Are you in search of extra thick camping pads? Here you have an impressive collection, all at least 6 inches (15 cm) thick reliable and affordable pads from the best-known top outdoor brands.
It is not really difficult to find an extra-thick sleeping pad for camping, but this is not only about centimeters of thickness. I have tried to collect reliable pads from the best-known brands in the outdoor industry. The pads are with air inside, so you do not want to wake up on a leaking pad. This may ruin your outdoor adventure. You will see some of them here with incredible warranty conditions.
Regarding the type, you have either inflatable or self-inflating pads, so this means they have some coating and they are air-tight. The latter type also implies insulation, so you can use these pads in all seasons and in all weather conditions.
Regarding the size, here you have single or double pads, and both types are really large. They are built to be comfortable.
My list of very thick sleeping pads for camping
So here is my list with the sleeping pads ordered by thickness from less thick to thicker:
You have seen the word ‘camping’ in the title. This means that these pads are relatively heavy for the trail. The reason is that you have the foam inside and this adds weight. These pads are built for comfort.
I hope you will love the products I present below, I choose only the best that is on the market, those that I can fully recommend, and present them here in the site. Just a heads up that as an associate of Amazon and other sellers, I may earn some commission from qualifying purchases of products bought via links on this page, at no additional cost for you.
1. Exped MegaMat Max 15 Sleeping Pad
If you are curious about the number 15 in the official name of the pad, just to know this is its thickness in centimeters. So you have 5.9 inches (15 cm) here, and it is justified to describe it as an ultra-thick outdoor sleeping pad. Note that they have in both versions solo and double-wide sleeping pads.
The pad is self-inflating, and this implies that it is insulated as well. So you have an impressive R-value of 10.6 and this means that this pad can be used in any weather conditions. The rating is based on the new rating system ASTM F3340-18, so it should be very reliable. In terms of temperature, this should be around -70.6 °F (-57 °C). Obviously, I have all the good reasons to have it included also in my list of best self-inflating sleeping pads for camping.
Regarding the materials, the shell is air-tight and properly glued, and inside you have an open-cell 16 kg/m² PU foam, Oekotex 100 certified. The same certification holds for the shell material which is a 50D nylon on the top and a 75D polyester on the bottom, both hydrolysis resistant.
As you realize, these are durable and reliable materials, but the surface is very soft and stretch-knit, and it provides slip-resistance and next-to-skin comfort. The pad has high-frequency welded seams and a proprietary durable lamination.
But wait to see this – the pad comes with an incredible 5-year warranty. This is simply incredible for products of this type. Note also that it comes with a mini-pump included.
The words MegaMat Max suggests impressive dimensions, so the pad measures 77.6 x 30.3 inches (197 x 77 cm). Note that the sides are vertical and there are no gaps if you use two such pads side by side. The weight is 121.7 oz (3.45 kg), and its packed size is (L x D) 31.1 x 11 inches (79 x 28 cm). So it is heavy and bulky, but this is not important, the pad is for car camping.
What I like:
- Thickness.
- Comfort.
- Great R-value.
- Extraordinary warranty.
What I dislike:
- The weight.
- The packed size.
- The price
2. ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed
This is an inflatable sleeping pad and it is designed for two people. But it is here because of its incredible thickness of 6 inches (15.2 cm). This makes it an excellent option for side sleepers and for anybody who wants the best possible comfort and cushion in the tent.
It is not only about thickness, you also have an inner coil structure that makes the pad very supportive and stable. This is important when you share such a pad with somebody. Because the pad is filled with air, you cannot expect great insulation, so this is a car camping sleeping pad for the warmer part of the year.
Note that they build this pad in two sizes, so you have a queen size, and a twin size version. The former is with dimensions 80 x 56 inches (203 x 142 cm). It weighs 4 lb 12 oz (2.15 kg). As you realize, it is very long, and this is why I have included it also in my list of extra-long sleeping pads for tall people.
The pad is constructed of durable yet lightweight and completely PVC-free fabric. It comes with an innovative pump that can operate if you plug it into a power source (wall or car outlet) or you can use an internal rechargeable battery. It is good to have such a tool with a pad that is so large and so thick. The pad comes with a convenient carry bag included.
What I like:
- Thickness.
- Comfort.
- Size.
- State-of-the-art rechargeable pump.
What I dislike:
- Not really light enough for the trail.
3. ALPS Mountaineering Oasis Air Pad
This pad’s thickness is an incredible 6.5 inches (16.5 cm). But see also its size to realize how truly impressive it is, the dimensions are 80.5 x 31 inches (204 x 79 cm).
This is one of the inflatable pads here, so insulation is limited, I would not expect more than 0.8 R-value. In other words, this is a pad for up to two seasons in the warmer part of the year.
It comes with a built-in pump, and you have an inflation valve and a separate deflation valve. It is also built from a very durable material, so you have a high denier value of 75D and this is a nylon ripstop fabric. Inside you have an inner coil system that gives it some rigidity and makes it very stable.
The pad is very light for its overall size, the weight is 2 lb 12 oz (1.25 kg), and the packed size is 13 x 13 x 5 inches (33 x 33 x 13 cm). You get a limited lifetime warranty with this pad. Note also that this is an incredibly affordable pad.
What I like:
- Dimensions.
- Thickness.
- Comfort.
- Built-in pump.
- Price.
What I dislike:
- No insulation.
- Not easy to inflate.
4. Sierra Designs 2 Person Queen Camping Air Bed Mattress
This sleeping pad is inflatable and it is incredibly thick, you have no less than 7 inches (17.8 cm) of the cushion. But note also that the head section is elevated, so here you have a sort of an integrated pillow and the thickness is 10.2 inches (26 cm). So you have around 8 cm difference, my guess is that some users will not need an extra pillow.
You realize from the picture that this is a sleeping pad for two people, so indeed the dimensions are queen size 77.9 x 55.9 inches (198 x 142 cm).
The pad is equipped with one dual-use inflating/deflating valve, it is a bit bulky but it is on the narrow side of the pad so it is not on your way in any case. You have a bonus battery-operated pump included, and the pad is exceptionally affordable. The weight is 6.07 lb (2.75 kg). You have a 1-year warranty with this pad.
What I like:
- Price.
- Dimensions.
- Thickness.
- Comfort.
- Pump included.
What I dislike:
- No insulation.
Final thoughts
So this was my selection of extra thick camping pads. You have two main types, inflatable and self-inflating. The first type is more suitable for the warmer part of the year, and the other group is insulated and suitable for all seasons. This is why my choice pad is from the second type, it is suitable for all seasons and all weather conditions
Editor’s Choice pad
This pad offers comfort that is hard to match. This together with its huge R-value are the main reasons to put it forward as my choice pad.
Incredibly thick and comfortable pad
Product Name: Exped MegaMat Max 15 Sleeping Pad
Product Description: This sleeping pad is among the thickest on the market, large, and incredibly comfortable. See also its amazing warranty.
Brand: Exped
SKU: B082LNVGYT
- Features - 9.7/109.7/10
- Design - 9.7/109.7/10
- Quality & craftsmanship - 9.8/109.8/10
Summary
I would not think about the weight and packed size of this pad, it is built to provide comfort in the camp comparable to what you have in your bed at home.
User Review
( votes)If you need more options, please check under the category Outdoor Sleeping. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment box below. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.
