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Reddit Reviews
I’ve used the REI Trailmade Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad. I got about 650 hours of sleep on it before it popped a hole. It was good to me 🫡 as another commenter said, REI is doing their huge annual sale rn as well. If you’re car camping mostly though (meaning you’re not backpacking and are within walking distance to your car), you really don’t need much to start. I used a little king size foam mattress topper i bought at Walmart for awhile, I cut it in half and doubled it up to make a twin XL that was twice as thick- I’d put a twin xl fitted sheet on it and roll it up and secure with small bunjee cords. I really love the Knorr pasta sides as one pan dishes for camping. If it’s a creamy side, I’ll use a can of condensed milk along with water to make it even better. I’ll add in some canned chicken sometimes as well.
I’m 36 y/o. I dunno what happened. Maybe my sleeping pad sucks ass? Maybe I’m out of shape? Maybe I’m not tired enough? Maybe it’s inevitable? If there are any tips, please lmk. It sucks to see something I love start to be something I don’t care for anymore. Or maybe I can still love it but just be in a cabin? Edit: I’ve got a Sea to Summit Camp mat S.I. and my Fiancé’s got an R.E.I. Trailbreak. Hers is more comfortable than mine but neither are comfortable enough to not be tossing and turning all night. Also, both seem to deflate if I sleep on my side. And I don’t see any air holes in either. I’m 5’7” and 184lbs and she’s 5’4” and 180lbs.
Foam topper with a fitted sheet when car camping is a cheap and very comfy solution. I’ve got the trail made, love it, just bought another. but in the car the width of the foam topper is really nice. We cut two to size for the car, wife and I sleep great together in a crv.
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.
The thick ass Thermarest, Exped, or REI self-inflating ones are definitely more comfortable and durable than any air mattress I’ve ever used.
I rather sleep on my own in my sleeping bag and he sleeps needs to me. He prefers he's 1 inch yoga mat but I prefer my rei self inflatable mat bc it's a bit softer but not as much as an air mattress. Nice pic, I love the heart
If you haven't tried self-inflating pads you should give them a shot. I hate sleeping on air mattresses or inflatable sleeping pads, and self-inflating feel much more like a real mattress. It's a combination of foam/air, also helps if you don't inflate it all the way. Sea to summit has a whole line including the comfort and comfort light which I've used and I think are great. I've also used a cheaper REI branded one and ALPS mountaineering version and found them just as good.(Only difference being the cut which shaves weight instead of just a rectangle.) They are heavier than what everyone seems to want to go for, but they have better insulation properties than inflatable and in case of a puncture will still have some comfort.
End of reviews
Rankings by Use Case
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Best for Back pain relief

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Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Couples

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Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Maximum comfort car camping

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Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Side sleepers

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Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Winter camping

Top pick
Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir Xtherm Series





