Zenbivy - Flex™ 3D Mattress

I agree with BaerNH about the Zenbivy Flex Air mattress being a very solid choice. It packs small as anything else and has a great 3-season R-value (4.8). I’m a side sleeper and found it the most comfortable pad I’ve tried as long as it is inflated very very full. This is a little counterintuitive for comfort but with the stretch top and dimpled baffling this works well. I know this was not asked about but as a side sleeper with very wide shoulders, the Zenbivy pillow is awesome for comfort and compresses quite small. Just my $.02.

This would be a good choice. Not the very lightest option, although by no means heavy. Pack size is super small though, and great for side sleepers with the flex top.

If the weight isn't an issue I recommend 3 D mattresses like Zenbivy 3D self inflating pad, thermarest Mondoking, Nemo Roamer etc. Most of them have high R value. 

Rapid SL is one of the best. But it's cold so in low 30° F I would take a foam pad as well. Zenbivy Flex Air is more comfortable. 

I looked at the Rapide SL (I'm a side sleeper and the form factor suggested to me that I'm might roll off less), but found that the raised sides are less well insulated. I upgraded myself to the FlexAir, because it is really comfortable and \*quiet\* (I moved away from the NXT because, fuck, THE NOISE; I'd wake myself up every time I turned at night and people two tents over would ask about it). For me, I sleep extremely well on the FlexAir, much better than the NXT, and it is more comfy. As a side sleeper, the other important thing to invest in is a pillow that supports you on the side as well. Yes, that's not the most minimal/lightweight sleep setup. But I'm also an ultralight sleeper, and not sleeping well and a lot of exercise mesh less well than a few grams more on my back. I'd rather carry 100g less food.

Try the zenbivy flex air, its super comfy is 1lb 1oz and has an R value of 4.8.

The zenbivy flex is supposed to have a 4 way stretch top that conforms to contour better. That’s what they say at least. I lack enough experience to completely support that- I slept on one for one night and slept fine on my side.

Sea To Summit Ether Light XR (XT is the old model, definitely go for the XR it's lighter, warmer and pack smaller) is a great all-rounder, one of the best actually when it comes to comfort-weigh-pack size ratio. Other good all-rounders are REI Helix and Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress, both of these has very similar comfort but are slightly heavier. If you seek ultimate comfort there would be there competitors: Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress, ThermaRest NeoLoft and Exped MegaMat Ultra. Each of these are basically best of the class, which one would be the best comes down to personal preferences as each of them using different baffle construction.

Fair enough. Thanks for the info, especially the bit about not being too hot when it was 60. Aside from potentially comfort, any other concerns or disappointments with it? I ordered an ether light xt but ended up returning it. Mostly because the pack size (of the regular version) was slightly larger than expected, and just reading about all of the weld-point failures, etc. But from a comfort perspective it seemed pretty comfortable. I ended up ordering a zenbivy which I find extremely comfortable (I never had a chance to compare them side by side, but I believe zenbivy is more comfortable (and smaller) - however if you need high insulation (the pro version), or if you easily bottom out on a mat, then the extra width of this mat probably makes it the most comfortable on the market in that case. I can't imagine they are less comfortable than last version since it appears to be the same technology and outer fabric. So the fact that the high insulation version is now reflective film, packs down WAY smaller, supposedly stronger welds, and quieter (I didn't have an issue with the loudness, but I never took it out and put it to use in my tent). This will likely be my spare pad. I might end up doing Tour du Mont Blanc with a friend, and he doesn't hike/camp nearly as much as me. I already have an extra quilt, so if I have a comfortable extra sleeping mat then it allows me to bring friends along without them needing their own expensive gear. Then I'll probably compare the zenbivy side by side with the XR Pro. Thanks again for the quick response.

If you have one nearby, REI has sleeping pads blown up you can lay on and test out. Everyones body and sleeping preferences are different. Once you figure out what kind of baffles you prefer, finding a sleeping pad will come easier as there are so many options. Especially if weight isn't an issue. I have a Nemo Tensor. It has quilted baffles. Everyone loves it, and it hurts my back and hips so bad. I also have an Exped pad and one from Zenbivy with vertical baffles. I love these. They cradle my body better. Thermarest is super popular. Most are horizontal baffles. They don't look comfy to me but it seems like people sleep well on them. Sea to Summit and Big Agnes are other popular sleeping pad brands. What kind of temps are you expecting? You'll want to choose a pad with an R value appropriate to your camping needs. Most choose a 3 season with an R value between 2-4. I would stick on the upper end if you're a cold sleeper.

So I know more about pads than back injuries (*knock on wood*). But I find pads with a dimple design to be most comfortable because you can usually avoid pressure points on them. Think the REI Helix or the Zenbivy pads or the Big Agnes Rapide or Zoom, or the Sea to Summit Ether Light or Comfort Plus. However, it may be that a firmer pad is actually better for your back?

seconded--zenbivy sorta gets pigeonholed as a luxury system. but the pads a la carte are dope and very competitive/light while still being ultra comfortable