Camp Bed 3.5 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

I liked the 3.5” REI mattress better than the exped mat, for some reason, you might want to check it out, too, as it’s considerably better priced. I use it on a Byers cot from LL Bean. I haven’t had to put anything under the legs. As a side sleeper, it’s important to adjust it correctly to prevent hip and shoulder pain. I inflate it fully (but not tight), turn on my side, then deflate it until either my hip or shoulder just starts to touch the ground/cot. It might work best to get 2 single mattresses so you can each have yours adjusted for your best comfort.

I have a REI Basecamp pad that was my bed for several years. It was just fine for my needs at the time. That pad is still in occasional use 10 years after I stopped using it as my permanent bed. Not sure how old it really is because I picked it up at REI's Scratch and Dent annual sale way back when. If you are having trouble with sleep systems at home or at camp might I suggest looking into a camping hammock. Typically that is my best nights sleep for me. I get out of bed with way less aches, pains and stiffness that occur when I am wake up on a regular mattress.

I went out this summer a few times with a very nice Nemo mummy bag and I discovered that as I've gotten older, I just can't get comfortable in a mummy anymore. Looking for some options, I stumbled on this zipperless bag from Sierra designs. It's heavy and bulky, definitely a car camping bag, but I took it out two weekends back in the Cascades for deer camp, with temps down to the 30s at night and it was the best sleep I've had in a tent in years. I paired it up with an REI camp bed pad for insulation, plus a bag liner just in case, and I am pleased to say I've found my new car camping set up. If you need space to squirm and stretch, or you're sick of fumbling with zippers, maybe consider one of these bad boys.

for car camping, i swear by the REI Camp Bed 3.5. it looks like it might not be available now. i slept on it for 3 months while we sleep trained our daughter, lol. it's comfy!

The rei brand self inflating also comes in an xl which gives you plenty of space to roll around and it has kept me nice and toasty in 20 degree weather - packed down its like the size of a child’s camp chair - so not huge but not tiny either. I would go for that if space isn’t a huge concern. It also routinely goes on sale and is always in stock. It also works with their cot so it gives you the option to switch if you ever want to

Will be hard to find something at that price point, so might want to check for used gear or keep an eye out for discounts or sales.  What I use/can recommend: 1. Zempire low profile cot with any sleeping pad on top (note: weight limit 220lbs) - nice, sturdy, nice to be flat and up off the ground 2. REI Camp 3.5 insulated sleeping pad, I think this was discontinued (mine is old) and the Camp Dreamer is the new model name, soft, self-inflating, thick/insulated  3. Thermarest Luxury Map insulated sleeping pad, soft and comfy, insulated, self-inflating Make sure you have a decent pillow or pillows. I just got the Klymit drift camping pillow and have been testing it out at home. It's amazing, feels like a real pillow, and I can't wait to use it at camp this year. 

I've had great success with Thermarest, REI, and Exped self inflating mattresses. All have good customer support too. I wouldn't ever bother with an all air mattress. Poor insulation, rotten in cold. Get a FlexTail pump.