Bear Grylls Inflatable Pad

This is absolutely a great budget backpacking pad. I've reviewed/tested a lot of sleeping pads and this is one of the best budget options as far as size and weight. This thing packs down SO SMALL AND IS SO LIGHT. I only like one pad better, and that is made by Vaeda. But these two pads are almost identical with a couple minor differences. The Bear Grylls pad is very lightweight at 1 lb. 0.2 oz (460 grams). This also packs down very small at 7.75 inches tall x 3.5 diameter. In the pics I have it compared to the Vaeda pad that just barely edges it out for me. There is one main differences. The Bear Grylls when inflated is 3 inches shorter at 75 inches compared to 78 for the vaeda. The weight is exactly the same for both at just over a pound (1 lb 0.2 oz. or 460 grams) The Vaeda packs down only 1/4 inch shorter at 7.5 inches compared to 7.75. Not a big deal. The material they are made of seems the same also except the bear grylls one has slightly more shine to it than the vaeda. That's it for the differences. I prefer the vaeda for its slighter taller inflated sized, and for its less shiny surface, but the bear grylls pad is still a 5 star, excellent lightweight budget pad. Nothing I have tried comes close to these two pads for how small they pack down and how lightweight they are.

The plug kept popping as I was sleeping and it wouldn’t hold air no matter how many times I try to pump it up and plug it. It just wouldn’t hold air.

I do not have a lot of experience with camping pads. This is only my second one. I think this is definitely comfortable enough considering the price and how packable it is. It does roll up very small and comes with a little packable bag with a drawstring. I blew it up by mouth and it was definitely pretty easy to inflate. The inflation valve is also set up so you can use a pump to inflate but frankly if I can carry a heavy pump with me then I will also bring a thicker and more comfortable air mattress. This is definitely more of a minimalist pad for backpacking or other weight limitations. My only complaint is it makes a weird crackling noise when you're laying on it.

I have been a backpacker for pretty much all my life and have been through several iterations of pads. Early on to make them light the just made them small, or out of foam, but they still took a lot of room. Then came air, an improvement but not much lighter and they got holes constantly. modern improvements hav taken the best of oll and have made backpacking much more comfortable. I have a leading name brand pad that is very popular and I like quite a lot, but I needed to get an additional pad for my daughter. I wasn't crazy about paying another 75 bucks, then I saw this pad by Bear Grills but considering the cost, I a little skeptical about how accurate the listed specs were. I have been very pleasantly surprised. They roll up to essentially the same size, and blow up to the same dimensions (the BG does taper slightly at the legs). And for the kicker the BG pad actually weighs less than the name brand (1 lb 1/8 oz. vs. 1 lb 2 oz). It truly is ultralight. The material feels to be the same thickness on both. the only advantage the name brand had is their proprietary blow up valve, but I have nothing against the BG using a universal Boston valve. There is no comparison in price however, this pad is an incredible pad for the price. I would highly recommend!

Utter garbage. Don’t buy this. I got it because it was cheap and I thought I was tough like Thor is. I was wrong with all of it. Regrets.

I have not spent a full night on this yet, but I was plenty happy with my initial testing. I would not put it in the same category as my nemo tensor, but it’s also a fraction of the cost. This makes it perfect for the budget backpacker, as a loaner, or a backup. In my case, it’s the perfect pad for my 12 year old. This pad fully supported my 250 pound frame. I could even turn on my side without my hips hitting the floor. However, it was essentially the same length as my 6’2” frame. I would not suggest this pad for anyone over 6’. It also wasn’t quite wide enough for my larger frame. Both of my arms would hang off the side. I typically buy oversized pads so it is not atypical for a pad to fit like this on me. The pad inflated for me in roughly 12 breaths. I found this easier than some of the “self inflating” options on the market these days. It was also easy to roll up and push the air out. The pad fits inside the sack with ample room. I do wish it came with a strap to wrap around it to condense the space even if it just saves a small amount of space. Overall this is a great pad for the price tag. It’s light, comfortable, and a great option for the beginner or budget backpacker.