Exped - Ultra 3R

Personally id avoid thermarest cause they are so loud. They also come in weighing over spec often, so they warmth/weight advantage is a bit smaller than it seems. If you are considering other options. I think that the vertical baffles are way more comfortable. Exped, big agnes do these. A good deal on an exped mat in the UK https://www.expeduk.com/products/ultra-3r?variant=44171519230266&country=GB¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20269517648&gbraid=0AAAAApwKUJuFrFp2UHLTjT1Yw3J7Jtb3K&gclid=CjwKCAjw3f_BBhAPEiwAaA3K5PDLOMRlNwjFmZzPRNER1N8ldFP9UYieepFeWgIYz7oR24VeuniABRoCUAkQAvD_BwE

As far as $/warmth ratio, this one is the winner. $50+ cheaper than S2S, Therma, Nemo and really comfy. I love mine.

The 3R is a pretty incredibly value for an 18oz pad at around $150. The 5R is probably better for being in Maine outside of summer.

Tensor Elite listed specs are 20x72 at 8.5 ounces . Exped ultra 3r in the mirrored mummy 20.5x72 configuration is 12.9 ounces. 8.5 ounces vs 12.9 ounces. So not half the weight It's 1.5x the weight, not 2x. And it's warmer and way more durable

This is what I use and love it.

This is the pad that finally let me sleep

+1 for this pad. I find it to be extremely comfortable and it comes with the best inflation sack on the market…doubles as a waterproof pack liner.

Exped Ultra 3R RW Thank me later

I work at an outdoor shop as well, it’s such an easy recommendation it’s insane, best value for money, great warranty policy and the people that work at Exped are always super professional.

I am an Exped Ultra 3R and 5R fan. I feel like they are highly underrated in the hiking community. My opinion is they sleep warmer than rated, are super comfortable, quite and cost less than a lot of pads. Just an FYI if you want another possibility/option. Edit: Sorry, I forgot this was Ultralight. I was thinking it was the Appalachian Trail sub.

Exped utra pads are great and highly underrated. Zen bivy light half sheet and light quilt is amazing with it. Game changer for me.

Exped Ulrta 3R or 5R. It's my favorite. I only use the 3R and pair it with a CCF pad in cold weather.

I backpack a lot and have a lot of bad back issues. I always dial my gear in at home before going into the field. I like Exped Ultra pads, I mostly use the 3R. They are highly underrated and are super comfortable for me. I use the trekology pillow. I have expermented with two in the past but I am back to one. I have used sleeping bags and quilts. Bags are out for me. Quilts are more comfortable. This year I went with the Zen Bivy light bed and it is very comfortable. I flip and flop all night and love this quilt/half sheet so far. I can get into any position for comfort.

I use the Exped Ultra 3r and love it. Their pads are highly underrated.

Exped pads are highly underrated!

Would also recommend the Exped Ultra 3R. Get the wide version if you plan to be camping a lot of the time!

After most of a thru with a 3R it's the only sleeping pad I would ever want on the AT. Comes with great pump sack. Get in a bag on top of it for winter.

Exped Ultra 3r. Exped are by far the most comfortable inflatables. I loved my Exped so much, slept like a baby every night.

Yeah, I thru hiked with the older version, the Exped SynMat UL mummy (just an old name, same pad as the ultra 3r, I think). Slept like a baby every night. Exped airpads are awesome!

Totally agree on the Ultra, I've got an Ultra 3R currently that is my 3-season pad but the Elite is substantially lighter and isn't really a direct competitor, Uberlite was discontinued ostensibly because of the high failure rates and warranty claims/returns.

I have a Nemo Tensor, Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite, and an Exped Ultra. My favorite of the 3 is the Exped. I haven't used the Rapide, but I'd put it in the same class as the ones I have. At that point, they are all so similar, buy the one that is the most comfortable for you. $20-30 less or more at that price point isn't huge, and is 100% worth it for more comfort.

6'1, 260 lb side sleeper.... Exped Ultra 3R is my pad of choice for my climate, but they have some with much higher R-values. It's more comfortable, to me, than either the Nemo Tensor or Thermarest X-Lite.

I only have experiences with the Exped Ultra 3R. I used it for a 60 day tour in Scandinavia and it worked great, slept almost better than at home.

5R and 3R mummy user here. Very comfortable mats. Very reliable.

Exped Ultra 3, 5 or 7

Same here. I find it comfy af fully inflated

I'm thinking about picking this up for my PCT thru next year. I tried the XLite, instantly got 5+ holes on the first night of a 3-night trip and it really soured my perception of the pad. I ended up using it for 60 nights after I patched every hole, but I was using a groundsheet a lot of the time after that. Picked up the Exped Ultra 3R next and man that thing is durable, quiet, and comfortable. If you look at the Ultra 5R Mummy, it's only like 3oz heavier than the XLite and the durability and comfort of those vertical baffles seem to win out for me.

Same position as you. Wanted to buy European so went for the Exped. Bought it with Rab Neutrino 400 from Treckitt for £500. A great deal I thought.

I would try either/both of the exped ultra 3r or 5r (I would get the 5r if you plan to spend many nights below freezing), and also the nemo tensor trail or all weather. I’ve used both and I like both of them. Some people prefer the vertical baffles of the ultra series, while some prefer the flatter surface of the tensor. I’m also 6’2 and 215, by the way. I find a 72”x25” pad perfectly acceptable since I sleep on my side with my legs somewhat bent.

Similar conditions to you and I went with an Exped Ultra (3R for summer) after seeing it recommended for side sleepers. Have been very happy. £150 from Trekitt.

Hell yeah for the exped. Super comfy and I haven’t had problems with them leaking like I did with the tensor.

Expand 3R ultra, awesome sleep. Pair with a zenbivy sleeping system trekology pillow and your golden

Personally I found pads with lengthwise baffles much more comfortable side sleeping. I ended up with an exped ultra 3r. Not the lightest, thickest or warmest but it is the most comfortable mat I tried.

I find the Exped Ultra 3R quite nice. I use the medium length but wide one.

I love my Exped Ultra 3R and 5R LW (77.6 x 25.6 x 3). I'm also 6'2", 225lb weight and they are perfect for me, confortable and lightweight. I'm sure the MegaMat Ultra is also very comfortable, thought the weight would be a deal breaker for me. If you are just interested in comfort, then I would also look at a large Thermarest Neoloft. [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Front.webp?v=1747222905) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/14158_thermarest_neoloft_ember_regularwide_angle_gearjunkie2024.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Thickness.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Length.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Packsize.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Contents.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Pump_Sack.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_2.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_3.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_4.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_Lifestyle_5.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/Therm-A-Rest_NeoLoft_Sleeping_Mat_MSR_Tent.webp?v=1747836793) [](https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/preview_images/hqdefault_4af17b86-5265-4bb8-8ca6-4ccd61bc2141.jpg?v=1737734349)

Yes, I generally side sleep. I the vertical baffles help prevent me from sliding off and i never find that I bottom out. The ultra 3/5R models are also warmer than their R value suggests. The ASTM testing doesn’t model a person moving and pumping air around inside the mat. The synthetic insulation reduces heat transfer due to airflow unlike in many mats that have foil ‘insulation’. I think the Exped Ultra 3/5R are underrated, especially in North America. However I don’t think the 7R, with down insulation, performs as well.

I just got the 3r version, also 25” wide, and so far really like it.

Do you have a max budget? Do you have a good sleeping bag to pair it with? Any of the modern inflatable pads will fit in your bag unless you've brought enough other stuff to cross the continent on foot, lol Here's our experiences, though not a comprehensive review of everything on the market. TLDR probably get you an Exped Ultra 5R. Nemo Tensor: I am a flopper and tended to roll onto the edges, which made them collapse and dumped me onto the ground. Pad is comfortable otherwise. It does make quite the crinkly sound when moving. Exped Ultra 3R: probably a bit cold when temps are approaching the lower end of your range. Large side baffles (like the Big Agnes you linked, I think) keeps you from flinging yourself off the pad. Thick and comfortable. Fantatsic pump sack inflates the thing in like 20 seconds. Was entirely too cold for us where it gets colder than your range. Side note, it was paired with a Big Agnes sleeping bag which was horrible. Terrible bag. Exped Ultra 5R: all the pros of the 3R but warm enough! Great pad, my wife's current go-to. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX: or whatever the yellow rectangle \~5R one is. Lacks the side bolsters of the Exped and is thinner, but is very comfortable and IIRC lighter. Another great pad, my current go-to. Pump sack is beyond useless, too porous and leaks air instead of blowing into pad. I just blow it up by mouth. Generally, I've found we prefer rectangular pads. If you're with someone else and you both have rectangular pads - make sure they fit in your tent! Many tents are tapered and your feet will overlap which is super annoying

I second this. Love my exped 3R and 5R. The UL 5R is ~$160 and sleeps better than thicker pads I've used

I’m a sidesleeper that also uses an Exped pad (3R). I find it very comfortable and it’s light and warm enough for my purposes. I have the standard mummy shape.

+1 on this, I tried several pads (foam and inflatable) as a side sleeper and the Expeds are AMAZING. I actually get good nights sleep on trail with them and they’re pretty good in terms of weight. I’ve got the 3R, 5R, and 7R versions now. The inflating part takes some getting used to (“schnozzle bag”) but is kinda fun. At least they don’t advertise themselves as “self-inflating” like some other pads that don’t actually self inflate.

I like my Exped 3R. Doesn’t sound like a potato chip bag when you move around.

I have the r3 exped pad. I really like it. It’s been the most comfortable of I’ve ever had.

My exped 3r and 5r pads are great! They are very, very comfortable. Cannot speak for the Tensor. My REI doesn’t have the Exped Ultras on the floor, they’re a website item. If REI is a long drive, order from REI online and try it on your (very clean) floor for a night. REI has a no-questions-asked return policy.  For side sleeping I recommend sleeping on the pad slightly deflated and throwing a small piece of closed-cell foam under your hip.

I like my Exped 3r and in fact I just ordered a 5r to upgrade my temp ratings for 3season use. I belive they are Swiss made?

Canadian side sleeper here. I often 3 season camp down past -5 deg ( probably closer to -10 deg ) depending on what the mountains decide to do. Not much camping in snow but a lot of waking up in it. I've never needed R value of 5. Are you sure you do? Have you tried anything else? Exped lists their 5R being good to -20 C. That's not 3 season is it? That seems overkill to me. Exped 3R in the shortest length (with any dangling feet on top of a pack or something) would be my preference for an inflatable for the brand's you listed. It's quite a bit lighter than those options and is worth a consideration. I have slept many nights in the previous version of it in a double wide with a partner (which may have had a slightly different R value than what is available now).  I also just spent a lot of nights on a slow LASH on the PCT (where I had slept in the temperatures of interest  - down below -5 C in both desert and mountains) on a sea to summit ultralight insulated short pad. This was very comfortable and warm. it's like 350 grams. Eventually on trail I went with a CCF pad (Nemo Switchback ) to reduce base weight a bit - and that hurt my hips when camping on some surfaces but was a compromise I accepted for many nights. This was much lower R value but warm enough on cold nights down below -5 C.  

I have a tensor, xlite, and exped 3r -- I think they're all reasonably comfortable, although tensor probably at least 10% more comfy than both. Expeds can be bought cheap (sometimes $100), but if that's not the main concern it's between the tensor and xlite: tensor has 40d bottom and 20d top, xlite is 30d/30d; tensor is 5.5r / xlite is 4.5r; tensor (r/w) is 18oz, xlite max is 19oz. Historically the xlite has been considered more durable + repairable, but with the new fabric changeup recently, not sure that'll still be the case. Tensor is probably what I'd recommend to you. Also, trial version exists that is lighter but less warm (~3r) which could be warm enough for you.

And I would snag that 5R in a heartbeat. I bought a 3R that I haven't even taken out yet (need a ground setup for skyline this year) and I've already got buyers remorse. Out this way, the extra grams are def worth the extra insultation.

Exped 3r is very comfortable. I have like 10 sleeping pads, and the 3R has been the best I've tried. I'd say the uberlight is also up there, but it has been discontinued. It was more comfthan the regular neo air, which I alao have.

Not on your list, but the Exped 3R is a solid option if you find it comfortable. I find it quite comfortable. Otherwise, I'd consider the ZoomUL for the temps you're going out in instead of the rapide.

I do like to sleep comfortably when backpacking, and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what works best for me. I've tried many pads over the past decades, including these two, along with similar Exped sleeping pads like the Ultra, Versa, and Dura. I am primarily a side sleeper, so that informs some of my sleeping experience on these, and am 190cm and 95kg. Personally I was not able to sleep comfortably on the Exped MegaMat Lite, or its siblings (Dura/Versa/Ultra). A through-line in my testing of these is the vertical baffling: I regularly wake up and find my arm is numb. I think these might work better for me if I was primarily a back or chest sleeper; lots of people like them and recommend them. But in my adulthood I've probably maximum only got about two hours of sleep at a time on a design like these. I have only had to contact Exped for warranty once, and they ended up shipping me a new unit before I even had to send the old one back: top marks here in support. I just picked up the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft before the holidays and took it on two trips in Mt Hood National Forest. Maybe the most comfortable backpacking pad I've personally used recently, even if the large (long wide, 78x26) weighs 2lbs! When fully inflated it is 4.6" thick. One of the few pads I've slept more than six straight hours on, which is kind of how I prioritize pads. Not only comfortable, but has a soft-touch stretchy fabric which feels good against the skin (I tend to sleep with quilts rather than bags). The first night I did wake up to find my arm was numb, so curious if that was a one-off with a weird sleeping position... R-value is 4.7, so I haven't used it at all in the past 45 days because of the cold where I am. It looks like the REI exclusivity is now over in early 2025, and this can be picked up lots of different places. Honestly the thing I dislike the most is the valves; I just don't care for the old-style Therm-a-rest valves. Realizing your question was specifically about those two, I also wanted to recommend what I have found to be my most comfortable pads in recent years: 1. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated. This specific pad and its sibling, Ether Light XT Insulated, have been my primary pads the past four-ish years. They are 4" thick and the most comfortable pads I've used, probably tied with the NeoLoft. Never woken with my arm numb, and the only pad I've ever slept seven-plus hours straight-through. In the PNW I use the non-Extreme-variant in the warmer half of the year, and the Extreme-variant in the colder half. The stuff sack with the inflation aid built-in is the smartest I've seen. Extreme version has an r-value of 6.2, and the non-Extreme version r-value is 3.2. The Extreme has that spider-web looking Thermolite insulation, which in my mind is the most reliable winter/cold insulation; it doesn't crinkle and potentially fail like newer thin reflective films in other lighter pads (NEMO Tensor, Big Agnes Rapide, etc). On the flip side that makes the Extreme very heavy, more than 2lbs, and also packs down the biggest of any backpacking pad I've owned. 2. REI Helix. Been using this on-and-off for the past few seasons. One of the few pads that has me sleeping through the night. It is only 3" thick, but I have found the trick is to fully inflate: the dimples do a good jump of evening out my weight and not experiencing any arm numbness. The long wide is 1lb 13oz, and seems pretty sturdy compared to other REI-brand pads I've used in the past; no leaks yet... R-value of 4.9. I always wake up refreshed and feeling good on those mats, baring any environmental issues outside of the pad. I cannot recommend the NeoLoft in that way yet, but will continue to use and test it out in the near future with an additional foam pad underneath to make it safe for snow conditions (as the r-value stacks). And I don't think I will ever recommend an Exped pad for backpacking. Exped does make fantastic foam inflating car-camping pads though!

I know they are light but the neoair durability isn’t great. Also Cascade (thermarest) just moved from Seattle to Reno and I bet things are super disorganized still I opted for the Exped Ultra series. There’s a weight penalty but I find them much more comfortable, and Exped repairs pads for the cost of shipping to Tacoma.

If the Prolite works great for you, why not keep it and cut weight elsewhere? Pads are quite subjective, like recommending shoes. I agree it's a grail hunt, I've went through a bunch too! The Neoair is my go-to, the Exped Ultra is my favorite, and I can get by on a z-lite in warmer weather.

Exped Ultra is comfortable and ultralight. Pretty affordable, too. Give it a try. 

Most 20D pads seems to be "too fragile". Only exception seems to be the exped ultra somehow. But it's really hard to have a good picture on pads reliability.

I second exbed ultra, i also really like the sea to summit aeros deluxe backpacking pillow. They're a little annoying to set up and not the lightest or smallest, but it's very comfortable. I haven't done a thru, so I can't attest to long distance carries but I'm a very light sleepier with difficulty falling asleep and also absolutely need sleep, I'm not one of those people who can do well with minimal rest. I can only imagine on a thru I'd want maximum comfort for quality sleep. Some other commentor noted to inflate and slightly deflate and this is necessary although with practice you'll probably learn exactly how much to inflate and not have to tinker too much each night.

+1 on Exped ultra. This was way more comfy for me than the XTherm or the S2S

Exped dura/ultra. Good european quality, not comparable to all the US trash

Exped Ultra or if you will be in a bit rougher terrain the exped dura. I use a dura5r and its mor comfortable than my bed at home

Self-inflating mats are basically 1990’s technology. Heavy and less comfortable than fully inflatable mats. Get yourselves decent comfortable inflatable mats like. Sea to Summit Etherlight XT insulated or Exped Ultra.

I have an Exped as well as the bestway one often mentioned here and the zen bivvy one, and the exped is the comfiest and warmest hands down. However I can’t remember which one it is exactly (it’s an old model, now deprecated, but 7 cm deep). Also has by far the best inflation system.

I was using a backpacking style exped inflatable pad and recently replaced it with a self inflating one. Takes up a lot more space but far more comfortable (and quiet!).

Get an exped airbed. I've tried a lot of selfinflating mats, but i always end up blowing them up by mouth and than have les comfort sleeping than with the exped mats and be sorry i bought them. The investment in an exped is worth it, especially the air bag to blow them up is genius.

I don’t find these comfortable. Lightweight - yes. Comfort - no. I just bought my second xped and it is bulkier but so much more comfortable. You feel as if you are being rolled off. And yes you can let them down which helps but still uncomfortable and then when you sit up you are on the hard floor.

xped makes a great pad/mattress, it's kind of a cross between the two, mine has lasted for years

love my xped for car camping. kind of a cross between the two

if it helps i think i'm on year 5 with it.

Look into exped insulated pads. They use insulation instead of the reflective inner layer other manufacturers are now using. Insulation instead of reflective layer is quieter, warm, but a bit heavier. Can’t stand the crinkly noise produced by reflective layer models.

That’s a legit complaint. Ive tried pads from every company and NONE has solved the noise caused by the sleeping bag sliding around on the pad. But the newer reflective tech layers that are inside the pads add an additional crinkling noise that the reflective layer makes when it moves. So yeah, the exped still makes noise but I find they’re less noisy than the reflective pads. I turn over nonstop all night long and am insanely sensitive to noise. I suspect pad reviewers who claim ANY current pad is silent probably aren’t turning over very much or are simply less sensitive to the noise. Overall, i find expeds less noisy.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

I have an Exped. Not loud. And of them can make some noise sliding about on say tent floors, depending on the relative texture etc of the fabrics. Not way to know for sure until you try it. Or, more easily, just use something between them if it's an issue.

Support. I had a hole in my Exped, out of warranty, had to pay for shipping but they repaired it and shipped it back for free. Super nice of them.

My exped is a piece of magic.

My exped is really comfortable and warm

I've used it for about 80 days over several trips. It's a very robust build.

Same. OP, given that you have the space, I would recommend memory foam or something similar. I use a 6” trifold mattress, but in your case, given that you have the space and have trouble sleeping, I would recommend a normal one-piece mattress for you. If you do use the Exped, the secret is to adjust the air pressure. Everyone is different, but for me, if I let out air until my butt just barely touched the floor while sitting on it, that would be ideally comfortable (though not as comfortable as memory foam) when I laid down on it.

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.

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.

I (64M) swear by my Exped. Not cheap but comfort in a relatively small package. It comes in a bag that can be attached to anything. YMMV

I (64M) always used a cot when camping. REI had Expeds on sale and I have read such good things about them, so I bought one. They are the best mattress for camping I have ever used. Even weighing 230lbs, side sleeper, I would have a tough time touching the ground through the mattress. They are quick to fill up with the enclosed hand pump and quick to deflate. They are light and I now prefer it over the cot that I have used for many years.

Megamat is a good choice. We have one and like it. Yes they can be punctured, but they’re expanding foam, not just air, and they’re easy to repair. They’re also warm when the weather is cold. We also have these for multi-day river trips, and I actually prefer them to the Exped. Sooooo comfy, and tough as nails. [Landing Pad](https://www.aire.com/product/30-landing-pads/) You can just strap them together with a cam strap. Either way, you’re right to abandon air mattresses.

We have expeds and they are awesome. At our heaviest using them I think one of us topped out about 215lbs and comfort wasn't compromised at all. We are both side sleepers. Hopefully someone closer in size to you will respond, but I hope that's slightly helpful! Add: I did just look and exped states their weight limit is 330. So maybe that might not be the best option.

I used to have a S2S pad and I really liked their baffle design. I replaced it with an exped but even though it’s thicker it doesn’t feel as good to me.

I'm heavier and shorter than you and side sleep on Exped mats just fine.

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.

Check REI Resupply for an Exped, they’re an excellent product but often returned because of user error

i have several Expeds and I don't think they're that loud at all.

I use an Exped, but then add a foam topper from Walmart cut to size for extra comfort. 

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

I have that Wellax pad. It was actually pretty great in 20 degrees for the first two trips. Then it stopped inflating fully. I just bit the bullet and switched to Exped.

Expeds CAN leak, but they're expensive and built really well. They're different from regular air mattresses because they have foam inside them which insulates you from the ground really well. Nemo makes a similar product. Exped also has great customer service (from what I've heard) and can patch your mattress if it gets holes.

If you have one nearby, REI has sleeping pads blown up you can lay on and test out. Everyones body and sleeping preferences are different. Once you figure out what kind of baffles you prefer, finding a sleeping pad will come easier as there are so many options. Especially if weight isn't an issue. I have a Nemo Tensor. It has quilted baffles. Everyone loves it, and it hurts my back and hips so bad. I also have an Exped pad and one from Zenbivy with vertical baffles. I love these. They cradle my body better. Thermarest is super popular. Most are horizontal baffles. They don't look comfy to me but it seems like people sleep well on them. Sea to Summit and Big Agnes are other popular sleeping pad brands. What kind of temps are you expecting? You'll want to choose a pad with an R value appropriate to your camping needs. Most choose a 3 season with an R value between 2-4. I would stick on the upper end if you're a cold sleeper.

I loved my Expeds before I got my camper. I now use a 6” memory foam mattress and wouldn’t be able to go back.

I have a couple exped mats and knock offs like Hikenture and Qomotop. They are not phony in the sense that the insulation ratings are way off. I camped in freezing temps for the last 5 years and am very toasty on every trip. I can't tell the difference in insulation properties between the brands. Only difference is the Exped breaks down much smaller than the knock offs.

Yep. Exped is almost as comfortable as our home mattress.

I brought my exped and put it on top of the mat provided by the tour operator. I’m glad I did because the ground was rocky and on cold nights I was happy to have the extra insulated layer.

Exped, thank me later

Voordeel van exped is de opbaaszak. Die werkt echt beter dan die van andere merken

Try the Nemo Tensor, the Exped pads, and the Big Agnes Rapide (heaviest, but thickest). You should be able to lay on all of these at an REI if you have one nearby. They should have all the most popular ones blown up and ready to try.

I've used my Exped for 500miles. I've never had a problem with it. Personally, I would only buy Exped or Big Agnes sleeping pads because they're the only ones I've never seen leak. Anything by thermarest is trash.

We put on exped on top of our air mattress.Gets us about 16 inches off the ground and it has a headboard so pillows don’t slide off. We’re car campers as well so we have room to pack some extras for comfort!

Exped 100%

Side sleeper. I use Exped. This is the main reason I haven't tried a Thermarest or Rab pad yet, no lengthways baffles. I love them and they can really help you stay on the pad if the ground is all over the place.

I’m not sure there’s a best one per se, there are a lot of equality pads out there and the one that best fits you and your needs might be the right choice for you. My favorite is Exped but I love my Nemo’s as well. My personal opinion tho is that you have nowhere to go but up. After fifty plus years of buying and using outdoor gear I can say that I actively despise only one brand, Klymit. And that’s all I have to say about that.

As often as you camp, I'd recommend investing in an Exped. The two single mats together is a cool idea too...to give you both independent spaces for movement, but still retaining proximity.

Yeah I have an exped but the only reason I got it is space is tight and I wanted something that fit under my seat. I love it though. 

Exped makes some great pads. I got mine for weight and pack size and it’s the most comfortable pad I own

Exped makes a great mat. But you might want to look at the thicker thermorest pads as an option as well

I love this pad! We got 2 from Costco years ago and one has a hole. We’ve upgraded to Exped and cots for car camping, but I would have gotten another one of these if they were still available. The Exped is definitely a bulky mattress style, though.

Always go wider than you think. It’s way more comfortable. Also the exped stuff is great with their layer of memory foam. I think they now have a single

I also want to mention that the valves of some pads are not designed to be mistreated. For instance, on Exped pads, DO NOT simply pull the flap to open the valve. BE SURE to hold the part of the valve that is permanently attached to the pad fabric separately so that the forces of opening the flap do not tear the valve out of the fabric.

My valve failed on the first trip I used it on. It's an easy fix to replace the valve, but still... Mind you, my Exped mat has never been the same since I camped in a prickle patch.

Dit is HET antwoord! Exped matten liggen geweldig, kan ik alleen maar aanbevelen. Het is alsof je thuis op je eigen bed ligt.

We use an air mattress cot and it works fine. We also have 2 expeds that we couple together and use on trips where we don’t need the under bed storage space of the cot. Someday we will figure out how to do expeds on a cot and then we’ll really be living!

My partner and I used to have the same problem where every time one of us moved, it felt like the other was on a trampoline 😂. Switching to a foam pad (we went with a double Thermarest, but I've tested an Exped before and it was great) made such a huge difference for our sleep.

The Exped is a game changer!

Get an exped and never think about comfort camping ever again.

Most comfortable is Exped by far. Not cheap though

Exped sleeping pads. I’ve had mine for 10 plus years and have insanely good R value.

Use Exped on my Coleman Cot - can confirm the 75-80% max inflation. Too hard and it feels like a spring ready to bounce you off if you roll over

+1 on the Exped but please get two singles. Don’t try sharing with your partner.

Exped is quiet and comfortable. It does not compete well on paper with neoair stuff, it is bulkier and heavier for the same warmth rating.

I have one Exped and one Therm-a-rest in this style. At first, they’re great. Over time, the Exped began to leak, and I think the TaR is now doing the same. As best I can tell, the rubber lining inside the fabric begins to slowly degrade and develop pinhole leaks. You never hear leaking air. You just wake up in the morning with your hip touching the ground (I’m a side sleeper). I stored both fully extended, with the valves open, so keeping them compressed in the sack was not the problem.

I agree with the Exped!

Love my exped and my paco pad. Paco pad is plastic welded memory foam and you will NOT touch the ground. i adore mine

This would be my pick as well, I'd just hook it to the outside of the pack. It's worth it for the sleep comfort.

Just slept on my Exped the other night. Super comfy, always a good night of sleep on it. Wish I'd bought it years ago.

Knockoff should be fine if you're ok with a much lower R rating. If you don't plan to camp below around 40⁰f then you'll be fine. I recently slept on my Exped, straight on the ground (but in a tent) at 15⁰f and had no issues with the cold.

Another vote for the Exped. HOWEVER, I freaking LOVE my UST Fillmatic and they have clips so you can connect two of them together. I’m 5’7” and my husband is 6’5”. When we shared a traditional air mattress, I was miserable. Everytime he flipped from side to side it bounced me around. When we have separate mattresses, I sleep much better. Just something else to chew on as you make your decision.

If you are camping a couple of times a month, I would absolutely consider investing in a better tent. It will make your lives easier. Yes, the convenience of the cheaper tents and being able to find them at any Walmart or bass pro shop around is nice, but you are at a heightened use. The features of a decently cheap REI tent will definitely help with sharing space inside a tent. Aside from that finding the right sleeping pads your bodies like is important. I found Exped pads to be my favorite. You can also try the micro cots.

Echoing what teddylexington said. Expeds are constantly in the re-supply and a pain in the ass to pack back up. Exped also has a limited warranty vs the Nemo roamer’s lifetime warranty. I can pack up a roamer by myself in 15 mins without breaking a sweat and it’ll be half the size of an exped.

unfortunately the site crashes on my Chrome Android Browser (Chrome 132.0.6834.122 / Android 13, Samsung S21 OneUI 5.1) When it comes to sleeping pads I only choose between Exped and Thermarest anyway. (still lots of choices from these two companies!)

I’ve had Thermarest, BA, Exped and Nemo Tensor and the Tensor is the best for me. Not as light as a NeoAir Xlite, but still respectable- I have a regular wide, more comfortable and I think warmer than any you mentioned. The REI Helix is also worth trying. Maybe buy both online and return the one you don’t like. If you don’t take it outside it would be considered a new return with tags and original packaging.

Exped are the best. In my opinion.

The Thermarest self inflating is rubbish. Just some thin foam that helps to expand and suck air into the pad. But you still need to inflate it further. My exped mat is filled in a minute with the pump sack.

I have bad discs in my neck and back, and can still side sleep on an Exped. They are a gamechanger for me.

Lost horizon is the same thing as exped. Probably same Chinese suppliers… I have lost horizon and we love it. It feels exactly the same as the expeds I’ve tried at REI.

Exped and Featherstone will work. They have vertical baffles and the other two are larger to help hold you in the mat. I have experience with Exped, but Featherstone is the more budget friendly of the two.

There are lots of better pads than this. Try Exped.

My exped is more comfortable than my normal bed.

I have a exped also and its more comfortable than my normal mattress.

I had an exped and it was fine. Then I got the Hest. Hest wins for me every time. It’s so comfortable.

I've been sleeping on my exped since June and I sleep so fucking comfortably every night. A real mattress is pretty high on my purchase list, but I'm honestly in no rush to upgrade