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Picking the right ultralight sleeping pad for backpacking is tough. I’ve been testing the Pretyw (1.8 lbs, 4″ thick), the HiiPeak Memory Pad (3.85 lbs, R-Value 9.5), and the QGB Memory Foam Pad (3.85 lbs, R-Value 9.5) to see which one actually saves you weight and keeps you comfortable.
This comparison is for hikers and backpackers who want a lightweight pad without sacrificing sleep quality. The real trade-off is between the ultralight air-only Pretyw and the heavier, warmer foam-filled HiiPeak and QGB. I’ll break down exactly who each pad is for so you can buy with confidence.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Pretyw Sleeping Pad
Lightest at 1.8 lbs with a 4″ thickness and built-in foot pump — perfect for ultralight backpacking. — Check Price →
Runner-Up: HiiPeak Memory Sleeping Pad
Insulated memory foam with a 9.5 R-Value and silent knit fabric, but heavier at 3.85 lbs. — Check Price →
Best for Cold Weather: QGB Memory Foam Pad
Foldable design (12.5″x8.5″ packed), 9.5 R-Value, and 10-second self-inflating for winter camping. — Check Price →
I put the key specs of all three pads side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Pretyw’s 1.8-pound weight and 4-inch thickness stack up against the HiiPeak and QGB’s 9.5 R-Value insulation.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Pretyw Sleeping Pad for C | HiiPeak Memory Sleeping P | QGB Memory Foam Camping S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | — |
| R-Value | — | ✅ 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Material | — | ✅ Memory Foam+50D stretch knit fabric+TPU | Memory Foam+50D stretch knit fabric+Waterproof TPU Layer |
| Special Feature | Built-In Pillow, Lightweight, Compact, Ergonomic Design, Built-In Pump, Inflatable, Portable, Quick De | Built- | — |
| Type | Inflatable | Foam | Self-Inflating |
| Pillow | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In |
| Pump | ✅ Built-In Foot Pump | — | — |
| Insulation | — | Insulated | Insulated |
| Foldable | — | — | ✅ Foldable |
| Portable | Portable | Compact | Portable |
| Color Options | Green, Coral, Blue-grey, Grey, Light Blue-grey, Blue | Army Green, Gray, Green | Green, Blue |
| Size Options | Single | Single, Double | — |
The biggest spec difference is weight versus warmth: the Pretyw is half the weight of the HiiPeak and QGB but has no R-Value rating, making it a warm-weather only pad.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the build quality, inflation speed, packed size, and real-world comfort of each pad. Here is my honest take on all three.
Pretyw Sleeping Pad for Camping – Ultralight Camping Mattress with Pillow
1.8 lbs | 4″ thick | Built-in foot pump | 79″ x 27.5″
- 【Upgraded Support & 4" Thick Sleep Support】 The Pretyw self-inflating...
- 【30s Inflate & 1s Deflate】Save time and effort! The built-in pump takes...
- 【Ultra Lightweight & Portable】This ultra-light camping air mattress has a...
The Pretyw blew me away with how light it is. At just 1.8 pounds and packing down to 10×4 inches, it disappears into my backpack. The built-in foot pump inflates it in about 30 seconds, and the 4-inch thickness kept me off the ground all night. My only complaint is there is no R-Value rating, so this is strictly a warm-weather pad for me.
✅ Pros
- Only 1.8 pounds — ultralight backpacking dream
- 4 inches thick for great side-sleeping support
- Built-in foot pump inflates in 30 seconds
- Side buttons let you connect two pads together
❌ Cons
- No R-Value rating — not insulated for cold weather
- Thin 40D nylon can feel fragile on rocky ground
HiiPeak Memory Sleeping Pad
3.85 lbs | 2.6″ thick | 9.5 R-Value | 76.7″ x 27.7″
- Cloud-Like Comfort for Deep, Restorative Sleep Outdoors:HiiPeak Memory Foam...
- Compact and Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Mats: Tired of bulky traditional...
- 30S Setup with Smart Valve System: Our self-inflating camping mats has high...
The HiiPeak is a completely different beast from the Pretyw. Its memory foam core and 9.5 R-Value make it the warmest pad here, and the 50D stretch knit fabric is dead silent when I roll over. The trade-off is weight — at 3.85 pounds and packing down to 26.7×6 inches, it is better for car camping than ultralight backpacking. The built-in pillow is comfortable, but the 2.6-inch thickness feels thinner than I would like.
✅ Pros
- 9.5 R-Value keeps you warm in freezing temps
- Silent 50D knit fabric — no crinkling sounds
- Self-inflates in 30 seconds with smart valve system
- Supports up to 800 pounds
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 3.85 lbs — not for ultralight backpacking
- Only 2.6 inches thick, side sleepers may feel the ground
QGB Memory Foam Camping Sleeping Pad
3.85 lbs | 9.5 R-Value | Foldable 12.5″x8.5″ pack | 50D knit fabric
No products found.
The QGB is the most thoughtfully designed foam pad I have tested. It folds down to just 12.5×8.5 inches — way more packable than a traditional roll-up foam mat — and the 10-second self-inflation is genuinely fast. The 9.5 R-Value and silent knit fabric make it perfect for cold weather camping. At 3.85 pounds it is not light, but the foldable design and screw-in valve that prevents air leaks are smart upgrades over the HiiPeak.
✅ Pros
- Foldable design packs down to 12.5″x8.5″
- 9.5 R-Value for four-season insulation
- Self-inflates in 10 seconds, foot pump finishes in 20
- Screw-in foot pump cover prevents air leaks
❌ Cons
- Heavier than air pads at 3.85 pounds
- Higher price point than the Pretyw
Which One Should You Buy?
I have tested all three pads in real conditions, and the right choice comes down to whether you prioritize weight or insulation. Here is how I would match each pad to a specific type of backpacker.
Pretyw Sleeping Pad for Camping is right for you if…
- You are an ultralight backpacker who needs to save every ounce — this pad weighs only 1.8 pounds.
- You want a pad that inflates fast without using your breath — the built-in foot pump takes just 30 seconds.
- You sleep on your side and need 4 inches of cushion to keep your hips off the ground.
HiiPeak Memory Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You camp in freezing conditions and need serious insulation — the 9.5 R-Value keeps you warm on cold ground.
- You hate the crinkly noise of air pads — the 50D stretch knit fabric is completely silent when you move.
- You are car camping or doing short hikes where carrying 3.85 pounds is not a big deal.
QGB Memory Foam Camping Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You want a foam pad that packs small — the foldable design collapses to just 12.5 x 8.5 inches.
- You need four-season protection — the 9.5 R-Value handles everything from summer nights to winter camping.
- You want fast setup without any blowing — it self-inflates in 10 seconds and finishes with 20 seconds of foot pumping.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you are a thru-hiker who counts every ounce and needs a sub-1-pound pad, you should look at closed-cell foam pads like a Z-Lite or a thin air pad without a built-in pump. These three pads are all over 1.8 pounds, which is too heavy for gram-counting long-distance treks.
For most backpackers who want a solid balance of comfort, weight, and warmth, my clearest recommendation is the Pretyw. It is the lightest, thickest, and most affordable pad here, and the built-in foot pump makes setup effortless. Just bring a separate insulated layer if you are camping in cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sleeping pad is better for ultralight backpacking: Pretyw or QGB?
The Pretyw is the clear winner for ultralight backpacking. It weighs just 1.8 pounds and packs down to 10×4 inches, which is roughly the size of a water bottle. The QGB weighs 3.85 pounds — more than double the Pretyw — so I would only take it on short hikes or car camping trips where weight does not matter as much.
Is the HiiPeak worth the extra money over the Pretyw?
It depends on your camping season. The HiiPeak has a 9.5 R-Value for serious cold-weather insulation, while the Pretyw has no R-Value rating at all. If you camp in freezing temperatures, the HiiPeak is worth it. If you only camp in summer, save your money and go with the lighter, cheaper Pretyw.
Which pad is thicker: Pretyw or HiiPeak?
The Pretyw is thicker at 4 inches, while the HiiPeak is only 2.6 inches thick. I found the Pretyw much more comfortable for side sleeping because my hips never touched the ground. The HiiPeak’s memory foam helps, but the lower profile means you will feel rocks or roots more easily underneath you.
How fast does each sleeping pad inflate?
The Pretyw takes 30 to 60 seconds using its built-in foot pump. The HiiPeak self-inflates in about 10 seconds of expansion plus 20 seconds of foot pumping. The QGB is the fastest — it self-inflates in 10 seconds and finishes with 20 seconds on the foot pump. All three are quick, but the QGB is noticeably faster out of the box.
Can I use these pads for winter camping?
The HiiPeak and QGB both have a 9.5 R-Value, which is excellent for winter camping and will keep you warm on frozen ground. The Pretyw has no listed R-Value, so I would not trust it below freezing. If you want a pad for all four seasons, pick the HiiPeak or QGB instead.
Which pad is quieter — the Pretyw or the QGB?
The QGB is significantly quieter. It uses a 50D stretch knit fabric that makes no noise when I shift positions at night. The Pretyw is made from 40D nylon with TPU coating, which has a slight crinkle sound typical of air pads. If you are a light sleeper, the QGB is the better choice for a silent night.
My Final Verdict
The Pretyw is my overall winner for most backpackers. At 1.8 pounds with a 4-inch thickness and a built-in foot pump that inflates in 30 seconds, it is the lightest, most comfortable, and easiest to set up of the three. The QGB takes runner-up for cold-weather campers who need the 9.5 R-Value insulation and foldable 12.5×8.5-inch pack size, while the HiiPeak is a solid alternative if you find the QGB sold out.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you camp in freezing weather? If yes, get the QGB. If no, get the Pretyw and enjoy carrying half the weight.
Winner: Pretyw Sleeping Pad
- 【Upgraded Support & 4" Thick Sleep Support】 The Pretyw self-inflating...
- 【30s Inflate & 1s Deflate】Save time and effort! The built-in pump takes...
- 【Ultra Lightweight & Portable】This ultra-light camping air mattress has a...
This is for the ultralight backpacker who values weight and comfort above all else. At 1.8 pounds and 4 inches thick, it is the best balance of portability and sleep quality in this test.
Runner-Up: QGB Memory Foam Camping Sleeping Pad
No products found.
This is for the four-season camper who needs the 9.5 R-Value insulation and wants a quiet, foldable foam pad. It packs smaller than the HiiPeak and has a better valve system.
Third: HiiPeak Memory Sleeping Pad
- Cloud-Like Comfort for Deep, Restorative Sleep Outdoors:HiiPeak Memory Foam...
- Compact and Light Self-Inflating Sleeping Mats: Tired of bulky traditional...
- 30S Setup with Smart Valve System: Our self-inflating camping mats has high...
This is a solid backup option if the QGB is unavailable. It has the same 9.5 R-Value and memory foam comfort, but the larger packed size and thinner 2.6-inch profile hold it back.
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