it might be tough for an inflatable sleeping pad, it’s still gonna need some babying. I have the last generation of that pad, and I’m on my second one in over a decade, first one developed a couple of pinhole leaks through the years. It’s quite warm, packs down decently, fairly light, but definitely crinkly if you move on it.
No experience with full on inflatables, but there are tutorials that show Seamgrip + Tenacious Tape being used for fast field repair on them.
https://www.gearaid.com/products/seam-grip-sealant-waterproof-repair-kit
I have used the combo on self inflators and Seamgrip in other applications and give the kit a thumbs up.
I’ve been using Thermarest for over 25 years and have been happy with it. Combination of closed cell foam and inflatable gives decent comfort and great insulation from the ground. It rolls up tight enough to strap onto a pack with no issues.
There are a lot of good ones out there now a days. Therm-a- rest, Nemo, Exped, Sea to Summit…They will all be a bit noisy. If you’re looking for one that’s not a bright color, check out Zenbivy. I have their light version and I’m very happy with it. Their largest size is 30”x80”. Whatever kind you get, I recommend something with at least a 4r value and no less than 25” wide. Mine rolls up pretty small. If I’m packing a lot of stuff, sometimes instead of rolling it, I just fold it flat and then it takes up almost no space.
I would also recommend a pump for inflating. Some have a stuff sack with a valve that you can use to inflate it. Moisture from your breath can make the insulation get funky. Also if it’s cold and you blow it up with your breath, after the air from your lungs cools down to the air temperature your pad will feel like it deflated some. I just got this pump and I love it!
I’ve been backpack hunting for 10 years and used a handful of pads…to me the best all around is the sea to summit pads. Various models depending on season/temps and different sizes.
I’m curious why the need to have neutral colors?
I’ve used Exped & Nemo inflatable sleeping pads for over a decade mainly because they’re more comfortable & significantly lighter. Before that used the self inflating type of Thermarest, before that closed-cell foam pads. All of the inflatable pads I’ve used have been noisier than the foam & self inflatables (old Thermarests). But for me are much more comfortable.
Both Exped & Nemo make models that are muted colors, although I think the lightest models from both are bright colors.
The Nemo pad I currently have came with it’s own inflation bag. The Exped pads don’t - I had to purchased separately (a “Schnozzel”). Either is so much fast/better than inflating by mouth.
If you have an REI nearby definitely go and test some out. Plus excellent return policy.
Others have mentioned some of the best brands already so for a little cost savings I’ll recommend klymit.
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Need muted colors as I’m active duty mil and will be using it at work so I have to make sure its muted and not high viz. We have issued sleeping mats however they are extremely thin and I already have hip pain resulting from an injury. When sleeping on the ground I need more lift off the hard surface otherwise I’m in a lot of pain the next day.
Been looking at the suggestions so far and its a ton of great information. Thanks guys
When they don’t leak or have holes the old Vietnam-era GI air mattress (the “Rubber Bitch”) was pretty comfortable (especially if you have hip issues). I still have mine.
When you eventually develop a leak or hole you’ll have to hold the inflated mattress down in your bathtub to find the bubbles, dry, then patch with Shoe Goo or Gore-Tex waders glue and a patch
The grey GI Ensolite closed-cell roll-up pad replaced them because they weren’t / aren’t especially durable. The brown Marine folding accordion pad stores better but isn’t any more comfortable.
For me the Thermarest pad is just OK. A cot is nicer, but not if you’re dismounted and packing it in your ruck.
https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/uploads/monthly_05_2012/post-5-1337114713.jpg
You can also stick something like this under an inflatable to give extra protection.
https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/goodnight-eva-1-8-foam-pad/
If the main gets punctured it would also be nicer waking up on 1/8" of foam instead of 1/64" nylon/polyester.
Unfortunately the large foam pads don’t work well for me, I have to pack a lot of stuff out with me so a rolled or folded foam pad takes up a lot of space that I need for other essential gear and I’m limited to about 4000 Cubic Inches of pck space
Can you not strap it to the outside?
These things have gotten insane on price, but they pack small.
https://www.theoutdoorgearreview.com/2021/03/the-awesome-german-army-folding.html?m=1
I suspect a business will knock those off to get the price down to somewhat reasonable before long.
Yes they can be strapped to the outside. However whenever we go out there generally a lot of thick/brambly underbrush and things of that nature so they get shredded pretty quick. I try and keep everything inside the pack so it doesn’t get wrecked in the bush.
I’ve not had a lot of damage with foam in Holly and briars, but it does happen.
Something like the German mat might work for you since it folds in half and can be stuck under most straps and stay within the planes of the pack sides without sticking out to the sides like most foam mats will.
I’ll scour the web and see if I can find one, its worth a shot, since it folds flat I can probably fit it inside the pack as well since it could possibly fit against the walls of front or back of the pack. And like you said, if the inflatable pad fails a little bit of insulation is better than zero
I’ve been using a similar 1/8” mat to the one linked earlier from Gossamer Gear. I cut it to 3/4 length and put it under my inflatable mat. It will add a bit more R-VALUE, but the main reason I pack it is to give more protection to the inflatable pad and as a sit pad for glassing while hunting. https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/shelters-sleeping-pads/products/thinlight-foam-pad
As for the muted colors, the pads that come to mind are from Klymit. They are actually pretty durable and I found it to be comfortable…and should be packable enough, but they aren’t the lightest. Price was pretty good too…but I used them almost a decade ago so hopefully that all still stands true.
Another thin pad option
Camping Mat Foam Foil Blanket for Camping Foam Pad Insulating Foil Mat Sleeping Tent Pad Thermal Aluminum Camping mat for Reflecting Heat Amazon.com
The pad I bought waa listed as no longer available a few weeks after receivinf it so if the link is no longer available just use some terms like foam foil pad mat.
Those mats are basically the same material as car windshield shades, thin foam sandwiched inside thin aluminum foil with a fabric edge binding.
Got it for hammock camping(used inside a double bottom hammock sleeve) and finally getting some cool nights. I have been ok in to the low 50’s, but 44° with light breeze woke me up.
I assume the thin pad could do ok as ground insulation to quite a bit lower based on using a chunk of a windshield shade as a seat on winter(30° to 40°) hiking trips several years ago.