For all intents and purposes, Therm-a-Rest are the inventors of the modern sleeping pad. Prior to their designs, people were sleeping on closed-cell foam only. It’s safe to say they know a thing or two about sleeping pad innovation.

The Xtherm is the winter version of their popular NeoAir line of sleeping mats. It is well equipped for cold weather pursuits with an R-value of 6.9. At 15 ounces it may seem heavy compared to three-season pads, but the Xtherm weighs less than the other mats in its warmth class.

The Xtherm comes with a patch kit (most good sleep pads should come with this). One feature that will make your life a lot easier is the pump sack it comes with. This makes inflating the pad much quicker.

People consistently rate the Xtherm, as well as other NeoAir mattresses, as comfortable sleeping pads. The Xtherm is 2.5 inches tall when inflated. One great feature of the Xtherm is the baffle construction, which has been optimized to make the mat as flat as possible. The fabric is lightweight but tough. Overall, the NeoAir Xtherm offers balanced performance resulting in low weight and bulk with a lot of warmth and comfort.

In the harshest of camps, it makes sense to bring a burly sleeping pad. If you want a pad that will work well in snow caves and on sub-zero nights but still fits into a backpack, the Exped Downmat XP 9 is a fantastic choice. Exped had the brilliant idea to pump their pads full of 700 fill power down feathers, as insulation that packs down well and weighs less than foam. This resulted in some of the warmest pads available that still come in an agreeable size for backpackers.

The Downmat XP 9 is Exped’s warmest down filled mattress for backpacking. With an R-value of 7.8 and a height of 3.5 inches, it provides superior comfort when compared to most other packable sleeping mats. All that extra comfort does come at a cost however, as the pad is heavier (just shy of 2 pounds) and bulkier than the competition. It’s suitable for the coldest temperatures in the most trying conditions. Even the fabric is thicker than many other pads and boosts the Downmat’s durability. The included pump sack makes inflating the mat super fast and easy.

Exped backs up all their products with a lifetime guarantee. Provide them with your proof of purchase and they will gladly fix any defects at no additional cost. Their customer service is above par, and a great reason to choose an Exped sleeping pad.

For winter camping enthusiasts, the Downmat XP 9 is a welcome piece of comfort in your tent. The extra weight and bulk are a small price to pay in return for a truly good night’s sleep.

It’s not a secret that most winter sleeping pads are expensive. The extra insulation adds to the cost of already high prices for inflatable sleeping pads. It can be a major deterrent when contemplating whether or not you want to try winter camping. Luckily, Sea to Summit makes a great pad that will keep you warm and won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

The Comfort Plus SI is that pad. SI stands for self-inflating. Instead of needing to be pumped up like some of the other pads on this list, the Comfort Plus SI will fill up with air on its own once you open the valve. This pad doesn’t feature the same baffled construction as other inflatable pads either. That means it’s less prone to failure from torn baffles, and it’s easier to patch should it spring a leak. In general, the Comfort Plus SI ranks well in terms of durability. At 2 pounds 2 ounces, it isn’t lightweight, but it isn’t too terribly heavy either.

With an R-value of 4.1, the Comfort Plus SI isn’t quite as warm as the other pads we listed, however it still works for winter camping. It can easily be paired with a closed-cell foam pad stacked underneath to boost the level of insulation between you and the ground. When it’s fully inflated, the height is an impressive 3 inches, and it provides a lot of comfort.

Hiking off into the snow-covered forest isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. Our forays into nature don’t need to be arduous journeys for us to enjoy them. Some of the most beautiful camp spots are accessible by car. In the dead of winter, these spots are often just as cold as more remote camping so you need to come prepared. Luckily, you don’t need to worry as much about weight and pack size when you have a car. Instead, you can bring a more comfortable and luxurious pad.

The REI Camp Bed SI is a great option for those car camping adventures where you have the opportunity to carry more. It has a generous R-value of 7.6 that allows for four-season rest without feeling cold, even on snow. Additionally, the dimensions and height are larger than backpacking sleeping pads and give you a bit of wiggle room. The fabric is also thicker and more comfortable than lightweight options. The standard size Camp Bed SI weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces. Because the Camp Bed SI doesn’t make any sacrifices on weight, it is built extra tough and will hold up well against abrasions.

REI backs up all their products with the same great warranty. If there is any problem with your pad, you can always return it for a full refund.

As I mentioned before, it’s a great idea to bring an extra closed-cell foam pad alongside your inflatable pad for winter use. The Nemo Switchback is an ideal choice for a stacking pad. It has an R-value of 2, which will add to the R-value of the pad you put on top of it. That means if you have a pad with an R-value of 4, you can put the Switchback underneath and boost your total R-value to 6.

A closed-cell stacking pad is also invaluable in case of emergency, should your main pad be damaged beyond repair in the field. You can lay out clothing and your backpack underneath the Switchback and keep yourself from becoming hypothermic. I have spent a night like this when my inflatable pad had a valve malfunction, and while it was very uncomfortable and cold, it kept me safe. The closed-cell foam on the Switchback can’t be punctured, it is in another class of durability when compared to all inflatable pads. The Switchback also protects your inflatable sleeping pad from sharp objects on the ground below your tent, such as rocks and thorns.

There are many closed-cell foam pads on the market, so what makes the Nemo Switchback a standout? It has been designed to fold into itself better than other folding pads. That means it packs down smaller. Additionally, the bumps provide a tiny bit of extra height when compared to other folding pads. No closed-cell foam pad feels luxurious on its own, but the Switchback is manageable and actually works well as a stand-alone pad during the summer. It is also possible to stack multiple Switchback pads during the winter. This is an incredibly durable option, but it won’t be quite as warm or comfortable as having an inflatable pad.