The Best 2 Person Sleeping Pads For Backpacking
Double sleeping pads are desirable for backpacking with your partner in order to facilitate middle-gap-free snuggling. However, doing so means carrying extra weight and paying extra money relative to strapping two solo pads together, which is the obvious first choice.
Primarily, that’s because none of the best sleeping pads come in 2P sizing. There is no Therm-a-Rest NeoAir double or NEMO Tensor Duo. As such, opting for a 2 person sleeping pad means limiting your selection to upsized mid-tier options. Snuggling is nice though, so this guide highlights the best options available, evaluated from a lightweight backpacking perspective.
To keep carried weight in check, we recommend you stick to models in the 30-45 ounce range (two ultralight solo pads come in around 30 oz). We’ll be upfront though, that we generally don’t prefer double sleeping pads, have only tried some of them, and many of our analyses are based on spec, meta-analysis, and experience with single width versions. But with few resources currently available on the internet, we thought it worthwhile to offer our readers an analysis anyway. Jump ahead for buyer considerations, and while you’re here, don’t miss our corresponding guide to double sleeping pads and double quilts/sleeping bags.
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Quick Picks For Double Sleeping Pads
Best Lightweight Double Sleeping Pads for Backpacking
- Editor’s Choice: Strap Two Solo Pads Together
- Best Double Sleeping Pad: Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo, Medium
- Best Long/Wide Double: Exped Ultra 6.5 Duo, Long/Wide
- Runner Up: Big Agnes Rapide SL Double
- Runner Up, Long/Wide Double: Big Agnes Rapide SL Tent Floor
The Rest of the Double Sleeping Pads
- Lightest Weight, but Uninsulated: Exped Ultra Duo 1R M/LW
- Insulated but Heavy: Big Agnes Divide Insulated Duo
- Well-Insulated & Durable but Heavy: Exped Dura 6.5R Duo M/LW
- Durable & Cheap, but Uncomfortable & Uninsulated: Klymit Double V
- Well-Insulated & Durable, but Uncomfortable & Heavy: Klymit Static V Summit Double
Sleeping Pad Connector Straps
Exped Ultra 6.5R Long/Wide. Each half inflates independently.
2 Person Sleeping Pad Comparison Table
Mobile users rotate device for full-width table
| Sleeping Pad | Price ($) | Weight (oz) | Thickness (in) | length (in) | Shoulder Width (in) | R-Value | Shape | Fabric Denier |
| X2 Nemo Tensor All-Szn Solo + Straps | 22* | 30.7 | 3.5 | 72.0 | 40.0 | 5.4 | Taper | 20/40d |
| Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo | 320 | 31.0 | 3.5 | 72.0 | 41.3 | 6.9 | Taper | 20d |
| Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo, LW | 320 | 40.0 | 3.5 | 77.6 | 51.2 | 6.9 | Taper | 20d |
| Big Agnes Rapide Sl | 340 | 37.0 | 3.5 | 72.0 | 40.0 | 4.8 | Rectangle | 40d |
| Big Agnes Rapide SL TF | 340 | 43.0 | 3.5 | 75.0 | 50.0 | 4.8 | Taper | 40d |
| Exped Ultra 1R Duo, M | 270 | 17.5 | 3.0 | 72.0 | 41.3 | 1.8 | Taper | 20d |
| Exped Ultra 1R Duo, LW | 270 | 25.5 | 3.0 | 77.6 | 51.2 | 1.8 | Taper | 20d |
| Big Agnes Divide Insulated | 270 | 60.0 | 3.25 | 78.0 | 50.0 | 4.0 | Rectangle | 70d |
| Exped Dura 6.5R Duo, M | 320 | 52.0 | 3.0 | 72.0 | 41.3 | 6.9 | Taper | 75d |
| Exped Dura 6.5R Duo, LW | 320 | 71.0 | 3.0 | 77.6 | 51.2 | 6.9 | Taper | 75d |
| Klymit Double V | 150 | 40.5 | 3.0 | 74.0 | 47.0 | 1.5 | Rectangle | 75d |
| Klymit Static V Summit Double | 140 | 53.0 | 2.4 | 74.0 | 47.0 | 2.4 | Rectangle | 75d |
*This price assumes you and your partner already each own solo sleeping pads, and thus don’t need to buy new ones. Our preferred model is the NEMO Tensor All-Season, which is used in the example, in addition to a Therm-a-Rest Strap Universal Couple Kit, which adds 2.5 oz
Strap Two Sleeping Pads Together
We know that this is a buyer’s guide to double sleeping pads, but you should check the lowest hanging fruit first. Rather than spending hundreds on a new double, why not spend twenty on a pair of pad connector straps, and see if that meets your needs? If not, then go back and buy a double. We know of three options for sleeping pad connector straps, available from Therm-a-Rest, Zpacks, and Enlightened Equipment.
In addition to cost savings, there are many benefits to strapping two sleeping pads together vs a double sleeping pad. First and foremost is selection. There are many excellent solo sleeping pads to choose from, but only a few brands make doubles. What’s more, no best-in-class solo pad (ie NEMO Tensor All-Season, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT) is available in a double width size. Ergo when opting for a double, gear optimizers are signing up for a downgrade in terms of stats like R-value-to-weight-ratio.
But despite the advantages of greater selection, weights savings, and cost savings, there are downsides. The biggest of all, is that it is still possible to end up falling into the middle gap, even with the pads strapped together. This creates a functional-but sub-optimal snuggling ecosystem, and may even preclude consideration, depending on your preferences. Lastly, if strapping two pads together, we recommend you and partner use two pads of the approximately the same height. Too much differential can further degrade the snuggling.
Example stats for two NEMO Tensor All-Season pads + Straps
- Price: $22 (for straps) $0 for your existing solo pads
- Weight of 2 pads + straps: 30.7 oz
- Thickness: 3.5″
- Length x Width (shoulder): 72×40
- R-Value: 4.8
- Fabric: 20/40d
- Pros: Very inexpensive assuming you already own solo pads. Lightest weight option. Prevents pad drift. Decreases size of middle gap.
- Cons: Sub-optimal for snuggling, potential to fall into middle gap. Adds setup step. Straps create less comfy spot on surface of pad.
Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo, Medium
Couples seeking the best and lightest double sleeping pad for backpacking should choose the Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo, weighing in at just under two pounds. This model is optimized for low weight and high warmth with astoundingly high R-value of 6.9. The surface fabric is soft and comfortable against skin. Compared to our other mid-sized top pick, the Big Agnes Rapide SL, Ultra 6.5 is warmer, lighter, longer and more comfortable, but slightly less durable. This design has two sets of one way inflate and deflate valves, for a total of four valves. This allows each half to inflate according to the preferences of its users; I personally like it less inflated than my partner, so this works well for us. One minor drawback is that the in/out valves are both located on the bottom, which makes micro adjustments annoying.
Size: Slightly wider than a “Twin” mattress. This version is correct for small or average-sized couples who don’t mind body-to-body contact while sleeping.
- Price: $320
- Weight: 31 oz
- Thickness: 3.5″
- Length x Width (shoulder): 72 x 41″
- R-Value: 6.9
- Fabric: 20d
- Pros: Very lightweight. Very high R-value. Soft and comfy surface. Cradle effect. Independent inflation on both halves allows customization.
- Cons: Modest durability. Valves on bottom. Body to body contact at all times. Minor gap in middle where two halves connect.
Exped Ultra 6.5R Duo, Long/Wide
For all the same reasons that we love its sibling, Exped 6.5R Duo Long/Wide is the best-in-class large sized double sleeping pad. This version is just as warm (R 6.9), and its sleeping surface is soft and comfortable against the skin. Compared to our other top long/wide pick, the Big Agnes Rapide SL Tent Floor, Ultra 6.5 is a bit larger, lighter, comfier, warmer and less expensive, for a clean sweep in all categories except fabric durability. This design has two sets of one way inflate and deflate valves, for a total of four valves. This allows each half to inflate according to the preferences of its users; I personally like it less inflated than my partner, so this works well for us. One minor drawback to this system is creates a little connector gap channel in the middle. Another is that the in/out valves are located on the bottom, which makes micro adjustments annoying in the middle of the night.
Size: Slightly narrower than a “Full” mattress. This version is the correct choice for couples with larger-than-average bodies, or who prefer to space out a bit while sleeping.
- Price: $320
- Weight: 42.5 oz
- Thickness: 3.5″
- Length x Width (shoulder): 77.6 x 52.2″
- R-Value: 6.5
- Fabric: 20d
- Pros: Spacious. Soft surface texture. High R-Value. Comfy. Cradle effect. Large enough to not touch bodies if desired. Price doesn’t increase for larger size. Independent inflation on both halves allows customization.
- Cons: Not Lightweight. Modest durability. Valves on bottom. Minor gap in middle where two halves connect.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Double
The Big Agnes Rapide SL Double is our second favorite overall double sleeping pad because it offers a great blend of weight, surface area, functional durability, thickness, R-value, and comfort. We found the surface area to be reasonable comfortable and weight-dispersing, but more plastic-y than the Exped Ultra series. Cradle bumpers are nice to have, but also decrease usable sleeping width.
Size: Slightly wider than a “Twin” mattress. This version is correct for small or average-sized couples who don’t mind body-to-body contact while sleeping.
- Price: $340
- Weight: 37.0 oz
- Thickness: 3.5″ (4.25″ on edges)
- Length x Width (shoulder): 72 x 40″
- R-Value: 4.8
- Fabric: 40d
- Pros: Lightweight. Thick. Comfy surface. Cradle bumpers keep users in place. High R-Value.
- Cons: Expensive. Lighter options exist. Plastic-y surface feel. Body to body contact at all times.
Big Agnes Rapide SL Duo Tent Floor
The Big Agnes Rapid SL Duo Tent Floor is a great double sleeping pad, and an upsized-but-otherwise-identical version of standard duo. Relative to the base model, its weight scales up linearly with the size increase. Note, “Tent Floor” is meant to evoke the shape of the sleeping pad perfectly filling an asymmetrically tapering 2P tent, but it’s also just a confusing way to say “Long/Wide,” which is the terminology every other brand uses.
Size: Slightly narrower than a “Full” mattress. This version is the correct choice for couples with larger-than-average bodies, or who prefer to space out a bit while sleeping.
- Price: $340
- Weight: 43.0 oz
- Thickness: 3.5″ (4.25″ on edges)
- Length x Width (shoulder): 75 x 50″
- R-Value: 4.8
- Fabric: 40d
- Pros: Spacious. Thick. Comfy surface. Cradle bumpers. High R-Value. Large enough to not touch bodies if desired.
- Cons: Not lightweight. Expensive. Plastic-y surface feel.
Buyer Considerations for 2 Person Sleeping Pads
One Double Sleeping pad vs Two Strapped-Together Singles
The short answer:
- Two sleeping pads strapped together are lighter weight, less expensive, and prevent pad drift, but do not entirely eliminate the middle gap
- A double sleeping pad is much better for snuggling, but heavier and more expensive.
The long answer: In making this decision, we recommend that you see for yourself! Coupling kits cost $10-20, and make for an inexpensive trial. In addition to cost savings, there are many benefits to strapping two sleeping pads together vs a double sleeping pad. First and foremost is selection. There are many excellent solo sleeping pads to choose from, but only a few brands make doubles. What’s more, no best-in-class solo pad (ie NEMO Tensor All-Season, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT) is available in a double width varietal. Ergo when opting for a double, gear optimizers are signing up for a downgrade in terms of stats like R-value-to-weight-ratio.
But despite the advantages of greater selection, weights savings, and cost savings, there are downsides. The biggest of all, is that it is still possible to end up in the middle gap, even with the pads strapped together. This creates a functional but sub-optimal snuggling ecosystem, and may even preclude consideration for use with your partner, depending on your preferences.
Standard Sized Double Sleeping Pad vs Long/Wide
Regular versions are correct for average-sized couples who don’t mind body-to-body contact while sleeping. Long/Wide versions are the correct choice for couples with larger-than-average bodies, or who prefer to space out a bit while sleeping.
Keep in mind that couples who find sleeping on their own regular 20×72″ pads may still find one 40×72″ pad to be too narrow. In practice, 40″ wide pads feel narrower than two 20″ wide pads, since there is not a small empty space gap between you. If you don’t want to touch hips, arms, butts, or full on spoon, choose a long/wide pad. If you sleep snuggled up anyway, choose a regular width pad to save weight.
Other Considerations
- Double check tent width: not all 2 person tents may be able to accommodate a long/wide double, so make sure to double check your tent’s specs.
- Durability: 30d +/- 10d seems to be typical, with the most durable models coming in around 70d. Durability is great if you will use the pad outside of the tent, with a furry friend, or tend to be hard on and frequently damage gear. 20d is where we stat to get a bit concerned, 30+ is just fine.
- Versatility: While double sleeping pads can be sub-optimal in terms of weight and bulk, and are less versatile from a backpacking perspective, there are other advantages. They can be great for luxury base camping. They also make good portable beds for visitors to your home. Non-backpackers already won’t love sleeping on the floor, and they definitely won’t love sleeping on a narrow 20″ wide pad.
- Compared to twin, full, and queen sized beds for reference: A twin bed, which is considered a small bed for one person, is 38″ wide, only 2″ narrower than an average width double sleeping pad for backpacking. A full bed, more typically used for one person than two, is 54″ wide, a bit wider than a long/wide double sleeping pad. A queen bed, the default size for two, is 60″ wide, wider than the widest double sleeping pads for backpacking.
Concluding The Best Double Sleeping Pads For Backpacking
Thanks for reading our guide to the best lightweight double sleeping pads for backpacking, where we hope you discovered the next sleeping setup for you and your partner. We always recommend starting off by testing out strapping two single pads together to see how you like it. You can always come back and purchase a 2 person sleeping pad later on. Happy camping!
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