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How to choose a sleeping mat that you won't regret and 9 recommended items Use it wisely according to the season and the occasion

Yasushi Hisatomi

Sleeping mats come in a variety of shapes, features and prices. Use according to the season and scene

Sleeping mats (pads), which are so-called outdoor mattress, are an important piece that greatly influences the quality of your bed, as it is no less than a sleeping bag when you lie down on uneven surfaces.

Speaking of mattresses, it was 20 years ago, and I'll never forget it. This is an automatic inflating model from Thermarest, which I purchased with a sacrificing part-time job fee (nearly 10,000 yen). At the time, I had only used thin silver mats before, and honestly I was sure this would be invincible on mountain nights. However, his ambitions brutally disappeared a few months later, along with countless traces of punk. As you can see from the moment you think about it, I was in the wrong when I was laying it on the ground with pebbles lying around (I thought it might be fine...).

What I'm trying to say here is that the sleeping pads that are placed as cushions under the sleeping bag when camping or overnight climbing are not necessarily "high enough." There are a wide variety of sleeping pads in a wide range of price ranges, from roll mats that cost around 1,000 yen on the bottom to expensive models that cost over 30,000 yen on the top, but there is a high chance that you will suffer if you choose not only the price but also the structure and characteristics of the different types due to differences in type.

So this time, we've put together a summary of how to choose a sleeping pad that won't go wrong with it, and we've chosen the latest model recommended by our editorial department, who has been sleeping on a sleeping pad for over 20 years. We hope this will help those who are lost in mattress find a unique piece that suits the situation and style of use.

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9 items for backpacking sleep pads recommended by the editorial department

First, our editorial department will introduce some recommended models that you can't be sure to choose for these scenes and purposes.

Best for 3 seasons: NEMO Tenser Insulated Regular Mummy

●NEMO Equipment Tenser Insulated Regular Mummy NM-TSI2-RM [Sleeping Pad/Outdoor/Camping]

Neemo's air pad mattress, updated in 2022, is a highly balanced, well-made piece that delivers in addition to its lightweight, compact and convenient construction that is typical of the brand, as well as excellent comfort and insulation. The baffle design, which can be seen as horizontal or vertical, provides a great sleeping experience that compensates for both the shortcomings. The latest model also has a significant improvement in R values, providing ample warmth to bring to the mountains in mild winters. The only concern is the thin fabric of 20D.

Best for 4 Seasons: Therm-a-Rest Neo Air X Thermo

THERMAREST Outdoor Mattress Neo Air X Thermo R Value 6.9 Vapor Regular [Japanese Genuine Product] 30059
created by Rinker
THERMAREST

Its top-class high insulation (R value 6.9) is clearly different from other pads. In short, while other pads "do not let the temperature go," this pad feels like it's "heating." Furthermore, the lightweight and compact size, and the new valve makes it extremely convenient to put in and take out air. If I had to say, I would say that the slightly crunchy sound would be bothering me. The price is not at all low, but for those who want to use it all year round, it is worth it.

Best for Summer Season: Therm-a-Rest Neo Air Uber Light

THERMAREST Neo Air Uberlight Winglock Valve Regular 30052 [Genuine Japanese Product]
created by Rinker
THERMAREST

If you understand the value of its incredible lightness of 250g and a reasonably satisfactory insulation of an R value of 2.3, you will understand the greatness of this model. This is the lightest air mattress class, offering a lightweight, compact and comfortable feel that is surprising when you consider it to be a summer only option. Needless to say, it offers the best choice for fast and lighter hikers and alpinists, where lightness is justice. Be careful of extremely thin fabric (15D) to break, but if you use it in conjunction with a thin closed cell mat to compensate for its durability and heat retention, it should be useful in a considerable season all year round.

Comfort Vest: Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat

SEA TO SUMMIT Comfort Plus SI Mat (Regular) ST81112
created by Rinker
SEA TO SUMMIT

From my experience, I think that if you consider only the comfort of your sleeping experience, there is no mattress better than a self-inflatable type. Of these, this model is the most comfortable sleep with the weight you can carry around with. The thickness (8cm) is as thick as an air mattress, and provides a natural, low-resilience sleeping experience that is similar to a flat, stiff bed. It is warm enough to accommodate autumn and winter trekking. However, in a sense, weight and storage size are beyond the limit for mountain climbing purposes, so think of it as a mat suitable for camping or luxurious base camping.

Warmth (insulation) vest: EXPED ULTRA 7R MUMMY

EXPED ULTRA 7R MUMMY
created by Rinker

EXPED ULTRA 7R MUMMY the ultimate in insulation sleeping pad that you'll definitely want to bring with you when climbing in the harsh winter . This season, the entire lineup has been organized and revised, and the ultra-lightweight, high-end model, the 7R Series, has been designed to provide a light insulation that is easy to remove by sealing down 700 Fill Power inside. The vertical baffles are slightly raised on both sides, making them less likely to slip off sideways, and are thick enough to support your body firmly. Perfect for winter camping and hiking for people who are cold.

Best Cost Performance: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Regular

[Domestic genuine product] [Big Agnes] Insulated Air Core Ultra Regular Orange Air Mat Lightweight Compact Filled with Insulation (Padded) 3 Seasons PIACUR20

There are probably many different opinions regarding what to consider for the high and low cost performance, but what we've considered this time is how high R values ​​can be secured with a limited budget, or "unit price per R value." In that respect, this one card is very cost-effective (so much so that I think the person in charge had a bug). Speaking of 4.5, it has enough insulation to be used almost all year round even when climbing. Despite this, the prices are cheaper than competing products in the thousands. If I were to be greedy, I feel sad that if I had a mommy type, I could have reduced the weight even more, but that makes it more comfortable to sleep on, so I think this is understandable.

Personally my favourite Air Pad Mattress: Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated Mat

Seatto Summit UltraLight Insulated Mat Regular SEA TO SUMMIT UltraLight InsulatedMat R ST81173 Air Mat Sleeping Mat Camping Outdoor Festival [Genuine Product]
created by Rinker
¥24,420 (as of 20:47:41, 2025/04/28, 20:47:41, Rakuten Market research - details)

Here, apart from the general department, I will introduce my personal favorite mattresses for each type. In addition to the exquisite overall balance between lightness, warmth and ease of use, the Sea to Summit Ultra Light Insulated Mat Our unique "Air Sprung Cell" technology allows the area to dent in one place with your weight, but the surroundings do not get raised, providing a stable sleeping experience, just like a pocket spring mattress, despite being an air mattress. This unspeakable comfort has not yet been repainted with any other air mattress.

Personal favorite Self-inflatable mattress: Therm-a-Rest Pro Light Plus

I've been using this mattress (and its derivative model) for decades, but its good balance and high level of perfection are still intact. Although it is certainly light and compact than air pad types, this pad is attractive because it balances warmth, comfort (non-quirky), durability, and price, making it easy to recommend for first-time users. This new valve has become even more convenient to use, providing a comfortable night for most mountain trips in spring, summer and autumn.

[Up to 2,000 yen off coupon available until 1:59 on Thursday, April 28th] Thermarest ProLite Plus Regular TMR30076 ProLitePlus Cayenne Sleeping Mat
created by Rinker
¥22,000 (as of 2025/04/29 02:39:45, Rakuten Market research - details)

Personal favorite Closed cell mattress: NEMO Switchback Regular

NEMO (Nemo Equipment) Switchback Regular NM-SWB-R
created by Rinker
Nemo Implementation (NEMO)
¥7,990 (As of 16:11:34, 2025, 2025, Amazon researched - Details)

Lightweight, easy to break, easy to install and store, and is reasonably warm for the price, making this a reliable piece that even beginners can use with confidence. Compared to air mats, it is thinner and harder and bulky storage size are certainly a drawback, but it also has DIY features such as cutting to suit your height and preferences to eliminate waste, making it perfect for through-hikers who are particular about weight reduction. It is also useful for underlaying the mountains in the winter.

How to choose: 5 points to check to wisely choose the best sleeping pad

Introduction: Two major roles of sleeping pads

Why is sleeping pads important for a comfortable bed? This is because this tool plays two important roles when sleeping in the mountains:

1: Flat and soften uneven and hard ground

No matter how leveled the tent is often, there are some pebbles and unevenness. This cannot be improved by just a tent ground sheet, and sleeping on the ground is by no means a pleasant experience.

In such cases, cushioning materials such as layers of air and sponge injected into the sleeping pads will make you forget about the uncomfortable sleeping experience. Just like the bed you sleep every day, the mat maintains an ideal sleeping posture with just the right amount of pressure distribution and just the right amount of stiffness, leading to a good night's sleep and is a major help in reducing fatigue.

The question of what's most comfortable is difficult to judge, as it may vary depending on the person's preferences and constitution, but in any case, the function of providing a flat, moderate softness is an indispensable element for the optimal mattress.

2: Block heat so that it doesn't take away your body temperature by the cold earth

It's not a big problem in the summer, but another important role of sleeping pads is to create an insulating layer between the cold ground and the body, so that your body temperature is not lost when you sleep.

When people are in contact with each other while sleeping, the heat always escapes (from the higher to the lower to the lower). At this time, the thermal conductivity of the surface that is in contact with is ground and dead air (air trapped so as not to move), is about 20 times different. In other words, there will be slight differences depending on the performance, but if you sleep on the ground without laying anything, you will lose 20 times more heat than sleeping on a sleeping pad.

By the way, sleeping bags (sleeping bags) are crushed by their weight, so when it comes to the bottom, it's not much different from sleeping on the ground without pads. That is why the "insulation function" of the sleeping pad is an essential element when sleeping, the lower the temperature.

Point 1: Choose the type of sleeping pad

Sleeping mats can be roughly divided into three types based on their structure. From left to right are air matte, self-inflatable, and closed cell types.

Now that you know the role and importance of sleeping pads, let's take a look at the key points to consider when choosing them. First of all, the most basic thing is that mattresses for mountain climbing and camping can be divided into three types depending on their structural differences.

Each of these types has its advantages and disadvantages, and when choosing a sleeping pad, you start by understanding the characteristics of these three types and choosing which one is necessary for you.

1) Closed cell (closed cell) pad

A closed cell mattress that is mainly made of polyethylene foam (a material made by foaming polyethylene into a sponge), which is used as heat insulation materials, and is mainly made from polyethylene foam. This is a classic type of mountain mat that is inexpensive, easy to install and tidy up, making it easy to use even for first-time users.

2) Air (injected) pad

This type forms an insulating layer and cushion by injecting air into the mat. The best advantage is that it has the highest insulation properties, thicker and provides comfort. For snowy mountains, there are models that include padding such as heat reflectors and down to enhance heat retention. On the other hand, if a hole is opened and a flat tire is also at risk of not being able to use it, so it is important to know the correct way to use it and how to use it.

3) Self-inflatable (semi-automatic inflating) pad

In addition to injecting air to ensure insulation and cushioning, the contents contain sponge made of urethane foam, so even without injecting air, it automatically expands to a certain extent and becomes a cushion. The appeal of this is that it takes advantage of both the closed cell and the air pad, which is automatic inflation and comfort (I personally think it's the most comfortable to sleep on), but it is surprisingly heavy and bulky, and there is a possibility that it will be incompatible with any problems. In any case, the patents of Thermarest have now disappeared and many manufacturers have released models with ingenuity.

These explanations are summarized in the table below.

material Closed Cell Pad Air (injected) pad Self-inflatable (semi-automatic inflatable) pad
image
Cushioning △ ◎ ◯
Sleeping comfort △ ◯ ◎
Heat retention per weight △ ◎ ◯
Durability ◎ △ △
price ◎ △ ◯
Compact △ ◎ ◯
weight ◯～◎ ◎ ◯
Installation and tidying up ◎ △ ◯
Non-slip ◎ △ ◯
Other benefits
  • You can customize the size later, such as cutting to the desired length.
 ? ?
Suitable scenes and uses
  • If you are purchasing for the first time or you still don't know which one to choose in the end
  • When you are particular about light weight during a snowless season
  • Use as a bed when used in cold seasons such as snowy mountains, when used in combination with air pad types etc.
  • When focusing on lightweight lightness in low temperatures such as winter mountains
  • When used in conjunction with closed cell types in snowy mountains
  • If you want to prioritize comfort over lightness when climbing in the spring to autumn seasons
  • When prioritizing comfort without worrying about weight, such as auto camping

Point 2: Choose the heat retention that is suitable for your usage situation

Check the "R value" written in the catalog

If you've ever had a cold night in a tent in winter, you'll understand the importance of a mat's heat retention better than anyone else. called R-VALUE for determining how warm the mat is enough to choose

the R value is a quantification of the mat's "insulation (difficult to transfer heat)". The higher the pads, the less heat is transferred, the higher the insulation, the more warm the pads. For example, if you are hiking low mountains in the middle of summer, you can choose a mattress with a low R value, or a mattress with a high R value when climbing in the harsh winter, so you can choose a mattress that is suitable for your purpose.

In fact, these numbers were previously calculated using a unique method of each company, and were somewhat unreliable as a standard, but from 2020 onwards, the international standard ASTM (ATSMF3340-18) was adopted, and manufacturers selling products at least in the United States began to write R values ​​in accordance with this ASTM. This allows manufacturers to directly compare warmth.
*However, in Japan today, there is no obligation to indicate the R value of the ASTM standard, so when comparing R values ​​in the future, be sure to be aware whether the value is measured using the ASTM standard.

So, what R value can you actually handle and how much? Some manufacturers have created convenient correspondence tables for R values ​​and seasons of use. For example, the diagram below isR-value guides posted on the Sea to Summit website(As of April 26, 2022).

 

In my personal experience, I have broadly classified the R value (warmth) of mattress into four categories: summer, spring, autumn, winter, and harsh winter. The following table summarizes it:

I don't think I'm particularly hot or colder than other people, but the way I feel the heat and cold varies from person to person, and it also depends on the condition of the ground, the breathability of the tent, and the performance of the sleeping bag, so the table below does not necessarily apply to anyone at any time. The correspondence between R values ​​and temperature is not absolute, but rather the differences in their own individual's senses and relative performance are essentially different.

R value Estimated night temperature Suitable seasons and uses
～2.0 About 5°C or more Summer Ultra Light
2.0～4.0 Approx. 5 to -5℃ Spring to Autumn Trekking
4.0～5.0 Approx. -5 to -10℃ Autumn to Winter Trekking
5.0～ Approx. -10℃ or less Winter mountain climbing during severe winter

R values ​​can be added by stacking them.

Even if the individual R values ​​are not high, stacking them makes them sufficient to handle low temperatures.

Even if you only have a mattress that is not thick or contain no insulation material, if you have multiple mattresses, you can use two or more pads stacked together as shown in the photo above, and the R values ​​of each will be combined, resulting in improved insulation. Therefore, it is a good idea to remember that even if you don't need to purchase a new mat with a high R value, stacking items with a low R value will be enough to accommodate even in seasons where the temperature is low.

Point 3: Comfort (length, width, shape, thickness, surface)

Length: The most comfortable thing is your height or higher. We also deliberately use a short size to reduce weight.

If you want to sleep on a comfortable mat, is to choose a size that is larger than your height, which covers everything from your head to your feet

However, if you've become accustomed to sleeping in the mountains to some extent, and are taking it on a hike in warm seasons (where the need for pads is relatively low), a good idea to take the plunge and choose a "small size" that is shorter than your height . In this case, the area the pad covers is about the waist (around 120cm), and you can cut off your luggage by placing an empty backpack on the lower body and using it as a mattress.

Depending on the make and model, there are various lengths and widths available.

This will significantly reduce weight and capacity, leading to weight reduction in luggage , making it a choice worth considering for those interested in weight reduction. It's important to get a good night's sleep, but it's just as important to walk without straining your lighter luggage. It's a challenge that takes courage in the cold season, so we recommend starting little by little in the season when there's less risk of getting cold.

Width and shape: Wide and rectangular to emphasize comfort, or narrow and mummy-shaped to emphasize lightness

In terms of covering the minimum area, a minimum width of just over 50 cm, which is the width of your mattress, is enough . Furthermore, the sleeping pad shape, which is the most wasteful, is the concept that it is sufficient for the lower body to be on top of the body, is a "mummy-shaped" shape as shown in the photo below.

The top is a mummy type. The bottom is rectangle (rectangular)

Alternatively, in extreme cases, there is a tube-shaped model in which parts other than the points that are subjected to weight are hollowed out. However, in this case, the lightness is certainly not surprising by removing the excess parts as much as possible, but on the other hand, you also need to be prepared to not complain about comfort.

Naturally, the drawback of this size is that it is difficult to turn over in bed, and if it slips out even a little, your body will fall off the mat If the size is just over 10 cm wide, these cramps will dramatically improve and provide a more comfortable sleeping experience, and some people can't forget the comfort of their sleeping position, and they always choose a wide size.

The wide type, which makes it difficult for your arms to fall down and makes it easy to turn over, can sometimes make you realize that it is surprisingly comfortable when you actually sleep.

If the shape is wider than the mummy type and has no quirks, it will be more secure as it feels like a bed. Again, there is a need to choose a trade-off between achieving comfort or being lightweight and compact.

Thickness and surface: A comfortable mat is not just thick.

The thickness of the sleeping pad alone is not enough to make it comfortable. Check comfort with thickness and surface fit.

The thicker the mattress, the more cushioned it is, so it should be more comfortable to sleep on. It's true that thicker than thinner, and in that sense it's not wrong. However, one of the difficult things about choosing pads is that it is difficult to say that the thicker the more comfortable the pads are. Just as some people like high rebound like springs in beds, others like low rebound that fits the body, sleeping pads need a minimum thickness, but at the same time, the "surface fit (unevenness and feel)" is important.

For example, in the case of air pads, the surface affects the shape of the baffle, which is the air divider, and comes in a variety of shapes, such as border-like, stripes, dot-like, and hybrids, each with its characteristics, such as fit and slipperiness. By the way, my favorite was the surface of the dot-shaped air pad, but to be honest, this is probably the only part of my preferences.

Air mat types have different surfaces depending on how the air is trapped. It is best to try it out in bed to see which one fits you best.

In addition, self-inflatable pads generally have a flat surface and a comfortable fit like a memory foam mat, providing the most quirky, comfortable sleeping experience. This model is thick enough for this type, but it is extremely heavy, but it is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It is mainly available in a wide range of luxurious mattresses for auto camping.

Point 4: Weight and storage size

The weight of the sleeping pad is light and compact, but instead, you need to know that you may need to compromise on something, and when choosing, you should think about what you can compromise on based on what you want to prioritize.

In general, air pad types are lighter and more compact than any type, but tend to be inferior to self-inflatable types in terms of comfort and price, and closer to closed cell types in terms of durability and price. Also, even if you compare within the same type, if the R value is the same, the lighter and more compact the fabric tends to be thinner and weaker.

The difference in storage capacity between closed cells and other parts is obvious. On the other hand, there is not much difference between air pads and self-infrating.

Point 5: Easy to inflate and remove

Air inlets vary depending on the manufacturer. Basically, the key is that it can let in and out a lot of air at once and has a mechanism such as a check valve, but there are other pros and cons, such as ease of insertion, ease of removal, difficulty breaking, and ease of folding, which is a concern.

For types other than closed cells, sufficient insulation cannot be achieved without injecting air into the pad. This air injecting process is a bit tedious and it will lead to happiness in finding a model that can reduce this task as much as possible.

For example, the self-inflatable type automatically injects air to a certain extent when the valve is opened, but in reality, most of the air has to be blown in, and in that sense, the amount of effort required is not that different from the air pad type.

Pump sacks are becoming standard equipment for air pads. Experience this ease of use so comfortable that you don't feel like injecting air from scratch through your mouth.

More recently, it is more important to check two points: "If the air holes are larger, it is easier to inject and drain air into and out," and "If a pump sack for air injection (or whether it is sold as an option)." This makes the injection speed more than doubled, and air injection is much easier without unnecessary moisture from exhalation.

In reality, pump sacks may be of superiority or inferiority depending on the manufacturer. There are small details, but if you have the time, I'd definitely check it out.

summary

Sleeping pads vary in shape, features, and prices depending on their purpose and purpose. This time we did not mention camping models that are more luxurious, but if you include them, there is an even wider range of options.

To repeat, you won't be able to buy the perfect sleeping pad if you pay, so it's best to choose the right person and the right place for you, depending on your usage environment and purpose. In other words, to choose the best pads all year round, it is wise to ultimately have multiple mats and choose or combine them to suit your mountain climbing. It may be a hassle, but that is one of the best things about climbing mountains.

Good luck to all those lost sleeping pads.

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