Had slept on the S2S Extreme version current and previous model, the previous version of the Neoair and Xtherm with winglock and Exped Versa 4R.
Hands down the S2S is the most comfortable pad then followed by Exped and last place is both Thermarest. Im a side sleeper and the Neoair and Xtherm i can't sleep well which sux considering their low weights. The newer S2S Extreme is close to my Xtherm so i take that instead in the winter.
Yes its noisy (new and old, i didnt notice any difference but i dont have the older model to compare), so don't camp near people or tell them to camp far from you. I know someone that puts a cover on their pad but thats extra weight without any benefit for yourself.
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.
Modern-day insulated inflatable hiking pads are 3 to 4" thick and the comfiest are miles better than anything I've seen any military force use. Reliable brands include Thermarest, Exped and Sea to Summit, with the latter having an "air sprung cell" structure I find the comfiest of them all. Model names include Neoair for Thermarest, Versa for Exped, and Etherlight and Aircell for Sea to Summit.
Add an inflatable pillow and you're set for an actual night of sleep instead of just waiting for time to pass.
Some bag manufacturers make wide or extra wide models. I'm not as well updated on bags.
I've had four Expeds. Still have two. Both have the built-in pump. One has synthetic fill. The other has some down insulation which makes it good for ~10F colder than without. The first two developed tiny leaks (could not find them even with submerging). They were a few years out of warranty. Exped still replaced both. I appreciate a company that stands behind their products. I also like side-sleeping. I have not used these as much as what you will. So durability...🤷
areraswen
