I'm in the market to get another sleeping pad for my girlfriend who will be joining me on a BWCA trip in 3 weeks. I already have one of my own, but its one of the cheap self inflatable ones - I think I bought it at Gander like 10 years ago. Not anything fancy but it gets the job done. I think I am going to make a hammock purchase within the next year, so I dont want to spend a ton of money on a really expensive sleeping pad. As a result, I'm looking for recommendations on a sleeping pad that won't break the bank (under $100). Thanks in advance!

Check out the Garage at Campsaver.com. I purchase a lot of gear there. They have an extensive line of pads in the Garage for under $100.00. Go for an insulated Big Agnes for the price.
Campsaver Garage Sleeping Pads

Thanks for that link! there are a ton of good options on there for pretty cheap. Anybody recommend the Big Agnes pads?

Depending on your budget, it's worth considering the Exped Synmat. I sleep almost as well on my Synmat as I do in my comfy bed at home. There are several models - some lightweight, some only good for car-camping IMO (too heavy and bulky). Some of the Exped models are simply air pads, while others have a thin layer of insulation.

I have the Synmat UL 7 LW (long/wide) and love it.

My recommendation would be not to buy the model with the integral air pump. Packed size is larger and bulkier. Buy the "Schnozzel" to inflate your pad and you'll be glad you did.

I have an Xpad 7 UL and it has been great. One failure and the company replaced. Great service, 5 year user. Spend $70 or $120. Be happy with it for years or unhappy for 3 weeks.

I did get one of my kids a BA Q-core insulated pad ($99?). I love laying on it and more quiet. Downside is I think it takes a while longer to deflate (big deal).

I would strongly recommend either pad as I would buy either again. Both <1 lbs and compact.

I suggest going to a quality retailer and trying some out. What feels good to you (her)?

Budget pad, my other kid has a Klymite from Costco online. Cheep, seems solid and easy to inflate. I have not slept on it and I think there is little to no insulation value.


John

I have 4 Expeds and a Big Agnes and I would recommend them all. The Exped UL7 Medium at 1 lb. and $118.27 is a good deal at Campsaver. You can't go wrong with wither companies customer service. Sign up for their emails and get another 10% off your entire order.

You may find a good pad on sale cheap; a good comparison would be one of the Klymit pads.

I got the exped synmat 7 W and I love it. Whatever brand you get, I recommend the wide versions. That little bit of extra width keeps you from feeling like you are falling off.

Also make sure you have enough of an R rating for insulation. You don't want to freeze on cold ground. Those are the main points. After that it comes down to preference and budget. Look at the features you want rather than the base price when comparing.

quote Jackfish: "Depending on your budget, it's worth considering the Exped Synmat. . . . My recommendation would be not to buy the model with the integral air pump. . . . Buy the "Schnozzel."
"

One of my favorites is the Exped Synmat 3-D 7 in medium wide $145 at Backcountry Edge https://www.backcountryedge.com/exped-synmat-3-d-7.html?gclid=CjwKEAjwgtTJBRDRmd6ZtLrGyxwSJAA7Fy-h7jj_bHaaPsNik28ti-gP4nl6eswndBLTzXVQgaY67RoCE0bw_wcB

The Schnozzel is included, and I agree, it's much better than the built-in pump: it's lighter and inflates a lot faster and easier. The 3-D has boxed sides that provide a bit more sleeping surface and keeps you from rolling off the mattress. Heaven on the Helinox Cot One.

quote boonie: "You may find a good pad on sale cheap; a good comparison would be one of the Klymit pads. "

You can frequently find the standard Klymit pads for 50 bucks, they sleep great in warmer conditions and will almost pack in your pocket.

I have an REI Kingdom that I really like.

It's not tiny tiny but it's really comfortable.

I have both the Exped Synmat UL7 and a couple Big Agnes pads and highly recommend both. Just make sure that whatever you buy is insulated.

Nemo Astro 25 Insulated

Klymit makes insulated as well as uninsulated pads, just like most of the brands. I have an insulated one. Make sure you get an appropriate one for your needs no matter what brand you get.

Mine is the Kymit Insulated Static V. Absolutely could not be happier. Usually can be found for ~ 30% off the MSRP seen here.

+1 Love my Exped UL7 and Schnozel to inflate it.

Just make sure that whatever you get, her pad is warmer and nicer than yours.

quote TrekScouter: "Just make sure that whatever you get, her pad is warmer and nicer than yours."

1+

i have a zrest and a self inflating thermarest really neither are great, if you have any back issues.
ITS TACTICAL just did a utube vid on them.
the ridgerunner, is supposed t have more padding and R value.

quote ozarkpaddler: "

quote TrekScouter: "Just make sure that whatever you get, her pad is warmer and nicer than yours."

1+"

+2

+99. Exped Synmat 9

By far the best mat that i have tried

I'm leary about big agnes. I bought an inflatable insulated pad a number of years back and the thing hasn't kept pressure overnight since I got it. I'm wondering how much if any they've improved.

I have a NEMO Tensor 20R. It's not rated for too cold weather. I think it goes to 30-40F. It is kind of narrow as well. I love it although a few years ago I never used a sleeping pad so I might not be the best person to vote on this subject. The Tensor is an air pad and it compacts down to a small, light cylinder.

Another vote for exped!!

We've gone to the Nemo Vector Insulated 25L. Super lightweight, super compact, very stable (stays flat on ground) and very comfortable. The only caution I would issue is like the NeoAir Thermorest they're crinkly which is a by product of the material used. However, I would add we sleep with ear plugs and I slept all the way through the entire night without waking once on this pad. That NEVER happens at home on my Simmons Beautirest. They're a bit pricey but, VERY good sleeping pads. As a side note as far as comfort I am convinced the only thing air pads really do is hold you off the ground. I am also convinced most people over inflate the air pads and turn them into trampolines.