REI Co-op - Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

You should consider making the switch to a hammock. I'm a side sleeper and I'm way more comfortable in a good hammock setup than I am on the ground. If you're insistent on ground sleeping, maybe consider using what I do when I need to sleep on the ground. I've got an REI Helix pad, but I also have a MLD 40x80x1/8 eva foam pad that I fold up to 20x40x1/2 to put on top of the inflatable mattress. That gives you a flat, soft surface on top of the inflatable.

I've got a BA Rapide SL for my daughter to sleep on, but since I primarily hammock camp, I went the cheaper route for myself and got the REI Helix. It's a decently comfortable pad, especially when I pair it with my CCF mat, but you've got my attention with the Light Tour. Even if it doesn't sleep as warm as it should at a rated 7.5, it's probably at least as warm as my Helix, and much cheaper, and lighter.

Oh, if the Light Tour is less comfortable than the Helix, then it's not going to work out for me, lol. The Helix is the limit of my comfort. Ever since I began hammock camping, my tolerance for ground sleeping isn't great. Thanks for the info!

Just spent about 14 nights on the REI helix over the past 6 weeks and slept great. Grab it on sale though.

Megamat is wonderful but it's not fitting in a backpack, you'll have to take a second trip for it. It takes up a lot of space in the car even.  I think you should check out the nemo quasar or (only during an REI sale) the REI helix. Something about the honeycomb pattern is really comfortable. 

Check out the REI Helix. Costs a little more than a Trekology, but it is worth it. The Helix replaced my Nemo Tensor Insulated and I used to think that was a comfy pad. The Helix is a little heavier than the ultralight pads, but I"ve never slept better in the backcountry than I have on the Helix.

The x-therm is definitely as comfortable as some others. If you really inflate it, it can stiff as a board. But, if you under inflate it, it doesn't insulate as well. But what inflated to nearly full, it will be one of the warmer pads. I use my x-therm for shoulder and winter seasons only. For three season use I am currently using an REI Helix pad which is pretty warm and very comfy. The most comfortable pad I've used. Prior to the REI Helix I was using a Nemo Tensor Insulated. That was also a comfy pad but not as comfy as the REI Helix. And its not as warm as the REI Helix. I gave the Tensor to my son who sleeps warmer than I do. And he really likes it.

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

REI Helix. Im a side sleeper and love it.

I have this same pad. While not silent it is definitely more quiet than many pads out there. I'd call it mid-range in terms of noise. My favorite pad in my fleet is surprisingly (to me) the REI Helix. Most comfortable pad for my sleep style and real quiet.

Have you tried any of them? Your local REI would at least have the Helix. I too had that on my shortlist and when I tried it I didn’t like it, I found I bottomed out too easily when moving and side sleeping. Like when I laid flat I’d be a couple mm off the ground, but then shifting too much weight to my hips would have me touch the ground. Again, it was fine and pretty comfy when my weight was fully distributed. My point is go and try them. I ended up going with a Nemo Tensor.

Do you actually find the helix to be warmer than the xlite NXT as the R-value suggests? I am debating between changing my helix to an xlite NXT or an xtherm, because I was a bit cold on my helix and bottoming out. But I’m not sure if it’s the helix just being a colder pad or that’s just how that R-value performs.

I’ve had good luck with the REI helix. Similar height. I’m a terrible sleeper and never sleep on my back. The helix did the trick and I was able to get it on sale. Get the long wide size if it’ll fit in your tent.

Do you need the pads now? If not, check out the REI Helix. It’s a great pad that’s comfy and really warm. The list price isn’t bad, but they always eventually go on sale. Look for at least 30% off. Next big sale is probably in October-ish timeframe, based on past sales.

My comments are based on reviews I’ve read and not direct experience with these pads, so keep that in mind. But hopefully this is helpful. I’ve heard good things about the treckology pad as a budget option, so I don’t think that’s a bad way to go in general. However, IMO, a pad with a 1.7 r-value is really a summer-only pad. If you’re getting down to temps around 0 degrees C, I really think you will be cold, so I wouldn’t recommend going that route based on your hiking patterns and climate. The Divide seems really heavy, and the verticals baffles aren’t going to be as comfortable as the dimpled design on the Rapide. I know money is a factor but I think you can do a lot better if you spend just a bit more - or at least get a similar comfort and warmth rating at the same price with less weight. The Rapide has a reputation of being an extremely comfortable pad, so could be a really solid option for you. It’s on the heavier side of lightweight options and the newer models don’t sleep as warm as their r-rating suggests. That being said, it is a true three-season pad and should be plenty warm for what you need. Another moderately priced pad you might want to consider is the Zenbivy Light mattress. It’s $169 for the regular wide version. At 24 oz, it’s not the lightest pad out there, but it’s a respectable weight (similar to Rapide, I think) and will be warm. I also highly recommend checking out the REI helix pad (I do own one of these). It’s plenty warm for your needs and sleeps comfortably. It’s on the heavier side of light (a slightly heavier pad is going to be the sacrifice if you’re looking at moderate cost options that are still comfortable and warm) and it’s a loud pad so not ideal if you’re a light sleeper (insulation sounds like a crinkly chip bag when you move on it). It retails for $169, but if you can be patient and wait for a sale, I bet you can get one for closer to $120. You could also take a look at the Exped R3 or R5 pads, which are going to be warm (the R5 is obviously warmer than the R3), moderately priced and light weight, but probably middle of the road for comfort - less comfortable than the Rapide or Helix (usually pads with a “quilted” or “dimpled” top are more comfortable than ones with verticals baffles). But honestly, if you’ve been sleeping on a $30 pad, probably anything is going to be an upgrade, and the Expeds should be at least middle of the road comfortable.

So I know more about pads than back injuries (*knock on wood*). But I find pads with a dimple design to be most comfortable because you can usually avoid pressure points on them. Think the REI Helix or the Zenbivy pads or the Big Agnes Rapide or Zoom, or the Sea to Summit Ether Light or Comfort Plus. However, it may be that a firmer pad is actually better for your back?

What seasons are you hiking (low temps range) … what is your height/weight … do you sleep warm or cold … belly or side sleeper or toddler and turner? I’m 6’3” runs warm hikes 3 seasons on non frozen ground above 32 (try to stay above 40), side sleeping tosser and use the either lite xt long wide. (3.5”) … quite comfortable for me. Gotten it down to 34 with mid base layer Wife is opposite and uses the REI Helix wide normal (3”) quite comfortable for her. Gotten it down to 42 with base layer

I’m a side sleeper with pretty beefy hips and shoulders, and I’ve been really impressed with the REI helix. I’ve spent a few nights on it now, and still haven’t woken up with my shoulder getting cranky like I did with my old pad (an old Nemo Astro). I usually layer it over a ccf pad that gets strapped to the outside of my pack (mine is a Nemo switchback), and that really boosts the warmth and comfort, but I’ve slept on it just by itself while staying over with friends, and it’s still comfortable. The pillow is pretty important too, and my new favorite is the [trekology aluft deluxe](https://a.co/d/5EqXvg2) with the removable cover, pad strap (that actually works) and a pocket to stuff a layer into so you get some more height and cushion. Edit: I should also add, I use packing cubes with whatever clothes I’ve brought to either put between my knees or hug, and that really helps out my alignment too.

I could never get comfortable on this pad. I'm a 40 year old side & stomach sleeper that turns a lot. The warmth and weight of the NXT are incredible, but I can't get past the bouncy-ness, even when deflated a bit. My new pad is an REI Helix... it's a pound heavier but the grid baffles make the pad insanely comfortable with less bouncy-ness. I've used it for a dozen nights so far this year and it's the most comfortable sleep I've ever had while backpacking.

I wouldn't touch a Helix with a 10-foot pole. The thermal welds throughout the pad are a poor design carried over from the REI Flash pads. Sometimes from the pressure created by body weight these welds peel apart slightly creating a micro-tear that of course leaks. The Nemo Tensor has similar welds. I just repaired a friend's Nemo pad that had a difficult-to-find small leak at a micro-tear at one of these welds. That is these leaks do not happen because something sharp poked a hole. Here is a photo of my old REI Flash pad with some repairs shown: https://i.imgur.com/imj5JYy.jpg

REI helix sleep pad has done me right, r rating is good for sleeping on snow and the long wide version fits my tall ass well. I haven’t had any luck on the foam pads being comfortable or warm enough on mountains. Rolls up nice and small too

I'm hard on my gear and the Helix from REI has lasted me a few years with no signs of trouble. I use it less than I'd like, though. I got mine when the old colors were on clearance, so it was pretty affordable as I recall. The equivalent mattress is $118 with the sale right now. I do partially credit my success to being careful about not letting shoes in the tent.

It’s not you. Sleeping on these is hit or miss if comfort is your goal. It has great characteristics otherwise. My arms always fall asleep when I sleep on it on my side. Although apparently a taller pillow can apparently help with that, which I haven’t tried  The REI Helix was infinitely more comfortable given its quilted baffles but it’s less warmth for the weight, and is just heavy in general

I've been using both the Helix and the Xlite NXT--the former is much heavier, but so much more comfortable in my opinion. I just returned the Xlite. If you value comfort over the weight, Helix is the way to go.

I've been trying different sleeping pads the last few years and still haven't found one that works. I've tried the Nemo tensor, thermarest neoair xlite nxt, and REI helix. I always end up switching between side sleeping and back sleeping multiple times during the night. I've noticed the nxt (my current pad) has been giving me lower back sores. I can reduce it a little by deflating the bag. But I've deflated it to the point my shoulder touches the ground during side sleep. Anybody else have this issue with another pad recommendation? I would like to keep it around 20 oz or less for a wide version. Thanks!

I have. It's great. Highly recommend

I would say it might depend on your weight. I find it slightly more comfortable than helix but I'm 220 lbs. If you were super light I could actually see the helix being more comfortable due to the baffleing.

its not the lightest but the rei helix pad is pretty good

I've taken the REI Helix into 20 degrees comfortably. Be mindful the baffles + sleeping bag are part of the R rating. It takes a nosedive if you attempt to use a quilt.

I have thermarest and Helix. I don’t like thermarest for comfort. If I inflate it more, I get painful pressure points from sleeping on the side and lower back pain from sleeping on the back because it feels like I’m bent backwards. If I slightly under-inflate it, then every move feels unstable and tense. I very much like Helix, and I usually wake up pretty well rested. No issues at all fiddling with the level of inflation compared to thermarest. But it comes with a weight tax. So I’m also looking for something similar to Helix, but lighter. I scoped out BA Rapide SL and Nemo Tensor. Tensor is the lightest, but I heard it has quality issues.

6'2" ~240. I have an REI Helix long/wide.

Rei helix is super comfortable and has R-value of 4.9 Not the lightest but still pretty light and is priced well.

Sea To Summit Ether Light XR (XT is the old model, definitely go for the XR it's lighter, warmer and pack smaller) is a great all-rounder, one of the best actually when it comes to comfort-weigh-pack size ratio. Other good all-rounders are REI Helix and Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress, both of these has very similar comfort but are slightly heavier. If you seek ultimate comfort there would be there competitors: Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress, ThermaRest NeoLoft and Exped MegaMat Ultra. Each of these are basically best of the class, which one would be the best comes down to personal preferences as each of them using different baffle construction.

u/Wandering_Hick When I turn over, I bottom out briefly on the REI Helix -that said, I was never cold and also was comfortable once I was in position. I just picked up a Rapide, but now I am seeing all the reviews about the quality and sleeping cold. In your opinion, should I go back to the Helix and just live with the brief bottoming out? The Helix is slightly lighter and more packable it seems than the Ultra5R and possible a little more comfortable as a side sleeper.

I'm a back sleeper and find that the dimpled baffling systems on the Helix and S2S pads tend to be the most comfortable. Nemo Tensor is the next most comfy, and Thermarest horizontal baffles are the least comfortable for me. Can't comment on the Expeds as I haven't tried them.

I love my REI Helix, but it's nowhere near as much cushion as that new NeoLoft. I do like mine fairly soft so typically I hike with a short length CCF pad as well so there is a little extra padding and warmth under my butt/hips. Works great for me since I grabbed the Helix during a yearly sale for like $105. But I would love to try that NeoLoft on a trip myself...

If you get the REI helix while it's still on sale, it's a phenomenal pad for the money, IMHO. We have two, and have used them comfortably down to about 28F. Very comfortable as long as you're not a side sleeper and over ~240lbs, and the thickness will start to be an issue somewhere above that point. Not the absolute lightest on the market but I've carried it over 100 miles so far and I feel like it's plenty light and warm for what you're paying, especially when on sale.

I gotta say having owned the rapide, REI Helix, and now the Xlite... I really think people claiming the baffles are significantly more comfortable are really exaggerating. I use the Xlite now and notice 0 discernable difference in sleeping between that and the others with a very noticeable reduction in weight. The new Xlites are now in line with all the others in terms of noise as well.

If you are just camping (and want to be good in cold weather), get an REI Helix for like $120 on sale. Ridiculously comfortable and good value

Justin outdoors just made a video about the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pads! https://youtu.be/aa-wYHCf6Q8 If you are going down to the 30s, I would not recommend the rapide and the s2s. Both have reports of being cold close to freezing. 3.5R is kinda borderline enough insulation and all of those pads are said to sleep colder than their rating. The tensorlite all season is a great pad if you are concerned about weight. If you don't care about weight as much then I recommend the thermarest neoloft or the REI Helix In summary: Most lightweight/best all arounder: Nemo Tensorlite All season Most comfortable: Thermarest neoloft Best value: REI Helix Either way all of these pads are available to try out inflated at my REI so I recommend you do that and see which is most comfortable to you :)

I suggest individual sleeping bags or quilts for colder weather. When I purchased sleep bags, I looked for a comfort rating that is the same or lower than lowest expected temperature. A 20f sleeping bag may have comfort rating of 30 or 40 degrees. To sleep well in 30 degrees, look for a 10 degree bag or quilt. A pad with R5 or better rating. The REI Helix is liked by many because it’s close to R5 and it’s lightweight. Big Agnes pads, I have 3, tend to sleep cold so I discount their R values. I have used a quilt plus an additional fiberfill blanket in colder weather. It worked well, but I first tried it car camping when I knew I had a back up system (more blankets) available. Recently I purchased a 10 degree quilt for temps down to mid-20s. It’s still in the teens at my house with lows in single digits. I like quilts but it did take some time to learn how to use mine well and stay warm. For the novice, a sleeping bag is a wise choice. Once you digest all the comments here, settle on a budget, and get a better idea of what conditions you will experience, consider making a new post over in r/backpacking with greater detail.

The Helix is more comfortable for me. If you're over 200lbs, the Ultra might be more comfortable. The Ultra 5R has a slight warmth advantage in real world conditions. I haven't really hit the warmth limit of the 5R in my testing. The coldest I have tested is at -4C but on cold wet ground (most pads with r-values in the 4s start to feel cold under these conditions.

I do like to sleep comfortably when backpacking, and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what works best for me. I've tried many pads over the past decades, including these two, along with similar Exped sleeping pads like the Ultra, Versa, and Dura. I am primarily a side sleeper, so that informs some of my sleeping experience on these, and am 190cm and 95kg. Personally I was not able to sleep comfortably on the Exped MegaMat Lite, or its siblings (Dura/Versa/Ultra). A through-line in my testing of these is the vertical baffling: I regularly wake up and find my arm is numb. I think these might work better for me if I was primarily a back or chest sleeper; lots of people like them and recommend them. But in my adulthood I've probably maximum only got about two hours of sleep at a time on a design like these. I have only had to contact Exped for warranty once, and they ended up shipping me a new unit before I even had to send the old one back: top marks here in support. I just picked up the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft before the holidays and took it on two trips in Mt Hood National Forest. Maybe the most comfortable backpacking pad I've personally used recently, even if the large (long wide, 78x26) weighs 2lbs! When fully inflated it is 4.6" thick. One of the few pads I've slept more than six straight hours on, which is kind of how I prioritize pads. Not only comfortable, but has a soft-touch stretchy fabric which feels good against the skin (I tend to sleep with quilts rather than bags). The first night I did wake up to find my arm was numb, so curious if that was a one-off with a weird sleeping position... R-value is 4.7, so I haven't used it at all in the past 45 days because of the cold where I am. It looks like the REI exclusivity is now over in early 2025, and this can be picked up lots of different places. Honestly the thing I dislike the most is the valves; I just don't care for the old-style Therm-a-rest valves. Realizing your question was specifically about those two, I also wanted to recommend what I have found to be my most comfortable pads in recent years: 1. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated. This specific pad and its sibling, Ether Light XT Insulated, have been my primary pads the past four-ish years. They are 4" thick and the most comfortable pads I've used, probably tied with the NeoLoft. Never woken with my arm numb, and the only pad I've ever slept seven-plus hours straight-through. In the PNW I use the non-Extreme-variant in the warmer half of the year, and the Extreme-variant in the colder half. The stuff sack with the inflation aid built-in is the smartest I've seen. Extreme version has an r-value of 6.2, and the non-Extreme version r-value is 3.2. The Extreme has that spider-web looking Thermolite insulation, which in my mind is the most reliable winter/cold insulation; it doesn't crinkle and potentially fail like newer thin reflective films in other lighter pads (NEMO Tensor, Big Agnes Rapide, etc). On the flip side that makes the Extreme very heavy, more than 2lbs, and also packs down the biggest of any backpacking pad I've owned. 2. REI Helix. Been using this on-and-off for the past few seasons. One of the few pads that has me sleeping through the night. It is only 3" thick, but I have found the trick is to fully inflate: the dimples do a good jump of evening out my weight and not experiencing any arm numbness. The long wide is 1lb 13oz, and seems pretty sturdy compared to other REI-brand pads I've used in the past; no leaks yet... R-value of 4.9. I always wake up refreshed and feeling good on those mats, baring any environmental issues outside of the pad. I cannot recommend the NeoLoft in that way yet, but will continue to use and test it out in the near future with an additional foam pad underneath to make it safe for snow conditions (as the r-value stacks). And I don't think I will ever recommend an Exped pad for backpacking. Exped does make fantastic foam inflating car-camping pads though!

The REI helix is extremely comfortable. It has great dimpled baffles. Its probably the comfiest pad ive ever used.

I’m guessing your pad is some semi self inflating pad based on what you’ve described and I think that’s all I need to know really. I’d recommend moving to a regular inflatable pad. The REI helix or any of the 3 big Agnes pads are a great value and in that 4-5 R range that will carry you deep into fall. Weight is reasonable and comfort is much higher than some of the chip bag ultralight pads. If you have an REI nearby check garage sale. It’s been loaded with these pads lately. I’ve bought a few just cause I couldn’t help myself at some of the deals.