Not many people appreciate how awkward camping can be for big guys. Nothing seems to fit and it can lead to a very uncomfortable experience. The key is to get the right equipment and that includes getting the best camping sleeping pad for big guys.
Thankfully there are a few great options out there to choose from. We’ve selected 10 of the best that can stand up to those of us that are a little taller and heavier than your average man. We’ve also written a buying guide to give you all the info you need. Let’s get started!
Best Camping Sleeping Pad for Big Guys
WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad
While we liked all 10 sleeping pads that we reviewed here, this would have to be our top pick. It has dimensions of 70 x 30 x 3 inches which is more than comfortable for a large man while still sitting in almost all single tents.
It’s the 3″ thickness that helps to give this the ultimate level of comfort. It provides plenty of cushioning and support but also offers an impressive level of warmth. You don’t need to work hard to blow it up either, with its self-inflating technology.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that it’d be quite bulky but it can compact down to a 27 x 8-inch size for easy transport. To add to all of those qualities, it doesn’t make much noise, it tear-resistant and also waterproof. All features help to make this the best camping sleeping pad for big guys.
Hikenture Double Camping Pad
If you wanted to have a double sleeping pad instead, then this would be a great option. There are two sizes available with the large one giving to the extra space you need. It measures 79 x 55 x 3.75 inches when in use then folds up to 15 x 7 inches.
Despite this larger size, the mattress weighs just 4.1lbs, which makes it very easy to carry. You also don’t need to worry about bringing a pump. The camping pad includes a pump sack and it only takes 5 minutes to get a fully pumped up bed.
This is another camping sleeping pad that was built to last. It has an impressive level of wear resistance while also being waterproof and durable. If you find anything that is defective then you get a 100% money-back guarantee and that should give you plenty of confidence.
Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
For those looking to pack light, this could be the sleeping pad that you’re looking for as it weighs an incredible 14.5oz. As it’s able to fold up into such a compact size, it’s also ideal for placing in a backpack for those on the go.
Despite that ultralight design, it’s still able to provide a sleeping thickness of 2″ to give you plenty of support. It holds up well for big guys and doesn’t have too much give when you’re moving around with which others can have.
It’s made from heavy-duty ripstop nylon that will be able to stand the test of time and cope with harsh environments. All camping equipment has to find that balance between strength and weight, and this pad does that fantastically well.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Camping Mattress
Not interested in carrying your mattress around with you in the backpack? Want the ultimate in comfort? This mattress is a little larger and heavier than other options we’ll look at but it’s perhaps the comfiest option you’ll see.
It’s a luxury option which also makes a great temporary sleeping option when not camping, such as having guests in your home. It offers great stability and support with the 4 inches of height, which is supported by its vertical sideways.
It weighs around 5.5lbs and comes with a stuff sack that makes carrying the pad very easy. Not only is there a large version but also an XXL option for those that want even more height and support. It easily supports big guys and will give you camping comfort like never before.
KLYMIT Static V LuxeSleeping Pad
KLYMIT is another company that has a brilliant option for big guys. This one is 75” long with a width of 30”. It gives you a very comfortable sleeping space. A great feature is that it has side rails that keep you centered on the pad.
The V-shaped shape chambers running down the sleeping pad give plenty of support, even to those of us with a higher weight. That’s supported by the 3″ of depth. We looked at an uninsulated option but there is also an insulated pad for those looking for a little more warmth.
Inflation takes a little more effort than with some other pads but you’re still only going to require 20-30 breaths to get it pumped up. Once you’ve finished with the pad then it’s able to fold down into a compact size and weighs just 26.5oz.
FRETREE Camping Air Sleeping Pad Mat
The number of unique features on the camping mat is very impressive. One of those is how it’s pumped up. It has a ‘stamp-on’ pump that allows you to inflate it without having to exhaust all your lung power. The whole process is only going to take around 25 seconds.
Weight capacity is very high with this pad due to how it has been designed. The weight is spread evenly and you’ll be lifted off the ground at all times. That height off the ground is 2.7″ which isn’t as much as some but still enough to lift you from the cold.
The anti-slip coating is a useful addition and it’s also lightweight and easy to carry. You also get the option here of connecting to another sleeping pad to make a double as there are buttons down the side.
POWERLIX Sleeping Pad
POWERLIX is another that has made an excellent lightweight option that is also great for big guys. A nice feature here is that the sleeping bag comes in four different colors of blue, green, navy and orange which allows you to have a little more individuality.
The bag is only going to weigh 1.32lbs and packs down to the size of just 11” x 4”, which is a great size for hanging off your bag. The thickness of the bag is 2” and has a hexagonal design. That gives it a high level of stability when you’re moving around.
Inflating the sleeping bag is very simple with their unique system which should only take you around 45 seconds and not leave you out of breath. The durability is very high with the ripstop nylon, waterproof design and thermal insulation.
YSXHW Self Inflating Camping Pad
Whenever you’re on a camping trip, you don’t want to have to spend ages trying to inflate your sleeping pad. This is another that has a built-in pump that allows you to inflate it in just a couple of minutes. It’s a foot pump too, which takes minimal effort.
Durability is high here with a waterproof design that is also wear-resistant. One of the greatest features here is the thickness of the camping pad at 4.8”. That gives plenty of comforts and with a size of 75” x 27”, it also offers a good amount of space.
It weighs 2.7lbs and has a foldable design that makes it quite easy to carry. It has a max load of 400lbs which should be more than enough for all users. It also comes with great color options, with four available.
KLYMIT Double V Sleeping Pad
Many people like double sleeping pads so you can sleep with a partner while others like them to simply have more space. This one is extremely comfortable and an insulated option that can last for all four seasons.
While it may be quite large, the sleeping pad is still lightweight at just 40.5oz. It may be a little too big for hiking but it’s easy enough for most people to travel with.
It’s made from 75D polyester which is built to last. It has a great mix of qualities and exceptional features such as the side rails. We looked at the insulated option but there is also an uninsulated pad that is a little cheaper.
FEELLE Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
Here we see a dynamic sleeping pad that has an excellent range of features. One of those features is the rapid inflation by foot which is only going to take 30 seconds. The deflation is rapid too, making it easy to pack up and travel with.
The sleeping pad is available in either blue or orange with 3.1” of thickness that gives you plenty of support. That comfort is also added by the pillow that is built into the pad.
It’s made of 40D nylon that is puncture resistant for long-term durability. Another useful feature is that it can be button together with another sleeping pad. It’s a great option and one that is 76.7” long to give you more than enough room.
Best Camping Sleeping Pad for Big Guys – Buying Guide
Comfort and stability
It’s frustrating as a big guy when you lie down on a pad and find yourself touching the floor through it. We’ve found 10 pads here where that isn’t going to happen. They all have a high level of weight support with a suitable thickness to offer you the right level of stability.
Durability
Durability is also a vital consideration. You need a pad that can cope with harsher environments and a higher weight capacity. You want the material to be strong enough for tear-resistant and this is measured in denier.
Size
It’s vital that you get a height and width that match your needs. All of the pads here are comfortably over 6ft tall and most of them are quite wide. That should give you plenty of space but if you’re particularly tall or broad, look for a pad that is suitable for your shape.
Weight and portability
Will you be camping near your car or hiking long distances? If it’s the latter then you’ll need a pad that can fold up into a stuff sack and one that is light. We’ve looked at a mix of options here but it’s worth noting that with a light and portable pad, you often have to sacrifice a little support and thickness.
Inflation
How it inflates will play an important role in your purchasing decision. We’ve seen a wide variety of inflation methods here but they all have the same thing in common, they require minimal effort and are quick. Perhaps the easiest method is to have a built-in foot pump that makes your life easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a sleeping pad be?
The importance of this will depend on how cold the ground is going to be. In the height of summer, it’s not really an issue. If you’re going to be camping on the cold ground, then you’ll probably want at least 2.5″ of thickness.
What is the best camping sleeping pad?
The answer to this will be different for everyone as it depends on a variety of factors. All 10 pads here could be described as ‘the best’ in various categories. That being said, we thought the WELLAX UltraThick FlexFoam Sleeping Pad had the best combination of ease of use, portability and comfort.
What is the most comfortable sleeping pad?
If you wanted a luxury option then the Therm-a-Rest MondoKing would be a great bet. This feels like more of a mattress replacement than a camping pad. It does have the downsides of being a little heavier and larger but if that’s not an issue, this could be the one for you.
What makes a good sleeping pad?
Above all, it has to be comfortable as that’s the reason you’re getting one. After that, you want to consider the durability and ease of use. Weight and portability are also key features as you need to carry it with ease. Once all that checks out, you can look at less vital additional specs such as the color and design.
Do you really need a sleeping pad?
No, but you’ll probably have a bad sleep. A sleeping pad not only gives your body a rest but crucially it lifts you above the cold floor. Often a sleeping pad isn’t enough to keep you protected. Without a pad, you’re also going to feel and sticks, stones, or bumps underneath the pad.
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