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What is the Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad of 2023?
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- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 7 āļ.āļĒ. 2023
- ð GEAR FROM THE VIDEO ð
Zoom UL: geni.us/ZoomUL
Exped Ultra 5R: geni.us/Exped5R
Ether Light XT: geni.us/EtherL...
Big Agnes Divide: geni.us/BA-Divide
REI Helix: geni.us/HelixS...
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Lanshan 1 Pro Tent: geni.us/Lansha...
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ð GEAR FROM THE VIDEO ð
Zoom UL: geni.us/ZoomUL
Exped Ultra 5R: geni.us/Exped5R
Ether Light XT: geni.us/EtherLightXT
Big Agnes Divide: geni.us/BA-Divide
REI Helix: geni.us/HelixSleepingPad
Thanks for the video! One thing that is part of "comfort, imo, is noise - a noisy pad means bad sleep for some, I believe Exped's are the quietest of the bunch. I am looking to replace my 850g Exped Winter LW with a lighter pad, the Ultra 3R, but maybe next year's Rapide SL will be a good alternative...
The REI Helix has been super comfortable and hasnt lost any air overnight.
Sea to Summit Ether Light was the loudest pad I have ever purchased and one of the least comfortable. All of the EXPEDS I have ever bought-Ultras, Duras, etc were all super comfortable. I have had the Exped Downmatt for 4 years, never loses air, so comfortable and quiet and R value over 8. I live in ALaska and backpack all year long and its the most comfortable and keeps me warm well below 0F. The Nemo Tensor was quiet, all the other NEMOs that are light weight are not very durable. I've never had one last more than a couple months on a trip.
Once again neglected the Big Agnes Rapide, which I'd argue is the best they make. Lighter, warmer, and more comfortable than the Divide for only $50 more.
BA is coming out with a new rapide in 2024, so I figured it didn't make sense to include a discontinued pad
Just got one of these. REALLY nice pad.
@@JustinOutdoorsany details on what will be changed/ improved for the 2024 version. I have the current version and itâs an outstanding pad.
@@Yomamma100 the very preliminary info I have seen suggested a new insulation and baffling strategy
@@JustinOutdoorsIâm also baffled by their strategy
Be interesting to see a comparison of combining solid foam pads with air filled mattresses to increase comfort, R value and how that compares in weight and cost.
I bought and returned the REI Helix. With little ambiguity, I didnât find it warm at all, and Iâm not overly finicky.
I also found it bottoms out a lot when changing positions on the pad
@@frogturtle Yes, 100%!
Klymit is still probably my number 1 for comfort. Just not a fan of their valve.
S2S I use since 3 ? Years now and I just love the pump / stuffsack and the comfort . My GG uses the BA Rapide SL after she send back the Zoom UL . The Zoom was not on same comfort level like my Etherlight. So now m she had BA rapide sl and I keep using my Etherlight :))
Is there any chance you will cover the upcoming NEMO Tensor all-season?
How about the noise levels?
My seatosummit wakes up everybody ð
I recently tried the thermarest neoair xlite NXT wide max and was expecting it to be uncomfortable, but i was surprised to find i actually found it quite comfy! Only found the nemo tensor to be a little bit more comfortable
The biggest difference I made was switching to wide pads way more comfy
Last year I was shopping for good quality sleeping pad that is lightweight, comfy and warm, and decided to purchase Big Agnes Rapide SL, and because I'm tall I decided to choose long version, but regular (51 cm) width due to weight savings. Unfortunately that was mistake because even though the pad was comfy and warm I found my arms were constantly falling from it what was quite annoying. Additionally Rapide SL is quite thick pad (around 10 cm) and because of that I end up touching the steep walls of my trekking pole tent with my sleeping bag. That's why this year I switched to Ultralight Insulated 3.1 R-value pad from Sea to Summit in long-wide version and because this pad is around 5 cm thick, it eliminated all problems that I had with Rapide SL while still being very comfortable due to dimpled-baffles design, so I'm very happy with this purchase. Only downside with it is that I don't have now good pad for colder seasons, so I'm keeping my eye on this Exped 5R pad that you talked about in the video.
Bought BA Rapide SL for the season. Didnât care for it. Loud and alittle bigger than my Nemo. Went back to the Tensor. Still looking for perfection.
Sold my XTherm and bought the Exped 5R for winter camping. Agree with Justin that it sleeps warmer than the rating. XTherm was horrible, warm but gave me really sore shoulders and my arms kept falling asleep (i.e. went numb).
I like the Nemo Tensor. I've heard the new Nemo Tensor XC has a much higher r value but I haven't tried it yet.
I hate my thermarest xtherm NXT from a comfort perspective, but itâs in my emergency kit for a reason. warm af and durable, and very light for what it offers.
I got the rei helix on sale for $110 in the spring. It has become by goto also. I used the sea to summit and others on this list that actually weigh less. I just keep coming back to the rei pad which was surprising to me. I have an old vertical baffle rei pad that I hate.
On another note, I am trying outdoor vitals extended pillow (side sleeper). It sits a little higher than the trekology so I do not have to put my sitpad under it when I use it. It is also an oz lighter.
Good videoððŧ but your latest videos have had pretty poor audio, not sure if there has been a change of mic or something
Yup, that mic is in the trash now
You've made me sooo curious about the REI Helix and it's about to be 30% ðit's heavier than my rapide though, which already feels chonky in my pack.
I use the Nemo Quasar 3D Long Wide(prolly could've got by with a reg wide) & it's the most comfortable pad I've used. It's R value is only 3.3 but I put a Zlite underneath to bump that up to 5.3.
You'll have to rip out of my arms my women's neo air xlite. Love it!
I find the Klymit V Luxe pad to be the most comfortable I've ever used, but the insulation is pretty worthless and I've had too many nights of freezing sweats to bring it out it out again. I've been using the REI Helix more recently and it's pretty good, but I do end up with my hip in the ground unless I get it really well inflated. I'm about 6'4" 215lbs.
Just in time! Iâm looking to replace mine
Thanks for the great review. Which do you find to be more comfortable: the Exped Ultra 3R or the REI Helix ?
In a different video I remember him saying he likes the Helix more due to the baffle design differences.
I want to try the "REI Co-op AirRail Plus Sleeping Pad" -- tried it in the store and its firm -- which I really like -- it was also quiet and I really like the airrail side borders
Great video Justin ! Those baffles are comfy for sure but those dimples create a lot of tension and add a lot of failure points though (that are usually hard to repair). Also any pads made with a thin 20D fabric seem to be a bit too fragile to my taste (and Nemo is probably switching to 30D for that reason). After having a multiday trip almost ruined by a failing pad, reliability is something that I value. On that aspect the neoair xlite seems to fare quite well. Yes there are reports of them failing but we have to keep in mind there are a lot of neoair out there (CDT, PCT, AT surveys) and I suspect they are more often used in tough conditions like thru-hikes compared to the competitors.
However I'm surprised not to see more people complaining about the narrowness of the xlite R. Horizontal baffles provide very poor side support so the regular does feel very narrow. I'm "only" 75kg and even without moving my arms tend to fall. Also the measured weight is 390g, instead of 350g printed on the box (370g on their website).
Ah Justin! Are you rocking or what in the new fave bright red down jacket the red Uniglo?
Zenbivy flex air for me
It would be nice knowing which winter-pad is the most comfortable! I have my Xtherm but it isn't that comfortable..
Thanks for the video. But the Thumbnail shows the Rab Ionosphere 5 and that isnât covered in the video. I have found one of those for a really good price (but havenât bought it yet). Iâm on a tight budget and I need to know that my money is going to be well spent.
I'm planning on hiking the GDT next summer. Would you bring the Helix with you if you were me? Or would you rather want to cut the weight and go for something lighter?
I'd probably still cut the weight for something lighter. I used the xlite on the GDT and was tired enough at the end of each day to sleep well.
I got the rei on sale last year and I like it, I think it could be a little thicker, but I did sleep well. Whatâs the electric pump/lamp you guys like to use? The pump sack worked okay but the pump looks nice.
Hi, saw your video about Decathlon items, have you tried their inflatable pads? I have one and Iâm thinking about upgrading but would love to know where in your tier list would this pad be
great vid, can i ask what make/modelof tent that was? it looked really taut inside with a nice bathtub
Sea to summit pro tip! Turn the inflation sack inside out, and there is a different diameter valve to inflate your pillow.
Surprised the Tensor isn't on the list, especially since you kept the Thermarest. You tested the update, right?
@@helpfulcommenter Yeah, mine got a slow leak. The great thing was, though is that Nemo is sending me a new one at no charge, and it's the updated version!
Iâm surprised the Rapide SL didnât make that list!
BA is coming out with a new rapide in 2024, so I figured it didn't make sense to include a discontinued pad
@@JustinOutdoors If it wasnât discontinued, would that change anything for you? Just wondering because I just got one from REI myself. Havenât taken it out yet, but Iâve heard good things!
@@Wakeupmrwestt I've only had a few night on it and found it wasn't as warm as I expected and was moderately comfortable. Kind of in between the exped ultra 5r and rei Helix for comfort, for me.
i couldnt sleep well any night until i switched to an si model. they sleep waaaay better for me.
Interesting that the Nemo Tensor did not make it on the list. Any thoughts on the new Tensor Extreme?
Lots of thoughts coming out on it over the next month or so
What about the BA Rapide SL? I heard from other sites its the most comfortable for weight and warmth.
Great Vid as always, thanks for the info. Which pad out of the Ether light XT and the Zoom UL sleeps warmer in your opinion ? Thanks in advance.
Pretty similar
One thing about the REi Helix, it's RW or any of the sizes, are ALL tapered, like a semi-mummy shape, which may contribute to its warmth value with less pad exposed, as u mentioned b4?
Have you tried Big Agnes Rapide SL? I considered the Zoom UL, but was concerned about it not being warm enough. The Rapide has been warm enough for full three season. We have even slept on snow in winter with a foam pad underneath, although it wasn't quite warm enough.
I was wondering about the warmth and comfort comparison between the two.
We used to use the Qcore and even winter camped on it fine.
I was hoping to go lighter, but ended up with the Rapide SL as a balance between them.
I was just wondering how it compares to the others.
What? No Nemo Tensor listed or discussed?
Can someone tell me what brand is red jacket Justin is wearing ? Is it Dechatlon Trek or Ghostwhisperer ?
I just hate that they don't make UL 30" wide pads. wouldn't mind being a little heavier for better sleep.
Tent manufacturers hate you. Haha
SAME
@@JustinOutdoors most do, but I've had no problems with my Xmid 1p.
Rapide sl is the most comfortable pad Iâve ever used hands downâĶ..
BA is coming out with a new rapide in 2024, so I figured it didn't make sense to include a discontinued pad
@@JustinOutdoors Great to know. I found it's absence in this video curious. Thanks for the info
ooooh i've been wondering why it hasn't been included! I hope they make it warm unlike the zoom @@JustinOutdoors
Hi Justin! My 4-yr old Etherlight XT has really let me down lately. I treat it nice, but Iâve had to put 5 patches on it on the dimples where the circle weld are located. That happened 2 & 3 trips ago. On my last trip, it still has leaked! I have been a real supporter of the pad, but lately it has seriously let me down. Plus the pad as really made my hips sore lately. Maybe due to age? Iâm thinking for my next pad would be the Thermarest Topo Luxe. Warmer, wider and just as thick.
Have you tried warrantying it? S2S has a lifetime warranty and, in my experience, is great about replacing pads.
@@JustinOutdoors this pad IS a warrantee replace from 3 yrs ago. Doubtful theyâll replace a replacement. Plus Iâm looking forward to trying a 30-inch wide pad that the Topo Luxe has.
just curious if there is any reason that you did not compare Nemo tensor to others, you did mention it in the intro, but didn't compare it~
Not nearly as comfortable, same reason the xlite didn't make the cut
@@JustinOutdoors got it! Thanks!
@@helpfulcommenter You might be mistaking me with someone else. The Tensor has never been one of the most comfortable pads on the market for me. I've always mentioned it as a solid all arounder. But even in that category, it is starting to be passed by other pads and the durability of the previous models was not great.
As for comfort, I can only go off of my personal experience after dozens of nights on all of these pads. Everyone's experience is going to be different though based on their body shape, sleeping style, etc.
@@helpfulcommenter A couple of years ago, it was one of the more comfortable options. It is still up there if weight and warmth are also big concerns, but the Exped Ultra series pushed it out of that top spot when weight and warmth are concerned. The Tensor might slot in under the Exped Ultra series but this wasn't a tier list, just what I think is the top in each comfort category.
Other than the Ether Light XT, all of these pads have come out more recently than the Tensor (barring the internal Tensor updates) so I have updated my comfort rankings to take them into account.
Easy... Thermarest Trail Pro... worth the weight!!!!
Everybody keeps talking about buying a thermal padðĪðĪĻ, but what if you live in a Hot Mild state like Floridað. I just would like a 3" or 4" inches (off the ground), inflatable pad, WIDE and LONG for Accommodation for pinch points! That would be fine for me Year round in the Sunshine State!
*_Go Nolesðđ_*
*#WewereRobbed* ðð
Good video. Could you tell me what hiking pants you are wearing? Thank you. Colorado Girl
MEC Mica pants
Thank you!
@@JustinOutdoors
I tried the Helix based on your recommendation, but I kept finding myself hitting bottoming out. To counter that, I had to really fill the pad, causing it to be too firm. I've returned it for Rapide SL.
How much do you weight?
I've had the Helix for a few months now and have had somewhat similar experiences. If I'm laying flat, I don't hit the ground, but if I apply a bit of pressure on an elbow or hip, then it bottoms out. I'm 6' 190 lbs. I mostly sleep on my back or front so it hasn't been an issue for me. Only when I'm sitting up in the tent on the pad, etc does it annoy me.
@@JustinOutdoors Iâm 173lb or 78kg
â@@fergpatricksame. But I picked up an 1/8th" foam pad, cut to size for my RW pad, for use under a tarp, for added protection, mainly. But it's ok to bottom out when u have an extra pad underneathð
I bought the Helix on sale last Spring. I put a huge hole in my Tensor, and bought it as a backup in case my patch failed.
The Helix bottoms out on me when I sit on it, or prop myself up on an elbow, but not when Iâm laying down. It was a bit weird to get used to, but is super comfortable to sleep on. Itâs become my go to, even though the Nemo is holding up.
I camp with my kids (as in drive up to the camp site, set up the tent and sleep) a few times a year. I sleep HORRIBLY. Like I don't sleep. And I don't drink caffeine and I'm ruined the next day. I have a cot, that isn't' enough. I have an air mattress (haven't tried it yet). Is an air mattress better than sleeping pads? I've tried direct on the ground and that didn't work. I was thinking of getting one of these pads AND a memory foam roll out from amazon to try to replicate my bed. I just need to sleep so we can camp more and camp on road trips!
For car camping, the best mattresses I have tried are the exped megamats and Nemo Roamer mats. Go to the store, if you can, and try them out to see what might work best.
What's the best option for a fellow Canadian who doesnt have easy access to an REI?
REI delivers to Canada. I just ordered a down jacket. Just avoid tents or sleeping bags because those get hit with big duties. Otherwise, I laid out several other options that are easily available in Canada depending on what you prioritize in pad.
Does the Helix sleep as warm as the S2S Etherlight or the Nemo Tensor?
Warmer than both
why so deep voice? Is that really you? ðð
how do these compare to the nemo tensor? would you still go with the helix?
The tensor is better than all of these imo. Most comfortable with a higher r value of a true 4.2 R value.
Whatâs up with the audio? Anyone else?
You sound like you have a cold. I hope you are feeling well
It's just a really bad microphone which I have since replaced :(
No, this mic ain't it...
Yup, that mic is in the trash now
They all just can't compare to a proper hammock
@@helpfulcommenter The topic is comfort. Pads suck at that compared to a proper hammock
sea to summit this grey one is total sh!t. had 5 of theese, 4 were with warranty issue, bought in different countries, different years, we are very accurate users. striktly dont recommend!!! also i dont recommend theese buffles because there are multiple points of connections that can fail.
helix and exped are trash. BA rapide is one of the best with the tensor. pumped for the updated versions of both
why are they trash?
Heard you say in a interview you were going to try out Nemo Quasar 3D, still waiting for your opinion on that one.
Have you tried it? Any thoughts? ð