INTRODUCTION:
Hammocks are no longer an addition to seating in your backyard but have also made it to the list of essentials packed for most outdoor activities. Whether you are going hiking or on a camping trip, hammocks are an ideal companion that you can set up anywhere and have a good sleep. And why not? You deserve some good rest after a long day, and if there is one thing you should not compromise on an outdoor adventure, it is your sleep comfort.
If you decide to take a hammock along, it is important that you get a sleeping pad for hammocks too. While it might seem nice to lie down in a hammock for a few minutes without a sleeping pad, that is not the case when outdoors. You do not want the cold air to bother you or the hammock net to carve into your back as you doze off. The sleeping pad will give you the cushioning and insulation you need for a good night’s sleep.
After extensive research, we have narrowed the list down to the five best sleeping pads for hammocks. Let’s explore them one by one.
The Top 5 Sleeping Pads for Hammocks
5. Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad
While you see most sleeping pads can be used for hammocks in addition to being a normal pad, Klymit Hammock V Sleeping pad is specially designed to fit all hammocks and provide comfort accordingly. The sleeping pad reduces the heat lost from the body and provides the sleeper with 180 degrees of insulation. Available in both high and low R-values of 1.6 and 4.4, you can choose one as per your trip requirements.
The pad consists of 20D polyester that is a durable and puncture-resistant material, so it is going to stay around for a long time. Moreover, it is ultralightweight material that makes the sleeping pad weigh only 27 ounces, perfect to pair with a hammock.
Equipped with a flat flush valve, the pad allows easy inflation and quick deflation. Also, the product comes with a patch kit and a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Great cushioning
- Excellent insulation
- Rugged, abrasion-resistant 20D polyester
- Body mapping technology
- Good grip and non-slip design
- Lifetime warranty
- Patch included
Cons
- Slightly expensive but justified by the quality
Ultimate Relaxation Design: Klymit has made this sleeping pad using body-mapping technology. The V-shaped design of the pad provides comfort in every position you lie in. The deep welding pattern provides further thermal comfort. It is the most comfortable choice of all as it specifically provides a non-slip surface and cushioning while sleeping in a hammock.
4. Lightspeed Outdoors Self-Inflating Insulated Sleep Camp Foam Pad
Made from a high-quality and non-slip material, Lightspeed Outdoors Foam Pad is great for hammocks. The air pads are PVC and Phthalate free and thus won’t wrinkle. These soft sleeping pads are self-inflating and hence save you the trouble of carrying a pump. The two air valves make the pad inflate in minutes. You can adjust the air level to get a firm or soft surface. Available in three different sizes and R-values, you can choose one that goes the best with your hammock.
Pros
- Great for winter camping or chilly nights
- One of the best in terms of thickness
- Integrated pillow
- Great for both hammocks and tents with different adjustments of air level
Cons
- Slightly heavier and might not fit along with other camping gear in your standard backpack
Easy Carrying: Each pad comes with compression straps that make packing it and fitting into the oversized bag very easy. The pad has an integrated pillow for additional comfort. All in all, it is a great product with a sturdy design.
3. Outdoorsman Lab – Ultralight Sleeping Pad for Camping
Looking for the best in less, go for Outdoorsman Ultralight Sleeping pad. It is a durable sleeping pad that is lightweight and will fit easily in your backpack. The pad is very easy to inflate and deflate and is more suited for summer hikes and camping trips.
This pad has several features combined at the best price point, and the seller has topped it off with a lifetime warranty. It has everything to be your go-to option for backpacking and camping.
Pros
- Durable & ripstop 20D nylon material
- Compact size allows easy carrying
- Easy and quick inflation with good quality air valve
- Good for moderate weather conditions
- Has an inflatable pillow
Cons
- Susceptible to puncture and likely to deflate with frequent rough usage
Solid Build: The material used is 20D ripstop nylon with smooth air cells that are interconnected. The nylon, combined with TPU lamination, withstands abrasions and outdoor environment conditions. So, it is going to be a durable sleeping pad for your hammock.
2. Ryno Tuff Sleeping Pad for Camping
Another budget-friendly option to help you get a comfortable sleep when outdoors, Ryno Tuff will make you feel at home. It is also made using a durable 20D nylon material that is further coated with TPU, making it extremely tough and long-lasting.
The lightweight and flexible design make it easy to fit in a hammock. This pad also has compressions straps, allowing for easy packing. The mat rolls up to a size of 4 inches in diameter and a height of 15 inches.
It is a very inexpensive option with amazing quality. In addition to that, you can rest assured as the seller offers a lifetime warranty and easy replacement in case of malfunction.
Pros
- Good size
- Ultralightweight, i.e., less than 1 lb.
- Large and wide
- Free bonus pillow and inflator
- Repair kit included
- Cost-efficient
Cons
- Might occupy slightly more space in your backpack than others
Repair Kit: Dozing off in a hammock with this comfortable sleeping pad feels great, and the inflatable pillow made with the same quality adds to that comfort. Although the sleeping pad is durable, a repair kit is included in the pack to make up for any potential damage.
1. WELLAX Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
We cannot conclude this list without mentioning the hammock-friendly Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad by WELLAX. Made using nylon plus TPU layering, this sleeping pad is the most portable option that also provides optimal comfort.
WELLAX sleeping pad is extremely lightweight as it has a single layer of air cells. It also has a very small, packed volume, and that is all you need for outdoor activities, an easy-to-carry backpack. With an R-value of 2.1, it has three-season functionality.
The air pad has two flat valves, one for inflation and the other for deflation. The advanced inflation technology has made setting it up very easy. It is easy to inflate and deflate.
Pros
- Laminated 20D Ripstop Nylon with TPU layer
- Advanced inflation technology allows for easy inflation/deflation
- Compact design
- Single layered pad air cells make it a very lightweight option
Cons
- Good for hammock only and not very comfortable on the ground
- Not as durable as other options
Absolute Comfort: The sleeping pad features flexing air cells that hold your body weight in a hammock perfectly and give you the feeling of sleeping on a comfortable spring mattress. Whether you roll over or lie in any position, you will not feel any discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What features to look for in a sleeping pad for hammock?
Well, choosing a sleeping pad for a hammock is not difficult once you know the features you must consider. Sleeping pads are made with a wide range of features to suit the need of various adventurers. What suits the preference of one person might not work for another, and it comes down to your personal need.
Let us go through some factors that you should consider when purchasing a hammock sleeping pad.
A. Size and Thickness of Sleeping Pad
For a hammock, it is best to go for an oversized seeping pad. It should fill in the space completely and should be able to be utilized by users of varying heights. However, for children, get a smaller one suited to their size as it will keep them warmer.
Ensure the sleeping pad has a good thickness that can provide the right cushioning needed by your back, hips, and knees while lying in a hammock.
B. Material Used
Most sleeping pads usually consist of nylon or polyester, and so are those meant for fitting in hammocks. The material of a sleeping pad should be durable so as to resist environmental conditions like heat, cold, and rain.
Moreover, avoid sleeping pads made from a slippery fabric because, considering a hammock, you would not want to keep sliding off. Instead, a material that gives you a good grip will be more comfortable.
C. Weight and Portability
Consider the weight of the sleeping bag as you will have to carry it in your backpack for most of a hike or trek. Go for one that is lightweight, compact, and easy to pack and carry around.
However, you are the best judge to decide which type of sleeping pad will work for you. Weigh the pros and cons of each, keeping the nature of your trip in mind, and determine if you are looking for a lightweight and more portable option, or you can carry heavy hammock sleeping pads
D. Weather Conditions
A very important factor to consider when buying a sleeping pad for your hammock is its intended use and the weather condition it should be able to resist. Of course, you cannot make a single sleeping bag work for a hike in the summers and later a camping trip in the cold.
Sleeping pads are now designed to distribute the body heat across the pad to give you a warmer sleeping space. Just sure you are mindful of the conditions you’ll face on the outdoor trip and choose accordingly.
E. R-Value
These values are usually mentioned in the specs of sleeping pads. Those with higher values provide more warmth, whereas sleeping pads with R-value 1-2 will work better for a warm environment.
2. What are the different types of best sleeping pads for hammocks?
Sleeping pads come in three main types:
i. Closed Cell Foam
Hikers and trekkers have used these sleeping bags for years as they are the best suited for providing comfort in rocky terrains. Closed-cell foam sleeping bags have thousands of tiny bubbles, like the structure of foam. They provide insulation and cushioning while being very lightweight. Considered the most basic and durable type of sleeping pads, they are a very budget-friendly choice. They are great for backpackers camping in harsh weather conditions who do not want to spend the night shivering in the cold.
ii. Inflatable
As the name suggests, you can inflate these sleeping pads. Inflatable air pads are usually made from nylon material and are very comfortable in every sense. They provide good insulation, are compact and lightweight, thus easy to pack and carry around.
As they require manual inflation, they need time to set up. Another catch is they are prone to puncture.
iii. Self-inflating
A combination of the above two types, self-inflating pads are also made of nylon and have cells that fill up on their own like air pads. The self-inflation feature saves you the trouble of carrying equipment to fill the sleeping pad manually. They adjust to your need, are provide excellent cushioning.
However, they are not very lightweight, less compact, and thus less easy to pack. Also, they are susceptible to punctures.
3. What is R-value?
R-value is the measure of a sleeping pad’s capacity to resist the flow of heat through the pad. Thus, it tells you about the insulation capability of a sleeping pad. Those with a high R-value can retain more heat and vice versa. Are you looking for a sleeping pad to camp in cold weather conditions? Go for one with a high R-value.
Conclusion
It is not even a question to think whether you should get a sleeping pad for your hammock. We have put together the list of the best sleeping pads for hammocks after careful research, considering all factors to help you choose the best. Select the one that suits your need the best, and you won’t have to give up your comfort while you fuel your wanderlust.