MegaMat Duo 10

So my girlfriend and I have been through a couple different sleep systems for backpacking and car camping, and I figured I’d share what’s worked (and what hasn’t). **The old setup:** We used to run a pair of Big Agnes bags with pad sleeves that zipped together. It was great in theory—we could cuddle, and she could steal my body heat (I’m basically a furnace). Each of us had our own EXPED DownMat, which fit into our bags, but the problem was the gap that always formed in the middle. That little cold trench would wake us up and force us apart, which killed the whole “together” vibe. **Backpacking setup (current favorite):** Now we’re running a Sierra Designs Backcountry Duo 20F down bag (4 lbs 10 oz), and holy crap—it’s a game-changer. It’s like a hybrid between a quilt and a mummy bag, but zipperless. At the foot end, there are slots so either person can pop a foot out if they’re overheating without messing with the other. The top half works more like a comforter at home, which is a dream for me since I’m a side sleeper who likes to stick an arm out. I can just fold my corner down and sprawl without pulling the cover off her. Bonus: it’s got this little hand pocket in the corner that keeps your hand warm while you’re stretched out. Paired with two NEMO Tensor pads (78” x 25” x 3.5”), it’s insanely comfy. The pads fit perfectly in the sleeves (can even go up to 30” wide if you’ve got bigger ones). All in, the bag + pads are around 7 lbs, but honestly? It feels like we’re sleeping on a queen bed in the backcountry. I’ve never slept better outside. **Car camping setup:** For car camping, I use the same bag but swap the two NEMOs for an EXPED MegaMat Duo LW (78” x 52” x 4”). The Duo doesn’t slot into the bag sleeves (since it’s just one big pad), but it’s wide enough that the bag doesn’t really move. I rigged a simple strap through the head/foot sleeves to keep it centered, since the bottom of the bag isn’t insulated. Works great, super comfortable. That said, I’m thinking about upgrading to the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Duo Queen 20F bag. It’s synthetic, a little bulkier, but it’s designed for a single big pad up to 60” wide—basically a perfect fit for the EXPED. **Final thoughts:** The Big Agnes setup was fine, but the new Sierra Designs system feels like a massive upgrade—especially for side sleepers or couples who hate the “cold gap.” Backpacking version feels like a queen bed at \~7 lbs, car camping version feels like glamping. Honestly, I don’t think I’m going back. https://preview.redd.it/jjbie317nyqf1.jpeg?width=1857&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e10676b44eb56cd5bb48b50e1f7dba11f45b541

This. I went the Nemo route to save a few $. Went back and forth and finally bought the Exped. Absolutely worth it. I sleep better on it than my mattress at home.

We just did this and have 4 kids. Some items like a Coleman stove we already had, but here’s what we bought to get started. It adds up but was still so much less than the AirBnb even after campsite fees. We mostly camp in New England hence the sleeping bag choice. Good luck! 1 x NF Wawoma 8 Tent w/ footprint tarp 6 x NF Wawoma 20 Sleeping Bags 4 x Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pads 1 x Exped Queen Megmat

Exped is the best imo! I’ve had my mega may duo for 4+ years and it’s still in great condition.

I really like my exped. I bought it on sale from REI and I still thought it was expensive but in retrospect it’s worth full price. I have [this](https://a.co/d/jbKmmg3) air pump and it works great. I have a double & single pad and have no issues getting them back in their storage bag. Not familiar with the other one you’re looking at fwiw.

Worth the hype. Also I just got a really bad rip in mine and they’re repairing it for free.

We use it for winter camping and car camping. They pack down pretty huge but are super comfy and reliable. We have ours sincerely 5 years + and they show no issues what so ever. Exped also has great support. Burned a hole into a backpack and they send a full repair kit without charging anything.

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M

The exped queen bed is seriously SO good. You’ll feel each other move with any air mattress, so if that’s an issue, maybe get two of your own?

Just picked up one medium size on sale for 100 US….shop the sales!

I'm a big dude that car camps and it doesn't bottom out.

This is what we do-it’s a great way to car camp. The mattresses are huge compared to inflatable backpacking mattresses, but feel almost like a real mattress. With two mattresses, you can space out a bit if you need more room, or lend one to a friend, or, if one person wants to go on a camping trip with other folks, you can solo and just bring one -no need to bring a huge mattress. Much more flexible.