Lightweight yet quiet sleeping pad suggestions

Hey all, 

Anyone have suggestions for a lightweight, yet quiet sleeping pad? I had ordered the Neoair XLite, but it was as loud as sleeping on bags of potato chips. Seems like a lot of the light sleeping pads are unfortunately made of noisy material - anyone have any luck finding something different? 

Looking to bring the pad on alpine trips as well as possibly trips where I'd be hauling the pad in a small haul bag - so it'd be ideal if the pad didn't pop easily and that the pad can be packed away decently small.

Thanks,
Natalie

Natalie N wrote:

Hey all, 

Anyone have suggestions for a lightweight, yet quiet sleeping pad? I had ordered the Neoair XLite, but it was as loud as sleeping on bags of potato chips. Seems like a lot of the light sleeping pads are unfortunately made of noisy material - anyone have any luck finding something different? 

Looking to bring the pad on alpine trips as well as possibly trips where I'd be hauling the pad in a small haul bag - so it'd be ideal if the pad didn't pop easily and that the pad can be packed away decently small.

Thanks,
Natalie

The Nemo Tensor is definitely quieter than the xlite, and packs to a similar size. It’s not quite as light/warm, though

I would really suggest that you actually try and stick with the pad, it is noisy but I have found in actual use the noise is a non issue. 

You may have to experiment a bit to get to know what your needs are.
All air pads can pop, so you have to know how to protect them and repair them in the field, but they are by far most comfortable.
You could go with a EVA foam pad, which won't pop, but is not comfortable.

Increasingly, I see many using a combination of both types. You can do this inexpensively if you buy from Decathlon. Their gear will last you at least 3-4 years in my experience and can't be topped for value.

Maybe this (which isn't loud),
https://www.decathlon.com/products/camping-air-mattress-trek-700?adept-product=camping-air-mattress-trek-700&variant=8110424883311&adept_product_id=camping-air-mattress-trek-700&source=search

combined with this:

https://www.decathlon.com/products/backpacking-foam-folding-mattress-trek-100-174619?adept-product=backpacking-foam-folding-mattress-trek-100-174619&variant=31627393663038&adept_product_id=backpacking-foam-folding-mattress-trek-100-174619&source=search

The foam pad can be used for anything and anywhere, where the air pad only comes out for sleeping at night. You can place the foam pad under the air pad for extra warmth and to protect against punctures.

Don't let the low price make you think Decathlon has bad gear. Everyone in Europe uses gear from the store.

The neoair gets quiter as it wears in and the internal mylar becomes wrinked. You can accelerate this process by folding rolling and crumpling the pad at home. The neoair that I used on the pacific crest trail is nearly silent. 

Natalie N wrote:

Hey all, 

Anyone have suggestions for a lightweight, yet quiet sleeping pad? I had ordered the Neoair XLite, but it was as loud as sleeping on bags of potato chips. Seems like a lot of the light sleeping pads are unfortunately made of noisy material - anyone have any luck finding something different? 

Looking to bring the pad on alpine trips as well as possibly trips where I'd be hauling the pad in a small haul bag - so it'd be ideal if the pad didn't pop easily and that the pad can be packed away decently small.

Thanks,
Natalie

Not sure if it's light or small enough, but I like my Klymit Insulated Static V.

Exped air pads are quiet.

J B wrote:

The neoair gets quiter as it wears in and the internal mylar becomes wrinked. You can accelerate this process by folding rolling and crumpling the pad at home. The neoair that I used on the pacific crest trail is nearly silent. 

I second this. Mine is a few years old and I would never consider it noisy. 

My NeoAir also quieted. Or maybe I went deaf. But either way, non-issue. 

J B wrote:

The neoair gets quiter as it wears in and the internal mylar becomes wrinked. 

This is true.

J B wrote:
You can accelerate this process by folding rolling and crumpling the pad at home. The neoair that I used on the pacific crest trail is nearly silent. 

This is great advise.

Just for some more anecdotals: Thermarest uberlite was unbearably noisy/squeaky for me, woke up my partner every time I turned over so I ended up selling it. Nemo Tensor insulated was quiet out of the box and had been an awesome replacement, I highly recommend it 

Thanks for the input! I was actually looking at the Nemo Tensor before I started the thread, so the feedback is helpful. The other suggestions are good for knowing what options are out there.

For those looking for the same thing, the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated seems intriguing too.

I own the Neoair Xltherm made by Thermarest. I found a secret; once you stop moving and fall asleep it ceases to make noise, and if you bury foam earplugs (NRR 31-33 decibels) deep in your skull you won't be bothered by the sounds of the sleeping pad and things that go bump in the night. 

I've used the foam pads they are simply not comfortable. Thermarest, and especially their Neoair line, are the best pads out there I say stick with it a while see if you can get used to it before buying another expensive inflatable.

Nemo makes great products, I own two of their tents. The build quality and attention to detail is outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase any of their products. Good luck!!

Expeds are great. Maybe not quite as light as the neoair but more comfortable and much quieter. 

j w wrote:

Expeds are great. Maybe not quite as light as the neoair but more comfortable and much quieter. 

This. I’m a light sleeper that tosses/turns a fair bit and can’t use the Neoair style pads (they annoy me and drive anyone I’m next to even more crazy). I have and love several expeds, though.

I've been out on three separate trips when those inflatable pads failed the individual, and each time it was not pretty. It's all about ensolite and the right location. These days I bring two. They also make a fine seat, propped against a rock or log.

The Sea to Summit pads are quiet; I have the Ultralight Insulated Air and it’s been great.

After having a pad leak over and over on the john Muir trail, I went back to foam and used a z lite by itself for a few years, and it sucked. Now I bring it, cut down to 3/4 and a big agnes inflatable pad. The z lite weighs almost nothing, it's just bulky. 

Like someone else said, they're awesome for throwing on the ground or against a tree or rock and having a seat or lounge vhsir everywhere you go.