What is Warmest Sleeping Pad?

Look at the R value of the pad. The higher the number the warmer the pad. I think the Exped Downmat 9 has the highest R rating I am aware of. I have a Downmat ul7 that has r value of 5.9 that is "rated" to -11*f and while I will never take it that low it has been plenty warm to 4*f.

I will say that CC foam pads seem warmer than their R value but not as warm as the Downmat. Foam pads do offer other attributes though as they are inexpensive and bombproof.

http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values/

the higher the r value, the warmer…

However, as with sleeping bag ratings, grain of salt – how warm you are depends a lot on your hydration levels, your metabolism and your health. Someone with metabolic disruption due to meds or health issues may need hot water bottles, chemical packs, etc…. and also ratings may be exaggerated by the company.

I doubt that the "warmest" pad is necessary unless you are heading for Antarctica. A 3.5 – 5 R value will likely be more than adequate for a three season trip (depending on location).

Thanks. I forgot that I could check R values!I really do like having a foam pad that I don't have to baby, and can pull it out anywhere, anytime to sit in some warmth and comfort, old school. However as one of the Cold Sleepers, I guess I need to do some research on the fancy inflatables to see if they can make an appreciable difference for me. I am so used to having my beat up foam to stretch out on while cooking or midday snoozing, etc. I don't quite understand how to incorporate an inflatable into my camp style. I have considered carrying both, but seems silly

Kate, I'm also a cold sleeper and really like the zlite pad. I always have it summer or winter. In winter I just add a high r value inflatable, I am partial to the lengthwise baffle type like ExPed or big agnes. The zlite is just so handy and versatile, mid day naps are a breeze and it's just nice to have if it's cooler and you can find a warm patch of sunlight…..warms you right up!

Folks more experienced than me were advocating two pads for cold use, so I went down that path. It saved a bit of money too.

I find when using a prolite 4 or to a smaller extent xtherm in order to avoid cold spots at my bony hip on my side I have to inflate them more, trading comfort for warmth.

Now I take along a xtherm+zlite, which is very comfortable and versatile, and with the zlite on the bottom still quite resistant to puncture. (I'm thinking of moving to a thinner smallerfoam mat through, the packability of the zlite is an annoyance.)

Thanks again everyone.
The zlite wasn't on my radar so good tip. I think I will update my ridgerest to the zlite, and when conditions warrant carry my neoair as well. I might research some of the other inflatables mentioned as well. Two pads doesn't make for the sleekest pack, but I believe it's a system that will work well enough for me.

You may be interested in the NeoAir Xthem. The R value is quite high at 5.7 yet the weight isn't much higher than a normal NeoAir. The new Xthem MAX is 15oz. Compared to a downmat you're getting similar warmth but lighter.

Also note the Ridgerest is warmer and more comfortable than the z lite (IMO). I only use a z lite over a Ridgerest where compactness is a priority.

I use an Exped DownMat 9 DLX for winter camping in the Minnesota BWCA where it's not uncommon to get down to -40F at night. It has an R-Value of 8, I've never been cold using it ever – I also have never gotten too warm. It's a super comfortable pad, might be overkill but I enjoy it.