Thermarest Pads
Thermarest is known for comfortable, durable and lightweight self-inflating pads that are perfect for backpacking. Their NeoAir line of sleeping pads are compact and lightweight yet have great padding that enhances warmth. Their self-inflating design is perfect for backpacking. Thermarest recently developed the Dream Time pad that is designed solely for comfort. It has a fleece-covered foam pillowtop atop the self-inflating pad, making it the most comfortable and luxurious sleeping pad on the market. It is, however, bulky and heavy, making it a burden for backpacking.
Pacific Outdoor Equipment Pads
Pacific Outdoor Equipment makes possibly the most effective backpacking sleeping pad on the market. The Hyper-Mtn pad combines foam padding with inflatable torso inserts for great comfort in an extremely lightweight and minuscule pack size. They also developed the Peak Oly Lite, a lightweight, inflatable backpacker's pad that is shaped like a mummy bag to decrease weight without diminishing comfort.
Exped Pads
Exped developed the DownMat line that combines the comfort and ease of an inflatable pad with down insulation for added warmth. The DownMat is not self-inflating, but has a built-in pump that protects the down from getting wet. Due to the down insulation, the DownMat is the warmest tent pad on the market recommended for any cold sleepers.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses can also be used for a larger option in tents rated for four people or more. Twin- or queen-sized air mattresses may be more comfortable than typical sleeping pads but do not hold up as well as pads, especially in colder weather, and will not keep you as warm throughout the night. They are also bulky and heavy and not recommended for backpacking.
