After miles of rigorous hiking, you need a restful recovery, and the Nemo Equipment Inc. Astro Air Sleeping Pad gives you just that. The durable-yet-plush polyester shell is tear-resistant, quiet, and very comfortable. The lateral baffles inflate up to 2.5 inches above the bumpy ground so you can sleep without a stone pressing up against your back. This pad compresses down smaller than a coconut, and its stuff sack makes sure the pad doesn't bulk up your pack when space is something to worry about, which it basically is on every backpacking trip. Inflate this pad yourself, or get the Disco Pad Pump (sold separately).