Are inflatable or foam sleeping pads better for backpacking?

Inflatable air pads pack down smaller and tend to offer more cushion per ounce, which is why ultralight backpackers often favor them. Closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite are bulkier but indestructible, never go flat from a puncture, and double as a sit pad. Across verified-purchase reviewers, the trade-off is consistently described as packability and comfort (air) versus reliability and zero failure risk (foam).