ISO Best Lightweight Comfortable Sleeping Pad for the Backpack Hunter

[MuskyMountainBuck]

I am in search of the best all-around lightweight sleeping pad for the backpack hunter. I am fine spending the money on good quality gear. I understand that durability and comfort sometimes take a backseat with lightweight gear. I don't want to spend $250+ on a pad just to have it pop on me on the first few trips out. Sometimes as a big buck hunter, you are kicking out an old deer bed, sleeping on rocky, brushy and steep terrain, or simply put, sleeping on less-than-ideal ground conditions.

I want something durable, comfortable, but lightweight. That's why I mentioned best "all-around". Weight savings is important, but in order for me to hunt hard, GOOD SLEEP is a priority. I'm not looking for the lightest pad on the market.

I'm 6'2" and 180lbs for reference. I am usually a side or back sleeper. I don't want something super noisy as I tend to toss and turn a little bit.

I own several pads including the Thermarest NeoAir X-Therm, Thermarest Trail Scout and the Klymit Static V Luxe Pad.

Recommendations???

Can you share what pad you went with? I have the same exact question as every single pad I've run so far is absolutely terrible to sleep on. Im mostly a side sleeper as well.

 

[Idagnome]

Another vote for the Nemo tensor line. I have the extreme which is a one and done for me. All season would be nice for August/sept, but gear is money. Buddy has exped and I didn’t see the weight value for minimal comfort increase. I’ve had thermarest for years and the crinkle factor is real.

Best backcountry sleep hack for me is adding earplugs. That and a good pad will recharge my brain and body for the next day. Otherwise I hear bears that are squirrels all night.

 

[hunterbloxham]

Can you share what pad you went with? I have the same exact question as every single pad I've run so far is absolutely terrible to sleep on. Im mostly a side sleeper as well.

I purchased the Nemo Tensor All Season in Regular-Wide. I will report back and give my feedback once I have true mountain testing.

Nemo pads seemed to get a lot of traction in this thread so I went this route.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I purchased the Nemo Tensor All Season in Regular-Wide. I will report back and give my feedback once I have true mountain testing.

Nemo pads seemed to get a lot of traction in this thread so I went this route.

Same.

It’s a little quieter than an xlite nxt but not nearly as much as people seem to make out. The baffle system is nice for rolling/side sleeping, but some of that perceived improvement may be the added thickness. I’m not sold on the valve system yet but having a 1-way option for fill is nice.

 

[chasekregor]

The specs on the brand new Nemo tensor eclipse look impressive. Higher R value, thick with an decent weight. Untested though as its brand new.

 

[RyanSeek43]

Nemo Flyer Cloud This one isn't the lightest or most packable but it is pretty awesome. Had my first one for 3 plus years, not even a leak. I then had some ground squirrels chew a hole in it in the middle of a backpacking trip. The way they do the insulation basically turns it in to an open cell foam pad when it doesn't have air in it. Only bummer is the weight and bulk but it's worth it not having to worry about getting holes.

Its also very warm for only having a 5.1r value.