Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for Women of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Extra thick and plush for side sleepers
• Great insulation against cold ground
• Includes pump for easy inflation
• Compact and easy to pack

Reasons to Avoid

• Slightly heavier than other pads
• Cost is on the higher side
• Slightly noisy when shifting weight

The Important Specs

• Size: Regular - 72” x 21.5”
• R Value: 3.2
• Inflation: Airstream Pumpsack
• Materials: 30D / 40D Nylon
• Thickness: 4 inches

Review Roundup

Outdoor enthusiasts have been consistently praising the performance and comfort of the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated sleeping pad. It's designed with the female backpacking audience in mind, which proves to be a winner among users who appreciate its thoughtfully engineered features.

A standout feature of the Ether Light XT Insulated is its insulating properties. Many users have expressed their delight about how well it holds up in cold temperatures. This is due to the Exkin Platinum fabric and THERMOLITE insulation, which work together to prevent heat loss. Users also nodded positively towards its R-value of 3.5, saying it does a great job at providing warmth on chilly nights.

In terms of comfort, backpackers have been nothing but impressed. The pad's Air Sprung Cells, which operate in a manner similar to a pocket sprung mattress, have gained commendable reviews. These cells individually adjust as you move in your sleep, providing a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface- quite a few folks have described it as 'sleeping on a cloud'.

There's been a whole lot of love for this pad’s small pack size and light weight. Considering it’s an insulated pad, many backpackers have remarked that it's surprisingly lightweight (at just 425 grams) and easy to pack, a great companion for those looking to save on space and reduce their travel weight.

But the sea isn’t always calm! Some users spoke of the necessity to get used to the inflation and deflation process. It's not the most intuitive and can take a bit of practice. Once mastered, though, people found it to be quick and easy using the stuff sack pump that comes with it.

Another issue raised by a few customers pertained to the sleeping pad's surface. They found it a bit slippery when using with a sleeping bag. However, the majority didn't seem to find this an obstacle to a good night's sleep.

On the whole, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated makes for a feature-packed sleeping pad that holds high regard among its users, providing warmth, comfort, and packing convenience on their backpacking trips.

Reasons to Buy

• Superior warmth to weight ratio
• Compact and light design makes it perfect for backpacking
• Responsive-to-weight air pockets offer exceptional comfort
• Resilient material for rugged terrains
• Impressive R-value for adequate insulation
• Easy to inflate and deflate

Reasons to Avoid

• The high-end price tag may not suit all budgets
• Can be noisy when you move around
• Doesn't come with a pump or inflation sack
• Not ideal for those who prefer a wider sleeping pad

The Important Specs

• R Value: 4.2
• Material: 30D rip HT Nylon
• Thickness: 2.5 inches
• Dimensions: 66 x 20 x 2.5 inches
• Packed Size: 9 x 4.0 inches

Review Roundup

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is no stranger to the backpacking world. This sleeping pad is a popular choice for women backpackers, primarily due to its impressive blend of comfort, compactness, and insulation. For many, it's like carrying a slice of home comfort right into the wilderness.

Starting with the weight, the NeoAir XLite shines. Weighing in at just 12 ounces, this pad is perfect for backpackers who are conscious about pack weight. It easily rolls up into a small pack size, making it hassle-free to carry around.

As for comfort, this pad features a 2.5-inch thickness when fully inflated, providing a plush cushioning against the hard, uneven ground. This comfort is further enhanced by the use of a baffled internal structure, which offers admirable support and stability.

The NeoAir XLite also scores high in terms of warmth. Its high R-value of 4.2 makes it suitable for three-season use, shielding you from the cold ground during chilly nights in the outdoors. The innovative usage of reflective ThermaCapture technology helps retain radiant heat, ensuring a cozy sleep.

However, some customers have pointed out a few drawbacks. The most common one is the noise. When you shift your weight or change sleeping positions, the pad tends to make a crinkling noise that might wake light sleepers. Another gripe is about the material being somewhat slippery; there's a chance you could slide off during the night if you're not on entirely level ground.

Lastly, this pad might not be the ideal choice for those looking for a budget friendly option. But on the bright side, it's worth noting that many users have praised the pad's exceptional durability, despite its ultralight construction, potentially making it a worthy long-term investment.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent insulation
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Compact design for travel convenience

Reasons to Avoid

• May be a bit narrow for some users
• Thinness could be uncomfortable for side sleepers

The Important Specs

• Dimensions: 72 x 21.5 inches
• Insulation: Exkin Platinum & Thermolite
• Packed Size: 4 x 9 inches
• Inflation Method: Multi-functional valve system

Review Roundup

The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad is a favorite among campers and backpackers alike, thanks to its impressive blend of lightweight portability and impressive comfort. Even the most meticulous packing queen will appreciate the fact it packs down quite small, yet doesn't compromise on comfort when inflated.

It's more than evident that Sea to Summit has given due diligence to the design. The air-filled design is supportive, tracing the contours of your body without being overly soft. It adapts to uneven surfaces well, which is exactly what you need when you're roughing it out there in the great outdoors. The multi-function valve's included inflator sack made for a swift setup, vide reviews online.

Buyers have praised the insulation, rightly so. The Exkin Platinum and Thermolite insulation provide warmth, while the air spring cells seem to add that bit of 'bounce' under you. The pad offers an R-value of 3.1, making it suitable for camping across different seasons.

However, it's not all sparkles and rainbows as some users did express issues regarding durability. It becomes apparent that while this pad offers an impressive size-to-comfort-to-weight ratio, the tradeoff seems to be durability. Some users mentioned leaks after a few uses, while others found small punctures hard to repair due to the material. Yet, most purchasers found that with the right care, this pad remained reliable and strong.

Another critique is the noise. Yes, we get it, this isn't your regular double mattress, but per the reviews, some users found this pad noisier than its counterparts on the market. It's something that's worth considering if you're a sound-sensitive sleeper.

People love the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated for its packing size, comfort, and warmth. Despite minor drawbacks, the key takeaway is how well it performs overall, marrying lightweight compactness with a decent level of comfort and warmth. Users recommend it for camping, backpacking or hiking trips.

Reasons to Buy

• Great value for the price
• Durable material and construction
• Comfortable for side sleepers
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Compact size when packed

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the lightest option on the market
• May not be comfortable for all body types
• Not as warm as some other options

The Important Specs

• R Value: 3.2
• Material: Polyester
• Thickness: 1.5 inches
• Dimensions: 20 x 72 inches

Review Roundup

The Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite is a likable backpacking sleeping pad that has garnered attention as a cool budget option. Ladies who love adventuring, this one might be for you! The Trail Lite combines comfort, durability, and a female-specific design wrapped up in a cost-friendly package.

One of the chief praises that users have for the Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite is its comfort. Its full rectangular shape and semi-inflated structure give you a plush place to rest your weary body after a big day outdoors. It effectively evens out rocky surfaces and offers a snug sleep zone in any tent.

Durability-wise , it’s a tough little number. Therm-a-Rest has a reputation for products that can take a bit of rough and tumble, and the Trail Lite is no different. Reviewers appreciated its robustness and said it held up well in various terrain; from soft woodland floor to the uneven grounds of a mountain plateau.

Better yet, this sleeping pad is designed with women in mind; it's a big thumbs-up from us! The Trail Lite uses different amounts of padding at different parts of the pad to offer extra insulation where you need it more – the upper body and feet. Actual users found this feature helpful and appreciated the added warmth it provided during those chilly night camping experiences.

However, no product is without flaws. Although the pad is relatively lightweight (considering its budget price), some users noted it might not be the best choice for longer treks due to its packed size. The Trail Lite is slightly bulky when packed down which could be a minor hiccup for those with already overloaded backpacks.

Also, a few folks mentioned that inflation and deflation could take a minute or two longer than other similar pads on the market. If you're the kind of camper who likes to hit the trail at the crack of dawn, you might find this a bit inconvenient.

All in all, most folks who bought the Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite agree it's excellent value for money. With a blend of comfort, warmth, and durability, not to mention its female-friendly design, this budget-friendly sleeping pad emerges as a solid choice for summer camping or short backpacking trips.

Reasons to Buy

• Completely affordable for its value
• Extremely comfortable
• Excellent packability
• Great warmth-to-weight ratio

Reasons to Avoid

• Slightly less durable than other pads
• Takes a bit longer to deflate

The Important Specs

• R Value: 2.3
• Material: 15D Nylon
• Dimensions: 72 x 20 x 2.5 inches
• Packaged Dimensions: 6.1 x 3.3 inches

Review Roundup

The Therm-a-Rest UberLite is a game changer in the backpacking sleeping pads domain, especially for women with its emphasis on being ultra-lightweight. It's like a breath of fresh air for ladies who love hiking and camping, but dread having to lug around heavy equipment.

The UberLite sure does live up to its name. It weighs just a hair over half a pound (about the same as half a water bottle). This is definitely a standout feature as it helps in minimizing the overall weight you need to carry on your backpacking excursions.

But the really impressive thing is, despite being so light, the UberLite doesn't compromise on comfort. It has been designed with a smart layout of internal baffles that promote stability and even distribution of weight. And let's not forget about the 2.5 inches of cushioning, which work wonders in providing you a comfortable rest after a long day of hiking.

Moreover, the material and construction are top-notch as can be expected from Therm-a-Rest. The UberLite features an ultra-durable and high-quality nylon exterior which has been reported to withstand rugged use and resist punctures effectively.

The UberLite inflates and deflates smoothly and quickly, with users raving about its intuitive valve system. The deflation process, in particular, is hassle-free and the packing is a breeze, which majorly adds to the whole user-friendly aspect.

However, potential buyers should note that while the UberLite is phenomenal for those who camp in warmer climates, it's not designed for cold weather camping. It has a low R-Value (2.3) which indicates low insulation. Some users have reported feeling the cold ground underneath when temperatures dropped.

Also, some buyers have mentioned that there's a trade-off in durability for the ultra-lightweight feature. In a handful of reviews, users reported that the material, while of high quality, is thin and susceptible to wear and tear over time.

Still, for those who mainly venture out in warmer months and prioritize weight savings and comfort over hardcore durability, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite is definitely a top contender in the ultralight sleeping pad niche.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent insulation properties
• Durable construction
• Provides a good amount of cushioning
• Easy to carry and store
• Affordably priced

Reasons to Avoid

• Not best suited for extremely cold weather
• Could be bulky for some tastes
• Some users find the surface a bit slippery

The Important Specs

• Length: 72 inches
• R Value: 2.6
• Material: Crosslinked Polyethylene
• Thickness: 0.75 inches
• Packed Dimensions: 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches

Review Roundup

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a real winner in the foam sleeping pad niche. This wonder from Therm-a-Rest has been making rounds for its exceptional comfort, durability and convenience in backpacking scenarios. It's designed to cater to a woman's body frame, offering additional comfort where it's needed most.

One of the main things buyers rave about is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol's excellent insulation. Regardless of the surface or how icy the cold ground may be underneath, this pad makes sure you stay cozy, thanks to its reflective ThermaCapture coating that traps radiant heat while the dimpled surface bounces heat back to your body.

Another feature that users find handy is its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry in your backpack. It folds up accordion-style, which might take up a bit more space than your traditional roll-up pad, but its low weight and ease of carry largely outweigh this.

On the durability front, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is nothing short of impressive. The closed-cell foam is sturdy and can withstand a decent amount of wear and tear. Users have taken it to rocky surfaces and still vouch for its long-lasting performance. However, some users pointed out that it's less comfortable than air or self-inflating pads, which is a tradeoff you might need to consider.

When it comes to versatility, users made special mentions. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol isn't just for sleeping; it also doubles up as a sit pad while cooking or resting during the daytime.

Despite some minor drawbacks reported by a few users, such as slight bulkiness compared to other pads and decreased comfort over rough terrains, the majority of reviews attest to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol's excellent performance. They recommend it as a practical, reliable foam pad that offers great value for your money.

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive warmth and insulation
• Highly comfortable due to its thickness
• Durable and well-constructed
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Good value for the features offered

Reasons to Avoid

• May be slightly larger when packed compared to other models
• The material could be slick for some users

The Important Specs

• Size: 72" x 21.5"
• R Value: 6.2
• Material: 40D Nylon
• Thickness: 4 inches

Review Roundup

If you're planning a winter backpacking trip, gear that offers comfort without sacrificing weight is a top priority. Enter the Sea to Summit Ether Lite XT Xtreme - a sleeping pad that has been turning heads and garnering great reviews.

People who've hit the trails with this sleeping pad have a lot to rave about - starting with the impressive warmth. This piece of gear boasts a high R-value (6.2), signifying excellent insulation properties crucial for winter jaunts. Users have reported it kept them cozy on subzero nights, a reassuring bit of feedback for any woman set to face the elements.

Comfort runs a close second to warmth. This is where the Ether Lite XT Xtreme shines, thanks to its Air Sprung Cells technology. Think of sleeping on a bed of air bubbles that adapt to your body, reducing pressure points. This tech has garnered praise from users for delivering a night of quality sleep on uneven or hard ground.

Its lightweight and packability resonated with customers. The medium size weighs 545g, and when packed, occupies as much space as a water bottle. Backpacking enthusiasts love how it enables shedding off extra pounds - because every ounce matters on the trail!

Sea to Summit's Ether Lite XT Xtreme holds air reliably. Users have applauded the two-way valve system that allows quick inflation and deflation. It also includes a repair kit that reassures customers of worry-free nights in the case of unexpected punctures.

Criticism? It’s not invincible. The most common complaint from online reviews revolves around the mat's durability. Some users experienced leaks after a few uses, which raises questions about its longevity. On the flip side, customer service was often praised for being responsive in these situations.

In terms of noise, reviews were mixed. Some customers found it notably quiet for an inflatable pad. Others, though, reported it being a bit crinkly and noisy when adjusting positions during the night.

Lastly, the Ether Lite XT Xtreme has a higher price tag. Some adventures may find the cost a barrier. However, others who've invested in it have justified the expense, arguing that the warmth, comfort, and weight savings are worth every penny.