Quietest air pad

[timbernomad]

I've primarily used thermarest self-inflatable pads for years now. They're quiet and comfortable enough, but know that the warmth to weight ratio is pretty bad.

I'd like to try an air pad. I did briefly own the cheapest insulated air pad from Big Agnes, and found it to be uncomfortable and noisy (squeaky instead of crinkly like a neoair). I'm an active sleeper and want to minimize noise.

Basically every pad out there has some reviews from people saying that they're unacceptably loud, but I'm wondering if there's a consensus here on Rokslide.

I'm leaning towards the Exped Ultra 7R with down insulation. But I'd consider other options. Cost isn't a concern for me.

 

[mod7rem]

I’ve been using an Exped Downmat 7 for a long time and it has been great. Very comfortable and quiet.
I tried an Exped Winterlite for a couple trips, but the crinkly noise was unbearable.

 

[BBob]

but know that the warmth to weight ratio is pretty bad.

Huh???

 

[4th_point]

I don't know anything about the Exped Ultra 7R, but I have a Synmat HL Winter M. It doesn't crinkle, but still don't care for the noise. The Schnozzel pump bag is awesome though - scoop up some air and roll it up to force air into the pad. Pretty slick.

I have an old school Thermarest from the '90s and it's been all over the country, including AK and HI. Heavy, and thin, but it works good enough and I have a chair kit for it. I don't use it for any long backpacking hikes though. Anyway, I know what you mean about those old pads. And lack of noise.

 

[thegrouse]

I have several pads, the one I have been using a bunch lately is the Exped Dura 5r. It is a bit heavy for an ultralight setup, but the pad is super comfortable and quiet.

 

[timbernomad]

Huh???

Self inflatable pads like the prolite aren’t very warm for how much they weigh, not compared to a lot of other options out there.

 

[BBob]

Self inflatable pads like the prolite aren’t very warm for how much they weigh, not compared to a lot of other options out there.

You didn’t specify the prolite which is why I questioned it. When you’ve got a Thermarest option with an R7.3 at 15.5oz I don’t think that applies. Some people call them noisy but never been bothered.

 

[timbernomad]

You didn’t specify the prolite which is why I questioned it. When you’ve got a Thermarest option with an R7.3 at 15.5oz I don’t think that applies. Some people call them noisy but never been bothered.

What thermarest self inflatable is 15.5 oz with an r value of 7?

 

[BBob]

Thermarest has had R7 15oz pads for years. Not self inflatable but hey if you want light and warm. I use a multi purpose dry bag to air mine up. I think that bag is about an ounce.

The latest and greatest:

NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT Cold Weather Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest®

Leading the industry in warmth-to-weight ratio, the NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT is the go-to ultralight air sleeping pad for extreme cold backcountry pursuits.

cascadedesigns.com

 

[Idaboy]

Thermarest has had R7 15oz pads for years. Not self inflatable but hey if you want light and warm. I use a multi purpose dry bag to air mine up. I think that bag is about an ounce.

The latest and greatest:

NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT Cold Weather Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest®

Leading the industry in warmth-to-weight ratio, the NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT is the go-to ultralight air sleeping pad for extreme cold backcountry pursuits.

cascadedesigns.com

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Those are good pads, I can't stand the noise. To the OP, many of the higher R pads have the mylar, foil, whatever it is and the crinkle choir fires up....

Following to see what others are finding are quiet pads

 

[Idaboy]

The zenbivy pad is not loud, it makes a little noise but is more of the "rub" you hear when rubber is rubbed, if that makes sense, definitely no crinkle.....

all these pads are trade off between R, weight/packability, noise and comfort...had a sea to summit last yr that I liked but the valve leaked. Took it back to exchange at REI and the guy was like "we get a lot of these returned", wanted to like the pad but did not get another after that comment

 

[BBob]

FWIW the newer TRest XTherms are quieter than the originals. I never had issues with the noise in the original. Even though I'm a fairly light sleeper they just don't bother me. I know they do bother others. I have friends with them and they don't bother them either so it's user dependent.

 

[CMF]

FWIW the newer TRest XTherms are quieter than the originals. I never had issues with the noise in the original. Even though I'm a fairly light sleeper they just don't bother me. I know they do bother others. I have friends with them and they don't bother them either so it's user dependent.

I have the original Xtherms and they are too load for me, like a dorito bag.
I have a couple sea to summit ether lites that are much quieter, but still have some noise. Maybe someone else has an ether lite and another to compare...