Trail Lite Self-Inflating Foam Sleeping Pad

Do the kids really need such a sleeping pad? Why not just some closed cell foam mats (e.g. Nemo Switchback or cheap clone) for them? I also wouldn’t be too sure that the Megamat is a cure-all. The girlfriend and I once had to sleep on some big inflatable guestbed mat thing which was horrible (especially with two people). To this day the most comfortable mat I know for me is the Therm A Rest Trail Lite since it has a flat surface (no ridges), is firm, doesn’t bounce, has a nice textured surface and makes no noises. Even though it’s “only” 3.8cm in thickness.

Thermarest still makes them? I have also seen knockoffs even in non specialty stores.  I have an older Thermarest Trail Lite and Trail pro. The only difference to the classic mats is a few cutouts to make them pack smaller. I adore my Trail Pro. Very comfy, good R value, thicker than the traditional pads, packs reasonably small for it's comfort. 

Have never needed to use their warranty. My Trail Lite is 10+ years, and is now my loaner pad for random people, or I bring it for my dog, and still in excellent shape. Meanwhile a friend who is neurotic about gear care has gone through 2 of the air pads in that time.  I did buy both of mine as clearance items, but maybe take a look at the Trail Scout? It looks like their most classic -and cheapest - version. 

Thermarest trail is a great option. Has lasted me over 10 years now, no leaks. Only thing I’d change now is getting one slightly thicker.

Literally 5+ years on foam mats from Kmart. 2-3 years on a thermarest self inflating and finally in a “normal” bed after buying the firmest possible mattress.

The Thermarest self inflating is rubbish. Just some thin foam that helps to expand and suck air into the pad. But you still need to inflate it further. My exped mat is filled in a minute with the pump sack.

We use fold up carton type mats as our base. Then in our tent we have Sea to Summit self-inflating bed rolls. Our kids have the same base and use Therm-o-rest self-inflating ground mats. We find as long as we stay on the self-inflating mats, we’re pretty comfortable. The ther-o-rests are almost 20 years old and still in great shape. We upgraded to Sea to Summit because they fold up so small for backpacking

I use Thermarest pads, have for years, I store them deflated and rolled up, the self inflating feature works fine for me but it takes a little time, just unroll them as soon as you get to the campsite and leave the valve open until you’re ready to sleep, it may need a little topping up by blowing but not much