Exped

SIM Lite 3.8

Exped SIM Lite 3.8

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Overall

#359 in

Sleeping Pads

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score33% positive
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Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 1, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconAgerak
4 months ago

R Value is cumulative so having 2 stacked pads will increase the total insulation. With that 2.2 + 4.x you'd be in the range you'd want to be for those temps. I use an Exped Dura 8 which is 3.5in thick (8.89cm) and works well for backpacking. When car camping I use a Deep Sleep (R9) that is 3in thick (7.62cm). Since both pads in question are about the same insulation value, I'd lean towards the thicker as long as it doesn't compromise your pack size or weight.

5 months ago

Exped is good, several models depending on what kind of camping. For reference I’m 6’ 330lbs. MegaMat/DeepSleep used for car camping. Dura used for backpacking. You may also be able to use furniture foam which would be cheaper and can be cut to different sizes.

Reddit IconNaoisceDM
11 months ago

https://www.bever.nl/p/exped-sim-3-8-m-MBBCC70028.html?colour=1594 Ik heb je budget een beetje ingeschat. Een exped megamat is de grote broer hiervan en die gaan lang mee bij normaal gebruik en heel comfortabel. Worden vaak als best buy geboemd. Dit is wat kleiner compacter, dunner, maar ook reisbaarder. Hiken, backpacken, weekendje weg. 3 weken camperen zou ik toch voor wat duurder comfortabeler gaan wat meer op een matras lijkt ipv een camping matje.

Reddit IconThe-Great-Calvino
4 months ago

Make sure your pad’s R value is ASTM F3340 rated, otherwise it’s just a suggestion. I would want an R value over 6 for winter camping

4 months ago

Yeah, the regular length has been fine for me. If I have some extra room at the end of my tent, I’ll fold up my jacket and lay it down there - keeps my feet from hanging over dead air. Often on colder winter trips, I’ll bring a bivy sack for extra warmth. Sleeping bag and pad go in the bivy sack. No issues then - your feet are in the bivy, and toasty warm

Reddit IconDesperate-Action4684
3 months ago

Exped has a 5R version out- just picked one up but haven’t used it yet; I used a 3.5R version in Yellowstone Lamar Valley last September with a Feathered Friends Flicker 20 degree. At age 64 not going back to closed cell foam- just more lunges more farmer walks with dumbbells and more frequent training hikes with loaded pack. I like polyester sleeping pads because if I don’t cover enough ground during the day I do a great job making up for it at night when I’m sleeping and a polyester sleeping pad helps me stay on the pad. Yes it weighs more. So… more lunges…more training hikes…and better sleeps at night on trips. Nemo Tensor used to be polyester but they switched to nylon to market a lighter weight pad.

Reddit Iconsaphronie
6 months ago

I have an exped pad for backpacking and I love it. Most comfortable one I’ve ever used

Reddit Icon211logos
6 months ago

I've had great success with Thermarest, REI, and Exped self inflating mattresses. All have good customer support too. I wouldn't ever bother with an all air mattress. Poor insulation, rotten in cold. Get a FlexTail pump.

6 months ago

I tried long term sleeping on an Exped. They're a seif inflating pad. It did not last a full year. The fabric in those is glued to the foam, and as it turns out tossing and turning can eventually break that bond, and the fabric blister.

6 months ago

Yes. They were going to honor the warranty, but it was less than a year so just easier to drop it at REI where I bought it and get a refund. Definite bummer; great mattress even at home. If they ever do a long lasting home version I'll be all over it...literally. :)

9 days ago

Exped, REI, and Thermarest pads have all lasted that long and more. All self-inflaters.

Reddit IconAggravating_Low_7718
9 months ago

Exped is the current king of the semi self inflating mattresses but there are other worthy considerations which are more affordable, especially on sale. I went with a Lost Horizon I found on clearance for half price. Probably not as bomb proof as the Exped, but after about a dozen trips this summer it’s going strong without issues. The bottom line is these type of mattresses are exponentially more comfortable than anything else on the market. I will never go back. The only drawback is they don’t roll up small.

Reddit Icongoofsmasher
16 days ago

I have a corrugated thermarest and it's great. I've abused it and it won't break. It's bulky though I also bought a MEC one that's inflatable that I really like. Then I have an exped one that's self inflating and very wide and thick but more of a car camping one. It packs down to a large pony keg

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