Exped - Ultra 5R Mummy

I’ve tried both. Took the Rapide back to REI. I did not find it all that comfortable and not very warm. I tried and kept the Exped Ultra 5R mummy style. Comfy and warm. I also have a Neoair Xlite. The Exped is more comfortable, but the Xlite is a bit warmer. That said the Exped is my go to.

Exped Ultra 5R Mummy – Priced at $159.95, but worth picking up on sale if you can wait. Weighs 445g with a 4.8 R-Value. I find it comfortable. I was considering some cheaper options like Naturehike and Kilos Gear, but after hearing mixed reviews, I decided to spend a bit more on the Exped pad.

I have a Megamat for car camping and absolutely love it. For backpacking, I use either Exped Ultra 7R LW (when it is really cold) or Exped Ultra 5R mummy when I am trying to keep the weight down (much lighter weight, still very good protection against unexpected cold nights in the mountains). Both are about as comfortable as you can get for a backpacking sleeping pad. EDIT ADD: I am also a side sleeper. Additionally, I have tried several of the popular sleeping pads that people typically recommend. Ultra 7R LW & Ultra 5R mummy will weight a bit more, but I find them warmer and more comfortable.

I have an exped 5R Ultra mummy pad and it's comfier than my actual bed. and unlike my cheaper OEX pad I don't slide off it all the time. Vertical baffles are the best imo. :)

Exped is your friend. If you want something quiet and comfortable get the Exped Ultra 5. The mummy long /wide models are under 20oz.

I would get a pad with a value around 5 like the Exped Ultra 5. Not too heavy but will keep you warm below freezing.

Naturehike is not ASTM rated. Skip. The Rapide is a great pad but is a bit cold. If you want the direct replacement to this pad get the Boundary Deluxe, which is the new name for the Q Core Deluxe. However if you are going to go winter camping over snow go for a higher R value pad. Exped Ultra 5 Exped Ultra 7 Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Extreme Thermarest XTherm Nemo Tensor Extreme

I own both the Duraz Ultra and both MegaMat 10 and 25 models. The Dura is better for base camping, car camping (where pack size is important) and winter camping. Way way more durable with the 170D bottom fabric face. Way better to use with dogs. Ultra will be fine if you are careful. Take out sharp objects from your pockets. Actually have nothing in your pockets. I have the Ultra 5 LW mummy, Dura 8, Dura 5 and both MegaMat series.

I've used a prolite apex below zero several times, and it was both comfortable, durable and warm. Relatively cheap for a thermarest, too. Wife still uses hers 4 years later. Only reason I got rid is because I put a fair bit of weight on I can't seem to shift (went from about 90 to 100kg) and it became uncomfortable. Btw, sleeping pad r-value and ambient air temperature don't technically have a direct correlation. An r-value of 5+ is generally rated by manufacturers below about -15°C, which even being conservative is well below what you'll see 3-season in the UK. Nowt wrong with *over* insulating a pad though, imo, as it's usually conduction heat loss. But I'd personally rather get a more premium brand at a lower R than get summat less premium higher R. Fwiw, I now use an *edit* exped *edit/* ultra 5r long/wide mummy year round, but have only used just above zero. Comfortable and warm. *2nd edit* mate bought my prolite apex off me, same height (6'2") and weight I used to be. He also rates it. *2nd edit/* Random link: https://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values-and-temperature-ratings-how-they-correspond/

I have the same, can't comment on the noise (wife hasn't complained about the noise of me on it), but agree with the rest.

I have the Exped 5R LW Mummy, exclusive side sleeper. No issues at all, it’s perfectly comfortable - Though friends have moaned it’s noisy when I move around during the night.

+1 for Exped and lengthwise baffles.

Exped has wide pads that are very quiet. The 5R is warm enough for me to 20F for sure, so in rectangular (not mummy) it might suit you. If you believe that noise comes from a pad squeaking against the fabric of a tent floor, then putting a 1/8" thinlite (or goodnite) CCF pad between an inflatable and tent floor will create enough friction to "lock" the inflatable in place and prevent squeaking. Also such a CCF will add to warmth [and weight]. And the lengthwise air chambers may help a side sleeper stay centered on the pad. I still have to wear earplugs to sleep but I imagine that you do as well because of the frogs, toads, crickets, and katydids that are tremendously noisy at night.

How would an Exped Ultra wide mummy fit on your list?

Go lay down on all of these and see for yourself. Also I avoid pads with multiple thermal welds that create small "pillows" because of their failure mode. This subreddit gets about 5 requests a week for "what inflatable pad" and there are many comments and lots of YouTube videos. I haven't seen anything new or different in a few years, so at this point just going and laying down on a couple pads ... maybe borrow from friends and try out at home once you decide on R-value and weight is about all one can do. The idea to buy, try, and return is also valid. With lengthwise baffles I think one can "feel" or sense in the dark where they are on a pad and that helps one stay away from the edges. Exped mummy-shaped pads are the lightest except for the Therm-A-Rest ones, but Exped is much less expensive and people have reported they are more comfortable and make much less noise. I should also say I have 3 of them at different Rvalues.

Exped Ultra in size Wide Mummy. These have lengthwise baffles, about 25" wide near the shoulder. Choose your R value which will choose your weight.

I guess I want to make clear that I wasn't suggesting the MegaMat Ultra, but a different Exped Ultra.

The outer baffles on the newer Exped Ultra Mummy pads are now insulated.

+1 on exped ultra. Lengthwise baffles are just so much more comfortable for me

Exped has baffles in long side direction and additionally bigger sized side baffles, which is a nice property to prevent sliding of the mat.

I have the Xped 5R... It's _very_ comfortable and warm (much much warmer than I would ever need if I didn't plan on going down below 5°c!). But it's a _little_ bit chunkier and heavier than I might like if I wasn't in need of the warmth. XLite is lighter and more compact, but significantly less comfortable IMHO, also very warm. Can't speak to the Nemo personally. My summer pad is the [Kilos Gear Aerocloud UL](https://kilosgear.com/products/aerocloud-sleeping-pad-ul) and I really rate it; comfortable, lightweight, compact, and honestly surprisingly warm still, never really even felt the cold until it got down below 0°c - & obvs _much_ cheaper than the other options you've listed. Comfort is a little bit of a personal preference based on your physique and sleep preferences; but I would certainly recommend the kilos gear pad. Sorry to give you even more options 😂

I've been sleeping on a exped 3R every night at home for a couple of years. I roll it up to take hiking when I get the chance too. For me, it's the bees knees. I've got the 5r for colder hikes. The sides being bigger help me stay on it if I'm on uneven ground, a plus at times. I no longer shop for pads!

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.

I currently use an Exped Ultra 7R which packs smaller, is lighter, and has an additional 2 R value than the S2S pad. They also have a 5R pad that’s even lighter. I have yet to find any down side to Exped other than they’re a bit on the costly side. I’m not sure about the S2S pad, but many 4 season pads have a crinkling sound from the reflective insulation layer, but my pad is much more muffled than most others with that layer. The noise alone is a winner for me since I tend to move a lot while sleeping.

Love my Exped 5R but learned the expensive way, 1st bought a Klymit Static V for $60 on sale (r rating is not real and the valve broke after 1 year) then Nemo Tensor (love it unless I’m camping with my partner in which case the crinkling chip bag sound kept them awake all night) and finally tried the Exped and now I don’t use anything else!

Exped 5R is awesome. May be a little out of the price range but worth it.

+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.

+1 for exped 5r, its heat transfer resistance is amazing at only 555g

G'Day Practical, I've had an Exped Synmat which I recently replaced with an Exped 5R (I haven't used this yet, but it is the successor the Synmat). The Synmat lasted quite a few years and I was very happy with it. Both mats are rectangular rather than tapered so I think you will be less likely to slide off it. I certainly never had any problems, which is why I bought the 5R. Regarding sleeping bags, I have a three season bag (Exped Ultralite 300, \~300 g down) which I can pair with an inner bag (Macpac Snowflake, 130 g down). I used this combination (along with a silk inner sheet) in Nepal up to 4000 m (in accommodation) and was always comfortable. Note, you didn't mention having an inner sheet. If you do not have one, I advise you to get one (silk, not cotton). I think it is worth buying quality products from reputable manufacturers. They will last you a long time and be reliable.

This is the pad I use, as a side sleeper I find it really comfortable.

They're all good pads. I find them all comfortable in their own ways. Exped has the nicest fabric, but it's also the thickest which I don't really like. The Nemo tensor is the overall most comfortable, no nonsense, best of all worlds. The Xlite is my favorite however. I like the horizontal baffles. The new NXT version isn't as loud as its predecessors. The mummy shape is tapered in the perfect places unlike Expeds mummy pads, I prefer it over rectangular ones.

Unless you are only ever going to use it at +10c or warmer, go 5R Edit: if mostly used inside a tent and on relatively "gentle" ground, ultra is fine, if you are like me and like to use it as a chair/couch in far from ideal conditions to, get dura or versa. Edit2: and unless you are really narrow, get MW or LW

Unless you are only ever going to use it at +10c or warmer, go 5R Edit: if mostly used inside a tent and on relatively "gentle" ground, ultra is fine, if you are like me and like to use it as a chair/couch in far from ideal conditions to, get dura or versa. Edit2: and unless you are really narrow, get MW or LW

The Thermarest NeoAir is indeed lighter. At just 12 ounces the semi-mummy arguably the best quality sleeping pad in this range and weight. But it's also not cheap. The NeoAir Xtherm is the cold weather version, R 7.4, and 16 oz. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is rectangle, R 8.1, and 18 oz. Both the Thermarest and Nemos are quieter than they were in the past. Also, the more you use them, the more quiet they get. Agree the Thermarest pump sack is the worst of the bunch, no question, but I've gotten mine to work enough. The Rapide is usually warm enough for most people 3 seasons, and the reason to buy it is indeed it's thickness, and the sides being raised. Agree the Exped 5R is good for most people. It's a simple, comfortable, rectangle. R 4.8, and 1lb 4 oz. That's certainly heavier than the Thermarest but $50 cheaper.

They're not quite as light but I'm a huge fan of the Exped 5R, 4.8R Value and the Medium-Wide is about 23 oz.

They're not quite as light but I'm a huge fan of the Exped 5R, 4.8R Value and the Medium-Wide is about 23 oz.

I'm about to buy the thermarest neoloft. It's thick and quiet, reasonable weight to comfort ratio and Nalgene sized. I have an exped 5r right now and can't stand it. Not comfy and sooooooooo loud.

Definitely try deflating a little bit first, but it's hard to sleep on any of these inflatable pads. Did you get the wide mummy version or max version so you can rest your arms a bit? I personally found the Nemo Tensor to be the most comfortable but don't trust them for quality at all. The Exped 5R is pretty comfortable with vertical baffles but it's quite heavy at over 20oz for the 72x20 model. (The NeoAir NXT mummy wide is bigger and only 16oz)

I sleep cold and have found Ultra Exped pads to be very warm. R ratings don’t always transfer well to the real world with some brands/insulation types. Are they the lightest, no, but sleeping well is more important. I also have a down sleep hood and booties I wear. Look on AliExpress, super cheap and light. In very cold weather I use a down bag with a synthetic quilt on top. Very warm and the best of both worlds. I like the heavy fleece base layer from the company 32 degrees. Cheap, light and warm. It’s much warmer than wool.

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

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.

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

Second Exped ultra, as me personally searching for new pads recently, it is by far the most comfortable one with bare skin on it. The trick is, you already mentioned, the surface material and treatment. Exped ultra uses Polyester as oppose to other manus using Nylon so that it can be brushed to be softer while maintaining strength. Apart from the touch feeling, it is one of the quieter ones, hug my body better because of the vertical baffles, lots of pros here. However the Polyester surface also brings trouble: it is lipophilic, so if you have oily skins, it gets stained easily. The brushed surface offers extra grip, which can make high pitch noise when placed on top of other grippy surfaces like foam pad. Overall a very solid pad apart from the longevity that I can't test, especially for it's current price tag

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

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.

Thirded Very good point on the stains. I conked out really hard once and drooled on the mat and it's been stained ever since lmao. Another reason why i think it's so comfy is the vertical baffles, which keep you in place so much better Side note- really happy to see the recognition this mat has. I've been vouching for it for a while now.

What is noisy for you with the All-Season? Generally, pads are noisy from internal insulation or from the shell material. It's hard to get away from shell material noise and mylar film is the best warmth to weight ratio insulation. For a lot of people, weight, warmth, and comfort are higher priorities than noise, which is why some of the noisier pads are the most popular. That being said, the Exped Ultra pads are pretty light, warm, and some of the least noisy. I also find them more comfortable than the Xlite or All-Season. I can confirm that companies pay millions of dollars so reviewers will lie and break the trust of their audience. /s

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.

I like the feel of the self-inflating mats (POE InsulMat and ProLite Plus) when testing at home, but I get much better sleep on the air mat (Exped Ultra LW) when camping - more hours and my shoulders aren’t so tight in the morning.

A big driver behind that unstable feeling are the horizontal baffles of the xlite.  Vertical baffles (my favorite) or dimples will feel much more steady at any height, and to with those baffles I think you’d be able to get away with a normal short without feeling that instability.   Tensor is well-recommended but IIRC they have some durability issues.  Exped ultras appear to be getting increasingly popular, that’s what I use for the most part.

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!