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

The exped megamat duo is almost as comfortable as my bed at home. As I’m getting older, that makes a huge difference.

I don't know where you live but where I live those double sleeping bags let too much heat out and both people are miserable in the middle of the night. We have a double size exped (https://www.rei.com/product/238244/exped-megamat-duo-sleeping-pad) with individual sleeping bags. I also highly recommend a pillow: https://www.rumpl.com/collections/pillows-and-pillowcases I have an extra puffy blanket to layer over my sleeping bag and to use around the campfire. We have a 6 person tent for the two of us - my husband wanted one where he could stand up straight. We each have a headlamp and a solar lantern: https://www.rei.com/product/248291/biolite-luci-original-clear-20-inflatable-solar-lantern Bring sandals for late night bathroom trips. We use a picnic blanket as a rug of sorts as well.

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

This. Went back and forth for a year and finally got one. It’s been great.

Same. Originally bought some cheaper solutions until we ultimately went w/ Exped. Spent 6 great nights in Maine in September and it was amazing. Buy once, cry once :-)

Just bought one two weeks ago. Couldn’t believe how small it is. Works well!

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.

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 M