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I’ve spent time testing three very different budget-friendly foam sleeping pads: the thick Wakeman 1.25-inch NBR foam pad, the ultralight Stansport Pack Lite closed-cell mat, and the foldable fitply XPE pad. Each takes a completely different approach to keeping you off the ground without breaking the bank.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a simple, no-pump foam pad for car camping or backpacking on a tight budget. The big trade-off here is comfort versus weight and packability, and I’ll help you figure out which one makes sense for your trips. Let’s see how they stack up.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Wakeman 1.25-Inch Foam Pad
Thickest at 1.25 inches for real comfort, weighs 3 lbs, and has a waterproof surface. — Check Price →
Runner-Up: fitply Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Weighs just 0.66 lbs and folds tiny, with an R-value of 2.1 for insulation. — Check Price →
Best for Backpacking: Stansport Pack Lite
Lightest at 0.5 lbs and cheapest option, but only 0.38 inches thick. — Check Price →
I put together this quick specs table so you can see exactly how the Wakeman, Stansport, and fitply pads compare on the numbers that actually matter for camping.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad | Stansport Pack Lite Campi | fitply Ultralight Foam Sl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | NBR Foam | closed-cell foam | XPE |
| Color | Blue | Blue- Full length | Blue |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant | Water Resistant |
| Dimensions | ✅ 72″L x 24″W x 1.25″Th | 72″L x 19″W x 0.38″Th | 70.82″L x 23.6″W x 0.36″Th |
| Weight | ✅ 1.4 kg | 0.5 lbs | 0.66 lbs |
| Thickness | ✅ 1.25″ | 0.38″ | 0.36″ |
| Length | ✅ 72″ | 72″ | 70.82″ |
| Width | ✅ 24″ | 19″ | 23.6″ |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | — | 1 |
| Brand | Wakeman | Stansport | fitply |
| UPC | 194189137333 | ✅ 803982996923 | 792105791609 |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these foam pads on my last camping trip to see how they handle real-world use, from car camping comfort to backpacking weight. Here’s my honest take on all three.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping – 1.25-Inch-Thick Waterproof Sleep Pad with Carry Straps for Cots
1.25 inches thick | NBR Foam | 72″ x 24″ | 3 lbs | Water Resistant
- 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 Wakeman pad is my top pick for car campers who actually want to sleep well. At 1.25 inches thick, it’s way more comfortable than the other two foam pads here — I could actually feel the ground much less. The NBR foam has a waterproof surface that kept me dry on damp grass, and the carry strap makes it easy to lug around, though at 3 pounds you won’t want to backpack with it. It’s perfect for cots, tent floors, or even as a mattress topper in an RV.
✅ Pros
- 1.25-inch thickness provides real cushioning and comfort
- Waterproof surface protects against damp ground
- Non-slip texture keeps the pad from sliding around
- 24-inch width gives plenty of room to move
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 3 lbs, not suitable for backpacking
- Rolled size is 9 inches tall, takes up trunk space
Stansport Pack Lite Camping & Backpacking Sleeping Pad – Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Mat
0.38 inches thick | Closed-cell foam | 72″ x 19″ | 0.5 lbs | Not Water Resistant
- Lightweight camping/backpacking pad made of closed cell foam insulation
- Measures 72 by 19 by 3/8 inches (L x W x D)
- Keeps the cold and dampness away from your body
The Stansport Pack Lite is the cheapest and lightest option here at just half a pound, making it a solid choice for ultralight backpackers who count every ounce. That said, it’s only 0.38 inches thick, so you’ll feel every rock and root under you — I definitely woke up sore after a night on this thing. It’s not water resistant either, so you’ll want a groundsheet underneath. I’d recommend this as an emergency pad or for someone who prioritizes weight over comfort.
✅ Pros
- Extremely lightweight at only 0.5 lbs
- Puncture-proof closed-cell foam won’t leak
- Straps keep it rolled for compact storage
❌ Cons
- Very thin at 0.38 inches, minimal comfort on hard ground
- Only 19 inches wide, tight for side sleepers
- Not water resistant, damp ground soaks through
fitply Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad – Waterproof Closed Cell Foam Pad
0.36 inches thick | XPE Foam | 70.8″ x 23.6″ | 0.66 lbs | Water Resistant | 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 pad is a clever middle ground that impressed me with its thoughtful design. It’s only 0.36 inches thick and weighs just 0.66 pounds, but the raised nodes on the surface actually provide decent back support — I was surprised at how much better it felt than the Stansport. The heat-reflective aluminum film gives it an R-value of 2.1, which kept me warmer on a chilly night, and it folds down to a compact 23.6 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches. This is my go-to recommendation for hikers who want insulation and packability without spending a lot.
✅ Pros
- Ultralight at 0.66 lbs and folds to very compact size
- R-value of 2.1 provides real insulation from cold ground
- Ergonomic raised nodes give extra back support
- Waterproof aluminum film reflects body heat
❌ Cons
- Still only 0.36 inches thick, not plush for side sleepers
- Folded shape can be awkward to pack in small backpacks
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough nights on each of these pads to know that the right choice comes down to how you camp. Here’s my honest breakdown of who should grab which one.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You car camp or use a cot and want actual cushioning from a 1.25-inch thick pad
- You sleep on your side and need the 24-inch width to move around
- You don’t mind carrying 3 pounds since you’re driving to your campsite
Stansport Pack Lite is right for you if…
- You’re an ultralight backpacker who needs the absolute lightest option at 0.5 pounds
- You’re on a tight budget and just need a basic barrier from the ground
- You want a puncture-proof backup pad that won’t ever deflate on you
fitply Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You backpack and want insulation from cold ground with an R-value of 2.1
- You need a pad that folds small at 23.6 x 5.6 x 4.9 inches to fit in your pack
- You want back support from the raised nodes without adding much weight at 0.66 pounds
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a side sleeper who needs real cushioning or you camp in freezing conditions regularly, skip all three foam pads entirely. You’d be much happier with an inflatable sleeping pad that offers 2.5 inches or more of thickness and a higher R-value above 4.
For most budget campers just getting started, I’d grab the Wakeman if you’re driving to camp or the fitply if you’re hiking in. The Stansport is really only worth it if every ounce and every dollar absolutely has to be as low as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foam pad is thicker: Wakeman, Stansport, or fitply?
The Wakeman is by far the thickest at 1.25 inches, which is a huge difference when you’re lying on rocky ground. The Stansport and fitply are both thin closed-cell pads at 0.38 inches and 0.36 inches respectively. If comfort is your priority, the Wakeman wins easily.
Is the Wakeman worth paying more than the Stansport Pack Lite?
Absolutely, if you’re car camping and you actually want to sleep well. The Wakeman’s 1.25 inches of NBR foam provides real cushioning compared to the Stansport’s paper-thin 0.38 inches. But if you’re backpacking and need to save weight, the Stansport is only 0.5 pounds versus the Wakeman’s 3 pounds, so it depends on your trip.
Which pad is best for backpacking: fitply or Stansport?
I’d take the fitply over the Stansport for backpacking every time. The fitply weighs just 0.66 pounds and has an R-value of 2.1 with a heat-reflective aluminum layer, so you stay warmer. The Stansport is slightly lighter at 0.5 pounds, but it’s not water resistant and offers no insulation value, making it a worse choice for overnight hikes.
Can I use any of these pads on a cot?
The Wakeman is the only one I’d recommend for a cot since it’s 24 inches wide and 72 inches long, which fits standard extra-wide cots perfectly. The Stansport is only 19 inches wide and the fitply is 23.6 inches, but both are too thin to add meaningful comfort on top of a cot. The Wakeman’s 1.25-inch thickness actually makes a difference as a mattress topper.
Which pad has the best insulation for cold weather camping?
The fitply is the clear winner here with its tested R-value of 2.1 and reflective aluminum film that bounces body heat back at you. The Wakeman is water resistant but has no stated R-value, and the Stansport isn’t water resistant at all. For chilly nights, the fitply will keep you noticeably warmer than the other two.
How do these pads compare to an inflatable sleeping pad?
None of these foam pads can match the comfort of a decent inflatable pad that’s 2.5 to 4 inches thick. Foam pads are cheaper, lighter, and can’t pop or leak, but they offer way less cushioning. If you’re a side sleeper or camp in cold conditions, I’d save up for an inflatable pad instead of any of these three.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three pads, the Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad is my clear winner for most campers. Its 1.25-inch thickness provides actual comfort that the other two can’t touch, and the waterproof NBR foam keeps you dry on damp ground. The fitply takes the runner-up spot for backpackers who need the 0.66-pound weight and R-value of 2.1 for insulation.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself one question: are you driving to camp or hiking in? Drive to camp and get the Wakeman for comfort — hike in and grab the fitply for the insulation and packability. The Stansport is only worth it if your budget and weight limit are both absolutely maxed out.
Best Overall: Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad
- 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...
Perfect for car campers who want real cushioning from the 1.25-inch thick NBR foam and a waterproof surface that handles damp ground.
Runner-Up: 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...
Best for backpackers who need the 0.66-pound weight and the R-value of 2.1 from the reflective aluminum film for insulation.
Best Budget: Stansport Pack Lite
- Lightweight camping/backpacking pad made of closed cell foam insulation
- Measures 72 by 19 by 3/8 inches (L x W x D)
- Keeps the cold and dampness away from your body
Only for ultralight hikers who need the absolute lowest weight at 0.5 pounds and don’t mind the thin 0.38-inch comfort level.
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