I appreciate your work. I've got the Exped Flexmat Plus (M) and have been looking at the new Flex 3R. I think that Exped might have some problems on their website with regards to the specs on this new pad and I suspect that you also saw this when putting together your information. Something just doesn't seem right.
Both pads have the exact same dimensions (length, width, height) but have different weights. Now it would make sense that the newer pad with the higher R-value is probably heavier. But wouldn't the thickness need to also be greater?
[Exped FlexMat](https://www.exped.com/en/products/sleeping-mats/flexmat) and [FlexMat Plus](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flexmat-plus?variant=42267057029337)\* were available in LW size (77"x25"), now replaced by [Flex 1.5R](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flex-1-5r) and [Flex 3R](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flex-3r)\*, still in the same sizes.
[Thermarest RidgeRest](https://cascadedesigns.com/products/ridgerest-classic-sleeping-pad?variant=41316889657478) Large is also 77x25" inches.
[Seek Outside Matty McMatFace](https://seekoutside.com/matty-mcmat-face/) is 80x40".
[Gossamer Gear Thinlight Rolled Wide](https://www.gossamergear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad?variant=42879197511734) is 58x25".
Mountain Laurel Design Goodnight is available in 80"x40" in both [1/8"](https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/goodnight-eva-1-8-foam-pad/) and [1/4"](https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/1-4-foam-pad/) EVA.
(\*) The FlexMat Plus has large dimples that some people dislike when new. They flatten some with use, or can be covered by a thin EVA pad (Thinlight/GoodNight/Matty McMatFace).
[Exped FlexMat](https://www.exped.com/en/products/sleeping-mats/flexmat) and [FlexMat Plus](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flexmat-plus?variant=42267057029337)\* were available in LW size (77"x25"), now replaced by [Flex 1.5R](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flex-1-5r) and [Flex 3R](https://www.expedusa.com/products/flex-3r)\*, still in the same sizes.
[Thermarest RidgeRest](https://cascadedesigns.com/products/ridgerest-classic-sleeping-pad?variant=41316889657478) Large is also 77x25" inches.
[Seek Outside Matty McMatFace](https://seekoutside.com/matty-mcmat-face/) is 80x40".
[Gossamer Gear Thinlight Rolled Wide](https://www.gossamergear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad?variant=42879197511734) is 58x25".
Mountain Laurel Design Goodnight is available in 80"x40" in both [1/8"](https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/goodnight-eva-1-8-foam-pad/) and [1/4"](https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/1-4-foam-pad/) EVA.
(\*) The FlexMat Plus has large dimples that some people dislike when new. They flatten some with use, or can be covered by a thin EVA pad (Thinlight/GoodNight/Matty McMatFace).
both are solid options but if you want the extra width for side sleeping, you might lean towards the Exped 3r. it’s got better insulation too which can be nice if temps drop at night. good luck on your trip!
I use the small rectangular version of the 3r. Plenty warm enough down to freezing. It feels warmer than only 3 of r vallue. I can sleep on my side just fine with the rectangular version and I chose the small one since it’s long enough for me at 175cm since I ralrely sleep with my legs straight. If I don’t inflate it to the max it’s quite comfortable and I’ve had the same issues that you describe with many other brands including thermarest and Nemo.
Edit :
I was able to get it cheaper than the xlite where I live. I’m in eu.
Also the pump sack is awesome and doubles as a good pack liner when I store my clothes and sleeping bag.
After trying pretty much everything, I tried the thermarest prolite XS for fun. For some very strange reasons I sleep very well on such a minimalist pad. And that’s the thinner discontinued version not the prolite plus. I only sleep on my side. Other pad that I really like is an exped 3r size S. The rectangular one.
leastexcitedstate
