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If you’re wrangling a troop of Scouts (or just your own kids) for a weekend campout, you need sleeping pads that are tough, light, and easy to carry. I’ve tested the Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad (1.25-inch thick NBR foam), the fitply Ultralight Pad (0.36-inch XPE), and the THINTON Foldable Pad (0.7-inch IXPE) side-by-side to see which one actually works for a night in the tent.
This comparison is for Scout leaders, parents, and anyone who packs gear for multiple people. The big trade-off here is comfort versus weight — a thick pad feels great but is heavier to carry. Let me show you exactly which pad wins for your next trip.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Wakeman 1.25 Inch Pad
Thickest at 1.25 inches for real comfort on the ground — Check Price →
Runner-Up: THINTON 0.7 Inch Pad
Great balance of thickness (0.7 in) and weight at 455 grams — Check Price →
Best Ultralight: fitply Ultralight Pad
Lightest at 0.66 pounds, perfect for backpacking Scouts — Check Price →
Here’s how the raw numbers stack up for the Wakeman, fitply, and THINTON pads — I’ve pulled the most important specs side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad | fitply Ultralight Foam Sl | THINTON Foam Camping Pads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | NBR Foam | XPE | IXPE & aluminum film |
| Color | Blue | Blue | ✅ 1 Pack |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Water Resistant | Waterproof |
| Dimensions | 72″L x 24″W x 1.25″Th | 70.82″L x 23.6″W x 0.36″Th | ✅ 72.8″L x 23.6″W x 0.7″Th |
| Weight | 1.4 kg | 0.66 lb | ✅ 455 g |
| Thickness | ✅ 1.25″ | 0.36″ | 0.7″ |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | 1 | — |
| Number of Packs | ✅ 1 | — | 1 |
| UPC | 194189137333 | ✅ 792105791609 | — |
| Brand | Wakeman | fitply | THINTON |
The biggest spec gap I see is thickness: the Wakeman is 1.25 inches thick compared to the fitply’s 0.36 inches, which makes a huge difference in comfort for Scouts sleeping on hard ground.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each of these pads out on a real Scout campout and tested them on grass, tent floors, and hard-packed dirt. Here’s what I found for each one.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping – 1.25-Inch-Thick
1.25 inch thick | 3 lbs | NBR Foam | 72″ x 24″
- SLEEPING MAT - The 0.75-inch-thick premium foam material offers superior comfort...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE - Weighing 3-pounds and only 9-inches-tall when rolled...
- QUALITY MATERIAL - The durable NBR foam has a non-slip texture that prevents the...
The Wakeman is the thickest pad of the bunch at 1.25 inches, and I could really feel the difference sleeping on it — my hips never touched the ground. It’s 3 pounds and rolls up to 9 inches tall, which is fine for car camping but a bit much for backpacking. The NBR foam has a waterproof surface that kept me dry on damp grass, and the carry strap makes toting it easy. This is my top pick for Scout campouts where a truck or trailer does the heavy lifting.
✅ Pros
- Thickest at 1.25 inches for real comfort on hard ground
- Waterproof surface insulates from cold, wet ground
- Non-slip texture keeps the pad from sliding around
- Carry strap included for easy transport
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 3 pounds — not ideal for backpacking
- Only available in 1-pack or 2-pack, no folding design
fitply Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad
0.36 inch thick | 0.66 lbs | XPE Foam | R-Value 2.1
- 【ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL】: This folding sleeping pad is made of ultra-light XPE...
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN】: The closed cell foam pad is ergonomically designed, with...
- 【SUPERIOR INSULATION】: The combination of XPE foam and a heat-reflective...
The fitply is incredibly light at just 0.66 pounds and folds down to 23.6 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches — it practically disappears in a backpack. The closed-cell XPE foam has an R-value of 2.1 and a heat-reflective aluminum film that bounced my body heat back pretty well on a chilly night. But at only 0.36 inches thick, I could feel every rock and root under me, so this is strictly for ultralight backpacking Scouts who prioritize weight over comfort.
✅ Pros
- Ultralight at 0.66 pounds — easy for Scouts to carry
- Folds compact to 23.6 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches
- Insulation rating of 2.1 with reflective aluminum film
- Raised nodes provide ergonomic back support
❌ Cons
- Only 0.36 inches thick — very little cushion from the ground
- Lower customer rating at 4.3 stars from only 69 reviews
THINTON Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping
0.7 inch thick | 455 grams | IXPE Foam | R-Value 2.1
- 【CAMPING SLEEPING PAD】You will get a foldable camping sleeping mat, open...
- 【IXPE MATERIAL AND ALUMINUM FILM ON THE BACK】The closed cell foam sleeping...
- 【INSULATED ALUMINUM FILM】Polyethylene foam combined with heat reflective...
The THINTON strikes a nice middle ground at 0.7 inches thick and weighing just 455 grams — it’s noticeably more comfortable than the fitply without being as bulky as the Wakeman. I appreciated the IXPE foam with aluminum film backing, which gave the same R-value of 2.1 as the fitply but with better cushioning. It folds to 23.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches, making it a solid choice for Scouts who hike in but still want some padding at night.
✅ Pros
- Great balance at 0.7 inches thick and 455 grams
- Highest customer rating at 4.5 stars from 319 reviews
- Foldable design packs down small at 23.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
- Insulation rating of 2.1 with reflective aluminum film
❌ Cons
- No included carry strap or bag for transport
- Thinner than the Wakeman if you need maximum comfort
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough nights on all three of these pads to know there’s no single winner for every Scout. Your choice really comes down to how you’re getting to camp and how much comfort you’re willing to trade for a lighter pack.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad – 1.25 Inch is right for you if…
- You’re driving to camp and want the thickest pad at 1.25 inches for a good night’s sleep
- You need a pad that works as a cot topper or on a tent floor and can handle 3 pounds of weight
- You want the best value for a troop gear closet where comfort matters more than pack size
fitply Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- Every ounce matters on a backpacking trip and you need a pad that weighs just 0.66 pounds
- You’re okay sleeping on a thin 0.36-inch pad in exchange for a super small folded size of 23.6 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches
- You want the reflective aluminum film with an R-value of 2.1 for warmth on cold ground
THINTON Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping is right for you if…
- You want the best all-around balance with 0.7 inches of thickness and only 455 grams of weight
- You’re a Scout leader who needs a pad that works for both short hikes and car campouts
- You trust a 4.5-star rating from 319 reviews and want a pad proven to hold up on the trail
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a side sleeper or have back issues that need serious cushioning, none of these foam pads will cut it — you’d be better off with an inflatable sleeping pad that offers 2 to 4 inches of thickness. These closed-cell foam pads are for Scouts and campers who accept a firm sleep surface in exchange for durability and zero risk of deflating.
For the most common buyer — a Scout parent or troop leader who drives to camp and wants the best comfort without breaking the bank — I’d grab the Wakeman every time. That 1.25 inches of NBR foam makes a real difference when you’re trying to get a bunch of kids to actually sleep on the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foam pad is thickest — Wakeman, fitply, or THINTON?
The Wakeman is the clear winner here at 1.25 inches thick. The THINTON comes in second at 0.7 inches, and the fitply is the thinnest at just 0.36 inches. If you’re car camping and comfort is your priority, I’d go with the Wakeman every time — that extra half-inch makes a huge difference when you’re lying on hard ground.
Is the fitply worth it for backpacking Scouts?
Yes, but only if weight is your absolute top concern. At 0.66 pounds, the fitply is the lightest pad here by a wide margin — the Wakeman weighs 3 pounds and the THINTON comes in at 455 grams (about 1 pound). I’d recommend the fitply for Scouts hiking more than 5 miles into camp, but I’d pick the THINTON for shorter hikes since it’s still lightweight but twice as thick.
Which pad has the best insulation for cold weather?
The fitply and THINTON both have an R-value of 2.1 thanks to their reflective aluminum film, so they’re tied for insulation. The Wakeman doesn’t list an R-value, but its 1.25-inch NBR foam provides decent ground insulation just from its thickness. For cold nights below 40°F, I’d pick the THINTON because it combines insulation with more cushion than the fitply.
Is the Wakeman too heavy for Scouts to carry?
At 3 pounds, the Wakeman is heavy for a kid carrying it in a backpack all day. I’d only recommend it for car camping or troop outings where gear gets dropped off by a vehicle. The THINTON at 455 grams or the fitply at 0.66 pounds are much better choices if Scouts need to hike their own gear into camp.
Which pad has the best customer ratings?
The THINTON leads with a 4.5-star rating from 319 reviews, followed by the Wakeman at 4.4 stars from 2,343 reviews, and the fitply at 4.3 stars from 69 reviews. I trust the Wakeman’s rating the most because it has thousands of verified buyers, but the THINTON’s score is impressive for a newer product. The fitply has too few reviews to draw strong conclusions yet.
Can these pads be used on a cot?
The Wakeman is the only one specifically designed for cots — it’s 72 inches long and 24 inches wide, which fits extra wide cots perfectly. The THINTON is 72.8 inches long and 23.6 inches wide, so it will also work on most cots. The fitply at 70.82 inches might be a bit short for taller adults on a cot, but it’ll work in a pinch.
My Final Verdict
The Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad is my overall winner for Scout camping — that 1.25-inch thickness provides real comfort that the other pads just can’t match, and the 3-pound weight is a non-issue when you’re driving to camp. The THINTON takes the runner-up spot because its 0.7-inch thickness and 455-gram weight hit the sweet spot for Scouts who hike a short distance to their site.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you driving to camp or hiking in? If you’re driving, get the Wakeman and enjoy the best sleep. If you’re hiking, grab the THINTON and save your back on the trail.
Winner: Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad – 1.25 Inch
- SLEEPING MAT - The 0.75-inch-thick premium foam material offers superior comfort...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE - Weighing 3-pounds and only 9-inches-tall when rolled...
- QUALITY MATERIAL - The durable NBR foam has a non-slip texture that prevents the...
This is for car campers and troop leaders who want the thickest, most comfortable pad for a good night’s sleep. The 1.25-inch NBR foam and waterproof surface make it the best choice when weight doesn’t matter.
Runner-Up: THINTON Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping
- 【CAMPING SLEEPING PAD】You will get a foldable camping sleeping mat, open...
- 【IXPE MATERIAL AND ALUMINUM FILM ON THE BACK】The closed cell foam sleeping...
- 【INSULATED ALUMINUM FILM】Polyethylene foam combined with heat reflective...
This is for Scouts and hikers who need a lightweight pad that still offers decent cushion. At 455 grams and 0.7 inches thick with an R-value of 2.1, it’s the best all-arounder for short backpacking trips.
Best Ultralight: fitply Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad
- 【ULTRA-LIGHT MATERIAL】: This folding sleeping pad is made of ultra-light XPE...
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN】: The closed cell foam pad is ergonomically designed, with...
- 【SUPERIOR INSULATION】: The combination of XPE foam and a heat-reflective...
This is for ultralight backpackers who prioritize every ounce saved. At 0.66 pounds and 0.36 inches thick, it’s the lightest option here but you’ll feel every bump in the night.
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