I almost always use a bareback pad, I haven't had a saddle on Tuffy in so long I can't even remember when it was.
Riding bareback is the best way to learn balance but if you aren't used to it, make sure you have a very gentle horse that you trust.
I've been riding bareback almost exclusively since I was 10 years old and I'm now 43. Yes, I do have good balance but that doesn't make me a great rider. I rode with a dressage rider a few days ago and technically, she was the better rider.
My trainer told me that good riders are those who can correct their mistakes quickly. :-)