I think you will agree with me when I say a hammock very quickly loses its comfort when you are freezing cold, or being bitten by bugs through your hammock.
Many frequent campers believe that the hammock mattress pad is one of the most important elements to consider for added comfort, stability and warmth.
Not just this, a good quality mattress pad can also be a great addition to the double hammock in your backyard. Those midday naps are going to get a whole lot more comfortable!
In this article, I’ve reviewed the best hammock sleeping pads for a great nights sleep with a handy buyers guide. All these products come with minimum 4 star user ratings with top customer satisfaction.
Table of Contents
1. Reviews For The Best Hammock Pads
1.1 Best Sleeping Pad For Hammock
1.2 Best Insulated Hammock Pad
1.3 Best Hammock Pad for Rope Hammocks
1.4 Best Sleeping Pad For Hammock Camping
1.5 Best Double Hammock Sleeping Pad
1.6 Best Hammock Inflatable Pad
1.7 Best Self-Inflating Hammock Pad
2. 3 Key Benefits Of Using A Sleeping Pad In A Hammock
3. Buyers Guide: A Few Points to Consider Before Buying a Hammock Sleeping Pad or Mat
4. Hammock Mattress Pad vs Underquilt
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hammock Sleeping Pads
Reviews For The Best Hammock Pads
As you may have figured from the buying guide above, there are a lot of elements regarding hammock pads that need to be customized to your unique preferences.
Also, be sure to pick a pad that fits well and is in line with the shape of the camping hammock you already have. Let’s now take a look at a few of the best-rated hammock sleeping pads out there.
Best Sleeping Pad For Hammocks
While the best sleeping pad for you will depend on specifics of how you want to use it, this one is a top all rounder for price, versatility and ratings.
ENO – Eagles Nest Outfitters AirLoft Hammock Mattress
This ENO hammock sleeping pad is one of the crowd favorites- and for good reason! Made out of top-notch polyester and boasting wings to elevate its comfort factor, this self-inflating variety has earned its place in the league of best sleeping pads for hammocks.
Weighing a mere 2.8 lbs, it is lightweight, keeps you warm and it’s easy to use. If the wings don’t serve their purpose well for you, feel free to detach them as required to suit your convenience.
PROS:
- Self-inflating comfortable sleeping pad
- Made of polyester fabric offering good insulation and warmth
- Lightweight and easy to pack up
- Wings are detachable and hence, can be used based on individual preference
CONS:
- Might prove to be a little bulky in its packed size
- Prone to getting punctured
Best Insulated Hammock Pad
If you are looking for a colder weather option where insulation is paramount, this is the pick of the products.
KLYMIT Hammock V Inflatable Sleeping Pad
This Klymit hammock insulated sleeping pad may seem expensive at first, but it is well worth its price owing to the host of advantages it possesses in comparison to other hammock pads. Its unique design allows the user to get 180° coverage for warmth and insulation, ideal for those winter camping trips. Another functional design aspect of the Klymit insulated sleeping pad is the V-shaped chambers which reinforce support at the user’s important pressure points. Being an inflatable variety that packs down to a small size weighing just 2 lbs and boasting an R-value of 4.4, it is the perfect lightweight addition to your camping gear.PROS:
- Can fit all hammocks
- Its inflatable for warmth, space and weight savings
- 180° insulation provided to the user owing to klymalite insulation below the 20D polyester shell
- R-value of 4.4, making it a preferred choice for camping in colder climates
- Non-slip coating on the bottom to prevent this insulated hammock pad from slipping out mid-sleep
- Patch for emergency repairs of punctures provided as part of the kit
CONS:
- Expensive
- A few complaints from users of air leaks leading to unexpected deflation
Best Hammock Pad for Rope Hammocks
The requirements for your hammock sleeping pads vary greatly depending on if you are fitting it to a rope hammock, or a polyester camping hammock. If you’re looking for the best hammock pad to complement your rope hammock hanging at home or in your backyard, look no further.Sunnydaze Polyester Quilted Hammock Pad and Pillow Set with Ties
Made of comfortable polyester fabric and being weather-resistant in nature, this hammock pad also comes with a pillow for added comfort! Those mid-day siestas are surely going to hit the spot with the addition of this hammock pad. Pretty easy to use, simply tie a knot onto your rope hammock using the provided side loops, and you get a secure fit.PROS:
- Universal fit for rope hammocks
- Made of weather-resistant polyester fabric
- Comes with a pillow too
- Multiple color options and patterns to choose from
- Easy to fasten onto rope hammocks
CONS:
- Even though the product claims a universal fit on rope hammocks, it does fall a little short lengthwise in some instances
Best Sleeping Pad For Hammock Camping
For a better nights sleep in your hammock in the great outdoors, a sleeping pad is an essential addition to your camping kit.Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad
This pad has to be one of the best sleeping pads for hammock camping in warmer climates, and comes at a steal of a price! Weighing under 1 lb and in a camping-friendly camouflage green color, this waterproof 20D nylon sleeping pad is 2 inches thick and is suitable for all sleep positions. It does have an R-value of 2.1 which may not be ideal for very cold climates.PROS:
- Economical price
- Made of waterproof and durable 20D nylon fabric
- Can be used regardless of what sleeping position user prefers
- Lightweight weighing under 1 lb and portable in nature
- Proven to be deflation proof owing to the ripstop nylon fabric
- Versatile for use in a hammock, on the ground or even in a tent
CONS:
- R-value not suitable for very cold climate camping
Best Double Hammock Sleeping Pad With Double Hammock And Stand
Looking for a deal to get a double hammock with a sleeping pad and a stand to fit perfectly, all at a reasonable cost? This may be the one for you.
HENG FENG 2 Person Double Hammock with 12 Foot Portable Steel Stand and Spreader Bar
The spun polyester sleeping pad with a detachable pillow offers comfort as you lay on the expansive double hammock. The hammock is made of cotton which can support up to 450 lbs with a durable galvanized weather-resistant heavy-duty steel stand. With a variety of colors to choose from, this may be the perfect addition to your backyard. Easy to assemble and take apart to store, it doesn’t get easier than this.PROS:
- Comes as a set of double hammock, sleeping pad and a stand
- Durability and weather-resistance guaranteed due to galvanized powder-coated steel stand
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Comes with a detachable pillow
- Available in several color options
CONS:
- You are not able to purchase the sleeping pad separately (by itself)
Best Hammock Inflatable Pad
For an affordable and durable hammock inflatable pad that you can take along on your next camping trip, look no further.
ECOTEK Outdoors Hybern8 Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Fabricated using a premium woven polyester blend and available in three fun colors, this inflatable variety takes just 10 breaths to inflate and is just as simple to deflate, when you’re ready!
With an R-value of 2.2, it offers 3-season insulation and warmth which is good value for its economical price. Weighing a little over 1 lb and easily packing up into a small carrying case, it is a wonderful addition to your camping gear.
The unique FlexCell honeycomb design on this hammock pad allows the user to sleep in any position they fancy, contouring along the curves of their body.
PROS:
- Suitable for any sleeping position due to revolutionary FlexCell honeycomb design
- 3-season camping insulation and warmth at great value price
- Economical option
- Comes with a patch to repair in case of a puncture
- Made of wear-resistant and weatherproof 75D woven polyester fabric
- Versatile for use on a hammock as well as inside a sleeping bag
CONS:
- Not as thick as other hammock sleeping pads available – some prefer thickness over length
Trekology UL Inflatable Sleeping Pad
Another variety of hammock inflatable pad that offers great value for money is this particular model by Trekology.
Being a cozy 4 inches thick with a unique curved design to ensure the best ergonomics, this inflatable hammock pad is made of rip-resistant 40D nylon fabric and is simple to inflate and deflate post use.
It also has an R-value between 2 and 2.5, which is good for 3-season camping. It makes a handsome addition to your camping gear being a little over 1 lb and packing into a compact little case.
PROS:
- Ergonomic curved design
- Easy to inflate and set up with great portability
- Made of rip-resistant 40D nylon which is durable in nature
- Good for 3-season camping due to R-value being between 2 and 2.5
- Top pick for side sleepers due to its thickness
- Economical price
CONS:
- Some users find it loud to sleep in, making noises every time the user moves
Best Self-Inflating Hammock Pad
No need for concern if you are short of breath when you get to the top of your hike, you’ll still have a comfortable bed to sleep on with this self-inflating hammock pad.
Gear Doctors Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
This is one of the few hammock inflatable pads that is suitable for use in cold weather too (four-season camping pad), because of its R-value being 4.3. At a rather affordable cost, this self-inflating hammock pad made of 70D micro-coated polyester is both durable and comfortable. It is still fairly lightweight, weighing a little over 2 lbs and packs down rather compactly making it a good addition to your camping gear. After a simple inflation process which involves just twisting a valve, a good night’s sleep is just a few winks away.PROS:
- Self-inflating hammock pad
- Made of durable 70D polyester fabric
- High R-value of 4.3 making it ideal for four-season camping
- Affordable cost
- Lightweight and compactly packed making for easy portability
CONS:
- Some users find the pad does not completely self-inflate requiring some manual inflation
3 Key Benefits Of Using A Sleeping Pad In A Hammock
1. Ergonomic Support and Stability
The cushioning effect plays a role similar to good bedding by comforting you to a restful slumber with ergonomic support and stability.
2. Insulation
Secondly, the sleeping pad acts as a good insulating layer to keep you warm, hence earning it the insulated hammock name. It functions as an additional barrier between you and the cold air beneath to keep you feeling toasty even if you are using a hammock sleeping bag.
3. Mosquito Barrier
Finally, a hammock mattress pad also plays a role in keeping you safe from mosquitoes biting your backside when you’re sleeping outdoors.
While most camping hammocks come with bug nets covering the top, the thin bottom layer of a hammock is one way you still could be subjected to nasty insect bites.
Hammock foam pads are highly effective, especially if you’re camping in a place with lower temperatures and you don’t want to sleep in a tent on the cold and wet ground.
If a camping hammock was already part of your sleeping plan, then you already know how important it is to get a hammock sleeping pad to keep warm!
A Few Points to Consider Before Buying a Hammock Sleeping Pad or Mat
While a hammock sleeping pad is an integral part of camping hammocks, it is imperative that you invest in the right one for you and your needs.
There are several different types of hammock mattress pads to choose from so gaining clarity on the specifications involved is a wise option before you ‘Add to Cart’.
1. Use
The first thing to gain clarity on is the intended use of the hammock sleeping mat. Will this be a part of your camping gear to function as a hammock sleeping pad, or do you plan to lay on it on the ground or in a tent?
Are you considering it as an addition to your backyard woven hammock to make it more comfortable?
While the function of a hammock sleeping mat is the same for both intended usages, the specifications to look for will vary.
2. Hammock Sleeping Pad Types
When it comes to types of sleeping pads, they can be differentiated into three main types.
Closed-Cell Hammock Pad: This variety of a hammock sleeping pad has minute air bubbles performing the functions of comfort, stability, cushioning and insulation without breaking the bank.
The benefits of closed-cell hammock pads include their relatively inexpensive cost, their durability and how lightweight they are. The only drawback is that they are not as thick as other types of hammock pads available on the market today.
Inflatable Hammock Mattress Pad: This type of sleeping pad is made using nylon and as the name suggests, it is inflated manually or using a pump. The inflatable variety is a fairly popular choice owing to how lightweight and travel-friendly they are, which is a must for those camping trips!
However, the manual inflation process is tiresome and they are likely to get punctured when exposed to something sharp. A punctured spot on an inflatable hammock mattress pad is easier to repair when compared to other options.
Self-Inflating Hammock Sleeping Pad: To do away with the challenge of inflating the above variety of mattress pads, the self-inflating variety is made of a nylon shell and has an open-celled foam core.
Apart from the obvious advantage of not requiring manual inflation, they also are lightweight and keep you insulated and comfortable while on a hammock.
On the other hand, though lightweight, they could be punctured and are rather large reducing their portability if you want to pack it into a backpack.
3. Size
When it comes to discussing the size of a hammock sleeping pad, there are two sizes to consider- the packed size as well as the final inflated size (further subdivided into length, width and thickness).
Packed Size: Depending on how big your camping backpack is and the amount of space it has for an inflatable mattress, the packed size should be as compact as possible.
However, a few people prefer the comfort offered by a self-inflating variety and therefore, just choose to strap it onto the outside of their camping gear. Along with this, consider the weight of the packed hammock pad.
Final Inflated Size: When it comes to the expanded size of the hammock sleeping pad, ensure that it is the right fit for the camping hammock you have. Let’s take a closer look at the three factors when it comes to the final size.
- Length: The length of your hammock mattress depends on both your height as well as the length of the hammock itself. Full-length hammock pads are your best bet to ensure comfort and warmth. Ensure that the hammock pad offers support to both the hips and shoulders.
- Width: Get a hammock sleeping pad which matches the width of your hammock as well as your body. Most of them have flaps or wings which can be comfortably enveloped around the user’s body.
- Thickness: Based on experiential findings from people who sleep in camping hammocks often, they find that sleeping pads of regular thickness work great for those who sleep on their side, but a thicker option may be better for the added comfort of a person who prefers lying on their back.
4. R-Value to ascertain warmth and insulation
If your #1 priority with the sleeping pad is to camp outdoors in cooler temperatures, a factor you mustn’t overlook is the R-value.
A good R-value for cold weather camping is something above 4 as these hammock pads can guarantee adequate insulation and warmth. Hammock pads with an R-value of 1 may be only useful for use in warmer climates with minimal insulation properties.
5. Does it have a non-slip bottom?
A frequently overlooked aspect of the hammock sleeping pad is whether it has a retentive non-slip bottom.
People often don’t understand the importance of this until their first night’s sleep in a camping hammock using a sleeping pad without this feature.
This minor addition to the design of the hammock pad prevents it from slipping off from under the user and eventually off the hammock mid-sleep.
Hammock Mattress Pad vs Under Quilt
Let us address which one among the hammock under quilt and mattress pad is better, once and for all.
The hammock under quilt is a popular tool to keep warm in a hammock. It does a great job at doing so owing to the fact that it extends along the whole length of the camping hammock. It comes at a higher price point than a hammock mattress pad, is reasonably heavier and can be used only properly in hammocks.
On the other hand, hammock mattress pads are a better option due to a number of factors including their versatility. You can use them as a bed replacement in a tent, as well as bedding on top of a hammock.
They also come in inflatable varieties that render them much smaller and easier to carry. The material that it is made of also makes them a lot easier to clean and maintain than under quilt fabric, ideal for those who intend on roughing it!
So, it’s clear then – a hammock sleeping pad serves you better with more functions at a far more economical cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Using a Sleeping Pad in a Hammock
Do You Need A Sleeping Pad In A Hammock?
The answer to this question is based on how comfortable you want to be when you sleep in a hammock.
This relatively inexpensive and lightweight addition to your camping gear can revolutionize a nights spent in the outdoors, elevating your comfort levels and offering a certain degree of warmth and protection from mosquito bites on your backside.
Are Hammocks Comfortable To Sleep In?
Hammocks are usually reasonably comfortable for a good night’s rest but adding the right hammock sleeping pad to the mix can usually take it from ‘good’ night’s sleep to ‘the best’.
The Wrap Up
If you want a better nights sleep in a camping hammock, a Hammock Sleeping Pad should be high on your list of items to consider.
Their insulation properties mean you will stay warmer while getting additional protection from insects biting you though the lower part of your hammock. Combined with the additional ergonomic support, you are guaranteed to be feeling better and refreshed for the next days activities.