9 Highest Rated Sleeping Pads for Hammock

Hammock Sleeping Pad Buyer’s Guide

Knowing which type of hammock pad to choose when you’ve never tried one out is challenging. Here’s what to look for.

About Camping Hammock Sleeping Pads

Before buying a sleeping pad, you want to know what you need the product for, how it’ll be used, in what temperatures, etc. Keep in mind the conditions you’ll be camping in and the time of year you’ll be using the hammock pad.
If you plan on bringing the product hiking or to a campsite, you’ll likely want a product that’s lightweight, simple to pack, and easy to set up. Knowing you’ll be carrying a product on your back will likely make you look at it differently than if you were carting it in the back of your car, so these things are wise to keep in mind.
Alternatively, if you tend to camp by lugging all your gear into the car and driving up to a site, size and weight won’t matter as much. Packability also may matter less if you don’t plan on using the product often.

Types of Sleeping Pads

There are multiple types of sleeping pads to choose from, and each has its pros and cons. We go over what those are and how each can be uniquely beneficial.

Inflatable (Air)

Inflatable sleeping pads can be an excellent choice to use with a hammock due to their space-saving efficiencies. You can roll these types up tightly and have them take up a considerably small amount of space in your pack, and they’re often inexpensive.
It’s important to note these types do need to be inflated manually, and this isn’t always something you’ll be happy to do after a long day of hiking. While they often employ modern designs and inflatability functions that don’t take much time, it’s still important to look into this if it’s a personal concern.

Self Inflating

Self-inflating sleeping pads are excellent for space-saving, however, they’re often not as compact as manually inflatable air pads. They offer a combination of foam insulation and air, making for an excellent middle ground between comfort, portability, and warmth.
Further, you can adjust their firmness by releasing or adding air and they are reasonably compact, making them great for camping. Some fold up lengthwise and then rolled up to store inside a backpack, and others can be rolled up tightly. Keep in mind while they are heavier and more expensive than air pads, they are typically more durable, which can be a concern if you’re camping with dogs.

Closed Cell Foam 100

Closed-cell foam pads have many pluses. While they can be a bulky and stiff compared to inflatable types, they still offer excellent warmth and comfort during a cold night. They can be rolled up easily and packed away without hardly any hassle, making them a terrific choice for campers who want minimal fuss.
These types are often lightweight, extremely durable, inexpensive, and provide excellent insulation in various temperatures. If you camp with dogs, their rigid build makes them a perfect option as you won’t need to worry about punctures, and they can be strapped to the outside of a pack without worry due to their durability.

What to Consider when Buying a Sleeping Pad for Hammock

When looking for a sleeping pad, it’s wise to consider how you’ll be using it and what you’ll need from it before buying; here’s what to consider.

Weight (Thickness)

Thickness and weight can be tricky to negotiate if you’re looking for both comfort and portability. As you might expect, the thicker the product the more comfortable it typically is, especially seeing that a sleeping pad is already pretty thin.
If you’re the type that prefers a thicker product and appreciates your beauty rest, then opting for a thicker pad might be more important to you. You can double sleeping pads up as well if you’re kayaking or biking, using them as a seat or backrest.
Alternatively, if you prefer your product to wrap up into a compact size, a thinner, more portable option might make you happier.

Comfort Level

Closed-cell foam options are durable and easy to pack, however not as soft as manually inflatable options. If space-saving is your priority, manually inflatable pads work well while still offering comfort.
A self-inflating sleeping pad could be best in terms of pressure relief. Self-inflating options are excellent for convenience and comfort, as they combine foam and air for a fluffier, heftier cushion. The only drawback could be their price and larger size.

R-Value (Insulation)

R-value refers to a product’s ability to prevent the flow of heat out of the product. The higher the R-value, the more significant the insulation performance, so if you’re expecting to camp in chilly conditions, you’ll likely want a high-quality sleeping pad with a high R-value rating.
Finding a product with a high R-value means that you’ll have warmer nights. A high R-value means the product will have higher insulation and retain heat more efficiently. Despite colder temperatures and harsher conditions, a high R-Value could allow you to snooze more comfortably.

Sizing

How large your sleeping pad needs to be could depend on the way you sleep. If you prefer to have more room to adjust, a broader product with “wings” could be beneficial to maximize space, as opposed to a “mummy” shape. Hips and shoulders are often a large pressure point area, and if you struggle with these spots, keep an eye out for soft sleeping pads that cater to these needs.

Packed Size

Depending on your needs, a sleeping pad’s shape might not be important to you or could make a considerable difference. Mummy pads are great for those looking to save on space and don’t feel the need to spread out, as these types lack the edges other pads have, being that they’re not a necessity.
Finding a pad with wings is excellent for additional comfort and helps keep the pad in place while you’re sleeping. Further, wings are often included on products that offer additional support in pressure points like the hip region

Shape

If you plan on hiking and camping for an extended period, you will likely want something that can pack up tight for easy packing and light toting. A manually inflatable pad will pack up small, perfect for long hikes. Alternatively, a closed-cell foam product will be easy to pack and lightweight without the puncture risk.
If sleeping in a hammock is something you only plan on doing once in a while, size may not be a factor as long as you can toss it in your car, in which case a self-inflating pad may be bulky but offer the most comfort.

Shell Material

While hammocks look cozy, they can feel freezing at times due to the air being a thin layer away, making otherwise lovely nights in the woods feel like an arctic blast. The material of the hammock shell often indicates how warm the product will be through cold nights. However, if you don’t have a warm product, finding a sleeping pad that can maximize warmth might be important to consider when examining the weather in which you’ll be camping.

Noise

Naturally, you won’t want a loud product that will crinkle and cause disturbing noises as you adjust in the middle of the night. Sometimes this can be the case with various products, particularly inflatable air pads. Self-inflating pads are often covered with fabric, helping to mitigate any noise.
However, inexpensive types could create more friction, resulting in more sound. If you’re a light sleeper, it’s worth keeping this in mind when choosing a product.

Versatility

If you intend to use your pad strictly for a hammock, the dimensions and size may only apply to one scenario. While great for space-saving, a mummy pad won’t offer much comfort when you’re sleeping on the ground. If you think you might use your sleeping pad while you’re camping in a tent with space to sprawl out, you might want to consider the various ways in which you’ll want to use it in the future.

Patch (Repair) Kit

When opting for an inflatable pad, whether self-inflating or manual, it’s wise to keep a repair kit on hand. If you’re the type of camper that wants products with no fuss, this is worth keeping in mind because you could run the risk of punctures with an inflatable option.
Keeping a quality repair kit on hand is critical for inflatable products. However, as long as you’re reasonably careful with the product, the likelihood of punctures isn’t exceptionally high.

Cost

Lighter and more compact sleeping pads often correlate with a higher cost due to their compact nature. Products that weigh less are typically made with more expensive material and greater ingenuity, begetting a higher price. If you’re looking for something inexpensive and provides comfort, a closed-cell foam pad can be a great middle-ground. Further, if space isn’t a priority, bulkier options are often more affordable than compact alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping Pads for Hammocks

How good are hammock pads for camping compared to under quilts?

Under quilts can be remarkably effective when looking to retain heat, and they can double as a cozy blanket when huddling around a fire. However, they won’t offer as much cushion as a sleeping pad. When used together, an under quilt and hammock pad can provide exceptional warmth and cushion, but if you’re looking to save money and don’t foresee yourself using either product often, you may be looking to choose only one.
A well-chosen hammock pad can keep you comfortable on the ground as well as in the air and is an option that could grant more versatility than an under quilt.

How should I clean a hammock sleeping pad?

Unless a product explicitly states that a sleeping pad is machine washable, don’t put them in the washing machine, as most are not meant to be machine washed. You’ll typically want to wash your sleeping pad in warm water with mild soap and make sure the inflation valve is closed to prevent water from sneaking inside.
When you’re finished hand washing your sleeping pad, make sure you allow for plenty of time for it to fully dry, as you don’t want to store the product when it’s damp. Make sure to store it according to its instructions to maximize the product’s longevity.