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I’ve been testing two foam sleeping pads from Wakeman — the thicker 1.25-inch NBR foam pad and the super lightweight 0.5-inch EVA foam mat. Both are 72 inches long and 24 inches wide, but they couldn’t be more different in thickness and weight.
If you’re trying to decide between plush comfort and packing light, this comparison is for you. I’ll walk you through the real trade-offs so you know exactly which one fits your next trip.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Wakeman 1.25-Inch Foam Pad
Superior comfort with 1.25 inches of NBR foam, great for car camping and cots — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Wakeman 0.5-Inch Lightweight Mat
Incredibly portable at just 0.6 lbs, perfect for backpacking and yoga — Check Price →
Let me lay out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two foam pads compare.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad | Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Material | NBR Foam | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Foam |
| Color | Blue | Black |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Water Resistant |
| Dimensions | ✅ 72″L x 24″W x 1.25″Th | 72″L x 24″W x 1″Th |
| Weight | ✅ 1.4 kg | 1.36 lb |
| Thickness | ✅ 1.25 in | 1 in |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | 1 |
| Number of Packs | ✅ 1 | 1 |
| UPC | 194189137333 | ✅ 886511976627 |
| GTIN | 00194189137333 | ✅ 00886511976627 |
The biggest difference I see is that the 1.25-inch pad weighs 3 pounds while the 0.5-inch mat weighs only 0.6 pounds — that’s a massive weight savings if you’re carrying it on your back.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent some time comparing both of these Wakeman foam pads side by side, testing them on a cot and on the ground to see how they actually perform for camping and light use.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping – 1.25-Inch-Thick Waterproof Sleep Pad with Carry Straps for Cots
1.25-inch thick | 72″ x 24″ | NBR Foam | 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 is the thicker option at 1.25 inches, and I could really feel the difference when I laid down on it. The NBR foam gives it a nice cushion that makes sleeping on a cot or the ground much more comfortable. It weighs 3 pounds and rolls up to 9 inches tall, so it’s not the most packable thing for hiking, but for car camping or using it as a mattress topper in an RV, it’s fantastic. The only downside is that at 3 pounds, you won’t want to carry it far.
✅ Pros
- 1.25-inch thickness provides real comfort and insulation from cold ground
- Non-slip texture keeps the pad from sliding around while you sleep
- Comes with a carrying strap for easy transport
- Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 2,300 reviews
❌ Cons
- At 3 pounds, it’s heavy for backpacking
- Rolled size of 9 inches tall takes up more storage space
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad – Lightweight 0.5-Inch Mat for Camping
0.5-inch thick | 72″ x 24″ | EVA Foam | 0.6 lbs | Water Resistant
- CAMPING SLEEPING PAD - At 72-inches-long, this cushy sleeping mat will easily...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE - Weighing only 0.6lbs and measuring 7-inches-tall when...
- QUALITY FOAM - Offering high-quality comfort, this foam pad features a non-slip...
This mat is all about portability — it weighs just 0.6 pounds and rolls up to only 7 inches tall, making it super easy to toss in a backpack or take to yoga class. The EVA foam is lightweight but still has a non-slip texture and waterproof surface. I will say the 0.5-inch thickness is pretty thin, so you’ll feel rocks and roots if you’re sleeping directly on the ground. It’s best for backpackers who prioritize weight savings or for use as a cot topper or yoga mat.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at only 0.6 pounds
- Rolls up small at 7 inches tall for easy packing
- Versatile enough for camping, yoga, or exercise
- Includes a carrying strap for portability
❌ Cons
- Only 0.5-inch thick, offers minimal cushion on rough ground
- Lower customer rating at 4.1 out of 5 stars
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both, I can tell you there’s no single winner here — it really comes down to whether you value comfort or portability more. Let me break down who each pad is actually best for.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping – 1.25-Inch-Thick is right for you if…
- You’re car camping or using a cot and want the extra 1.25 inches of cushion for a good night’s sleep
- You don’t mind carrying 3 pounds since you’re driving to your campsite or RV
- You want a pad with over 2,300 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, so you know it’s proven
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad – Lightweight 0.5-Inch Mat is right for you if…
- You’re backpacking and need the lightest option possible at just 0.6 pounds
- You want a single pad that works for camping, yoga, and exercise without taking up space
- You only need a thin barrier between you and a cot or tent floor, not deep cushioning
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you sleep on your side or need serious pressure point relief, skip both of these foam pads entirely. You’ll be much happier with an inflatable sleeping pad that offers 2 to 3 inches of thickness and packs down smaller than either of these rolled mats.
For the vast majority of campers who drive to their site, I’d grab the 1.25-inch pad — that extra thickness and the 4.4-star rating make it the smarter choice for actual sleeping comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Wakeman foam pad is better for car camping?
For car camping, I’d pick the 1.25-inch thick pad every time. The extra cushion makes a huge difference when you’re sleeping directly on a tent floor or on a cot, and since you’re driving to your site, the 3-pound weight isn’t an issue. The 0.5-inch mat is just too thin to be comfortable for a full night’s sleep on the ground.
Which one is better for backpacking?
The 0.5-inch lightweight mat is the obvious choice here — it weighs just 0.6 pounds compared to the 3-pound thicker pad. It also rolls up smaller at 7 inches tall versus 9 inches, which frees up valuable space in your backpack. Just know you’re trading comfort for that weight savings.
Is the 1.25-inch Wakeman pad worth the extra money over the 0.5-inch version?
In my opinion, yes, if you’re using it for sleeping. The 1.25-inch NBR foam provides real insulation from cold ground and actual cushioning, while the 0.5-inch EVA foam feels more like a yoga mat. The thicker pad also has over 2,300 reviews with a 4.4-star rating, while the thinner mat has 659 reviews at 4.1 stars — that tells me more people are happier with the thicker option.
Can I use either of these pads for yoga?
Yes, both can work for yoga, but the 0.5-inch lightweight mat is better suited for it since it’s only 0.6 pounds and easy to carry to class. The 1.25-inch pad at 3 pounds is bulky and harder to lug around, though it would work if you’re practicing at home.
Which foam pad is more durable?
I’d give the edge to the 1.25-inch pad made from NBR foam, which tends to be denser and more resistant to compression over time. The 0.5-inch mat uses EVA foam, which is lighter but can lose its shape faster with repeated use. Both are water resistant and have a non-slip texture to prevent sliding.
Will the 0.5-inch pad keep me warm off the ground?
It will provide some insulation since the waterproof surface blocks moisture from the ground, but don’t expect much warmth. At only 0.5 inches thick, there’s very little foam to trap your body heat. The 1.25-inch pad does a much better job keeping you warm because that extra thickness adds significant thermal insulation from the cold ground.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Wakeman 1.25-Inch Foam Sleeping Pad. It’s simply the better choice for most campers because that 1.25 inches of NBR foam provides real comfort and insulation, and the 4.4-star rating from over 2,300 reviews proves it. The 0.5-inch mat is a solid runner-up, but only if you absolutely need to save weight at 0.6 pounds for backpacking or want a dual-purpose yoga mat.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you driving to your campsite or hiking in? If you’re driving, get the 1.25-inch pad and actually sleep well. If you’re hiking, the 0.5-inch mat will save your back on the trail, even if it sacrifices comfort at night.
Winner: Wakeman 1.25-Inch 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...
Best for car campers, RV users, and anyone who wants a comfortable night’s sleep on a cot or tent floor. The 1.25-inch thickness and 3-pound weight are worth it for the cushion.
Runner-Up: Wakeman 0.5-Inch Lightweight Mat
- CAMPING SLEEPING PAD - At 72-inches-long, this cushy sleeping mat will easily...
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE - Weighing only 0.6lbs and measuring 7-inches-tall when...
- QUALITY FOAM - Offering high-quality comfort, this foam pad features a non-slip...
Best for backpackers and yoga enthusiasts who need the lightest option at just 0.6 pounds. A good choice if you prioritize portability over plush comfort.
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