Exped - Ultra 7R

I've got an Exped 5R in a long/wide size. It's listed as 77.6" x 25.6" x 3". I had a 7R a couple of years ago in the same size. It was a 3.5" thick mattress though. Honestly they've been some of the comfiest sleeping pads I've owned. I'm pretty much the same size as you are as well. I'm 6'2" and 215. I've never found the size of the pad to be too short or narrow. And I toss and turn like I'm clothes in a dryer. There's plenty of thickness to keep you from sinking in even if you're a side sleeper. The only downside to the pad is it's packed size. Which is bulkier than the traditional suggested sleeping pads, but it's really not that bad for what you get. Also I just looked at the Megamat. The 5R has a higher r-value, is still 3" vs 4", but that megamat packed size isn't worth the extra space at all in my opinion. I think the bulk of the megamat will cause more problems than it solves in the long run.

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.

+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.

Get something with a super high R rating - higher than you think you need. Look for a baffling system that is either dimpled or vertical. For whatever reason, horizontal baffles don’t have a lot of “give” to them so they are less comfortable for side sleepers in general.  Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm is probably the warmest pad out there (not the highest R rating per se but the most effective insulation system means it is still warmer than other pads with higher R values). It may not the most comfortable for a side sleeper because of the horizontal baffles, however. But this is the pad you want if you want to prioritize warmth. If you want to prioritize comfort, Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro will probably not sleep as warm but will be more comfortable for a side sleeper because of the dimpled baffling system. Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions is also very warm and only slightly less comfy than the Ether Light.  Exped Ultra 7R is a bit heavier and bulkier but is very comfy for a side sleeper. It uses down rather than reflective film for insulation. So it won’t be quite as crinkly as a lot of warm pads, but I’m not sure if the down insulation is more or less effective in this application.  Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe is quite bulky and heavy for a backpacking pad but is super, super comfortable and has a very respectable R value of 7.  The other big, bulky “luxury” comfort backpacking pads - Exped Megamat Ultra and Therm-a-Rest Neoloft - are great options for comfort but with lower R values so they may be less warm than you might want.  Other things to consider - even a well-insulated sleeping pad will only stay as warm as your body is able to heat it. The bigger the pad, the more of your body’s heat it will draw away from you. So don’t buy a massively oversized sleeping pad thinking it will automatically be more comfortable. For insulating purposes, something that is only as big as you need it to be will be more efficient for your body to keep warm.  Make sure you take advantage of all the usual strategies for staying warm in the backcountry: Use your Nalgene as a hot water bottle and keep it in your sleeping bag/quilt with at night. Do some jumping jacks or other activity to get your heartrate and body temperature up before going to bed. Make sure you are properly hydrated and getting enough food to keep warm. Etc. 

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 the 3R MW and 5R MW. I’m going on a bikepacking trip next week with temps around 5-10 at night. I will bring my 3R. If I have the room for it on the bike I might go for the 5R. I will make the final decision as I pack my bike. I did buy a 7R to replace my xtherm, but the down seemed poorly distributed when I held it up to the light so I returned it. 5R with a ccf on top served me well at -5-10C last winter.

I use a 3.5” thick Exped 7R. I’m a side sleeper and have to deflate my mats so they’re comfortable which decreases the r-value. If I need extra comfort, I can add a cut-down Switchback on top (length = shoulders to hips) which makes the pad way cozier and replaces some of the lost r-value.

The xped 7R is listed at like 1.4lbs for comparison but do you really need a 7R value? Around 4 has been good for me down into at least the 20sF. R7 is a lot for “3 season” use.

Exped. Over and over again. Although I have the 7R, I choose it Everytime I go out…even in the summer now, due to comfort.

And quiet. No potato chip noise, or rubber on tent. Although, you can hear the ‘swish’ of fabric on fabric, when sheets are not used. It’s quite comfortable, and protects me from ground dips/bumps and cold earth, far better than my big Agnes. I generally use about 60% of the possible inflation. That’s perfect, to me.

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

Exped Ultra 3, 5 or 7