An uncomfortable sleeping pad can make any hikers struggle with sleep even when they’re really exhausted. And how could one keep hiking or camping with a dizzy head and black eyes?
The list below will provide you all the best sleeping pads for a hammock to cherish your bedtime in the wilderness and thrive in your energy under the sun.
Here are the best sleeping pads for hammock (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
- Best Pad + Pillow Combo: HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad
- Best For Larger-Framed People: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Air Mattress
- Best Overall: Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad
- Best For Summer: KLYMIT Static V2 Sleeping Pad
- Best Hand-Press Inflatable Pad: AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad
| Best Sleeping Pad For Hammock: Top 6 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad | Read Our Review |
Best Pad + Pillow Combo | HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad | Read Our Review |
Best For Larger-Framed People | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Air Mattress | Read Our Review |
Best Overall | Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad | Read Our Review |
Best For Summer | KLYMIT Static V2 Sleeping Pad | Read Our Review |
Best Hand-Press Inflatable Pad | AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad | Read Our Review |
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads
Best Overall: Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
- Designed to fit comfortably any sleeping style
- Feature 20 denier thickness for extra warmth and durable to last longer
- Packed size is very compact and lightweight to not take much room in your backpack
- The valve doesn’t work greatly
- The top fabric is slightly slippery
We highly recommend the Sleepingo Camping Pad for everyone because it can fit any sleep position. You can even sleep diagonally on it as the pad features a reasonably round shape to curve flawlessly with most hammocks.
With 2” thick, it works greatly as an insulation barrier to keep your back from getting cold.
The most impressive is its packed dimensions, 8” x 3.5”, which is no different than a thin water bottle to take little room in your backpack.
It’s very durable as well with a 20 denier thickness and made of waterproof ripstop nylon fabric so, just no doubt on its lifetime, no matter in which conditions.
| Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 8 x 3.5 inches |
Inflated Dimension | 75 X 23 inches |
Weight | 14.5 ounces |
Weight Capacity | 350 pounds |
Highlight Features | 75 X 23 An impressive 20 denier thickness |
Specifically designed for any sleeping position and importantly, its curved shape fits nicely in all hammocks, no strange when the Sleepingo Pad brings home our Editor Choice Award.
Best Pad + Pillow Combo: HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad
- Versatile – can be used for sleeping and sitting with the best support and comfort for backache-free and no neck pain
- Include a free inflatable, soft pillow at an incredibly low price
- Still offer a good warranty
- Slightly noisy
- Pillow is slippery
- It slightly crinkles when you roll over
The HiHiker comes in a more versatile design than our top pick, which not only conforms to your body and keeps it warm but is also used while you sit to align your spine.
It can improve your sitting or sleeping posture and support your lumbar efficiently. So we believe for anyone who usually suffers neck pain or backache every time going camping, this would be the best solution.
It is waterproof, quick to inflate or deflate, and durable. It even includes a free inflatable pillow with a skin-friendly texture.
Above all, the most amazing thing might be its price – under $40, and despite such affordability, HiHiker still provides a 100% lifetime warranty against defects.
| HiHiker Camping Sleeping Pad Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 3” x 8” |
Inflated Dimension | 75” x 23” |
Weight | 14.5 ounces |
Weight Capacity | 240 pounds |
Highlight Features | 75”x23” 1.2 pounds |
It’s really hard to find a full, high-quality combo of inflatable pad and pillow at such a low price point, which is the reason why we highly recommend this option.
Best For Larger-Framed People: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Air Mattress
- Feature bigger and thicker size to provide extra comfort and convenience for big guys
- Work perfectly all year round, even in cold, wintry conditions
- A bit hard to deflate and store it
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir is the best sleeping pad that we’ve ever tested before.
It comes in the extra-large size of 77” x 25” and 2.5” ultra-thick to suit for any sleepers, especially the big-framed guys.
With this, you can wave goodbyes those unsatisfying moments when rolling over the pad and some pointy/parts of your body can “feel” the ground. Or, the restrictive feeling because it’s too small for you to shift comfortably.
Other notable features of this pad are the triangular core matrix baffled construction and reflective ThermaCapture technology.
This combo helps trap radiant heat, keep it stable while minimizing heat loss efficaciously so during near-freezing temperatures, rest the heart that you’ll still feel warm. The only drawback is its expensive price point so if your budget is on the table, we really suggest this product.
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Air Mattress Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 11 x 4.5 inches |
Inflated Dimension | 77 x 25 x 2.5 inches |
Weight | 20 ounces |
Weight Capacity | 250 pounds |
Highlight Features | Super lightweight Four-season inflatable sleeping pad Ideal for sleeping in cold Wintry conditions Reflective ThermaCapture technology; |
If you’re ready to pay for quality to get the best slumber while camping, Therm-a-rest NeoAir is our recommendation, especially for big-framed guys.
Manual Inflating Sleeping Pads
Best Overall: Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad
- Made with durability and sturdiness in mind to last longer
- Perfect size for small-framed sleepers with no pressure points penetrating the pad to the ground
- Slightly noisy
- Might be not supportive enough for heavy guys, 180 pounds or heavier
When setting out to test for the best manual inflating pad, our concerns were about firstly its performance as well as quality and secondly, the quick inflation.
But this bad boy was beyond our initial expectations.
It’s crafted completely from 200 ripstop woven nylon with a laminated PU coating and features an easy-to-use air valve that just takes a maximum of 15 breathes to inflate.
Considered its size and thickness, we think this is a good choice for small-framed sleepers to comfortably assume most gestures you would normally do with no pressure points touching the ground.
At a price under $45, there is even a free inflatable, non-slip pillow included for extra comfort. What else to ask?
| Outdoorsman Lab Camping Sleeping Pad Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 8 x 3 x 3” |
Inflated Dimension | 73 x 21.6 x 2.2” |
Weight | 16 oz. |
Weight Capacity | 250 pounds |
Highlight Features | R-value 2.2 73x21.6x2.2” Weighs only 16 oz |
Built with comfort, convenience, and durability, we find this Outdoorsman Lab sleeping bag is the best-overall manual inflating option specifically for small-framed guys.
Best For Summer: KLYMIT Static V2 Sleeping Pad
- Feature low R-value for less insulation, cooling you better to sleep outdoor at summer nights
- 12% lighter than most counterparts in this field – easier storage or packing
- Prevent you from falling out of the pad
- The valve is a bit difficult to lock
If you’re looking for summer comfort, the KLYMIT V2 is your pad.
It features very low R-Value, implying for little to no insulation to keep you not sweaty hot during a hot night sleep outdoor nor way too cold in the next morning.
It’s incredibly lightweight, too - just 16.33 ounces, which is considered 12% lighter than other KLYMIT versions. On top of that, you can easily inflate or deflate it within minutes.
Our most favorite thing about this product is its smart side rails integrated into the construction and patterning to inhibit air movement while shifting. As a result, it centers you on the pad for a secure and comfy slumber.
| KLYMIT Static V2 Sleeping Pad Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 3" x 8" |
Inflated Dimension | 72 x 23 x 2.5 inches |
Weight | 16.33 oz |
Weight Capacity | 250 pounds |
Highlight Features | Backpacker-friendly Weighs only 16. 33 oz. Dimensions: inflated 72 x 23 x 2. 5 inches V-chamber design |
Whether you’re a hot sleeper or about to have a summer camping trip, the KLYMIT V2 won’t make you disappointed.
Best Hand-Press Inflatable Pad: AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad
- The largest size and capacity at the most affordable price
- Distribute the inner air evenly for balance, support, and warmth, best for side or stomach sleepers
- Can be inflated by pressing, require no air bumps or blowing thing
- The fabric is a bit slick so you might slide around when sleeping on it.
Last up, and also the most affordable manual sleeping pad in our list – the AirExpect. It features the largest size, capacity, and especially, the innovative Hexagon Air Cell Design.
This addition helps distribute the pressure evenly and solves all your worries about “ice-butt” stuff or sore neck.
Another noteworthy feature is its advanced inflation technology.
All you have to do now is pressing and pressing. After several times, it will be inflated fully with no air leaking guaranteed by the manufacturer. No air pumps or blowing needed, which is effortless, if you say.
| AirExpect Camping Sleeping Pad Specifications | |
|---|---|
Packed Dimension | 9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches |
Inflated Dimension | 77 x 22 x 2.5 Inches |
Weight | 21 ounces |
Weight Capacity | 660 pounds |
Highlight Features | Weight capacity of 660lbs Compact & lightweight |
For the best hand-press sleeping pad for hammock to save more time and effort, the AirExpect is where price and quality meet.
How To Choose The Best Sleeping Pads For Hammock?
Inflatable Size
- The inflatable size of your hammock pad is dictated by your sleeping style. For example, while back sleepers can do well with standard-sized pads, side sleepers might want some additional width to feel comfy.
- From our testing, we realized that the sleeping pad’s length was quite various and to choose the right one, consider your height first.
- The next factor to think about how long your camping trip. It would be okay to bring a full-length pad for a 1 or 2-night trip. But on a several-week hike, that might not be practical at all.
Insulation & Warmth (R-Value)
- Your hammock sleeping pad is the thing that gives you warmth whenever the temperature drops. While the insulation level of a sleeping pad is dependent on its material, this feature is measured by “R-value”.
- The higher the indicator, the warmer the pad.
- So to know whether a sleeping pad is warm enough for you sleep on a particular condition, just pay attention to its R-value.
- If you intend to go camping on mountains or during the winter, R-value of 5 or higher is great but during the rest of the year, from spring to fall, just 2 or higher is enough.
Shell Material
- There are two common types of shell materials – foam pads and air pads.
- If you’re a budget-minded camper or hiker, a foam pad is the best go-to as it’s commonly more affordable than its counterparts. But in turn, you will have to accept that fact that it doesn’t last long as air pads and usually comes in bulky design.
- Air pads, as stated, is very durable and comfortable. Some models are even designed to be puncture-resistant or include a repair kit. However, such superior performance will equal higher cost.
Which Brands Make The Best Sleeping Pads For Hammock?
Therm-a-Rest
- Therm-a-Rest is the worldwide leather in outdoor comfort, founded in 1971 by three guys, including John Burroughs. This is a the best address for worldwide customers to get the most innovative assortment of outdoor comfort products, including sleeping pads.
Outdoorsman Lab
- One of the most reliable US-based brands where you can buy innovative, high-performance, well-made sleeping pads is Outdoorsman. Their products had been designed and tested rigorously to exceed outdoorsmen’ expectations at a great value.
KLYMIT
- KLYMIT stands out for its different approach to the conception and fabrication of outdoor gear combining with new technologies to yield quantifiably comfy sleeping pads.
FAQs
What R-value do I need for sleeping pad?
For three-reason usage, an R-value of 2 or higher is ideal while for winter camping, 5 or higher is better. Take note that R-value is just optional feature you can stack 2 sleeping pads for more warmth.
Do you need a sleeping pad with a hammock?
A sleeping pad is not necessary if you go camping in late spring to summer or in hot-weather areas. But if it’s in fall to winter, this would be one of the best workhorses to save you from feeling “ice-butt” when sleeping on your hammock at night.
Do sleeping pads go inside sleeping bags?
Sleeping pads are designed to be placed underneath your sleeping bag or body. But if you want to put it inside your sleeping bag, make sure the bag is large enough and also accept the fact that you’ll lose some insulation properties of the pad.
How do you sleep comfortably while camping?
Here are the best tips to help you sleep comfortably while camping:
- Choose a flat, rock-free camping spot to pitch your tent. It would be better to be on the soft grass
- Check that there’s no hole on the tent and bring bug spray or net to fend off pests and mosquitoes
- Set up comfy tent bedding, such as adding pillows, air mattress, and tarp
- Get a well-insulated high-quality bag and warm it up before bedtime
- Bring some sleepytime tea
- Avoid eating hard-to-digest food before going to bed
- Wear earplugs to block out the noise of real-world wilderness
How can I increase the warmth of my sleeping bag?
The most effective way to increase the warmth of your sleeping bag is layered underneath it a well insulated sleeping pad. This will keep your bag stay isolated from the cold, hard ground.
Besides, remember to put on extra thermal, dried, clean clothes such as socks, hoodies, beanie, and gloves. Keeping your sleeping bag always clean is another way to maintain its insulation performance to keep you warm at night.
Conclusion
You’ll never want to lug around a 20-pound pad one your back for backpacking or sleep with an ice-butt just because your sleeping pad is too poorly-insulated.
When it comes to choosing the best sleeping pad for hammock, fitting your body and fitting for a particular situation is the most important. We hope the complete guide above has been useful for you.
Happy camping!
Bryan Listor
