Best Sleeping Pad for Hammock Camping: 2024 Review

Overall Winner: Best Sleeping Pad for Hammock

Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad

If you want a hammock sleeping pad that provides comfort from every perspective, the Klymit Hammock V is an excellent option as it is large and warm. In terms of its size, this is the widest sleeping pad on our list at 47” and is the only model on par with many hammock underquilts.

The Klymit Hammock V also keeps you warm and toasty thanks to an R-value of 4.4, which allows it to serve as a 4-season hammock sleeping pad, though there is a 1.6 R-value model too. Keeping in line with the comfort trend, this sleeping pad is also one of the two options on our list with wings to accommodate your body shape better than rectangles of ovals.

As if that were not enough, the Klymit Hammock V packs down smaller than most to 10” x 5”, making it easier to stow or affix. Finally, the 20D polyester is decent and offers plenty of durability for most general purposes if kept out of harm’s way.

Bottom Line: While the Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad is not the best at too many things, it achieves high marks for most qualities and is the widest model that we reviewed.

Choosing the Best Sleeping Pad for Hammock Camping

Hammocks are an excellent way to keep your pack light while still providing a great type of bedding for when you go to sleep. However, most hammocks do not offer much in the way of protection from colder temperatures, and a hammock sleeping bag is not sufficient to account for this either.

To keep you from shivering throughout the night, you need something underneath you to prevent your body heat from escaping through the hammock’s fabric or netting. This is where a hammock sleeping pad comes in handy as it offers plenty of insulation as well as additional comfort.

That is why we put together a list of the seven best sleeping pad for hammock reviews of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide aa helpful buyer’s guide, so you can find the pad that best suits your needs and allows you to get a good night’s sleep…

Further reading: If you want some extra info before your first hammock backpacking trip then check out our beginners guide.

When to Choose a Hammock Sleeping Pad vs. Underquilt

Hammock Sleeping Pad

Versatility

Hammock sleeping pads work just as well regardless of what surface they lay on, meaning you can use them for hammocks or tents. While technically, this aspect could be applied to hammock underquilts, it tends not to work as well for them due to your body compressing the insulation.

Set Up

There is no getting around the fact that hammock sleeping pads are easier to set up than hammock underquilts. Whereas the hammock underquilt requires slipping through the hammock and potentially a ridgeline, the sleeping pad simply requires you to position it in the hammock.

Cost

By and large, hammock sleeping pads are less expensive than underquilts, but the difference in price is even starker for equitable products. For example, the best hammock sleeping pads might cost as much as the average hammock underquilt.

Hammock Underquilt

Fit

Hammock underquilts generally hammocks fit better than sleeping pads in large part because they slip underneath the hammock rather than inside of it. This arrangement often makes them more comfortable and keeps the hammock more balanced than with some sleeping pads

Warmth

Because hammock underquilts slip around the hammock and usually fully enclose the underside, they can trap body heat and therefore maintain more warmth than sleeping pads. This is especially true of hammock underquilts filled with high-loft insulation, though these are also more expensive models.

Types of Sleeping Pad

Closed-Cell

These are often considered to be the best kind of sleeping pads for warmth as the construction of their cells provide more natural insulation. On top of that, the lack of inflation makes them a bit more durable than the other types of sleeping pads.

However, their firmer construction makes them more difficult to situate in a hammock and can unbalance the hammock more than other types. They also tend to be a heavier weight and take up more pack space than self-inflating, or air pads.

Air Pads

Air Pads are similar to inflatable mattresses and require you to manually inflate them with either your breath or a pump of some sort. This type of inflatable sleeping pad is one of the best options for backpackers as they pack smaller and are lighter than the other types. That said, air pads are the least durable and can become useless if the outer layer is punctured, and you do not have a patch repair kit.

When it comes to hammock camping, the great benefit of an air pad is that you can inflate (and deflate) your pad until you find a suitable firmness that provides both comfort, and stability.

Self-Inflating

Similar to both air pads and closed-cell foam pads, a self-inflating sleeping pad uses a valve to inflate the sleeping pad when opened. This provides the best of both worlds, but it also leads to acquiring both types’ flaws as well– though not as severely. That said, you can adjust the amount of air to control both the insulation provided or the ease of setup as you need.

Features to consider when choosing a hammock sleeping pad

Comfort

When it comes to comfort come bedtime, the size and shape are going to be important factors in determining how good a night’s sleep you’ll get. That said there are a few extra niggles or flaws that may contribute to a sleepless or peaceful night.

Width

This is by far, the most crucial aspect to consider for most people as sleeping pads tend to run on the narrow side. If you get a pad that is too narrow, you may be stuck in position the whole night or risk tipping over the hammock. Some manufacturers account for this by making the shoulders wider than the legs to save of packed size.

Length

While most people generally prefer a sleeping pad that is as long as they are tall or a little bit taller, that is not a hard and fast rule. Ultralight backpackers often pack a half-sleeping pad that only insulates their torso to cut down on carrying weight and space.

Overall Shape

The two main types of shape that sleeping pads come in are rectangular and ovular, with the oval shape conforming to the shape of the hammock better and providing a more stable base. Some manufacturers include wings with their hammock sleeping pad so that the pad conforms even better and helps keep the hammock stable. The contour of the sleeping pad’s outer layer can also affect how comfortable it is to sleep on with V shapes being the best.

Others

Some hammock sleeping pads can be a little “squeaky” when you toss and turn in your sleeping bag, which for the lighter sleepers among us has been known to be an irritating quality.

Additionally, side sleepers will tend to find more comfort in air sleeping pads than closed-cell or self-inflating pads which tend to be firmer.

Warmth & the “R-Value”

Along with comfort, this is the most important quality and likely the reason you are looking for a hammock sleeping pad in the first place. While sleeping pads once used proprietary insulation measurements, the industry standardized and now uses an “R” value system.

The R-value runs from 1.0 at its lowest to 5.5 at its highest, though some brands still use higher ratings if they provide insulation for the most extreme conditions. For your average 4-season hammock sleeping pad, an R-value of 4 or higher is generally sufficient to keep you warm.

Materials & Durability

Though hammock sleeping pads should not come in contact with anything that might cause abrasions and the fact that many models are inflatable means you still need a durable one. The most common materials used for the outer later are synthetic fibers of either polyester or nylon.

It is a good idea to look for outer layers that use ripstop threads and have a high denier rating for better durability. Plastic coatings like polyurethane or TPU can also increase the overall durability of a hammock sleeping pad while silver or mylar coatings increase the insulation.

Weight & Packed Size

These qualities matter much more for backpackers than they do general campers, but most sleeping pads are not known for being the lightest option. That said, you can still find great sleeping pads that are around 1 to 1 ½ lb with the lightest air pads weighing less than a pound for ultralight backpackers.

The packed size is generally similar with a width of around 10” and a thickness between 4” to 5”. Of course, if you can find a hammock sleeping pad that packs down smaller and has a weight of less than 2 lbs, you should likely jump on it if you are a backpacker.

Need Other Hammock Accessories?

• Always ensure you can set up your hammock with ease, with the best hammock straps.
• Never wake up drenched again, we’ve reviewed the contenders to determine the best hammock tarp.
• If you are planning on camping in buggy areas, keep those skeeters at bay with a hammock bug net.
• If the wild has a serious lack of trees, consider purchasing a portable hammock stand.

Best Sleeping Pad for Hammock: The Results

REI Co-op Flash Thermal Sleeping Pad (Wide)

Best Hammock Sleeping Pad for Value

REI is well-known in the camping market and ends our list with a solid all-around hammock sleeping pad that may not jump out at you but does not let you down either. For instance, the REI Co-op Flash Thermal is the second-warmest option that we reviewed with an R-value of 4.7 that makes it perfect for below-freezing temperatures.

Part of this extra warmth is accomplished with the use of synthetic dual-fiber insulation combined with a mylar reflective layer. Beyond the insulation, the REI Co-op Flash Thermal uses solid materials for the outer layer as well with 30D ripstop polyester, making this model one of the more durable on our list.

While often known for providing great value, the REI Co-op Flash Thermal is an expensive option, though it gives plenty of high-end performance. The only real potential flaw is that it needs to be inflated manually and does not come with gear to assist in that endeavor.

Still, the REI Co-op Flash Thermal works okay for backpacking as it packs down smaller than most of the competition to 10” x 5”. On the other hand, it is not exactly lightweight at nearly 2 lbs, so you have to consider if the weight is worth it.

Bottom Line: While the REI Co-op Flash Thermal Sleeping Pad does not do anything the best; it does not do anything poorly either making it an all-around solid choice.

Klymit Hammock V Insulated Sleeping Pad

Best Hammock Sleeping Pad

Klymit realizes that two of the biggest issues campers often have with hammock sleeping pads are their shape and size. Thankfully, the Hammock V air pad makes it a point to cover both of these issues as well or better than any of their competitors.

In terms of length, this inflatable sleeping pad is average at only 78”, but it is easily the widest sleeping pad on our list at 47” which is nearly 1’ wider than the next closest competitor. On top of that, the Klymit Hammock V also employs winged V-shape that conforms to the shape of your body better than many other options available.

Unfortunately, all of this width and wings add up in terms of weight as this pad is one of the heavier models we reviewed at 2 lbs. On top of that, the Klymit Hammock V is an inflatable sleeping pad and either requires you to manually inflate it or purchase separate gear.

Thankfully, this sleeping pad does not cost that much, which makes it a solid value– not to mention it is made out of 20D polyester. On top of that, the Klymit Hammock V is an authentic 4-season hammock sleeping pad with an R-value of 4.4 or 1.6.

Bottom Line: Aside from the fact that the Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad is the widest model on our list, it does not have too many significant flaws to speak of either.

Eagles Nest Outfitters AirLoft Hammock Mattress

Best Hammock Sleeping Pad for Tall Folks

Eagles Nest Outfitters is one of the companies that specialize in hammocks and their accessories, which allows them to offer this model at an excellent value. Aside from the fact that this is a less expensive sleeping pad, the ENO AirLoft Hammock Mattress also provides a bit more room than some of the other entries on our list.

At 80” x 36”, the ENO AirLoft Hammock Mattress is not only the longest pad that we reviewed, but it is also the second-widest. Another excellent quality is its winged rectangular shape, which provides a more natural shape to accommodate your arms and legs.

On the other hand, this is nowhere near the warmest sleeping pad that we encountered with an R-value of only 1.5, which is suitable for only about 40-degrees. It also does not help that the ENO AirLoft Hammock Mattress is one of the heavier options at 2 lbs 13 oz, which is almost 3 lbs.

On the other hand, this pad is self-inflating, so you do not have to worry about blowing it up after a long day of backpacking. The ENO AirLoft Hammock Mattress also employs an open-cell foam construction to provide a bit more comfort than some other models do.

Bottom Line: The Eagles Nest Outfitters AirLoft Hammock Mattress is an excellent option for budget-friendly campers that also happens to be one of the largest pads on our list.

Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad

Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad

The Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad might not seem as impressive as some of the other entries we reviewed, but it is a fantastic choice for backpackers. This is because this ultralight sleeping pad weighs less than any other we came across at a measly 10 oz — one of the few options under 1 lb.

On top of that, the Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad is one of the easiest to use entries we included, requiring no inflation and unlikely to unbalance the hammock. It also does not hurt that this ultralight sleeping pad is inexpensive and provides solid value.

Unfortunately, the Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad is also one of the least insulating models that we reviewed with an R-value of only 1.5, suitable for around 40-degrees. On top of that, this ultralight sleeping pad is a bit smaller than some of the others at 67” long, though it is a bit wider at the shoulders at 29”.

Of course, the Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad employs a tapered shape, so you do not have to worry about unnecessary excess material to insulate your feet, which likely stay close together in the hammock anyway.

Bottom Line: While the Hennessy Hammock Radiant Double Bubble Pad might be a bit barebones compared to some of the other entries, it is ideal for ultralight backpackers.

Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad, Extra Wide

Best Sleeping Pad for Camping

Making another appearance on our list, the Klymit Static V Luxe is easily one of the most impressive all-around sleeping pads that we encountered. For one, this model is broader than most at 30” even is the length is just a hair under average at 76”– though this is still 6’4”.

Even better, the Klymit Static V Luxe is by far the most durable option on our list with a construction that uses 75D polyester. What is even more surprising is that this sleeping pad is inexpensive despite having some of the best all-around specs we saw.

Of course, the value has to come from somewhere, and this sleeping pad is also heavier than most, tipping the scales at 2 lbs 3 oz. Also, like other Klymit sleeping pads, the Klymit Static V Luxe requires you to manually inflate it or purchase secondary gear for that purpose.

Still, this sleeping pad provides plenty of insulation and is a 4-season model with an R-value of 4.4. While it is not the smallest, this pad also packs down to 10” x 5 ½” which is closer to small than it is large.

Bottom Line: The Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad is a solid size but is easily one of the most durable options that we came across.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight (Wide)

Best Hammock Sleeping Pad for Cold Weather

As the name implies, Therm-a-Rest focuses primarily on sleeping and resting camping gear, which helps explain why they make such an excellent air pad for extreme climates. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight by far offers the warmest insulation that we encountered with an R-value of 7.2, making this air pad suitable for the coldest temperatures.

As if that were not enough, this sleeping pad is also more durable than most with the top made of 30D high-tenacity ripstop nylon and the bottom made of 75D nylon. What is even more surprising is that the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight is one of the lightest options that we reviewed at only 1 lb 4 oz.

On the other hand, all of this quality has to cost something, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight is an expensive product. This sleeping pad is also a bit smaller than most at 77” x 25” but still takes up 11” x 4 ½” when packed.

Though, part of that price might go into making the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight easier to use with its inclusion of an inflation sack. Also, part of the reason that this pad weighs so little is that it employs a core matrix interior.

Bottom Line: If you plan on camping in a location that gets below freezing, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Ultralight is the best bet to keep you warm throughout the night.

Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad (Wide)

Best Sleeping Pad for Backpacking

Big Agnes makes a point to offer solid options for backpackers, which is why the Q-Core SLX hammock sleeping pad appeals to both of the most important qualities for backpackers. The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad starts by shedding more excess weight than most and is one of the lightest options we encountered at only 1 lb 6 oz.

On top of that, this sleeping pad packs down smaller than any other option we reviewed as well to only 4” 8 ½”. It also does not hurt that the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad is easier to use than some of the competition thanks to the inclusion of an inflation sack.

It is worth noting that Big Agnes could not cut corners to achieve these feats, and thus this sleeping pad is expensive. One odd quality as well is that this sleeping pad only provides an insulation R-value of 3.2, which is on the low side of our list, which is just good enough for freezing temperatures but no lower.

Still, the price of this sleeping pad pays for comfort, too, with its upper layer using a quilted construction. The insulation used is made out of synthetic material with hi-loft and includes a silver reflective lining.

Bottom Line: The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad might be the best option for general backpackers with an excellent combination of packed size and weight.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API