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Reddit Reviews
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.
Hybrid foam/air pads like Exped mega mat or REI camp dreamer are the most comfortable and packable for couples IMO. I’m sure there are other brands too that are similar. Problem with air mattresses is it feels like a waterbed if one person tosses. Cots are big and bulky and I don’t know of any 2 person versions.
I'm assuming you want a self-inflating. I have the Nemo Roamer in the double and love it. There's also the REI Camp Dreamer.
At 50, only pad I find comfortable is an REI Dream mattress. I've done way more car camping than before since getting it. That said, I don't hate my Neotherm but I have learned I can not sleep on my side when using it or any other thin pad. I must sleep on my back and tummy. Might jusy need to change your sleeping habits.
what worked for us was separate cots (I love the back support and it doesn’t matter as much if the ground isn’t perfectly flat) and closed foam insulated pads like the Exped or REI Camp Dreamer. Hold hands when you want physical touch Also a sleep mask and ear plugs. I was waking up to every snap, crackle and pop before. Deafening outside noise reducing visual stimulation helps.
REI makes their own knock off of those mats. I have two and have had them for about five years with no problems. They’re called the Camp Dreamer.
For car camping (which we generally always do in mild summer weather), my wife and I use a double size REI Camp Dreamer (comparable to the megamat) and we zip together regular old Coleman rectangular sleeping bags that I got at Costco. When backpacking, we use completely different gear.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Back pain relief

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Couples

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Maximum comfort car camping

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Side sleepers

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Winter camping

Top pick
Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir Xtherm Series





