Best Budget Sleeping Pad Under $50 For Backpacking & Camping 2020

Thank you for stopping by! You are here because you’re going camping or backpacking and now you need to find the best budget sleeping pad for under $50 in 2020. People often forget that they need a sleeping pad to go along with the sleeping bag. They can be a little pricey but there are options out there that won’t break the bank.

I personally use a budget sleeping pad that costs right around $40. I’ve used the ones that cost $130 – $200, they are great but not really worth the difference in money. The only reason you would go with one that expensive is if you have a special need or you will be sleeping somewhere very cold.

I’m going to talk about 10 different budget sleeping pads all under $50. We will list each sleeping pad and whether it’s good for backpacking or camping or maybe even both! Before we get too far however, I wanted to give you my top recommendation for each.

Also, make sure to check out my ultimate guide to pickup truck bed camping. Get everything you need to know, click here to see more!

Why Trust Us?

We have actually purchased a few of the sleeping pads on the list and have been camping and backpacking for years. We take several factors into consideration when making our picks. Mostly we use personal experience with the product. If we haven’t used one of the products we recommend we do extensive research and talk to people we know that have purchased the item. If we don’t know anyone who have actually used it we read reviews on the product from Amazon and other sites to make sure it’s a good recommendation.

Our goal ultimately is to help you save time doing a ton of research using our personal experience and time spent researching our own purchases.

Our Top Picks

You can read about our top picks for backpacking and for camping. It’s important to note that for backpacking we considered size and weight along with comfort. For backpacking you need something that gets a little smaller and weighs less. For camping you typically aren’t restricted by weight and size you can can get something a little bigger and more comfortable. Our picks are below.

Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Budget Sleeping Pad For Backpacking Under $50

We will go into the full list of sleeping pads below but first I wanted to show you the best budget sleeping pad under $50 for backpacking. The best budget sleeping pad under $50 for backpacking I have been able to find is the Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad. It’s super light weight, has 2 inches of inflated thickness and is really well made. Let’s take a better look at it below.

Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad

Yes, I own this sleeping pad. Yes I have used it personally several times. We own two of these sleeping pads and we take them everywhere with us. We take them backpacking to sleep on, lay them next to the lake and even in the hammock and floor. Our favorite thing about this sleep pad is how easy it is to carry around and how versatile it is. We use it enough to very easily justify the price. 

 It was thick enough and plenty long enough so my feet didn’t hang off, I’m 6’5′. It only weighs 14.5 ounces folded up and in the bag. This was our best budget sleeping pad under $50 for 2020. Click below to see it on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Budget Sleeping Pad For Camping Under $50

Just like above for backpacking we will show you our number one pick for the best budge sleeping pad for camping under $50. The IForrest Sleeping pad with armrest and pillow is our #1 choice. It’s a little more comfortable than the Sleepingo but it’s also quite a bit heavier making it better for camping but not as good for backpacking.

IForrest Sleeping Pad

This is a super comfy sleeping pad and it’s great for camping. It’s a little heavy for backpacking but if your just going on a camping trip where you are taking your vehicle, this is probably your best choice for under $50. It self inflates and is long enough at 77 inches. It also has a built in pillow and arm rest! This is our best budget sleeping pad for camping. Click below to see it on Amazon!

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

---

Best Budget Sleeping Pad For Backpacking And Camping Under $50 – Chart

Comparison Chart

---

10 Best Budget Sleeping Pads For Backpacking And Camping

Here is our top 10 list of all the best budget sleeping pads that we recommend. We have used some of these personally but also have done extensive research on multiple websites to make sure that we recommend the best products for you.

Buying a sleeping pad under $50 is definitely doable and there are some great high quality products available for you here. Keep in mind however, if you have a special need such as severe back problems or your taking a trip in extreme cold you might need to increase your budget expectations.

I personally have played sports all my life and have all kinds of minor aches and pains and find these sleeping pads more than adequate for camping and backpacking. A sleeping pad isn’t something that you need to break the bank for unless you have those specific needs. I really hope this list and guide helps you pick the best budget sleeping pad for backpacking or camping under $50 in 2020!

#1 Pick – Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad

What We Like

The Outdoorsman Lab sleeping pad is my new favorite sleeping pad. I have been using the Ourdoorsman Lab for about a month now and I take it everywhere.  I really liked how light weight it is at only 14.5 ounces. It’s certainly not the lightest for backpacking but it’s adequate especially for the price.

It inflates to about 2.2 inches thick and is actually pretty comfortable and durable. I have used it for lounging on the beach, laying by the campfire on rocky ground and sleeping in my tent. It really is a good all purpose sleeping pad. You might be able to find one a little better for just camping but it won’t be nearly as light weight for backpacking and hauling around.

I really liked how long it was as a bigger guy, I’m 6’5″ and I was able to stretch my legs out and not go off the pad. The make is durable and is pretty well made for the price point. I think you would have a hard enough time poking a hole in it unless you were super careless.

To see all the dimensions and more photos of the Outdoorsman Lab sleeping pad definitely click below to see it on Amazon. It’s received great reviews and the price is just right!

Outdoorsman Lab, Reviews and Photos At Amazon

I have also done a video review of the Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad, yes that is my video and my YouTube channel. If you really wanted to help me out, subscribe to our Youtube channel! I hope you enjoy the video review below! You can also read the review I did on my website. 

Hands On Test Of Outdoorsman Lab Sleeping Pad Click Here

---

#2 Pick – Iforrest Sleeping Pad With Armrest And Pillow

What We Like

If you are looking for a sleeping mat that is a little more comfortable but a lot heavier this might be your option. With the increased weight this budget sleeping pad is more suited for camping instead of backpacking. It almost weighs 3 pounds which is no big deal for camping but can be a heavy pad for backpacking.

I really like that it comes with a built in armrest and pillow. With some of the other sleeping pads you do need to either pack your own pillow or use a piece of clothes or get a backpacking pillow. This pad is pretty big, it’s plenty long enough for me at 6’5″ and is 26″ wide. That’s actually pretty big! It’s a little more expensive than the sleepin go, but it’s definitely a little more comfy.

The other thing I really like about this sleeping pad is that it’s self inflating. I do recommend that you start the self inflation as soon as you arrive to your camp as it seems to fill up a little more full over a span of time. The self inflating is nice but most of the sleeping pads at this price point only take about 10 breaths to fill up. So it’s nice, but not really necessary. Check out user reviews, videos and photos below on Amazon.

Iforrest Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and Photos On Amazon

#3 Pick – Sleepingo Sleeping Pad

 

What We Like

The Sleepingo sleeping pad is the pad that I eventually picked. I have used this pad numerous times and it definitely passes my quality test for a budget sleeping pad under $50. I really liked how light weight it is at only 14.5 ounces. It’s certainly not the lightest for backpacking but it’s adequate especially for the price.

It inflates to about 2 inches thick and is actually pretty comfortable and durable. I have used it for lounging on the beach, laying by the campfire on rocky ground and sleeping in my tent. It really is a good all purpose sleeping pad. You might be able to find one a little better for just camping but it won’t be nearly as light weight for backpacking and hauling around.

I really liked how long it was as a bigger guy, I’m 6’5″ and I was able to stretch my legs out and not go off the pad. The make is durable and is pretty well made for the price point. I think you would have a hard enough time poking a hole in it unless you were super careless.

To see all the dimensions and more photos of the Sleepingo definitely click below to see it on Amazon. It’s received great reviews and the price is just right!

Sleepingo Price, Reviews and Photos At Amazon

I have also done a video review of the Sleepingo, yes that is my video and my youtube channel. If you really wanted to help me out, subscribe to our Youtube channel! I hope you enjoy the video review below! You can also read the review I did on my website. Click Here For Sleepingo Review!

https://youtu.be/q74DcA7SXgM

#4 Pick – Moon Lence Sleeping Pad

What We Like

The Moon Lence sleeping pad is another one that I have personally purchased and reviewed. This is a great lightweight sleeping pad that sells for under $30. It’s the same weight as the Outdoorsman Lab but it’s a little smaller. The trade off is that it’s a little cheaper too. I purchased this budget sleeping pad for my wife and kids. They all had great things to say and stayed warm and comfortable.

One thing I really like about this budget sleeping pad is the double deck valve. It has 2 stacked valves, when you pull the first one off you can blow air in but it doesn’t come out, which is nice. When you pull both valves it lets the air out. It actually worked really well and I kind of wish the Outdoorsman Lab had the same system.

It comes in 3 different colors so you have options there. Make sure to also check out my video review of the Moon Lence budget sleeping pad below. We were able to test them out on Second Beach in Olympic National Park. If you like my video check out some of my others and subscribe if your feeling generous, it really helps us out!! You can also read the review I did right here on this site! My Moon Lence Review click here.

https://youtu.be/vKr5pLx-zgo

---

#5 Pick – Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad

What We Like

This is a great little sleeping pad but is definitely designed for someone who is smaller. It would be great for someone under 6 foot and a little lighter. I really like the design of this sleeping pad however. It’s not quite as light as the Outdoorsman Lab at 18.6oz but its a little thicker at 2.5 inches instead of just 2. It’s a little thicker and a bit more comfortable but the trade off is it’s a little heavier.

The thickness definitely ads the weight as it’s a little smaller than the other sleeping pads. It’s 72 inches by 23 inches wide. If your a smaller person this will likely be a little more comfortable than the Outdoorsman Lab but it’s going to be a little heavier to carry around. If you are a larger person, the Outdoorsman Lab is definitely the way to go.

You can check out more photos and see all the different colors below on Amazon. Some people have uploaded their own photos and you can see what the current price is. Check out the link below! best budget

Klymit Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and Photos On Amazon

---

#6 Pick – AirExpect Sleeping Pad

What We Like

The AirExpect sleeping mat is actually a pretty nice sleeping mat for camping. It’s 2.5 inches thick and gives a little more cushion. It is a little heavier to accommodate the thicker padding at 21oz which is why I recommend it as a camping sleeping pad and not a backpacking sleeping pad. You can use it for backpacking but the Outdoorsman Lab is a much better option.

This budget sleeping mat is well made and has a built in pump. You don’t have to breath into it or use a self inflating device. There is a built in pillow that also houses a small pump to fill the sleeping pad with air. This takes 3-5 minutes to completely fill up depending on how fast your pumping. This can be a little more sanitary, if that’s important to you.

It can hold up to 660 lbs which seems like it might be a bit overkill. I doubt many people who are looking for a camping or backpacking sleeping pad weigh even close to that much. It is a testament to its durability. It’s also pretty big at 77 inches by 22 inches wide. You can read more and see user reviews and videos at Amazon below!

AirExpect Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and User Videos

#7 Pick – Ecotek Sleeping Pad

What We Like

What sets Ecotek a part from the competition isn’t its pad so much but that when you make a purchase with them you are helping plant trees! For every pad purchased 1 tree gets planted. They have helped plant over 58,000 trees since 2016.

This sleeping pad will work great for a backpacking budget sleeping pad. It’s 18 ounces but rolls up as small as a 1 liter water bottle. It is 2.5 inches thick so you do get a little extra cushion.

It has a standard easy to inflate valve for using your breath to blow it up. Ten breaths is all it will take to inflate this pad. It comes in a few different colors, they are all the same so it’s just personal preference. It’s 74 inches long by 22 inches wide, so kind of right in the middle of most of the sleeping pads were looking at today. You can see the price and user reviews on Amazon below!

Ecotek Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and User Videos

#8 Pick – Lightspeed Outdoors Sleeping Pad

What We Like

This might be the thickest and most comfortable budget sleeping pad under $50 in 2020 on this list. The trade off for the extra comfort is it weighs 3 total pounds. That’s by far the heaviest pad on this list. You will want to make sure and only use this for camping as it’s way too heavy for backpacking.

It does have a built in pillow which is nice. The carrying bag also doubles as a pump to inflate the pad. This is the only pad that I have seen with this unique design, but it works! It’s pretty big at 76.5 Inches long and 24 inches wide. It comes in the pictured green and a plum color.

I strongly suggest that if your just going on a camping trip to check out this budget sleeping pad, you just might be pleasantly surprised how comfy it is! Check out more photos and user reviews below on Amazon.

Lightspeed Outdoors Sleeping Pad Price & Reviews On Amazon

#9 Pick – Yekka Sleeping Pad

What We Like

The Yekka sleeping pad has an interesting angle. They actually put 2 pads in 1. There are 2 different valves to inflate each pad. What this does is protects you from a hole leaving you on the ground entirely. It’s 2 inches thick when only one pad is inflated. You can’t actually blow up both pads at the same time but you don’t need to, it’s just there as a backup in case you get a hole.

It can be used for backpacking although it’s a little on the heavier side. It is nice to have the extra built in pad for peace of mind. Its 76.3 inches long and 25.1 inches wide which is a little wider than most. It also comes with a small patch kit, which is nice. You will need your breath to blow the Yekka budget sleeping pad up.

Check it out below on Amazon. See price, user reviews and more details about the budget pad it’self.

Yekka Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and Photos

#10 Pick – Overmont Sleeping Pad

What We Like

This is another bigger but extra padded budget sleeping pad for camping. Its pretty heavy at 2.6 pounds but with that weight you get a whopping 4.8 inches of thickness. I wouldn’t recommend taking this thing backpacking but for camping this will be super comfortable.

It also has a built in foot pump so you don’t have to breath this one full. It’s pretty nice sized at 75 inches long and 24 inches wide. If you are seeking comfort as your number one parameter here, this just might be the budget sleeping pad for you. Check out the price and video reviews on Amazon below!

Overmont Sleeping Pad Price and Reviews On Amazon

#11 Pick – (Bonus) Zooobelives Thick Sleeping Pad

What We Like

It’s all in the title, this is a nice thick and comfortable sleeping pad for camping. Due to it’s thickness and weight it’s much better suited for camping rather than backpacking. Its a comfortable 4 inches thick. It is going to weigh about 3.1 pounds so it’s pretty heavy to be carrying around in a backpack.

If comfort is what you seek then this should be a great budget sleeping pad for you. It’s 74 inches long and 24 inches wide, so it’s not as long as some of the other ones, if your tall this might not be the best choice. There are other long pads that might be better. It does have a built in foot pump making it super easy to inflate.

It also has a neat capability where you can strap other like pads together. If you buy a few of these you can snap them together for a large mattress type surface, which seems to be pretty unique to the Zooobelives. They are well built and can support a lot of weight! Check it out below on Amazon.

Zooobelives Thick Sleeping Pad Price, Reviews and Photos On Amazon

---

What To Look For In A Budget Sleeping Pad

The most important thing to look for is size and thickness. You know yourself best. Do you need a pad that is thicker or is something that is lighter important, maybe you need something right int he middle. Also pay attention to the length and width. If you are larger around you may want to shoot for a pad that has a nice big width, if you are tall like me, you will want along length.

Camping Or Backpacking Sleeping Pad?

Just because you are camping or backpacking doesn’t have to determine the budget sleeping pad you are using. If you are going on a short hike you might be comfortable packing a heavier pad with more cushion. Or maybe you are going on a longer distance backpacking trip the lighter the pad the more important it will be. If you are going camping and will be using a vehicle to bring your gear then it just comes down to which one you like most or which features mean more.

Should I Spend More Than $50?

In most cases I would say no, definitely not. However, if you are someone who struggles to stay warm or will be backpacking in super low temperatures getting a higher end low weather rated sleeping pad might make sense. Also, if you have any kind of issue where you need a higher end sleeping pad like back or neck issues, that can also be a reason to spend more on the sleeping pad. If these things don’t really apply then you are probably just find looking for something in the $30 – $50 range.

Conclusion

I hope you were able to find the best budget sleeping pad for backpacking or camping under $50 in the year 2020. There are many options and it can be kind of overwhelming. Figure out what you need first then use this guide to help you find the right one.

Many, MANY hours of research went into this list. I have purchased 2 of the pads from the list myself and have used them over and over. I am bringing you all my research and my real life experience in using these pads. We really hope that it helped save you some time and some money!

If you found this helpful, please share on your favorite social media, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram, if you have a website, feel free to share it there too! You have no idea how much it helps me!

You can check out some of my other pages, like the best large family sized tents or some of my other tent reviews! Good luck finding the best budget sleeping pad under $50 in 2020!

Large Family Sized Tents Reviewed

Coleman Tenaya Lake Fast Pitch Tent Review