Best Sleeping Foam Mats for Backpacking of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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For those who love backpacking, having a comfortable and lightweight sleeping mat is crucial for a good night's rest. Sleeping foam mats are an excellent choice for backpackers as they provide both comfort and insulation while being easy to pack and carry. These mats are made from high-density foam that conforms to the body's shape, providing a supportive surface to sleep on. They are also durable and can withstand rough terrain and weather conditions. If you're planning a backpacking trip, we highly advise considering investing in a sleeping foam mat to stabilise your sleep and make your experience more enjoyable.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lively Life Waterproof Camping Foam Mat Cover #TOP 1
Lively Life Waterproof Camping Foam Mat
ftb score rating icon 9.9
PATIKIL Insulated Closed Cell Sleeping Pad Cover #TOP 2
PATIKIL Insulated Closed Cell Sleeping Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad Cover #TOP 3
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sleeping Foam Mats for Backpacking

Lively Life Waterproof Camping Foam Mat

Orange
Lively Life Waterproof Camping Foam Mat Cover
Sleeping Foam Mat Foldable, Lively Life Camping Backpacking Mattress, Waterproof and Durable Foam Mat Rapidly-Deployable Mattress Keep Warm Foam for Outdoors Picnic Fishing Camping Hiking - Orange

The Lively Life Foam Mat is crafted from lightweight, environmentally friendly IXPE foam, ensuring comfort without any unpleasant odours. Its upgraded warmth design features an aluminium film cover that reflects heat, making it ideal for spring, summer, and autumn camping. You will also appreciate the egg nest structure that traps warm air and keeps moisture away. Additionally, this portable mat is easily foldable and compact, weighing only 530g, making it convenient to carry on your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Warm and moisture-resistant
Comfortable support for pressure points
Versatile for outdoor and indoor use

PATIKIL Insulated Closed Cell Sleeping Pad

pta230407tt0585eu
Orange
PATIKIL Insulated Closed Cell Sleeping Pad Cover
PATIKIL Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad, Insulated R-Value 2.1 Foldable Sleeping Pad Lightweight Sleeping Mat for Camping Backpacking Hiking Outdoor, Orange

The PATIKIL Sleeping Pad is designed for outdoor enthusiasts, measuring 185cm long and 55cm wide, making it spacious for restful nights. With an insulation rating of 2.1, it keeps you warm on chilly nights by reflecting your body heat. The egg-shaped design provides excellent support, ensuring comfort during your adventures. Additionally, weighing only 400g, this pad is lightweight and easily portable, fitting snugly into your backpack for effortless travel.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Warm insulation for cold nights
Comfortable egg-shaped design
Durable for rough terrain
Bright colour for easy spotting
#TOP 3

Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad

040818064337
Charcoal
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad Cover
Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Large - 77 x 25 Inches, Charcoal

The RidgeRest Classic Sleeping Pad is a lightweight and durable option for camping and backpacking. Its closed-cell foam design ensures you can easily carry it anywhere, weighing only 19 ounces. The supportive peaks and heat-trapping valleys provide excellent insulation and comfort, making your outdoor experience much more enjoyable. With an R-Value of 2.0, this pad helps keep you warm during chilly nights. Additionally, its virtually indestructible material protects you from rocky or uneven surfaces, allowing you to rest easy wherever you are.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Durable closed-cell foam
Good insulation for warmth
Compact storage
Protects against uneven surfaces

THINTON Foldable Waterproof Camping Sleeping Mat

THINTON
Green
THINTON Foldable Waterproof Camping Sleeping Mat Cover
Camping Sleeping Foam Mat, Foldable Closed Cell Foam Camping Mattress, Waterproof Outdoor Sleeping Mat for Ultralight Backpacking Thru-Hiking

The THINTON Camping Sleeping Mat is a foldable and lightweight option, measuring 180601.8cm when open, making it ideal for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking. Made from ergonomic closed cell foam, it supports your pressure points for a more comfortable sleep outdoors. With its insulated aluminium film, it effectively captures and circulates body heat, providing warmth during chilly nights. The mat is also waterproof and moisture-proof, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable, no matter the conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Comfortable ergonomic design
Insulation for warmth
Waterproof and moisture-proof
#TOP 5

REDCAMP 18mm Thick Closed Cell Foam Mat

Grey 1 Pack
185 x 55 x 2 cm
REDCAMP 18mm Thick Closed Cell Foam Mat Cover
REDCAMP Foam Camping Roll Mat 18mm Thick,Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Mat, Wide Lightweight Folding Z Camping Pad for Hiking Backpacking,185x55x1.8cm, Grey 1 Pack

The REDCAMP Foam Sleeping Mat is designed to provide you with extra warmth during your camping trips. Its thermal capture surface reflects heat, making your sleeping experience significantly cozier. The durable closed cell foam ensures that you have a soft and comfortable place to rest, while the space-saving accordion design allows for easy packing and transport. Weighing just 480g, this foldable camping pad balances thickness and lightweight convenience, ensuring you can carry it without hassle.

What We Like
Extra warmth for camping
Durable and comfortable design
Space-saving accordion style
Lightweight for easy transport
#TOP 6

Mountain Warehouse Lightweight Trek Mat for Travel

021717020001
Dark Grey
One Size
Mountain Warehouse Lightweight Trek Mat for Travel Cover
Mountain Warehouse Trek Mat - 185x55cm Rolled Out - For Travelling, Festivals, Backpacking Dark Grey

The Mountain Warehouse Trek Mat is an excellent choice for travelling, festivals, and backpacking. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, allowing you to pack it away effortlessly when you're on the go. Moreover, its compact nature means you can store it conveniently when not in use, saving valuable space in your luggage. This mat is perfect for those who appreciate convenience and comfort during their outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Compact for easy storage
Ideal for travel and festivals
Comfortable sleeping option

HOMBYS Waterproof Memory Foam Camping Mattress Pad

Dark Blue
COT: 72"x24"x3"
HOMBYS Waterproof Memory Foam Camping Mattress Pad Cover
HOMBYS Memory Foam Camping Mattress Pad,Portable Sleeping Pad for Adult,Waterproof Cot Mattress,Roll Up Floor Mattress,Foldable Backpacking Travel Bed for Hiking,Guest Bed

The HOMBYS Memory Foam Mattress offers a comfortable sleeping experience with its high elastic memory foam, designed to relieve muscle pain and provide support on hard surfaces. The waterproof and removable cover ensures your mattress stays clean and protected from the elements, making it perfect for outdoor use. Non-slip straps keep the mattress securely in place, so you can enjoy a restful night without any movement. Its portable design allows for easy storage and transport, ideal for camping trips or guest use.

What We Like
Comfortable high elastic memory foam
Waterproof and easy to clean
Non-slip design for stability
Portable and lightweight
Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
#TOP 8

BKS Foam Egg Crate Sleeping Folding Pad

BKS
01SZPS
Green
24 x 70 x 0.78"
BKS Foam Egg Crate Sleeping Folding Pad Cover
BKS Foam Egg Crate Sleeping Folding Pad,Backpacking Camping Mat …

The BKS Sleeping Folding Pad is designed for comfort and convenience during outdoor activities. With its unfolded size of 73 by 22 inches, you can enjoy a spacious and comfortable sleeping area. Made from soft IXPE foam, it offers excellent durability and flexibility, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The innovative egg slot design not only provides great support but also allows the pad to be compactly packed, saving space in your backpack. At just 14 ounces, this ultralight mat is easy to carry on your camping or hiking trips.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Durable IXPE foam material
Space-saving design
Comfortable sleeping experience
#TOP 9

Trail Aluminium Foil Thermal Camping Mat

Trail Aluminium Foil Thermal Camping Mat Cover
Trail Camping Mat Aluminium Foil Thermal Insulated Roll Pad 7mm Thick Foam (Black)

The Trail Camping Mat offers a comfortable sleeping solution for outdoor enthusiasts. With its reflective foil surface, you can enjoy warmth as it reflects your body heat back to you, making it ideal for winter camping. The 7mm thick EVA foam provides an insulating layer against cold, damp ground, ensuring a restful night. Plus, its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry on hiking or bikepacking trips, while the simple setup allows you to roll it out in seconds.

What We Like
Excellent thermal insulation
Waterproof and easy to clean
Lightweight and portable
Quick and easy setup
#TOP 10

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

11523
Blue/Silver
Small - 20 x 51"
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Cover
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Blue/Silver, Small - 20 x 51 Inches

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is a lightweight and compact closed-cell foam camping mattress, perfect for sleeping on the ground. Its folding accordion-style design makes it easy to pack, ensuring you can take it anywhere. With a reflective ThermaCapture coating, the pad captures radiant heat, increasing warmth by 20 percent for a cosy night's sleep. The top foam layer is soft for comfort, while the denser bottom offers extra insulation and protection from the cold ground.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Increased warmth retention
Comfortable foam top
Durable insulation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are foam mats good for camping?

Lightweight and insulating Closed cell polyethylene foam is a brilliantly lightweight material that offers several benefits for use in the camping and travel market. Its closed cell structure provides a high level of insulation from the ground, as well as a flat and even surface.

2. Do you need a sleeping pad while backpacking?

So, do you need a sleeping pad for backpacking? It is highly recommended to take a sleeping pad with you on your backpacking trip. Not only do they give extra comfort for when you are curled up at night, they also provide insulation from the ground.

3. How thick should my sleeping pad be?

2.5 inches: The new standard for air pads and self-inflating pads. This thickness boosts you off the ground, allows lots of air for insulation, and isn't so high that it's bouncy. Many pads, especially air pads, fall into this category, and are quite comfortable.

4. What do you put under a sleeping pad?

Add a closed-cell foam pad beneath your regular sleeping pad for extra insulation. Stuff dry clothing inside your sleeping bag to fill empty spaces, reducing the area your body must heat. Put a warm water bottle close to the core of your body, since your core is your body's chief heat-generating zone.

Editor's Notes

During our sleeping foam mat for backpacking research, we found 86 sleeping foam mat for backpacking products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,318 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sleeping foam mats for backpacking list. We found that most customers choose sleeping foam mats for backpacking with an average price of £21.71.

The sleeping foam mats for backpacking are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sleeping foam mats for backpacking, including Lively Life, PATIKIL, Therm-a-Rest, THINTON, REDCAMP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 285 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.