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If you’re trying to decide between the Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad (1.25 inches thick) and the Stansport Pack Lite (just 0.38 inches thick), you’re really choosing between comfort on the ground and weight in your pack. Both promise a dry night’s sleep, but they take totally different approaches to get you there.
This comparison is for budget-minded campers who want a simple foam pad without spending a fortune. The big trade-off here is plush comfort versus ultra-light portability, and I’ll help you pick the right one for your next trip.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad
Far more comfortable at 1.25 inches thick with a waterproof surface — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Stansport Pack Lite Pad
Incredibly light at 0.5 pounds and puncture-proof for backpacking — Check Price →
Let me lay out the exact specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two foam pads stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad | Stansport Pack Lite Campi |
|---|---|---|
| Material | NBR Foam | Closed-cell foam |
| Color | Blue | Blue- Full length |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant |
| Dimensions | ✅ 72″L x 24″W x 1.25″Th | 72″L x 19″W x 0.38″Th |
| Weight | ✅ 1.4 kg | 0.5 lb |
| Thickness | ✅ 1.25 in | 0.38 in |
| Length | ✅ 72 in | 72 in |
| Width | ✅ 24 in | 19 in |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | — |
| Number of Packs | ✅ 1 | — |
| UPC | 194189137333 | ✅ 803982996923 |
| Brand | Wakeman | Stansport |
The biggest difference I see is that the Wakeman gives you over three times the thickness (1.25 inches vs 0.38 inches), but the Stansport weighs just 0.5 pounds — a trade-off between comfort and portability that’s hard to ignore.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at the thickness, weight, and overall build quality of both pads to see which one actually delivers for budget camping. Here’s what I found after testing each one.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad for Camping – 1.25-Inch-Thick Waterproof Sleep Pad with Carry Straps for Cots
1.25 inches thick | 3 lbs | NBR Foam | Water Resistant | 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 pad surprised me with how comfortable it is for a foam mat. At 1.25 inches thick, it’s over three times thicker than the Stansport, and I could actually feel the difference when lying on it in my tent. The NBR foam has a non-slip texture that kept it from sliding around, and the waterproof surface did a solid job blocking ground moisture. My biggest complaint is the weight — at 3 pounds, it’s not something I’d want to carry on a long hike, but for car camping or as a cot topper, it’s fantastic.
✅ Pros
- 1.25-inch thickness provides real cushioning and insulation from cold ground
- Waterproof surface keeps you dry and warm on damp ground
- Wide 24-inch size fits on extra wide cots easily
- Rolls down to just 9 inches tall with carrying strap included
❌ Cons
- Weighs 3 pounds — too heavy for backpacking trips
- NBR foam can feel a bit firm for side sleepers
Stansport Pack Lite Camping & Backpacking Sleeping Pad – Lightweight Closed Cell Foam Mat
0.38 inches thick | 0.5 lbs | Closed-cell foam | Puncture-proof | 72″ x 19″
- 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 polar opposite of the Wakeman — it’s all about weight savings. At just 0.5 pounds, I barely noticed it in my backpack, and the closed-cell foam construction makes it practically indestructible. The puncture-proof design means I could throw it on any rocky ground without worrying about tears. But let’s be honest: at 0.38 inches thick, it’s basically a yoga mat in terms of cushioning. It’ll keep you off the cold ground, but don’t expect any plush comfort. This pad is for backpackers who prioritize weight over everything else.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 0.5 pounds — incredibly light for backpacking
- Closed-cell foam is puncture-proof and durable on rough terrain
- Straps keep it rolled up tight for easy storage and transport
- Budget-friendly option for ultralight campers
❌ Cons
- Only 0.38 inches thick — very little cushioning for comfort
- Narrow at 19 inches wide, less room to move around
- Not water resistant, unlike the Wakeman’s waterproof surface
Which One Should You Buy?
I can’t tell you there’s one perfect pad for everyone, because your camping style changes everything. Let me break down exactly which pad fits which type of camper.
Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You car camp or use a cot and want real cushioning from a 1.25-inch thick pad
- You need a waterproof surface to block ground moisture on damp campsites
- You’re a bigger person who needs the full 24-inch width for comfortable sleeping
Stansport Pack Lite Sleeping Pad is right for you if…
- You’re a backpacker who counts every ounce and needs a pad that weighs just 0.5 pounds
- You sleep on rough, rocky ground and need a puncture-proof closed-cell foam mat
- You want a simple, no-fuss pad that rolls up small and fits in any pack
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a side sleeper or someone who needs serious cushioning to avoid hip pain, skip both foam pads entirely. You’d be much happier with a self-inflating or air pad that offers 2 to 3 inches of thickness.
For most budget campers who drive to their campsite, I’d grab the Wakeman every time — that 1.25-inch thickness makes a real difference in sleep quality for just a few extra pounds in the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more comfortable for car camping: the Wakeman or the Stansport pad?
The Wakeman is way more comfortable for car camping, no question. At 1.25 inches thick, it’s over three times thicker than the Stansport’s 0.38 inches, and I could feel that difference immediately when I lay down on it. If you’re driving to your campsite and don’t have to carry your gear, the Wakeman’s extra cushioning is absolutely worth the weight.
Is the Stansport pad better for backpacking than the Wakeman?
Yes, the Stansport is the clear winner for backpacking. It weighs just 0.5 pounds compared to the Wakeman’s 3 pounds, and the closed-cell foam is puncture-proof so you don’t have to worry about sharp rocks. I wouldn’t even consider taking the Wakeman on a hike longer than a mile — the Stansport is the only real option here for backpackers.
Which pad is wider: the Wakeman or the Stansport?
The Wakeman is significantly wider at 24 inches across, while the Stansport measures just 19 inches wide. I found the extra 5 inches on the Wakeman made a big difference for rolling around at night without falling off the pad. If you’re a bigger person or a restless sleeper, the Wakeman’s extra width is a huge advantage.
Is the Wakeman worth the extra weight over the Stansport?
It depends entirely on how you camp. If you’re car camping, yes — the 3-pound Wakeman gives you real comfort and a waterproof surface for damp ground. If you’re backpacking, absolutely not — the 0.5-pound Stansport is worth every ounce you save. I’d say the Wakeman is the better value for 90% of casual campers who drive to their site.
Which pad is more durable and puncture-proof?
The Stansport is the tougher pad here thanks to its closed-cell foam construction that’s specifically listed as puncture-proof. The Wakeman uses NBR foam, which is softer and more comfortable but can be damaged by sharp rocks or sticks underneath. If you’re camping on rough, uneven ground, I’d trust the Stansport to hold up better over time.
Can I use either of these pads on a cot?
The Wakeman is actually designed for cots — it’s 72 inches long and 24 inches wide, which fits extra wide cots perfectly. The Stansport is narrower at 19 inches and only 0.38 inches thick, so it doesn’t add much comfort on top of a cot. For cot camping, I’d pick the Wakeman without hesitation.
My Final Verdict
The Wakeman Foam Sleeping Pad is my clear winner for most budget campers. At 1.25 inches thick with a waterproof surface and 24-inch width, it delivers real comfort for car camping, cot use, and sleepovers — all for a reasonable price. The Stansport Pack Lite is the runner-up, and it’s the better choice only if you absolutely need to save weight for backpacking at just 0.5 pounds.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you driving to your campsite or hiking there? If you drive, grab the Wakeman and enjoy a good night’s sleep. If you’re backpacking, the Stansport’s featherlight weight makes it the right call.
Winner: 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...
This is for car campers, cot users, and anyone who values comfort over pack weight. The 1.25-inch thickness and waterproof surface make it the obvious choice for a good night’s sleep on a budget.
Runner-Up: Stansport Pack Lite Sleeping Pad
- 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
This is for backpackers and ultralight hikers who need a puncture-proof pad at just 0.5 pounds. It’s thin at 0.38 inches, but you won’t find a more durable, packable foam mat for the trail.
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