Exped Versa 5R LW

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Overall

#42 in

Sleeping Pads

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Sentiment score80% positive
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Last updated: Jun 12, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconguchopa
8 months ago

I just wrapped up a week in central Japan with the exped versa 5r.  Pro:  very comfortable, quick setup, seems quite durable.  Con:  Slightly heavy/bulky ( took up ½-⅓ of the volume of 1 front pannier). Sleep is important and it was a nice addition to my packout.

Reddit IconMuted_Birthday3402
7 months ago

Exped Versa 5 LW. Good enough R value and 9cm of thickness

Reddit IcontheactualTRex
8 months ago

I have the 5R too. When I compare the pump to my thermarest pump bag with my old thermarest pad, I think the exped integrated pump is actually much faster. The pump bag gives and illusion of speed with the big fill volumes but there's the hassle of connecting, getting the bag full of air and sealed every time, and you can't squeeze like a gorilla either so the actual fill rate isn't that quick in any case. With the integrated exped pump you just get on with. Given the correct technique, the pad fills pretty quickly.

Reddit IconCaptainYarrr
7 months ago

Side sleeper here and the Exped vertical baffles are great.

Reddit IconMasseyrati80
7 months ago

Check out airpads by Thermarest, Exped and Sea to Summit. Not the self-inflating ones, the ones with thick air chambers. They can be up to 4" thick, and the comfiest ones are miles away from a roll mat. If you buy one, don't inflate them by blowing, as exhaled air has enough moisture in it to cause issues down the line.

7 months ago

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.

Reddit Iconziptiefighter
8 months ago

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...🤷

8 months ago

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...🤷

Reddit IconAhrithul
8 months ago

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.

Reddit IconBobsMn
9 months ago

I like my Exped 5R. 2 valves. a really nice inflation bag. Not very expensive. Comfortable. Just finished a trip in Alaska with it. Temps were 1C to 10C. Mine is the Long and Wide model and it comes in at 785 grams. Insulation rating of 5R. I'm an all over the place sleeper. I use an Enlighted Equipment quilt (with a foot box) instead of a bag.

4 months ago

I love my Exped. I have the 5R and the 7R. I like the size of the 5R better.

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