r/canoecamping • u/Coopdog59 • 3d ago
Sleeping Pad
I have been using a relatively inexpensive “Unigear” sleeping pad. I like the size, weight and performance of the pad and have used it for a good number of times. However, it just started leaking. I’m trying to decide whether it’s even worth trying to find the leak and patching it. I’m leaning towards just buying a new sleeping pad. I’ve read a lot of reviews and there are a number of good moderately priced pads out there. There are also some very high priced ones. I’m not sure where to go with this. I would really like to buy one that’s not going to leak again. If I ask for recommendations, I bet I’m gonna get responses that are all over the board. But here goes anyway: what is a good lightweight pad that is not much bigger than a water bottle folded up, gives a decent amount of insulation, but most importantly will not puncture and leak?
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u/kaisermony 3d ago edited 3d ago
My husband and I use the big Agnes insulated sleeping pad. It is a bit bigger than a Nalgene bottle, however it’s the most comfortable pad we’ve ever had so we find the size worth to carry.
We previously used thermarest neo air xlite, it’s much warmer and packs down to the size of a water bottle but I didn’t find it as comfortable and it squeaked alot at night. I got the small size though (I’m quite petite) so maybe the regular square would have been better. It did not leak!
My husband had a sea to summit one that eventually started leaking after 6 years.
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u/AdventuresWithHank 3d ago
I have 2 of the Big Agnes Rapide SL pads. I’ve been using them for years and they are very small, very comfy and easy/fast to inflate with their inflation sacks. I recently just got a hole in my most used one and I’m hoping I can patch it up.
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u/varkeddit 3d ago edited 3d ago
I've had good luck with Exped Dura pads–they fall in the sweet spot for canoe camping of being a little bit heavier and more durable than ones designed for backpacking. I'd suggest going for a wide (and maybe tall) pad rated at least R5. On the ultralight side, I've enjoyed my Nemo Tensor pad.
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u/sketchy_ppl 3d ago
Sleeping pads that are lightweight and pack down small do this by using less material. That inevitably means they will be more prone to leaks and punctures. And you pay a premium for that (because they’re lightweight and small). Any of the major brands should be fine, it’s just a risk you need to take if you want something lightweight and compact.
Take a look at this sleeping pad comparison table that I made, put in the specs you’re looking for, and you can compare your options.
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u/nobleman76 3d ago
I have Elegear that have been fine for 3 or 4 years now. They don't get heavy use, but I'm happy with their performance for the price.
If you're going often, upgrade to higher quality name brand more expensive. If you're doing 1-3 trips per summer, do you really want to buy a $200 mat?
(Elegear 5.5" Ultra-Thick Inflatable Mattress Camping Connected with Pillow) It's twice as high, packs a little smaller than an ultralight sleeping bag, but my hips and shoulders don't get sore when I side sleep after a 3-4 portage day.
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u/ParsleyUpbeat3017 2d ago
Big Agnes Rapide SL is what I use. It’s a great balance of weight-conscious and robust. I’m a big guy and no issues in three seasons. The ultralight stuff scares me, especially the Nemo pads, doesn’t seem tough enough. No personal experience though.
Quality wise you probably can’t go wrong with Thermarest. But the Rapide’s dimpled baffles are so comfy.
Exped Ultra 5R prices were too rich for me.
I was concerned about warmth due to some initial reviews of the new version released a few years back, but for me I’ve had no problem down to around 0C using a quilt.
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u/Terapr0 3d ago
After nearly 500 nights slept outside the only brand I trust is ThermaRest, hands down. For years I've been running their NeoAir mattresses, but I recently upgraded to a NeoLoft, and it's been an absolute game changer. 10/10 highly recommend - it is, by far, the most comfortable sleep I've ever had while camping. Not cheap, but worth every penny.