The best value lightweight backpacking inflatable sleeping pad

If you just want a good lightweight sleeping pad for backpacking at a reasonable price, the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is our recommendation for best value.

Notably, in the $150 price range, you have to choose between low weight and high comfort. You don’t get both at once like with the premium models. This model prioritizes value, then weight, then comfort.

• Price: $159
• Weight: 16.9 oz
• R-Value: 3.1 | R-Value/Weight: .18
• Thickness: 2” | Fabric: 40d/30d
• Sizes: X-Small, Small, Regular, Large
• Pros: Good value. Lightweight. Durable.
• Cons: Mid-tier R-value. Thin. Cold Spots.

Features

But Ultralight Insulated Air is still a pretty good backpacking sleeping pad in all regards. It has durable fabric, a passable R-Value, a reasonably low weight, and at 2”, is thinner than the average inflatable, but just thick enough to reap most of the comfort benefits.

While it is 40% less expensive than the top model, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, it is also 35% heavier, 45% less warm, and 50% thinner. So you get what you pay for. However, when compared to other models in its price range. Ultralight Insulated Air is notably lighter weight, but a bit undergunned in terms of warmth and thickness.

Lastly, outside of true summer conditions, we don’t recommend this backpacking sleeping pad to quilt sleepers, as the baffling pattern can have cold spots underneath, and the R-Value isn’t quite there.

Verdict

All in all, Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air is a solid, if not spectacular, sleeping pad for backpacking at a good price and we recommend it if you’re value shopping for something lightweight.

When purchasing through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Here’s why you can trust us.

Check out more great options in our guide to the best backpacking sleeping pads of year.