How to Choose a Sleeping Pad and Sleeping Bag

What Sleeping Pad Should I Buy for Backpacking?

When looking for a sleeping pad for backpacking there are a few things to consider such as price, weight, and the season in which you will be camping. Sleeping pads are assigned a R value, which determines its warmth. The higher the R-value, the warmer you will be while sleeping. For instance, I own a sleeping pad that has an R-value of 1.3, which I like due its affordability and weight, but I would never use it outside of summer months. My warmest sleeping pad has an R-value of 6.9.

* As an Amazon Associate I earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases, which helps support this blog.

Best Value for Cold Weather Camping: I have tried four different sleeping pads now, and I like them all for different reasons. The first one I ever purchased was during my car camping years, but I have used it for backpacking, and I still think its a solid pad for the price. It is the ALPS Mountaineering Comfort Series sleeping pad. I have had it for almost seven years, and it has not had any punctures, which I find astonishing, for the amount I have used it. It is made of extremely durable material, is comfortable, and quick to inflate. Its downside is being pretty heavy and bulky for backpacking, weighing in at 2.6 pounds. It rolls up and has compression straps, but it is much too large to fit inside my pack, so I strap it on to the outside with my backpack’s built in straps. It also has a pretty decent R-value of 4 (5.5 and higher is considered very well insulated).

Best for Lightweight Backpacking on a Budget: When I started to fly to different locations to backpack, the ALPS would not work, since it did not fit in my bag. I bought an affordable compact sleeping pad instead, Klymit’s Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad. It packs down much smaller and lighter than the ALPS, and only 25 ounces, and has a R rating of 4.4. I also found this one very comfortable, but it does not seem as rugged, and more prone to getting holes than the ALPS. It does come with a patch kit. My husband has the Klymit Static V, which is even lighter, at only 18.6 ounces, and packs down even smaller. However, it only has an R-value of 1.3, and should only be used for warm weather camping.

Best for Extreme Cold: I have slept in cold weather enough to know that I do no like it, and I was sick of always shivering in my sleeping bag. I finally decided to splurge, and go for the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad. With an R-value of 6.9, it has kept me toasty warm, even when temperatures dipped into the low 30s. It also weight only 15 ounces, and takes a surprisingly small amount of space in my pack.

What Sleeping Bag Should I Buy for Backpacking?

I am going to start off by saying that I only purchase synthetic bags. While synthetic bags are typically heavier and bulkier than down bags, I choose not to buy down products, for ethical reasons. Synthetic bags do have their upside however, besides being cruelty free. They also are superior when hiking in wet weather, as they still insulate when wet and dry faster than down. Also note that many brands make “men’s” bags and “women’s” bags. The women’s bags are usually heavier (more insulation), shorter, and may vary in shape.

Best Value for Cold Weather Camping: Back when I was car camping, and thinking of backpacking someday, I purchased the Teton Leef 0°. Whenever you buy a sleeping bag, you want to add 10-15 degrees for comfort. I have used this bag in the upper 20s/ lower 30s, but probably would not be comfortable with anything colder. This bag is heavy at 4.2 pounds, and is bulky at almost 20 liters when compressed, but it is also very affordable at less than $80. I have used it backpacking (for 5 nights) before purchasing a different bag, and managed just fine, although it might be too heavy and bulky for longer trips.

Best Lightweight Sleeping Bag: If you are looking for something that packs down smaller and weighs less than the Teton Leef, Sea to Summit’s Venture 32° bag is only 2lbs 6.4 oz and when compressed, takes up only 6.6 liters. However, it is not for cold weather camping, and is considered a two season bag. If you want something a bit warmer, try the 23° model, that weights just over 3lbs and still compresses to 7.6 liters. I have not tried this bag yet, but I have two of Sea to Summit’s sleeping bag insulators and I have no doubt that their bags are as high of quality.

Best Sleeping Bag for Side Sleepers: I recently purchased the Nemo Forte 35°, as I was looking for something that packed down smaller than my Teton Leef, and was more comfortable for side sleepers. The Nemo bags are different than the classic mummy bags, as they are much wider at the hips, making them suitable for side sleepers. It is really difficult side sleeping in most mummy bags, and this has always bothered me with my Teton Leef. The Nemo also has thermal vents, that you can unzip when you are getting too warm. It weighs in at 2lbs 9 0z and compresses at 6.7 liters. I really like this bag, but because I camp so often in high elevations and in cold weather, I also tried the Nemo Forte 20°. This bag is of course bulkier and heavier, as it has extra insulation. It weights 3lbs 4 oz and is 11.7 liters compressed. It does seem much bulkier, as I could no longer carry it on the outside of my bag, as it was too big for the straps.