Are you looking for the best hammock sleeping pad for everyday adventures? We researched over 20 models available in 2023 and tested the best 6 side by side.
If you love adventure and enjoy camping, you know how fun it is to sleep on a hammock. There is nothing better than sleeping on a hammock above the grass or land. The hammock allows your body to stay in the right position and can help you to sleep better. Or you might like relaxing on the hammock in your backyard on a breezy summer day. Rocking while sleeping in the hammock is known to provide better sleep than lying on a bed. Whether you want to replace your old hammock, or are new to buying one, read along to find the best hammock sleeping pad.
If you get the right type of hammock pad according to your requirements, you can get a deep sound sleep. However, if you choose the wrong hammock sleeping pad, you are going to hate it and won’t want to use it ever again. You should never compromise on getting a comfortable hammock pad whether you need it for camping, chilling on beach, or backyard.
You might be wondering where to start searching for the best sleeping pad for a hammock, and this is why you are here. We took up the task of searching for the most popular and best-selling hammock sleeping pad that provides ultimate support, so you don’t have to. After looking at over 20 sleeping pads, here are our top six picks.
Editor’s Choice – Klymit Hammock V Sleeping Pad
| Dimensions | 78″ x 47″ x 2.5″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Material | 20D Polyester |
| R-Value | 1.6 |
This sleeping pad by Klymit is specially designed for hammocks, as the name suggests. The unique design of this sleeping pad provides a 180’C insulation giving maximum comfort, space, and comforts. It is light-weight, weighing only about 27 ounces. The pad is lightweight, making it easy to carry, roll, unroll and setup.
The Klymmit Hammock V Sleeping Pad’s surface has body mapping technology that keeps the user warm. There are two types of Klymmit Hammock v Sleeping Pad: insulated and non-insulated. The insulated one keeps the pad warm for colder areas or chilly nights — non-insulated ones re for those who feel hot while sleeping and want to dissipate their body heat.
One of the unique qualities of this hammock pad is its V shape, providing enough room for you to move and turn sideways while sleeping. The V shape sleeping pad also covers you, providing comfort and coziness. We found the Klymit Hammock V Insulated Sleeping Pad best in terms of width and warmth among the other sleeping pads.
The V-shaped pattern of the mat is also equipped with no-slip security that holds the hammock in place and prevents slipping. However, it can not keep you from falling off the hammock at all.
The Klymmit Hammock V comes with an emergency tool kit in case of damages or punctures. The kit is present in the small storage bag of the pad, so it is near you whenever you need it.
- Excellent comfort
- Quiet surface layer
- Light-weighted so easy to carry
- Easy to set up
- Very roomy
- The size can be large for short-height people
- Little Expensive
- Not suitable for ground use
Best Bang for the Buck – ENO Eagle’s Nest Outfitters Air Loft Hammock Mattress
| Dimensions | 80″ x 36″ x 1″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.8 lbs |
| Material | Nylon |
ENO Eagle’s Nest Outfitters specializes in hammocks for camping. ENO’ Eagle’s Nest Air Loft Hammock Sleeping Pad is one of the cheapest ones in the market yet has all the necessary features, including a comfortable surface and also insulation wings for warmth and support. Where most highly-priced hammock mats lack wings, the ENO Eagle’s Nest is a true Bang for the Buck in our top 6 picks.
We found the insulation wings sturdy enough to keep warm. The wings are good for covering and giving support, which is especially great if you change your position a lot while sleeping. Hence, this hammock pad cushions your body from every point. The insulated pad is also removable if you do not prefer sleeping pads with wings or want to use it with a sleeping bag or on the ground.
In addition to providing a cozy and comfortable sleep, it also has a silent surface layer making no noise if you move too much while sleeping.
The Airloft Hammock Mattress by ENO weighs 45 ounces, which are heavier than most sleeping pads. However, it is very comfortable for sleeping on the hammock or sleeping bag. The mattress also has extra solid core foam insulation providing better back support.
The outer surface of the mattress is strong. It is made out of TPU coated nylon, and we found it good enough to resist any wear and tear.
- Very soft and comfortable
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Removal insulated pads can change from a hammock mat to a sleeping ground mat
- Heavier and bulkier than other sleeping pads
- No anti-slip protection
Most Versatile Sleeping Pad – ECOTEK Hybern 8
| Dimensions | 74″ x 22″ x 2.2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Material | 75D Polyester |
| R-Value | 2.2 |
If you are looking for both comfort and affordability, the ECOTEK Hybern 8 can be your pick. Despite the reasonable price, the mat surface has a unique hexagon pattern that makes it very comfy and supportive. The bottom surface is anti-slip, so it keeps the body stable during sleep. However, it cannot prevent you from falling at all.
The hammock sleeping pad is very light-weight and weighs only 18 ounces, and so takes very little space in the traveling bag. It can be packed down into a 10x3 inch cylinder, so it is very portable.
The 75D polyester material is of high-quality and very durable. It is ultra-soft yet very resistant to wear and tear. The sleeping pad design has an air core that helps to lose heat through convection. It is warm and comfortable to use when you have to lay the sleeping pad on the cold ground.
The one-way valve makes inflation and deflation easy and quick. It can easily inflate in 10-15 breaths. The design and structure of ECOTEK Hybern 8 make it very versatile to use. You can install it on a hammock, use it in a sleeping bag, or simply lay it on the ground, ECOTEK Hybern 8 sleeping pad is suitable for all purposes.
- Very soft and comfortable
- Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear
- Warm and comfortable on the cold ground
- Poor air retention
Most Ultralight – Venture 4th Ultralight Sleeping Pad
| Dimensions | 73.6″ x 21.6″ x 2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lbs |
| Material | 40D Nylon |
| R-Value | 1.5 |
Venture 4th Ultralight sleeping pad is the most lightweight pad for a hammock in our picks and weighs only 16 ounces. It is very portable and easy to carry. The price is also reasonable as compared to most hammock sleeping mats.
The sleeping mattress does have a quiet surface, but it can make some crinkling sounds if you move on it frequently.
Although it is lightweight, its two-inch thickness gives comfort to the body. The foam of the pad is thick and cushioned, so it provides plenty of warmth. Hence, it is good to use when sleeping on a cold or rough terrain.
The sleeping pad is self-inflating. You do not have to carry an air pump or blow it yourself. Simply roll it out, and it inflates itself. However, we found that the pad takes a longer time to inflate.
The bag is waterproof, so it does not get wet or dirty easily. But there is an issue with the bag. Despite the mattress is very lightweight, the bag it comes with is heavy. We expected the most light-weight mattress on our list to be super portable, but with the carry bag, it is not the case. If the features and specs of this mattress match your requirement, you can buy it and use it without its carry bag.
- Extremely light-weight mattress
- Easy to pack
- Soft and comfortable
- Self-inflating
- Takes a little longer to inflate
- The bag is not very portable
Most Durable Sleeping Pad – Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight Inflatable
| Dimensions | 73″ x 21.6″ x 2.2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lbs |
| Material | Nylon |
| R-Value | 2.2 |
The Outdoorsman Ultralight Sleeping Pad has all the features that are true to its name. It is among the lightest hammock sleeping mats available in the market and weighs less than a pound. Also, it is very reasonable, and so it is one of the best hammock sleeping pads available within a budget. The sleeping pad comes in blue, green, and orange color.
Upon testing the Outdoorsman Ultralight Sleeping Pad, we found that it is very durable. The material used in manufacturing is rip-stop 20 denier nylon fabric with a TPU lamination, which gives the pad extreme durability in all conditions. Despite the great durability, we have found that air leaking issues can occur with this sleeping pad.
Although the surface of the pad is not too noisy, it is less noise resistant than other pads on our list.
The Outdoorsman Labs Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad is very easy to inflate. You can easily inflate it in 10-15 breaths. Unlike most sleeping pads, the valve is present at the bottom surface rather than the top. The valve also contains an automatic shut off button so that you can close the valve, catch your breath and easily continue inflating the pad.
The Outdoorsman Ultralight Sleeping Pad has a storage sack. When the pad is compressed, its dimensions reduce to only 9 by 2.75 inches. So it rarely takes any space in your backpack thus having great portability.
- Very Portable
- Very Affordable
- Light-weighted
- Easy to inflate
- The cushion thickness may not be very suitable for people with back issues.
- Air leak issues
Best of the Rest – Gold Armour Extra Large
| Dimensions | 77″ x 25″ x 2.5″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Material | Nylon |
| R-Value | 2.5 |
Gold Armor is one of the popular manufacturers for hammocks and other camping accessories. After the Venture 4 sleeping mat, Gold Armour XL is the lightest sleeping pad on our list. It weighs 18 ounces, which is only 2 oz heavier, and 10$ cheaper than the previous one. The drawstring bag makes it very portable as the dimensions reduce to 4X11 inches after collapsing.
Gold Armour Extra Light is a double camping hammock and being extra large in size; it can fit two people. The hammock has a 210T nylon parachute fabric that is thick, sturdy, and resists tears. The strap design is quite strong, having a breaking strength up to 1000 lbs.
It has straps and all the accessories to set up, so you do not need to buy other things. It is portable and very easy to set up. The stuff sack of the mat is sewn into the camping hammock so that you do not lose it. Gold Armor XL sleeping mat comes with no instruction manual but is relatively easy to set up.
The heavy recoil bungee strapping provides immense support and does not let you fall. However, the strapping may feel uncomfortable if it comes in contact when sleeping.
The hammock sleeping mattress has a quiet surface layer, and so is noise resistance.
Gold Armor gives a 100% money-back guarantee if the product has some fault or you do not like it. The sleeping mat comes with a 15-year warranty, which is effective.
- Very light in weight
- Very portable
- Sturdy and durable design
- Very quick to set up
- The straps have 1000 pounds breaking strength
- No instruction manual for set up
- The strong stitching may be uncomfortable while sleeping
- The color can fade easily
Why Do You Need a Proper Sleeping Mat?
The adventure lover inside you might want to do crazy things. You might want to try sleeping without a comfortable sleeping mattress for a fun, exciting, and raw adventure. Regardless of how thrilling the idea of sleeping on a sheet or directly on the ground may sound, it is not a good choice at all.
Sleeping on the ground is very uncomfortable. You can get backache, neck pain, or other body pain that can keep you from enjoying your trip. More importantly, you need a good night’s sleep on a soft sleeping pad so that you are energized the next day and can make the most of your trip. If you are trekking or camping in a colder region, sleeping on the ground can make you sick too.
There are high chances of you getting a bite from creepy crawly insects. Some insects could be poisonous too or can cause serious skin allergies.
Getting the best sleeping pad for your hammock ensures that your muscles are calm and do not remain stiff while you sleep. You need to relax your body after long trails.
Buyers Guide for Buying the Best Hammock Sleeping Pad
Now that you know why a good quality sleeping pad is crucial for sleeping in a hammock let us know what features a good quality sleeping mat should have.
We have already shared our top picks for the best hammock sleeping mats with you. Now, with this buying guide, you can easily pick a hammock mat that suits your requirements.
Size
The size of your hammock sleeping pad is a crucial factor to consider. The sleeping pad should be long enough for you to sleep comfortably. If you are traveling with a friend or partner, you can look for a hammock pad that can accommodate two people.
While it is good to buy a mat that’s a little larger than your own height, it should not be too big or bulky, so it is difficult for you to carry.
To get a sleeping pad, which is very portable, you need to look at the inflated and packed size and see if you can carry it comfortably. It is possible to use the pad without its carry bag or pack but it will become vulnerable to any puncture or damage. So it is always good to choose a pack that can fit into your bag pack.
Weight
There are many brands and models for sleeping pads for the hammock. Some are light-weight, and some are a bit bulkier. The heavy and bulkier ones may be more comfortable, sturdy, and durable. However, if you are hiking or backpacking, you have to prioritize the weight you can carry and get a light-weight sleeping pad or mattress. While camping, weight may not be the issue for you and you can get a heavier sleeping bag to sleep comfortably.
Thickness
It is not necessary that thicker sleeping pads are more comfortable. Thicker pads do provide greater support, comfort, and cushion, but you must also consider how firm you want your sleeping pad to be.
A sleeping pad that is too thick will not be able to provide you a comfortable sleep. It might be too hard for your body to relax. The best sleeping mats for hammocks are thick enough to provide you the right firmness your body needs. They should be thick enough without bottoming out.
0 to 2 R-values are good enough for camping in the warm weather. Get a sleeping mat of 2 to 4 R-value. If you are packing for 3-season camping. R-value of 5 and above is best for a very colder climate and snowy area.
R-Value
It is important to know the R-value of your hammock sleeping pad if you want it to have the right temperature. If the pad is insulating, it will reflect your body heat to maintain the temperature when you are in a colder area and need to stay warm. The higher the R-value of the mat, the better the insulation it can provide.
Wrapping Up
Finding the best sleeping pad for hammocks is necessary to ensure that your camping or hiking trip is comfortable and that you get a good night’s sleep. There are several things to consider when buying a hammock sleeping pad which includes the size, thickness, portability, durability, and insulation. To help you find the right hammock sleeping mat for you, we have shared our top 6 choices among popular and best-selling brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
A sleeping pad is very necessary when using a hammock. It provides stability, comfort, and protection when you are outdoors. Sleeping in the air on the hammock is warmer than compared to sleeping on the ground. It provides great comfort and also supports the pressure points created by the hammock.
Most hammock sleeping pads are machine washable. Do check the label or the instructor’s manual to find out if your hammock sleeping pad is machine washable or not. If not, you can wash it easily with a water hose. If the hammock pad has any accessories, be sure to remove it before putting it in the machine.
There are several sleeping pads that are very versatile to use. You can use them in the car, sleeping bag, or the ground very easily while some have shape and design that is only fit to use with a hammock, if you want a sleeping back to use only for a hammock, then get the one that is best for the hammock only. If you use a hammock occasionally, then it is better to get a versatile sleeping mat so it can be of great use for all kinds of trips.
Ideally, hammock sleeping pads take 10-15 breaths to inflate fully. Nonetheless, some sleeping pads might take more breaths; it is practical to get a hammock pad that only takes about 10 to 15 breaths to inflate.
