If you’re a side sleeper, your main concern in finding the right sleeping pad will likely be thickness. Thin pads just won’t cut it when your hips and shoulders are sinking to the ground, keeping you tossing and turning from side to side throughout the night. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best sleeping pads for side sleepers who just want to get a good night’s sleep while car camping or backpacking. Each of the sleeping pads in the list below inflates to at least 2 inches thick, so you can focus on other features to narrow down and choose which one is your perfect fit.
For a complete analysis of all backpacking sleeping pads, check out the buyer’s guide Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
Quick Answer - The Best Sleeping Pads for Side Sleepers
- Sea to Summit Ether Light XT
- Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated
- Sea to Summit Comfort Light
- Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated
Comparison Table - Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
For the best experience turn your device horizontally| Name | Weight | R Value | Thickness | Price | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea to Summit Ether Light XT | 1 lbs 01 oz | 3.2 | 4.0 in | $180 | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated | 0 lbs 15 oz | 3.5 | 3.0 in | $189 | 5.0 | Read Review |
| Sea to Summit Comfort Light | 1 lbs 05 oz | 3.1 | 2.0 in | $120 | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated | 1 lbs 01 oz | 3.1 | 2.0 in | $140 | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Name | Weight | R Value | Thickness | Price | Rating | Review |
Reviews - The Best Side Sleeper Sleeping Pad
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT
Specs
- Type: Air pad
- Weight: 1 lbs 01 oz
- R Value: 3.2
- Thickness: 4.0 in
- Volume: 02.3 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 4 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Mummy
- Air Sprung Cells provide a plush sleeping experience
BEST SLEEPING PAD FOR SIDE SLEEPERS
The Sea To Summit Etherlight XT is an insulated sleeping pad that scores high marks from us for being extremely comfortable and durable. The innovative pumpsack / stuff sack combo is a nice touch as well as the easy-to-use valve system.
What we like most about this pad is simple – the comfort. We love how luxurious this sleeping pad feels. It’s a full 4 inches thick and very stable. This would be a good pad for even the most critical side sleeper. We don’t see anyone bottoming out with this pad fully inflated. We also like how the pumpsack has been integrated into the stuff sack. It’s just one less thing to keep track of. This pad is also easy to inflate and deflate.
What we don’t care for is that for its weight and packed size – it’s not as warm as we would like it to be. We would expect a little more warmth out of a 4-inch thick pad. It’s also quite heavy and its packed size is somewhat large compared to some of the other pads in the category.
Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 0 lbs 15 oz
- R Value: 3.5
- Thickness: 3.0 in
- Volume: 01.2 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 3.5 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
- Metalized Film Provides Extra Insulation, Resisting Cold From The Ground
BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD OVERALL
The Nemo Tensor Insulated is one of the best-selling sleeping pads on the market today and for good reason. It’s easy to use and has all of the comfort and functionality that one would expect from a sleeping pad for its price point. It also comes with Nemo’s lifetime warranty as an added bonus.
What we like most about this pad is the valve and how easy it is to inflate and deflate. You can inflate it with 3 or 4 breaths and deflate it in seconds. It also has a good 3-season R-Value at 3.5. The material feels surprisingly soft to the touch and it isn’t too slippery. Because of the soft fabric this would be a could choice for those who sleep with quilts instead of sleeping bags. It’s also very quiet. One of the quietest sleeping pads that we’ve tested. The included pump-sack works well with the valve. This pad is 3 inches thick and is quite comfortable. This is a good pad for side sleeping as we never bottomed out even when sleeping on our side.
What we don’t care for is that it’s a little heavy for its warmth. Also after personally testing it, as well as researching online, it seems to be less durable than other options that we tested.
Sea to Summit Comfort Light
Specs
- Weight: 1 lbs 05 oz
- R Value: 3.1
- Thickness: 2.0 in
Features
- Integrated Pump
- Repair Kit Included
- Spare One-Way Valve
- Antimicrobial Treatment
The hip and shoulder support on the Sea to Summit Comfort Light will keep side sleepers happy even in cool fall weather. Sea to Summit calls this pad’s structure “Air Sprung Cell” technology, which consists of 2 layers of cells under the torso to maximize comfort and insulation. At the head and legs, the cells cut down to 1 layer to reduce weight while still providing support. The cells function similarly to mattress springs to offer ultimate comfort, even on your side.
Durability is a non-issue with this ultralight pad thanks to the 40-denier ripstop nylon — 1 denier is a single strand, so 40 strands create a tough layer to resist punctures without adding too much weight. If your pad does get punctured, the included repair kit will help you patch it up. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used to bond with the shell fabric to prevent delamination and extend the lifespan of your pad, combined with an antimicrobial treatment on top of the TPU to ward off mold issues that might arise from warm, moist air collecting inside. Inflation is a breeze thanks to the pump integrated into the stuff sack, so save yourself some air and try out this reliable Sea to Summit pad on your next backpacking trip.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated
Specs
- Type: Air Pad
- Weight: 1 lbs 01 oz
- R Value: 3.1
- Thickness: 2.0 in
- Volume: 02.3 L
Features
- Pad Thickness: 2 in
- Sleeping Pad Shape: Semi-rectangular
- Reflective Fabric And Thermolite Insulation Combine To Prevent Heat Loss
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated is a three season sleeping pad that is light, small and fairly warm. This would be a great pad for someone who is trying to shave weight but isn’t into the superlight, minimalist sleeping pad options.
What we love the most about this pad is that it is very light and compact. It’s just a bit over one pound and gives you 2 inches of thickness. Paired with a warm sleeping bag, it can handle below freezing temperatures. It is made up of what Sea to Summit calls Air Sprung Cells which give the pad extra comfort and plushness even though it’s not super thick. These cells move around with you and push the air around to eliminate any pressure points.
The Ultralight Insulated is one of those jack of all trades, master of none kinds of pads. There are lots of close contenders. The NEMO Tensor Insulated is an inch thicker and weighs less and is $20 cheaper. If you are a side sleeper and have particularly boney hips, you might have some issues with your hips and shoulders digging into the ground.
If you love the concept of this pad but you’re looking for one for 4-season use, check out the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT, which is also featured on this list.
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated comes in two sizes: Regular Mummy and Large Mummy.
This pad is also available in a women’s version which comes in two sizes: Regular Mummy and Large Mummy.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING THE BEST SLEEPING PADS FOR SIDE SLEEPERS
TYPE
All of the sleeping pads on our list for side sleepers are air pads, meaning you have to inflate them before sleeping on them. Air pads offer ultimate comfort for sleepers of all types, especially those that are at least 2 inches thick, but they are susceptible to punctures. If you camp and backpack with a furry friend with long nails, a closed-cell foam pad might be the way to go — these also tend to be less expensive, but you’re likely sacrificing comfort. Do some more specific research to decide which type best suits your outdoor lifestyle.
WEIGHT
The amount of emphasis on weight for your sleeping pad depends on whether you’ll be backpacking or car camping more often. Ultralight sleeping pads can get pricey, but it’ll be worth it when you’re out on the trail and have plenty of room and less weight in your pack for an extended backpacking trip. Technology has also advanced to the point where ultralight pads can offer plenty of comfort and support, as with the lightweight pads above, but if you truly want a comfortable experience, opt for the thickness of a slightly heavier sleeping pad.
THICKNESS
As we’ve mentioned, the thicker the pad, the more comfortable it’s likely to be for campers who prefer to sleep on their sides. Look for sleeping pads that are 2 inches thick or more for the best support, as they’ll help keep your hips and shoulders from sinking to the ground.
INSULATION
The level of insulation you need in a sleeping pad depends entirely on when and where you’ll be using it. For colder climates, look for greater insulation to protect your body from the cold ground. If you’re a 3-season camper, lighter insulation will do the trick. For those who only camp in hot, dry climates, you can likely get away with minimal insulation.
WIDTH
Width, like many sleeping pad features, is a personal preference. Side sleepers who tend to not move around much at night may be fine with a regular width sleeping pad. Many brands offer wide versions of each of their pads, which can offer extra room and increase comfort so you don’t have to worry about rolling off in the middle of the night.
LENGTH
Your height and preferences will determine what length sleeping pad you need. Look for a few inches of extra space beyond your head-to-toe measurements so you have room for a pillow and some foot space.
SHAPE
Sleeping pads generally come in 3 common shapes: mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. Some people feel constricted by the mummy shape, but the design can help reduce weight. If you prefer a little more room while you sleep, rectangular may be the way to go. For more on choosing the right sleeping pad for your needs, check out this Backpacker magazine article.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
R-VALUE
R-value, put scientifically, measures thermal resistance. Materials with higher R-values are more thermally resistant, so they offer more warmth. A typical scale increases in insulation from an R-value of 1.0 to an R-value of 9.5. Some brands, such as Big Agnes and NEMO, offer temperature ratings in place of R-values for their sleeping pads. However, the standards for these ratings are much more likely to vary from brand to brand. Therm-A-Rest generally recommends an R-value of 1.0 – 2.0 for summer, 2.1 – 3.3 for 3-season camping, 3.3 – 5.0 for winter, and 5.0+ for extreme winter conditions.
BAFFLES
The cells in an air sleeping pad that create the internal structure and the seams you see on the outside.
DELAMINATION
An issue that arises in sleeping pads when the pad is left exposed to heat or pressure for too long. This results in a bubble internally. In a foam-core sleeping pad flipping the pad over may help. However, an air pad that’s been delaminated will likely need to be replaced.
TPU
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a material that is typically applied in sleeping pads to prevent delamination of the internal shell fabric.
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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads