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Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
Hah yeah- I still use a 10y/o Exped Symnat UL. Vertical baffles, r value around 3. 13.5oz with the repair kit. With just one exped official repair, its lasted around 3000 miles. I keep considering changing it and have never found something to justify a change.
Side sleeper here and the Exped vertical baffles are great.
My exped is a piece of magic.
Exped pads are highly underrated!
After various attempts of finding the right set up: Exped on top of a cot. Watch for REI sales for the Exped, and watch the garage sale area for the cot.
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.
The thick ass Thermarest, Exped, or REI self-inflating ones are definitely more comfortable and durable than any air mattress I’ve ever used.
A sleeping pad is not the spot you sacrifice for the minuscule weight savings possible. I use an Exped mat that is like 4” thick, extra wide, XL, and insulated and I’m not even sure it’s heavier than the 1” Thermarest I used for 20 yrs prior.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Back pain relief

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Couples

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Maximum comfort car camping

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Side sleepers

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Winter camping

Top pick
Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir Xtherm Series





